There are many tools for dressmaking. I've put an asterisk next to those that I consider to be essential; the others are nice to have, but you can add to your kit as and when you feel you need to.
CUTTING TOOLS
* Shears/dressmaking scissors are typically bigger than paper scissors so that you can achieve nice long cuts when cutting out fabric.
* Rotary cutter – use for tricky, slippery fabrics, jerseys and for cutting out multiple fabric layers at the same time. A bigger blade will be great for straight edges, but for curves use a smaller blade or switch to scissors.
* Snips are for snipping off threads and snipping into seam allowances and tricky corners.
Pinking shears can be used to finish a seam allowance for a fabric that won’t fray or for an internal seam allowance (hidden by lining, for example).
Paper scissors – use for cutting pattern paper. Paper will blunt fabric scissors, so keep a separate pair.
MARKING TOOLS
* Dressmaker’s carbon paper is designed to be used with a tracing wheel, with the spikes of the wheel transferring the colour of the carbon onto the fabric.
* Tailor’s chalk or chalk pencils comes in a few different colours. The edges or points need to be sharp to produce long, neat chalk lines.
* Air-, heat- or water-soluble pens make marks that disappear after a while or when heat or water is applied.
MEASURING TOOLS
* Tape measure – one of the most essential items in your kit. It can stretch and become less accurate over time, so it’s a good idea to replace it once in a while.
* Straight ruler – use to measure seam allowances, areas of your pattern, and to level hems.
* French curve and/or Patternmaster – great for pattern drafting and grading in between sizes.
Flexi ruler – use to measure curves.
Seam allowance gauge – a gadget like a mini ruler that you can use to achieve an even seam allowance, a neat hem, or perfectly positioned buttonholes.
PINS AND WEIGHTS
* Dressmaking pins – good-quality ones are a must-have. Replace them when they become blunt or start to snag your fabrics.
* Safety pins can be used in fittings and to hold projects or fabrics together while you’re not working on them. For dressmaking, opt for medium-sized ones.
Pattern weights are great on delicate fabrics such as silk if you want to avoid pin marks. They work well with stretch fabrics if you are using a rotary cutter, but are n
