Basic Sewing Tools and Equipment
TITLE:
Basic Sewing Tools and Equipment
PREVIOUS KNOWLEDGE:
You have seen a sewing machine at home or in a school workshop. You know that it helps stitch cloth together. You also know that a needle is a small metal point used to push thread through fabric.
OBJECTIVES
By the end of this lesson, students should be able to:
1. Name the main tools used in sewing.
2. Explain what each tool does.
3. Describe how to care for and keep these tools in good condition.
INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS:
- Sewing needles
- Thread spools
- Scissors
- Measuring tape
- Pins
- Seam ripper
- Sewing machine
- Needle threader
- Fabric chalk
- Iron
CONTENT
Sewing Needle
A sewing needle is a long, thin metal rod with a sharp point at one end and a small hole near the other end. In Lagos markets, you can see needles used by tailors to stitch clothes for customers. The needle’s main job is to push thread through cloth so that the fabric stays together.
The needle’s point is sharp so it can easily pierce the fabric without tearing it. The hole, called the eye, holds the thread. When you pull the needle through, the thread moves with it and creates a stitch.
When you use a needle, you first thread it by pulling a piece of thread through the eye. Then you push the needle through the cloth. The thread catches on the other side and stays in place. That is how a seam is made.
Worked
Example 1:
How many needles are needed if you need to stitch a shirt that requires 20 stitches?
Solution:
Step 1: Count the number of stitches required.
Step 2: Each stitch uses one needle.
Step 3: Multiply the number of stitches by one needle.
Answer: You need twenty needles.
Worked
Example 2:
A tailor uses 5 needles to stitch a pair of trousers. How many needles are left after finishing the job?
Solution:
Step 1: Start with the original number of needles.
Step 2: Subtract the number of needles used.
Answer: Zero needles left.
Thread
Thread is a long, thin strand made of cotton, polyester, or nylon. In a small village in Kano, tailors use thread to bind pieces of cloth together. Thread is wound on a spool so it is easy to pull out a long length when needed.
Thread’s job is to hold the fabric together after the needle passes through. It must be strong enough to not break when the fabric is pulled. The colour of thread should match or complement the cloth.
When you stitch, you first pull a length of thread from the spool. Then you tie a knot at the end to keep it from slipping out of the needle. Finally, you pull the thread through the fabric as you sew.
Worked
Example 1:
If a thread spool holds 30 metres of thread and you use 5 metres for a project, how many metres remain?
Solution:
Step 1: Note the total length on the spool.
Step 2: Subtract the length used.
Answer: Twenty-five metres remain.
Scissors
Scissors are a pair of blades joined by a hinge. In Ibadan, a tailor uses scissors to cut fabric accurately. The scissors’ job is to cut cloth cleanly and straight.
The blades are sharp and balanced so that you can cut without applying too much force. The handles give you a firm grip to control the cut. Good scissors make your work faster and safer.
When you cut, you hold the fabric with one hand and the scissors with the other. You open the blades, place the fabric between them, and close the blades to cut. After cutting, you close the scissors and put them away.
Worked
Example 1:
If you cut a piece of cloth into 4 equal parts, how many cuts do you make?
Solution:
Step 1: Start with one piece of cloth.
Step 2: Each cut increases the number of pieces by one.
Step 3: To reach four pieces, you need three cuts.
Answer: Three cuts.
Measuring Tape
A measuring tape is a flexible ruler with centimetre and inch marks. In a market in Abuja, you can find measuring tapes used by tailors to measure fabric lengths. The measuring tape’s job is to give accurate measurements so that garments fit properly.
The tape is rolled on a metal core and can be pulled out to measure. The marks show how long a piece of cloth is. Accurate measurement prevents waste and ensures a good fit.
When you use a measuring tape, you lay it flat on the fabric, read the mark that aligns with the edge, and record the length. Then you cut or sew to that length.
Worked
Example 1:
If a measuring tape shows 100 centimetres and you need a piece of cloth 75 centimetres long, how many centimetres do you cut off?
Solution:
Step 1: Identify the total length.
Step 2: Subtract the required length.
Answer: Twenty-five centimetres are cut off.
Pins
Pins are small metal fasteners with a sharp point on one end and a flat head on the other. In a small workshop in Enugu, tailors pin fabric pieces together before sewing. The pin’s job is to hold fabric layers in place so that they do not shift.
The sharp point goes through the cloth and the head keeps the pin from slipping. Pins are easy to remove with a pin puller. They help keep the fabric steady while you stitch.
When you pin, you first place the fabric layers together. Then you push the pin through all layers. After sewing, you remove the pins with a pin puller.
Worked
Example 1:
If you use 10 pins to hold a piece of cloth, how many pins do you need to remove after sewing?
Solution:
Step 1: All pins used are still in the cloth.
Step 2: Remove each pin.
Answer: Ten pins removed.
Seam Ripper
A seam ripper is a small tool with a sharp blade on one side and a hook on the other. In a small tailoring shop in Lagos, a seam ripper is used to undo stitches. The seam ripper’s job is to cut thread without cutting the cloth.
The hook grabs the thread, and the blade cuts it. This tool is handy when a mistake is made or when you need to adjust a seam. It saves time and keeps the fabric intact.
When you use a seam ripper, you hold the cloth, insert the blade under a stitch, and pull the hook to lift the thread. Then you cut the thread with the blade.
Worked
Example 1:
If you need to remove 15 stitches from a seam, how many cuts do you make with the seam ripper?
Solution:
Step 1: Each stitch is cut once.
Step 2: Count the stitches.
Answer: Fifteen cuts are made.
Sewing Machine
A sewing machine is a mechanical device that stitches fabric automatically. In a school workshop in Kaduna, the sewing machine is used to make shirts quickly. The machine’s job is to feed fabric, push the needle, and create stitches in a steady rhythm.
The machine has a needle that moves up and down, a feed dog that moves the fabric, and a foot pedal that controls speed. The machine also has a spool of thread that feeds through the needle.
When you use a sewing machine, you first thread the machine, then feed the fabric through the feed dog, and finally press the foot pedal to start stitching. The machine does the rest.
Worked
Example 1:
If a sewing machine stitches 30 stitches per minute and you need to stitch 120 stitches, how many minutes will it take?
Solution:
Step 1: Identify stitches per minute.
Step 2: Divide total stitches by stitches per minute.
Answer: Four minutes.
Needle Threader
A needle threader is a small plastic device that helps thread a needle. In a small tailoring shop in Port Harcourt, a needle threader is used when the needle eye is hard to reach. The threader’s job is to guide thread through the eye quickly.
The device has a small loop that holds the thread. You place the loop on the needle eye and pull the thread through. It saves time and reduces frustration.
When you use a needle threader, you attach the loop to the needle eye, pull the thread through, and then remove the loop. The thread is now ready for stitching.
Worked
Example 1:
If you have 3 needles and you need to thread each one, how many times do you use the needle threader?
Solution:
Step 1: Count the needles.
Step 2: Each needle requires one threader use.
Answer: Three uses.
Fabric Chalk
Fabric chalk is a coloured chalk used to mark fabric. In a small workshop in Jos, fabric chalk is used to draw lines for cutting. The chalk’s job is to leave a visible mark that can be washed away later.
The chalk is made of a soft powder that sticks to fabric. It is easy to erase with an iron or a damp cloth. The chalk helps keep your cuts straight and accurate.
When you use fabric chalk, you draw a line on the fabric, then cut along that line. After cutting, you can wash the chalk off.
Worked
Example 1:
If you draw a line on a piece of fabric and it takes 2 minutes, how many minutes do you spend drawing lines on 5 pieces of fabric?
Solution:
Step 1: Identify time per piece.
Step 2: Multiply time by number of pieces.
Answer: Ten minutes.
Iron
An iron is a heated metal plate used to press fabric. In a small tailoring shop in Enugu, an iron is used to smooth seams. The iron’s job is to flatten wrinkles and make the fabric look neat.
The iron has a flat surface that heats up. When you press it on fabric, the heat melts the fibres slightly, making them lay flat. The iron also helps set stitches in place.
When you use an iron, you set the temperature, lay the fabric flat, and press the iron over the area. After a few seconds, you lift the iron.
Worked
Example 1:
If you iron a piece of fabric for 3 minutes and you have 4 pieces to iron, how many minutes total do you spend?
Solution:
Step 1: Identify time per piece.
Step 2: Multiply by number of pieces.
Answer: Twelve minutes.
COMMON MISTAKES:
- Using a dull needle, which makes stitches uneven.
- Forgetting to clean the sewing machine after use, leading to jam.
- Leaving thread loose on the needle, causing it to slip.
EVALUATION
1. What is the main job of a sewing needle?
2. How do you keep a sewing machine running smoothly?
3. Why is it important to thread a needle correctly?
4. Name two tools used to mark fabric before cutting.
5. Describe how to care for a seam ripper after use.
SUMMARY
Today we learned about the tools that help us make clothes. We named each tool and talked about its purpose. We also learned how to keep these tools clean and safe. You now know how to use a needle, thread, scissors, measuring tape, pins, seam ripper, sewing machine, needle threader, fabric chalk, and iron. Remember to handle each tool carefully and keep them in good condition. This will make your sewing projects easier and longer lasting.