SEWING EQUIPMENT Intro to Sewing Fashion Machine needles

SEWING EQUIPMENT Intro to Sewing & Fashion

Machine needles • different sizes for different fabrics • Sizes range from 9 -18 • The most common are 11 & 14* • The higher the # the thicker the needle Twin & Triple needles are used for topstitching and decorative stitching Regular- most fabrics Ballpoint- knits Wedge- Leather Machine Needles

Needle Insertion & Problems Machine needle is always inserted with the flat side to the back of the machine If the needle is inserted backwards, there will be skipped stitches or the machine will keep coming unthreaded. If the needle is the wrong size/type for the fabric the thread will fray or the fabric may be damaged.

SEWING AIDS BOBBINS Plastic or metal DOUBLE FACED TAPE • Holds fabric in position • Don’t sew over because of adhesive, it will ruin your needle SELF STICKING SEWING TAPE • Measured markings on 1 side • Used as a stitch guide

Hand Needles Eye Shape- Long or Round Length-should be in proportion to the eye Point-sharp, blunt/ballpoint& wedge CREWEL/EMBROIDERYused for thicker threads and yarns Long eye SHARP-used for general sewing Round Eye

Measuring Devices SKIRT MARKER C-THRU RULER • Used to aid in marking a hem • Easy to see marking MEASURING TAPE • Body Measurements • Precise measurements

Measuring Devices SEWING GAUGE 6 ”ruler with slide CURVED RULER Used for making curved lines - For hips, armholes HEM GAUGE Mark hems

MARKING DEVICES TAILOR’S CHALK PENCIL • Easy to use TAILOR’S TACKER • Marks both sides of fabric TRACING WHEEL • Can be smooth or serated Mark- BGone/Magic Pen Chalk wheel • Used with tracing paper • Washable or Disappearing • Makes fine lines

SHEARS AND SCISSORS BENT HANDLE SHEARS SCISSORS • Used for cutting patterns and fabric • Used for cutting paper PINKING SHEARS • Cuts a zig zag edge EMBROIDERY • Prevents fraying SCISSORS • Small THREAD CLIPS • Used for needlework • Clip loose threads • Clipping • Buttonholes

MISCELLANEOUS NEEDLE THREADER BEESWAX Useful for threading small eye needles Coat thread SEAM RIPPER THIMBLE Protects finger BODKIN Put thru elastic POINTER Take out stitches PIN CUSHION & EMERY Push out corners Holds & cleans pins LOOP TURNER Turn narrow tubes

MACHINE ACCESSORIES/PRESSER FEET ZIPPER FOOT • Allows you to get close to zipper teeth ZIGZAG FOOT • Allows needle to go side to side BUTTONHOLE FOOT • “measures” size of your button automatically

BUTTONS Sew Thru Button 2 part Snap Fastener Shank type Used for skirt closures and top of zippers Sew in Iron on Stick on