In this article, we’ll be discussing the top fashion design equipment and their uses in Nigeria. Fashion designing, which also goes by the term–tailoring, is a sort of vocational business that is fast spreading and even growing. There are different tools with which the act of sewing clothes is practiced.
To start the fashion business in Nigeria is not really expensive. This is because the financial effort by which to get most of the tools does not really cost an arm and a leg as it was suggested and believed. Although the business yields huge profit, it takes skills, ability, and perseverance to truly make a wave and become successful in it.
Owing to the recent economic inflation in the country, the prices of many of these fashion design equipment has risen so high. Even those machines and tools which are quite cheaper when got as the UK-used ones have also become pocket-tearing. Anyway, the focus of this content is to bring your attention to only the fashion design equipment that will be needed for the business to kick off and thrive in the ever competitive market. You are also going to be acquainted with their uses in Nigeria.
Top Fashion Design Equipment and Their Uses in Nigeria.
The top fashion design equipment and their uses in Nigeria will be listed and briefly discussed below for your understanding. However, all fashion designers use various tools or equipment. Some of these equipment are white or brown pattern paper, tracing wheel, French curve, hip curve, styling curve, awl, pencils, plastic ruler, measurement tape, yardstick, weights, notches, tracing wheel, etc. for making patterns. Some of the most important will be highlighted below:
1.The Tape Measurement
A tape measurement is a flexible ruler used to measure size of cloth or person or distance, like plastic tape measure (cm). You need a tape measure around your fashion desk at all times. When working, it is easy to lose track of time and get your space a bit messy. Therefore, it’s important to have at least three tape measures. Keep one tape measure in the toolbox, another around your neck, and the third in the fabric you intend to sew. With a tape measure, you create picture-perfect clothes that fit your clients. Instead of this tool, some designers use a grading ruler and a set square to achieve the same outcomes. You’ll find the two handy if you aren’t good at using a tape measure. There are four basic types of tape measures: case, long or open-reel tapes, diameter tape (D-tape) and sewing tapes.
2. The Scissors
One of the top fashion design equipment and their uses in Nigeria is scissors. Scissors are hand-operated shearing tools. A pair of scissors consists of a pair of metal blades pivoted so that the sharpened edges slide against each other when the handles opposite to the pivot are closed. Fashion designers use different kinds of scissors for varied jobs. The three major scissors you need to create perfect fabric designs include:
- Shear scissors – heavier than card scissors, shear scissors are used to cut all kinds of fabrics.
- Card scissors – help fashion designers cut cardboard designs or patterns to ease the sewing phase.
- Lightweight scissors – the scissors support cutting of light cloth materials such as lining, silk, etc.
3. The Sewing Machine
The sewing machine is the most important equipment in your fashion business. Without it, no sewing can take place. It completes your list of fashion design tools. The machines vary to meet unique design needs out there. However, it comes in variety. The two main types of sewing machines are Industrial Sewing Machines and Domestic Sewing Machines. These machines are categorized according to the place of their use. Some of the many types of this sewing machine are:
- Mechanical Sewing Machine.
- Electronic Sewing Machine.
- Computerized or Automated Sewing Machine.
- Embroidery Machine.
- Overlock Sewing Machine or serger
It is important to invest in some handy power tools to repair or fix your sewing machine and other equipment that may fail or stop running for unknown reasons.
Industrial sewing machines differ from traditional consumer sewing machines in many ways. An industrial sewing machine is specifically built for long term, professional sewing tasks and is therefore constructed with superior durability, parts, and motors.
4. Hand and Machine Sewing Needless
Depending on the fabric you’re working on, you’ll need different types of needles. This means you need to know how to choose the best sewing needle for your fashion design project at hand. Designers who are patient enough to sew by hand do not just have all the time but also use easy hand stitches to create perfect clothes. Even so, sewing machine projects also involve hand sewing at one point or another. Therefore, you need hand sewing needles. When working on intricate beading work, you’ll need short beading needles and pins to get the job done. You may also use hand sewing needles. Use the beading pins to hold the beads you’re fixing in place. However, you’ll need milliner needles to sew tacking stitches. When storing your needles, separate the hand and machine sewing needles from each other. Keep them in separate boxes wrapped in paper and labeled for protection from corrosion and bluntness
5. The Designer’s Chalk
You can’t work on your fashion designs without a tailor’s chalk. You may easily misplace them and get frustrated, hence the need to have a number of them within reach. When you begin working, spread out at least five tailor’s chalks around your work area. Make sure they’re in different bold colors for easy identification. Your tape measure and tailor’s chalk go hand in hand; you can’t use one without the other. After taking measurements, use the chalk to mark lines on the fabric to begin snipping right away. Make sure you’ve got enough supply of a tailor’s chalk in your fashion house.
