LU#1- Safety Rules, Sewing Equipment &

Materials

Objectives
By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:
 Identify and name different types of sewing equipment and tools.
 Describe the functions of various sewing equipment, including cutting,
measuring, marking, and stitching tools.
 Demonstrate the correct use of basic sewing tools, such as needles,
scissors, and measuring tape.
 Comprehension of how to operate specialized equipment, such as
sewing machines and overlockers, safely and effectively.
 Outline safety rules for using sewing tools and operating sewing
machines.

Safety rules
https://www.scribd.com/document/423889758/Garment-Production-Workplace-Health-and-Safety

Workplace Health and Safety an important factor in any sewing industry either in
hand sewing, using a sewing machine both an electrical or a manual sewing
machine. Employees/individuals encounter several risk factors, such as awkward
arm, neck, trunk, leg postures and back pains. Posture in sewing is also an
important factor. Safety measures have to be taken seriously especially when
sharp pointed objects are used such as, scissors, tacking pins, needles, and other
equipment.
Instructional notes
Safety is very important in Sewing. To make sure that everyone can learn and
have fun in a safe environment, keep the following rules in mind:
1. ALWAYS: Place your coats, books and bags in separate places, away from your
sewing area.
2. ALWAYS: Leave your shoes on during sewing class. You do not want to
accidentally step on a pin or needle.
3. ALWAYS: Keep your fingers away from the sewing machine needle when
winding the bobbin and operating the machine.
4. ALWAYS: Look under your fabric before cutting with scissors and carry scissors
with the sharp edge pointing towards the floor.

1|Page
When the scissors are not being used, place them on the cutting table, sewing
table, or in your sewing box.
5. ALWAYS: Thread the needle with caution and lower the pressure foot before
starting to sew on your fabric.
6. ALWAYS: Remove the pins from your fabric as you sew and place them in the
pin cushion after you use them. NEVER put straight pins or needles in your
mouth.
7. ALWAYS: Place the iron in the upright position/ rubber mat that comes with the
iron after use. When using the iron hold it by the handle only.
8. ALWAYS: Exercise caution when using a seam ripper to avoid damaging your
garment accidentally. Precision and care are essential to ensure that the seam is
properly undone without causing harm to the fabric.
9. ALWAYS: Place your seam gauge, ruler, scissors and pins in the sewing box
after
using them.
10. ALWAYS: Listen to the teacher’s/trainer’s instructions. Hazards that may
be encountered when conducting sewing activities include:
• Cut and injuries from sharp edges, knife blades, scissors and pins.
• Holding the wrist in awkward position while cutting with scissors cause injury to
the wrist.
• Finger injuries while sewing.
• While cutting fabric the participants/trainees often bend over table, which may
cause low back injury from poor posture.
• Eye strain from poor lighting.
• Back injury from improper lifting procedures.
The following safety checks and precautions should be carried out when
preparing to set up when beginning to sew (hand sewing) and use the
sewing machine.
• Check all sewing equipment are carefully prepared before commencing any
sewing.
• Always have extra bobbins ready winded.
• Sewing machine should be threaded ready for sewing.
• Always have extra sewing machine needles in case of a broken one.
• The sewing machine should be turned off and isolated from the main electricity
supply when not in use.
• Always check that the sewing machine and its cord are in good working order.

2|Page
• Check all adjustments and settings carefully before commencing any sewing
operation.
• The work area should be clean and free of equipment, rubbish and other
obstacles.
• Ensure you have had instruction and training in the use sewing machine”.

Sewing Equipment
Sewing equipment is essential for creating garments, home décor items, and
other fabric-based projects. These tools not only enhance precision and
efficiency but also ensure that the finished products are durable and
professional-looking. Whether for hand or machine sewing, having the right
equipment can significantly impact the quality and speed of your work.
Additionally, understanding the proper use and maintenance of sewing tools
promotes safe and effective sewing practices.

CATEGORIES OF SEWING EQUIPMENT & TOOLS

Sewing equipment and tools help to make the work of producing garments easier
and fast. And for the work to be more successful and enjoyable one has to use
the right tools.
There are six categories namely:
• Sewing and pinning equipment
• Cutting tools
• Marking tools
• Measuring tools
• Ironing and pressing equipment
• Drafting tools

3|Page
SEWING EQUIPMENT AND PINNING TOOLS
• Industrial straight sewing machine is
a machine that sew straight stitching
only. The machine operates at high
speed thus it is commonly used in the
mass production of garments. It is also
suitable when sewing heavy weight or
thick fabrics

A domestic sewing machine performs the

same functions as an industrial machine but is
primarily designed for home use. Unlike
industrial machines, it operates at a lower
speed and is best suited for light to medium-
weight fabrics. Domestic sewing machines
offer various stitch options, including straight
stitch, zigzag stitch, decorative stitches, and
buttonhole functions.
Overlocking machines, also known as sergers, are specialized sewing
machines used to trim, stitch, and neaten fabric edges simultaneously.
Overlockers prevent fabric from fraying by enclosing raw edges with thread
loops, creating a clean and professional finish. These machines also allow for
decorative edging, rolled hems, and flatlock stitching. Unlike regular sewing
machines, overlockers use loopers instead of bobbins, ensuring a secure and
neat finish on raw edges.

Domestic overlocker Industrial overlocker

4|Page
 • Hand needles are needles used for
hand sewing, they are in mixed sizes,
they are either sharp which are
ordinary length, or ‘betweens’ which are
short needles.

• Pins and cushion

Pins are essential sewing tools used to temporarily hold fabric pieces
together before stitching. They come in
different types, such as dressmaker pins,
ballpoint pins for knit fabrics, and glass-head
pins that can withstand ironing. Pins help in
aligning seams, securing patterns, and
making adjustments to fabric placement,
ensuring precision in sewing projects.
Pin Cushion -A pin cushion is a small, stuffed cushion designed to store
and organize pins and needles safely. It keeps
them easily accessible while preventing them
from getting lost or scattered. Some pin cushions
come with an emery-filled section that helps keep
needles sharp and rust-free. They come in various
shapes and sizes, including the classic tomato-
shaped design.
• Needle Threader - A needle threader is a small,
handy tool that helps guide thread through the
eye of a needle, making threading easier,
especially for fine or small needle eyes. It
consists of a thin wire loop or a metal hook that
pulls the thread through the needle effortlessly.
Needle threaders are particularly useful for
people with poor eyesight or when working with
fine threads and needles.
• Thimble a small hard pitted cup worn for protection on the finger that
pushes the needle in sewing

5|Page
IRON & PRESSING EQUIPMENT
The use of ironing tools, such as an iron press and industrial steam iron, is
essential to giving clothing a polished appearance. Precision in pressing and
shaping different garment portions is ensured by the use of a tailor's ham,
ironing board, and other specialist tools.
• Industrial steam iron is attached to a
container (boiler) that holds a large volume of
water. Steam is created under pressure in the
reservoir and fed into the iron through a plastic
tube. The steam immediately penetrates the
fabric, smoothing it quickly. The amount of steam
and temperature are adjustable for every kind of
fabric. This type of iron can also be used as a
steamer to smooth creases in garments such as
suits, jackets and blazers- just hang the garment
on a sturdy hanger and steam press.

• Iron press is used to fuse interfacing on

garment sections that need to be
strengthened

• Ironing board is used when pressing

garments. It is covered with a quilted
fabric pad that is secured by clips, elastic
or tied string on the board to avoid
movement of the pad when pulling the
garment or fabric.

• Tailors’ ham is used for pressing shaped

areas such as bust darts and curved seams. It
is a firmly packed cushion and is cylindrical

6|Page
 seam roll, used to press long curved seams and seams in narrow areas
such as trouser leg.

CUTTING TOOLS
• Dressmaker's shears are made of
quality steel and have a sharp cutting
edge. The blades move easily and cut
smoothly along the entire length and
the points should come together

• Paper scissors is used to cut

paper and not fabric. The blades
quickly become dull and create
uneven edges.

• Pinking shears is popular in

zig-zagging or scalloped
edges. This is used to finish
seams and raw edges and to
create decorative edges on
many types of fabric.

• Embroidery scissors has 4-5

inches tapered blades. Both
points are sharp for use in
working with fine details in
delicate fabrics and in
embroidery work.

• Trimming scissors is 3-4 inches

long, it is used for trimmings,
clipping threads and snipping
slashes.

7|Page
 • Thread clippers are a handy little spring
cutting tool that allows for the snipping of
threads. These clippers are specifically
used to snip threads and they are not
designed to cut fabric.

• Rotary cutter - A rotary cutter is a

cutting tool used in sewing and quilting
for precise and efficient fabric cutting. It
features a sharp, circular blade that
rotates as it moves, allowing for smooth
and clean cuts through multiple layers of
fabric. Rotary cutters come in various
blade sizes, with smaller blades ideal for intricate cuts and larger blades
suitable for long, straight cuts. They are commonly used with a self-
healing cutting mat and a ruler to ensure accuracy and protect surfaces.
This tool is especially useful for cutting straight lines, curves, and patterns
with ease.

 Seam rippers are specifically

designed for ripping out unnecessary
stitches from seams, either as a result
of an error or during alterations, they
should be used carefully to prevent
damage to the fabric.

MARKING TOOLS
• Dressmakers’ pencils are used to make fine
lines on fabric. The pencils are available in
white or pastels

8|Page
 • Tailors’ chalk is used to transfer pattern makings and fitting lines to
wools, velvets and coloured fabrics. It is available in a range of colors

MEASURING TOOLS
These are tools that we use when we take measurements:
• Tape measure is a flexible measuring device
used in taking body measurements. The tape has
two sides, one side is in centimeters and the other
side is in inches.

• Ruler is a measuring tool that is useful in pattern drafting when we need

to draw straight seam lines and cutting lines.

DRAFTING TOOLS
• L-square is a patternmaking ruler that is used to
make right angles for long lines. It can also be
used to measure, rule and square at the same
time.

• Hip curve helps to shape the hipline, hem and lapels

• French curve it is a tool that is used in shaping armholes,

necklines and collars.

9|Page
 • Tracing wheel has a serrated edge which produces dots on the fabric
and is suitable for transferring the marks to fabric with tracing paper. It is
also used when drafting or adapting patterns on paper.

MACHINE PARTS & THEIR FUNCTIONS

• Spool pin holds the spool of thread in place on the sewing machine,
allowing the thread to unwind smoothly as it is pulled through the machine
during stitching.

• Stitch length regulator is used to alter the

stitch length for straight stitching. The
length affects the closeness of the stitch.

• Thread-take up lever is a lever located

above the tension regulator which moves
up and down as the balance wheel is
rotated. The axle of the wheel brings lever
into motion. At the outer end of the lever,
there is a hole through which the upper
thread coming from tension regulator
passes. It pulls the required amount of
thread from the tension regulator and
feeds it to the needle as it moves down. Then it moves up to tighten the
loop formed by the shuttle, to form a firm stitch.

• Presser foot is a detachable device which holds

the fabric in place on the feed dog while
stitching. This device is not used when other
attachments for tucks, ruffles or embroidery are in
use.

10 | P a g e
 • Presser foot lever is the lever attached to the
presser bar to control the up and down
movement of the presser foot. It must always be
lifted to take out the material from the machine.

• Feed dog is a small device with

teeth which carries the material
backward as it is being stitched. It
moves upward as the machine is
operated, the material advances as
each stitch is made.

• Tension regulator this is a mechanism fixed to the face plate for

controlling the tension of the upper
thread. Two concave discs are put
together with their convex sides facing
each other. The upper thread is made
to press through these discs and the
pressure of the discs on the thread is
adjusted with a spring which is
tightened or loosened with the help of a
screw.

• Bobbin holds the thread that feeds the

thread to stitch from the lower part of the
machine.

• Bobbin case is to support the bobbin in

the sewing machine so that the machine
stitches can be formed. If the bobbin case
becomes damaged in any way the machine

11 | P a g e
 stitch will not form correctly. A bobbin case is made to a required size and
set of specifications for a particular sewing machine.

• Bobbin winder is a device that is

mounted on the machine for winding
thread on the bobbin.

• Knee lever is used like a presser foot

lever. This knee lifter is actuated by knee that knees both hands during
sewing.

 Balance Wheel-is also known as the handwheel, is a crucial part of a

sewing machine. It is usually located on the
right side of the machine and is manually
turned to raise or lower the needle. The
balance wheel is used when precise control is
needed, such as threading the needle,
positioning the fabric, or sewing delicate sections. On manual machines, it
is the primary method of operating the machine, while on electric
machines, it works alongside the motor and foot pedal.

12 | P a g e
  Foot Pedal - The foot pedal is a device that controls the sewing
machine’s speed and operation by applying pressure with the foot. It
functions similarly to an accelerator in
a car—light pressure results in slow
stitching, while firm pressure
increases speed. The foot pedal
allows the user to have hands-free
control of the fabric, improving
efficiency and precision in sewing. In
modern sewing machines, foot pedals are
often electronic, providing smoother
and more precise speed control.

CONCLUSION
In conclusion, a well-equipped sewing space requires a thoughtful selection of
sewing, ironing, cutting, marking, measuring, and drafting tools. The choice of
equipment depends on the specific needs of the project at hand, ranging from
the industrial straight sewing machine for high-speed, mass production to hand
needles and pins for intricate hand-sewing tasks.

Materials (fabric, interfacing & notions)

Fabrics are the primary materials used in garment construction, forming the
base of any sewing project. They come in a variety of types, textures, and
weights, each suited to specific designs and purposes.
Types of Fabrics
 Natural Fabrics: Derived from natural fibres like cotton, wool, silk, and linen.
These fabrics are breathable, comfortable, and often easy to sew.
 Synthetic Fabrics: Made from man-made fibres like polyester, nylon, and
acrylic. These fabrics are durable, often wrinkle-resistant, and available in a
wide range of colors and patterns.
 Blended Fabrics: A combination of natural and synthetic fibres, offering a
balance of properties like durability and comfort. Examples include poly-
cotton blends.
Choosing Fabrics
 Consider the garment’s purpose (e.g., casual, formal, durable).
 Factor in fabric properties such as weight, stretch, and drape.

13 | P a g e
  Match fabric type to the pattern requirements.
Fabric Preparation
 Always pre-wash and press the fabric to prevent shrinkage after the
garment is sewn.
 Check for flaws like uneven dye or pulls in the weave before cutting.
Interfacing
Interfacing is a material used to provide structure, stability, and support to
garments, especially in areas like collars, cuffs, waistbands, and facings. It
enhances the durability and overall finish of the garment.
Interfacing is classified into two main types based on its application method:
1. Fusible/Iron-On Interfacing
 Features an adhesive backing that fuses to the fabric when heat and
pressure are applied.
 Ideal for projects requiring quick application and for fabrics that can tolerate
heat.
 Provides a smooth finish since it adheres seamlessly to the fabric.
2. Sew-In Interfacing
 Does not have an adhesive backing and must be stitched to the fabric.
 Suitable for delicate or heat-sensitive fabrics like silk or velvet.
 Offers more flexibility for customization, as it can be easily removed or
repositioned during construction.
Within both iron-on and sew-in types, interfacing is further categorized based
on its structure:
1. Woven Interfacing
 Has a weave structure similar to woven fabric.
 Provides a natural drape and is best for use with woven fabrics.
 Requires cutting on the grain for proper alignment.

2. Non-Woven Interfacing
 Has a paper-like texture and no visible grain.
 Can be cut in any direction, making it versatile and easy to use.
 Suitable for most sewing projects, especially for beginners.

3. Knit Interfacing
 Has a stretchy structure similar to knit fabrics.
 Provides flexibility and is ideal for use with stretch fabrics or garments
requiring movement, such as activewear.

14 | P a g e
Key Points to Remember
 Both iron-on and sew-in interfacing are available in woven, non-woven,
and knit forms.
 Choose the type and subcategory based on the fabric and the purpose of the
garment:
 Use iron-on woven interfacing for structured garments made from
woven fabrics.
 Use sew-in knit interfacing for stretchy fabrics where flexibility is
crucial.
 Use non-woven interfacing when simplicity and versatility are
needed.
Proper selection of interfacing ensures a polished, professional finish and helps
the garment maintain its shape and structure over time.
Choosing Interfacings
 Match the weight of the interfacing to the fabric for proper balance.
 Use fusible interfacing for quick application and sew-in interfacing for
delicate or specialty fabrics.
Uses of Interfacings
 Provide support to garment edges and openings.
 Reinforce buttonholes, zippers, and embroidery.
 Add structure to design elements like pleats and folds.
Notions
Notions are small accessories and tools essential for garment construction and
finishing. They are often decorative or functional additions to the garment.
Examples of Notions
 Fasteners: Buttons, zippers, hooks and eyes, snaps, and Velcro.
 Trims: Ribbons, lace, piping, and bias tape used for decorative purposes.
 Elastic: Used in casings to add stretch to garments, such as in
waistbands.
 Threads: Available in various types (cotton, polyester, silk) and colors to
match the fabric.
 Bias Binding: Used for edge finishing or decorative detailing.
 Tapes: Such as stay tape and twill tape, used for reinforcing seams or
stabilizing edges.
Choosing Notions
 Ensure compatibility with fabric type and color.

15 | P a g e
  Prioritize quality to avoid breakage or wear over time.
 Match notions to the garment’s function and design, e.g., decorative
zippers for jackets or discreet hooks for formal wear.
Care and Storage of Notions
 Store notions in organized containers to prevent loss or damage.
 Keep threads and fasteners in moisture-free environments to avoid rust or
deterioration.
Understanding fabrics, interfacings, and notions is essential for crafting high-
quality garments. Proper selection and use of these materials contribute to the
durability, functionality, and aesthetic of the finished product.

16 | P a g e
Reference
LOUW, L. A. 1980. Needlework and clothing manual for standards 9 and 10.
Volume 1.
Reader’s digest. 1976. New complete guide to sewing step-by-step techniques
for making clothes and home accessories.
Ai was used to generate and edit responses. 2025.
Safety Rules were extracted from
https://www.scribd.com/document/423889758/Garment-Production-Workplace-
Health-and-Safety as they are.
Google was used to provide images

17 | P a g e