Machines & tools

A flat or triangular piece of chalk or clay-based marking material used to draw temporary lines and symbols directly on fabric.

An oscillating arm on the machine head that pulls thread from the spool, feeds slack to the needle, and draws thread up after each stitch is formed.

A flexible, usually fiberglass or cloth ribbon marked with inch and centimeter graduations, used to take body and fabric measurements around curves.

Focused lighting positioned at the sewing machine and cutting table to reduce eye strain and improve accuracy when threading needles or matching thread colours.

A presser foot with a non-stick coated sole that glides smoothly over vinyl, leather, and other sticky materials without dragging or marking them.

A pair of metal discs that the upper thread passes between, applying adjustable pressure to balance thread tightness against the bobbin thread for even stitches.

A tangled mass of thread, usually on the fabric underside, caused by incorrect threading, an unbalanced tension, or an improperly seated bobbin.

A dense tangle of looped thread that jams beneath the fabric, usually caused by an unthreaded take-up lever or incorrect upper threading.

A wall-mounted or freestanding storage rack with pegs or spindles that holds spools of thread visibly and within easy reach.

Small, spring-loaded scissors with short blades designed for quickly trimming thread tails and jump stitches without picking up full-size scissors.

The balance of pull applied to the upper and lower threads so they interlock at the midpoint of the fabric layers, producing an even, flat stitch.

A machine needle with an extra-large eye and a deep groove designed to accommodate thick topstitching or decorative thread without excess friction.

A tool with a small spiked or serrated wheel, rolled along pattern lines to transfer markings onto fabric, typically paired with dressmaker's carbon paper.

An early sewing machine shuttle mechanism that travels side to side beneath the needle plate, common in machines predating the rotary hook.

A foot-powered sewing machine driven by a pedal connected to a flywheel via a belt, requiring no electricity, common before electric machines became standard.