Care of the sewing machine

Study the machine handbook (instruction manual) by the manufacturer before operating the machine.

Be sure all the parts are correctly fitted.

Unplug electric sewing machine before cleaning.

See that the machine is free from dust and fault.

Remove the throat plate and slide plate to expose all lint and dust clean thoroughly.

Oil regularly; dropping oil only as directed in the instruction.

Run the machine without threading or inserting any cloth for a short time.

Clean all parts of the machine and replace all parts after cleaning.

Keep a small fabric between the presser foot and the feet dog. Lower the needle into the machine, and lower the presser foot.

Avoid dropping the machine on the ground. Carry it carefully.

Let it have a permanent place to avoid damage.

Cover the sewing machine when not in use.

Make sure the instruction book is well looked after.

EVALUATION

List eight ways of caring for the sewing machine.

TERMS RELATED TO GARMENT CONSTRUCTION

Openings

Openings are features in garments. They help us to put on and take off our clothes. There are different kinds of openings. They can also be used to decorate the garment.

Uses of Openings

To allow garments to be put on and take off easily and quickly.

To allow garments to be made in a close –fitting style.

To decorate the garment.

Most garment need openings.

Fastenings

Fastenings are devices or things attached to the openings.

Types of Fastenings

Zips: These are useful on blouses, dresses jackets trousers, etc.

Press studs: These are used where there is less strain.

Hook and eye/bar: These are used where there is strain, to prevent gaping. It can also be used on to fasten the end of neck opening.

Button and loops: These are used on opening without a warp.

Buttons and buttonhole: These can be used on opening with a warp.

Eyelets and cords: These are used to fasten faced slit openings on blouses and children’s dresses.

Tucks: These are special stitched fold made in garments. They are stitched for all or part of the length. When tucks are partly stitched, they are called dart tucks.

Uses of Fastenings

Like the openings fastening allow the garment to be put on and to be taken off.

They keep the openings in position whilst the garment is being worn.

They protect the openings from strain or stretching.

They can also be used for decoration.

Darts

They  are tapered fold of fabric. They are stitched on the wrong side of a garment section. Darts can be straight, curved or double pointed.

Uses of Darts

They control fullness

They turn fabric into shape to fit the human figure.

They help to give a good fitting and shape to the garment.

Gathers

Gathers are small soft folds made in garments. They are commonly used in;

Uses of Darts

Children’s clothing

Making lightweight skirts, and some sleeve caps, frills, etc.

Facing

This involves finishing the raw edges of fabrics or garment with a piece of fabric. Facing shows on only one side of the garment. When facing is turned to the wrong side, it is not seen from the right side. This is called inside facing. When it is finished on the right side of the garment, it called conspicuous or decorative facing.

Types of Facing

Straight facing: This is used for neatening the edge of a pocket, a square neck, and hem edge of a straight-cut skirt.

Shaped facing: It is usually used for the neckline and armholes.

Hem

A hem is usually made by folding the edge of a garment to the wrong side twice and sewing it up. Hems are made on the lower edges of blouses, skirts, gowns, trousers e.t.c. Hems can be narrow or wide, depending on the style, the garment and the fashion trends.

EVALUATION

List five terms peculiar to garment construction.

Differentiate between fastening and opening.

State the usefulness of opening, fastening, facing, hem, and dart in garment construction.