Page 46 - CITS - Dress Making - TT - 2024

DRESS MAKING - CITS

6 Tracing wheel
There are two types of tracing wheel, blunted and pointed. The pointed wheel is needed to transfer pattern,
shapes to the paper while the blunted wheel is used with carbon paper to transfer pattern shape to muslin or the
fabric.

Cutting Tools

1 Dressmaking Shears
Dressmaker’s shears have a long blade and a handy point to clip and notch the curves.
These blades have a knife’s edge which can cut the fabric in acute angles. Dressmaking
shears come in a variety of sizes, ranging from 6” to 12” (or even more).

2 Tailor’s scissors
Tailor’s scissors are usually shorter. They are a great choice for sewing and crafting
as they can cut heavy materials like leather or multiple layers of fabric with ease. The
thicker blades of tailor’s scissors have the edges that can cut all the way to the tip.

3 Angled / Bent Fabric Scissors
Angled or bent fabric scissors look like exaggerated versions of dressmaking shears.
The upward bend in the handles is much more pronounced, giving more leverage
(power) when you cut fabric. They’re great for making long, straight cuts.

4 Pinking Shears

This scissor is not used in fabric cutting but it is used in raw seams finishes by removing
its thread in zigzag way so no overlock is required. Pinking shears have zig-zag shaped
blades that cut the fabric in a zig-zag pattern.

5 Rotary Cutters
A rotary cutter is a cutting tool with a circular blade and handle. It cuts fabric quicker
and more accurately than scissors. Rotary cutters are always used with cutting mats
not to damage the cutting table. Rotary cutters normally come in 4 sizes: 60mm, 45mm,
28mm, and 18mm. The size refers to the diameter of the blade. The 45mm version is
the most popular size for everyday use and basic quilting cuts. The 60mm size has a
larger blade for cutting thick fabric. The small 28mm and 18mm sizes are often used for
cutting intricate patterns and tight curves.

6 Cutting Mats
Generally, cutting mats are a rectangular piece of durable material, such as vinyl or
rubber. They are marked on one side with a grid guide of specific measurements.
A cutting mat is used both to protect the surface you are cutting on, and to provide
measurement guidelines and references to ensure a clean and straight cut. A cutting
mat must be used to prevent damaging the cutting surface, especially if one uses a
rotary cutter.

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CITS : Apparel - Dress Making - Lesson 6 & 7 (3)