Small Equipment and Notions

What are notions? All the things that you use for sewing such as, thread, buttons, ribbons, zippers, bias tape, hem tape, etc. There are many others as well, but basically notions are anything other than the fabric/pattern.

Shears Similar to scissors, but the lower blade always stays flat on a cutting surface. Cut out patterns and sewing projects. Sharp shears are key to accurate cutting along pattern lines. Dull shears will drive you crazy!

Which are shears?

Jagged blades that fit together to cut a saw-tooth type edge (zig zag) Pinking Shears Jagged blades that fit together to cut a saw-tooth type edge (zig zag) Can create a seam finish Great for non-fraying fabrics like fleece!

Varying sizes with varying points. Hand Sewing Needles Varying sizes with varying points. Used to sew without a machine, but by hand. Sizes and points may vary. Suitable for almost any fabric.

A wire, bent into a diamond shape attached to a handle. Sewing Needle Threader A wire, bent into a diamond shape attached to a handle. Threading needle fast and easy. To use: Pass the wire through the eye of the needle Place the thread inside the wire Pull the handle on the wire through and the thread comes with it!

Pins (Dressmaker Pins) Tip: Use only the best—toss the rest. If a pin becomes bent, dull, or rusted, don’t hesitate to THROW IT OUT! What pins appear different from the rest? Used to hold pattern pieces and fabric in place. Must not be sewn over. 12

Pins (Dressmaker Pins) For this class, ONLY BUY PINS THAT HAVE balls/shapes on the ends. Pins without them get caught in the carpet!!! * Don’t buy these!!! 13

A device to hold your pins Pin Cushion A device to hold your pins Why the tomato? According to folklore, placing a tomato on the mantle of a new home guaranteed prosperity and repelled evil spirits. If tomatoes were out of season, families improvised by using a round ball of red fabric filled with sand or sawdust.

Pin Cushion Why is there a strawberry (emery bag) attached? It’s filled with emery to sharpen your pins. Push the pin in and pull it out repeatedly.

Fabric Marking Tools Used to mark your fabric when measuring. Chalk and pencil wash off. Pens usually fade or are permanent. 16

Tracing Paper and Tracing Wheel Used to transfer pattern markings/symbols on to your fabric before cutting The tracing wheel should NOT cut through fabric. It is not sharp. The tracing paper leaves colored dots on your fabric for you to follow when cutting/sewing 17

Tracing Paper and Tracing Wheel 18

Seam Ripper YOUR BEST FRIEND if you make a mistake (and you will!) Remove unwanted stitches Pick out single threads

Tape Measures Uses: Taking body measurements Can be used for any measuring task Measuring tool that is a flexible strip - is usually marked with inches and centimeters - be sure you’re using the right side.