1.1: Sewing Supplies Last updated Save as PDF Page ID 195083 Laurie M. Apple University of Arkansas Sewing Supplies Needed Shears are designed for sewing production and are longer in length than typical scissors. They have different size holes for the thumb and fingers. Shears should not be used to cut anything but fabric as cutting paper will dull the blades quickly. Tape Measures are designed made of cloth or plastic with the flexibility to accurately measure the circumference of the body. The tape measure has markings in both inches and centimeters. Roundhead quilting/dressmaking pins are best for sewing with fabric as they are longer in length, have a sharp point, and are easy to grasp by the round head. Pincushions are used to hold the pins, whether cloth or magnetic. The magnetic pincushion is pictured. Marking pens/chalk pencils are used to transfer crucial markings from the pattern to the fabric. The type and color of the fabric determines the best method for transferring markings. Seam Rippers are used to remove seams and threads. They typically have a longer sharp point to easily be inserted into a stitch for cutting and a shorter point with a protective balled cap to prevent ripping fabric. Hand sewing needles come in a variety of sizes and lengths as well as sharp or ballpoint. The most common type of hand sewing needle is a sharp needle in sizes 5-10. The smaller the needle number the larger the needle. Jjneedles.com gives you a free downloadable guide to types of hand sewing needles. (jjneedles.com) Seam Guide/Sewing Gauge will allow you to measure accurately. It has a sliding bar that will stay in place while you measure things like hems, buttonhole markings, pleat depths, etc. Snaps come in a variety of sizes. The size used depends on the garment to which it will be sewn. They are made from either chrome metal, black metal, or clear plastic. Hooks and Eyes are for closures. They range in sizes that relate to the garment to which it will be sewn. There are different types of eyes, flat or round that are used with the same type of hook. There are also skirt/pant hooks that are wide and flat for closures of waistbands on skirts and pants. Buttons are used as a type of closure. There are numerous varieties of button shapes, sizes, and colors. The two main types of buttons are flat and shanked buttons. The buttons needed for the shirt project in this course are flat buttons flat with four holes. There are shirt buttons with two holes that will work also. Thread Clippers are smaller than shears and are used to clip threads quickly. They can be used to cut open buttonholes and are a good tool to have when sewing. Zippers are closures that come in different varieties, from separating zippers found in coats to all-purpose zippers and invisible zippers: You will need 2 all-purpose zippers and 1 invisible zipper for your sample notebook. You will need additional zippers for your skirt and pants projects. Needle threaders are used to help either thread a machine or hand needle. Bias tape is used in a variety of sewing techniques and comes in a variety of widths and folds. It is general used to cover a seam allowance or raw edge. You will need 1 package of extra wide double fold bias tape. You will use bias tape for a sample in your notebook called the Hong Kong Seam Finish. Fusible Fleece will be used in the tote bag to give the bag more body and stability. You will need 1 yard. Fusible Interfacing comes in various weight depending on the weight of the fabric. You will need 2 yards of midweight fusible interfacing to be used for the shirt, skirt and pants. Machine and hand sewing needles are designed with a sharp or ballpoint and an eye for threading. Machine needles are specific to types of machines. Check your manual to determine the best machine need for your machine. Sharp needles are used when sewing with woven fabrics and ballpoint needles are used for knits. Bobbins are used to hold the lower thread of the stitch. Bobbin Case is used to hold the bobbin and is inserted in the lower part of the machine. This picture is of the lever side and the open of a bobbin case. The bobbin fits in the open side on the post and is threaded through the tension bar. Irons are used for pressing and forming fabric. The heat and steam from an iron is also used to adhere fusible interfacings to parts of fabrics that need stability.