Chapter 24 Sewing Equipment
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beside the skirt marker. Another person
marks the placement of the hem with pins
or powdered chalk, measuring an equal
distance from the fl oor.
A yardstick is also useful for marking
hems and making sure pattern pieces are
laid on the fabric grain. For marking button-
holes, pleats, and tucks, use a 12-inch,
transparent-plastic ruler.
A sewing gauge (or seam gauge) is a
6-inch ruler with a sliding marker. You can
use it to measure hems, seam widths, cuffs,
space between buttons, and other short dis-
tances. Although this tool is not necessary,
it is inexpensive and handy. A hem gauge
can also be used for measuring hems. It is
a thin curved metal or plastic plate with
graduated markings.
Marking Tools
Marking tools are useful for transferring pattern markings to the fabric.
You will use these markings to put the pattern pieces together in the right way.
Tracing wheels, dressmaker’s carbon paper, marking pens, and tailor’s chalk
are types of marking tools, 24-4. They are inexpensive and you can fi nd them
in fabric and craft stores. Do not use ballpoint pens—the ink will soak through
and can permanently mark the fabric.
• Dressmaker’s carbon paper and tracing
wheel. These items are frequently used
to transfer markings. You can purchase
a package of several colors of a special
waxed paper. The tracing wheel can
have a smooth edge or a serrated edge.
Place the colored side of the paper next
to the wrong side of the fabric. When
you apply pressure and roll the wheel,
it marks any pattern markings that you
need to transfer. Choose a color close
to the color of your fabric. If the color
shows through on the right side, it
will not be noticed. The marks usually
can be removed when the garment is
washed or dry-cleaned. It is best to test
the carbon paper on a scrap of the gar-
ment fabric fi rst.
• Fabric marking pens. One of the easiest and fastest ways to mark fabric
is with fabric marking pens. These pens contain disappearing ink that
makes it possible to mark on either the right or wrong side of the fabric.
There are two types: water-soluble pens and evaporating marking pens.
Prym-Dritz Corp.
24-3 A tape
measure, skirt
marker, and sewing
gauge are helpful
measuring tools.
24-4 Choose from
these various marking
tools to transfer
pattern markings to
fabric.