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Welcome to the world of Dressmaking NC II!

This self – learning kit will introduce you the functions of Tools, Materials and
Equipment used in Sewing. This unit covers the knowledge and skills about the Pattern
Symbols used in pattern development and Taking Body Measurements Needed in
Sewing Sleeping Garment.

This learning material is not only your learning kit but also your trusted partner to
develop such skill. So enjoy and have fun!

This self – learning kit requires you to go through series of learning activities such as
understanding key concepts, performing and accomplishing activities and assessments in
order to complete each learning outcome.

Remember, you must:

 Finish all activities in this learning kit in ONE (1) WEEK
 Get instruction from your teacher regarding the use of this learning kit.
 Read and analyze all information and key concepts.
 Every after a lesson, there is an activity for you to answer or perform.
 Perform all activities and assessment designed for you. Use separate sheet of
paper or in a notebook for your answers. Check your activities using the answer
keys located at the last part of the learning kit.
 Submit your outputs to your teacher for evaluation and recording. Additional
instruction will be given to you regarding this matter

If you have any problem regarding the contents and procedures in this self-learning kit
please feel free to ask your teacher. Make sure you practice your new skills during regular
work shifts to improve your speed, memory, skills and your confidence. Good luck and have
fun!

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 MOST ESSENTIAL LEARNING COMPETENCY

LO 1. Draft and Cut Pattern for Sleeping Garments

1.2 Take Client’s Body Measurement

Learning Competencies
1. Identify and give the functions of the tools, materials, and equipment used in
sewing.
2. Identify the different marking tools and pattern symbols used in pattern
drafting or development.
3. Practice taking accurate body measurements needed in sewing sleeping
garments.

Discussion and Examples

Lesson 1
Tools, Materials and Equipment used in Sewing

A. Tools
1. Tape measure
 A flexible measuring device used in taking body
measurements

Figure 1

2. L-square
 Used to transfer measurements to the draft pattern
 Divides the garment into the desired measurement.
 It can also function as a tape measure
Figure 2

3. Curve Rule
 Made up of metal with graduations used to shape
the depth of the neck hole, armhole of the pattern Figure 3
and other smooth curves
4. French Curve
 Made up of celluloid plastic or wood used to shape the depth
of the neck hole and armhole of the pattern

Figure 4

5. Dressmaker’s Shears
 Offer a longer cut ideal for cutting patterns, trimming
seams or cutting long swaths of fabric.
 Can cut multiple layers of fabric easily, all the way to tip
Figure 5

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 6. Weights
 These are used to weigh down patterns instead of
pins.
 It is placed on top so the pattern piece is flat while
tracing or cutting around the edge.

Figure 6

7. Pins and Pincushion(s)

 Pins are meant to keep the fabric in place while cutting or sewing
 Pincushion is used to store pins or needles with their heads
protruding to take hold of them easily

Figure 7

8. Tracing wheel
 Used to transfer pattern markings to the fabric by leaving
a fine imprint on smooth fabrics.
 Marking might include pleats, darts, buttonholes,
notches or placement lines for pockets
Figure 8

9. Complete sewing kit

 is a small package containing items, such as needles,
thread, etc., that you need to sew something

Figure 9

10. Pencil
 Are great for marking your sewing and
dressmaking patterns and sewing projects
accurately
Figure 10

B. Materials
1. Pattern paper
 Is a template from which the parts of a
garment are traced onto fabric before being
cut out and assembled.
 Usually made of paper or manila paper,
paperboard or cardboard.

Figure 11

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2. Tailor’s chalk
 is essential as a marker for use on materials
 is available in a range of colors and is
removed by brushing

Figure 12

3. Carbon paper
 especially waxed carbon paper that transfers the
tracing wheel’s markings to the fabric
 use a color of carbon that is close to the color of the
fabric

Figure 13

4. Thread
 used in assembling or constructing the parts of the
garment
 heavy fabrics need stronger threads and use the same
color to be used in fabric

Figure 14

5. Cloth
 Used in making garments

Figure 15

6. Interfacing materials
 used on the unseen or "wrong" side of fabrics to
make an area of a garment more rigid.

Interfacings can be used to:

 stiffen or add body to fabric, such as the

interfacing used in shirt collars
 strengthen a certain area of the fabric, for
Figure 16
instance where buttonholes will be sewn
 keep fabrics from stretching out of shape,
particularly knit fabrics

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 7. Fasteners
 Fasteners help the opening of fabrics to close exactly
and correctly.
 They also serve as a decorative element
Figure 17

Figure 19

Figure 17

C. Equipment
1. Ironing Board
 to keep clothes flat while the wrinkles are being ironed
out. They normally have a rounded point at one end,
which makes it easier to iron shirt sleeves and trouser
legs.

Figure 20

2. Cutting Table
 A surface used for cutting fabrics

Figure 21

3. Sewing Machine
 is used to create a stitch. Some machines can form a
wide variety of decorative stitches, others can only be
used to make a straight stitch

Figure 22

Marking Tools Used in Pattern Drafting

Marking tools are used to transfer the pattern symbols onto the fabric. It is essential to
transfer these symbols for correct fitting and sewing.

1. Tracing wheel - The serrated edge is used to make a dotted link marking in most
fabrics. The smooth edge makes a solid line marking and is used for delicate fabrics
such as silk and chiffon. (see Figure 23)

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2. Dressmaker’s carbon/tracing paper is used to transfer the tracing wheel’s line to the
wrong side of the fabric. Use color close to your fabric which is visible enough to see.
(see Figure 24)

3. Tailor’s chalk can be used to mark directly onto the fabric. It does not need sharpening
like a chalk pencil. Great for dark, heavy fabrics where a traditional water soluble
marking pen may not appear. (see Figure 25)

4. Chalk pencil is filled with chalk at one end of the pencil and a brush at the other end
to remove chalk marks. (see Figure 26)

5. Liquid marking pens - used to mark tucks, darts, pleats and pockets. One type
disappears after about 48 hours. Another type washes off with water. (see Figure 27)

Marking Tools

Figure 23. Tracing Wheel Figure 24. Carbon Paper

Figure 25. Tailor’s Chalk Figure 27. Liquid Marking Pens

Figure 26. Chalk Pencils

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 Activity 1
1 Write your answer on a separate sheet of paper. On top of your paper, write the title
Direction:
of the preceding lesson, then the title of this activity written above “Activity 1”.

Identification: Identify what is being described in the following statement.

1. This is a template or guides from which the parts of a garment are traced onto fabric before
being cut out and assembled.
2. This is used to transfer pattern markings to the fabric by leaving a fine imprint on smooth
fabrics like pleats, darts, buttonholes, notches or placement lines for pockets.
3. This are used in making garments.
4. It is used to create a stitch easier and faster to fabrics.
5. A paper with different colors that transfers the tracing wheel’s markings to the fabric.
6. It is made up of metal with graduations used to shape the depth of the neck hole and
armhole.
7. It is used to store pins or needles with their heads.
8. It is used on the unseen or "wrong" side of fabrics to make an area of a garment more
rigid.
9. This is used to mark tucks, darts, pleats and pockets. One type disappears after about
48 hours.
10. These are decorative materials that help the opening of fabrics to close exactly and
correctly.

Lesson 2 Pattern Symbols

Pattern Symbols or Construction Markings

These guides help the sewers put together and sew the pieces of garment easily. It is
easier to prepare sleeping garments if you know how to read patterns. The selvage is the
finished edge of fabric. It usually has a different color or texture. Sometimes it also has little
holes. Every woven fabric is made of crosswise (from selvage to selvage) and lengthwise
threads. They are called the grain threads. The grain is the direction that tells where they are
going.

Figure 28 Figure 29

Grain line This arrow must be in the same direction as the length and parallel to the
selvage. This will make the fabric prevent from falling and be more resistant
to movement. If you place it parallel to the crosswise grain, the fabric will
hang after it is sewn.

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Pleat This little symbol marks the beginning and ending of a pleat. The arrow
indicates which way to fold. In this example, you would pleat from left to
right. It is usually indicated by an alternating solid and broken line.
Notches These help you match pattern pieces. In sewing garment pieces, the front
and back notches should be aligned. Notches will help the sewer perfectly
match the pieces easily. You can find one triangle or more. Some patterns
include numbers beside the notch to help you. These are the V-shaped
symbols or triangles along the cutting line.
Fold Fold the fabric and place the pattern's edge on the fold. When you cut do
it around the pattern only, never cut the folded edge. This line indicates
that the edge of the pattern piece must be placed on a fold of fabric. The
edge of the pattern piece is usually indicated as a broken line, to remind
you not to cut on that edge. If you cut this edge, there is no seam allowance
and trying to join these will change the way the pattern fits, as well as how
other pieces will join to this piece.
Dots They are used to mark important parts of the patterns such as dart points
or pocket placement. Their meaning varies depending on the pattern.
Slash Lengthen or shorten here. This is the part of the pattern where you can
safely adjust the length. Avoid doing this before or after because the
pattern's shape could change.
Cutting lines These vary depending on the pattern company but they're usually marked
with a dark line and scissors symbol or dotted line.
Buttonholes Mark where to make the buttonholes. They are indicated by a solid line
having a short line at right angles to one end.
Buttons This is where to sew the buttons.
Stitching Not all pattern pieces include stitching lines. If they are included then there
lines is a broken line, indicating the areas that will be stitched together. These
are a guide so you can see where the line of stitching intersects and where
you will not be stitching. It is not recommended that you mark every
stitching line on to your garment. This would result to excess handling of
your fabric.
Centerfold This indicates that the edge of the pattern must be placed on the folded
part of the fabric. This is when cutting two sides of the garment parts as left
and right or back and front parts.

Back Blouse

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 Activity 2

Instruction: Write your answer on a separate sheet of paper. On top of your paper, write the
title of the preceding lesson, then the title of this activity written above “Activity 2”.

Identification: Identify what is being described in the following statement.

1. Every woven fabric is made of crosswise and lengthwise threads.
2. Button symbol Mark where to make the holes.
3. They are used to mark important parts of the patterns such as dart points or pocket
placement.
4. This little symbol marks the beginning and ending of a pleat. The arrow indicates which
way to fold.
5. Slash indicates that the edge of the pattern must be placed on the folded part of the
fabric
6. Notches are circle symbols along the cutting line.
7. Cutting lines are usually marked with a dark line and scissors symbol or dotted line.
8. Button symbol are the V-shaped symbols or triangles along the cutting line.
9. The grain is the direction that tells where they are going.
10. Pattern symbols are drawn using the different marking tools.

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Lesson 3 Body Measurements Needed in Sewing Sleeping Garment

Apparel requires specific measurement to come up with a well designed and

comfortable sleeping garment. The unit of measurement commonly used is inches. The
following measurements are needed:

Body Measurements

1. Shoulder Width This is taken at the back 2. Back Across Width This is taken at the back
from one tip of the shoulder to the other tip. from left shoulder arm joint to the opposite
side, approximately 4 to 5 inches down from
the tip of the shoulder.

3. Back Figure Length This is taken from the 4. Chest Width This is taken from the left (front)
base of the neck passing through the thickest armhole seam to the right (front) armhole
part of the back. Allow the tape measure to seam.
hang freely.

5. Bust Circumference This is taken around 6. Waist Circumference/Waistline This is

the body passing over the highest point of the taken around the smallest portion of the torso.
bust.

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7. Front Figure Length Measure from the 8. Bust Height Measure from the shoulder
shoulder neck junction with the tape measure neck junction to the highest point of the bust.
passing over the highest part of the bust down
to the waistline.

9. Armhole Circumference Measure around 10. Sleeve Length Measure from the tip of the
the base of the arm with the tape measure shoulder to the desired length of the sleeve
closes at the tip of the shoulder.

11. Arm Circumference This measurement is 12. Bust Distance Measure from the highest
taken around the arm where the sleeve length point of the bust to the opposite side.
falls.

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13. Hip1 Circumference This measurement is 14. Hip2 Circumference This measurement is
taken 5 inches below the waistline measure taken 7 to 8 inches below the waistline.
around the hip level. Measure around the fullest part of the
buttocks with the tape measure closest at the
side.

16. Skirt’s Length This is taken from the

15. Thigh Circumference Measure around the waistline down to the desired length of the
fullest part of the thigh with the tape measure hem.
closest at the side.

Crotch/seat/rise

17. Crotch/seat/rise for male Insert a ruler on 18. Crotch/seat/rise for female Allow her to
the rise and measure from the waistline to the sit on a flat chair, and measure at the side
upper edge of the ruler. from the waistline to the surface of the chair.

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19. Full Length Measure from the waistline 20. Knee and Bottom Circumference
down to the desired length of the shorts / Measure around the legs where the full
pants. length falls.

Activity 3
Direction: Write your answer on a separate sheet of paper. On top of your paper, write the title
of the preceding lesson, then the title of this activity written above “Activity 3”.

Matching Type: Match column A with column B. Choose the letter that best describes the
statement.
COLUMN A COLUMN B
1. Inserting a ruler on the rise and measure from the a. Armhole circumference
waistline to the upper edge of the ruler.
2. This is the measurement around the legs where the b. Crotch seat for female
full length falls.
3. The measurement around the base of the arm with c. Arm circumference
the tape measure closes at the tip of the shoulder.
4. The measurement from the left (front) armhole seam d. Bust circumference
to the right (front) armhole seam.
5. The measurement at the back from one tip of the e. Chest width
shoulder to the other tip.
6. The measurement around the body passing over the f. Crotch seat for male
highest point of the bust.
7. Measure around the fullest part of the thigh with the g. Knee and bottom
tape measure closest at the side. circumference
8. Allow the customer to sit on a flat chair, and measure h. Shoulder width
at the side from the waistline to the surface of the
chair.
9. This measurement is taken 7 to 8 inches below the i. Thigh circumference
waistline. Measure around the fullest part of the
buttocks with the tape measure closest at the side. j. Hip 2 circumference
10. This measurement is taken around the arm where
the sleeve length falls. k. Hip 1 circumference

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 Generalization


It is important to know the dressmaking tools so that you can sew the right and proper
way. The tools in sewing are quite fundamental and essential in the ethics of sewing and
knowing them is quite important.
There are many marking tools to help make your sewing life easier. It is important that
you transfer all symbols and other important markings from the pattern piece unto the
fabric. This ensures that when it comes time to sewing that you won't miss
any important instructions.
Taking correct measurements is one of the most important steps in making a custom-
made dress. When the body measurements are accurate, the garments can be fit. A
well-fitted garment can enhance not only the look of the person but also the personality.

Assessment

Direction: Write your answer on a separate sheet of paper. On top of your paper,
write the competency stated in the Most Essential Learning Competency.

I. Identification: Identify what is being described in the following statement.

1. This is used in taking body measurements,

2. This is ideal for cutting patterns, trimming seams or cutting long swaths of fabric.
3. A wide surface used for cutting fabrics.
4. This indicates that the edge of the pattern must be placed on the folded part of the
fabric.
5. This is the finished edge of fabric.

II. True or False: Read each statement carefully. Write TRUE if the statement is correct and
FALSE if the statement is incorrect.
1. The grain line must be in the same direction as the length and parallel to the selvage.
2. Slash is the part of the pattern where you can safely adjust the length.
3. Buttonholes is where you are going to sew the buttons.
4. Cutting line is a broken line, indicating the areas that will be stitched together.
5. In sewing garment pieces, the front and back notches should be aligned. Notches will
help the sewer perfectly match the pieces easily.

III. Enumeration:

In any order, list down at least 5 circumferential body measurement.

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 Application

Direction: Use tape measure to take the following body measurements. Your model would
be your father or mother. Write the measurements in a notebook. The unit of measurement
to be used is inches. On top of it, write the competency stated in the Most Essential Learning
Competency. Take some pictures or videos while taking body measurements. If you don’t
have any gadgets, you may write a narrative essay as means of verification.

Name of Model: ____________________________________

Measurement
1. Shoulder width
2. Back across width
3. Back figure length
4. Chest width
5. Bust circumference
6. Waist circumference
7. Front figure length
8. Bust height
9. Armhole circumference
10. Thigh circumference

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 20
Activity 1 Activity 2
Identification: True or False:
1. Pattern paper 1. True
2. Tracing wheel 2. False
3. Cloth 3. True
4. Sewing machine 4. True
5. Carbon paper 5. False
6. Curve rule 6. False
7. Pin cushion 7. True
8. Interfacing materials 8. False
9. Liquid marking pens 9. True
10. Fasteners 10. True
Activity 3
Matching Type:
1. F
2. G
3. A
4. E
5. H
6. D
7. I
8. B
9. J
10. C
Assessment
Identification: True or False: Enumeration:
1. Tape measure 1. True  Chest
2. Dressmaker’s 2. True  Waist
shears 3. False  Hips
3. Cutting table 4. False  Thigh
4. Centerfold 5. True  Ankle
5. Selvage  Arm
 Forearm
 Wrist
Answer Keys