Machines & tools

A transparent, gridded acrylic ruler used with a rotary cutter for measuring, marking, and cutting straight and angled lines through fabric.

Waxed, colored transfer paper placed between a pattern and fabric so a tracing wheel presses temporary marking lines onto the fabric surface.

A pen filled with ink or dye designed to mark fabric temporarily, with the mark later removed by water, heat, or exposure to air.

A curved plastic drafting template used to draw smooth, precise curved lines when drafting or adjusting armholes, necklines, and other patternmaking curves.

A short sliding ruler with a movable marker used to measure and mark consistent small distances such as hem depths and seam allowances.

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

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

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.