424
Unit 5 Sewing Techniques
Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.
Summary
• Special equipment is necessary for successful
sewing.
• Cutting tools include shears, scissors, pinking
or scalloping shears, thread clippers, and seam
rippers.
• Measuring tools include tape measures, skirt
markers, yardsticks, rulers, and sewing gauges.
• Marking tools help transfer pattern markings to
the fabric.
• Both needles (hand and machine) and pins are
needed for sewing. They come in a variety of
types and sizes.
• Notions are items other than fabric that
become part of a garment or project.
• It is important to press as you sew using an
iron and ironing board. In addition, you may
want to use a press cloth, sleeve board, seam
roll, and pressing ham.
• The sewing machine is a complex piece of
machinery. Regardless of the model used, you
must know some basics: threading, starting,
controlling the speed, backstitching, and
stopping. You also need to know how to care
for the sewing machine.
Graphic Organizer
Create a star diagram and note the types of
sewing equipment.
Review the Facts
1. Explain the difference between scissors and
shears.
2. What is the advantage of bent-handled
shears?
3. Describe pinking shears and their use.
4. List two factors to consider in buying a good
tape measure.
5. Describe a marking tool and how to use it.
6. Explain the numbering system for machine-
and hand-sewing needles.
7. Name the best all-purpose sewing machine
needle and why it is a good choice for most
fabrics.
8. Which pins should you use with knitted
fabrics?
9. When is a thimble used and why?
10. Why is polyester/cotton thread a good choice
for sewing almost all fabrics?
11. Which type of zipper would you choose if you
were sewing a jacket and why?
12. When using hooks and eyes, which type of
eye would you use if you want the edges of
your garment to just meet?
13. When choosing interfacing fabric, explain how
you decide what weight to buy.
14. Which pressing tool would you use to press a
curved seam and a dart?
15. What should you use to clean a sewing
machine each time it is used?
Think Critically
16. Compare and contrast. Compare the
various tools for transferring pattern markings
to fabrics. What are the advantages and
disadvantages of each?
17. Analyze sources. When sewing for the first
time, there are supplies you may need to buy.
Brainstorm ways to obtain these supplies if
funds are not available.
18. Make inferences. Review the basic sewing
supplies in Figure 24-1. Which of these would
you need to use to make simple clothing
repairs and alterations? What does this tell
you about the supplies needed to construct a
new garment? How would you safely use and
care for these supplies?
Sewing
Equipment