10 Fashion Tools Every Aspiring Designer Needs to Succeed
Every fashion designer holds an essential role in this world. The designs they create using their fashion tools are not the only ones that play a significant role. Being a fashion designer is not just about sitting around and thinking about the plans that he/she should make. At some point, others may believe that the industry is just all glam and sparkling stuff; but the life of a fashion designer is more than that. The sketches of the designs, searching for the rights models, and spending so much time in preparation is all part of exciting career life, but it can also be demanding as well.
One thing that is true about the industry is that mostly, fashion designers pay a lot of effort and time to achieve their ultimate success. Some designers begin their day as early as 4 or 5 in the morning and the day may not end at only 6:00 pm. A designer must be passionate and the type of person who does not easily give up. A fashion designer has a lot of duties depending on what he/she is working for and working. Another thing that may include the daily job of a fashion designer is visiting manufacturers of different kinds of fabrics, visualizing a design concept, and spending time in researching. Searching for the best structures alone requires a lot of time and effort; getting the best color and perfect texture.
Designers also need to go on location fitting with the models, with the pieces from a particular collection. And of course, in the world of the fashion industry, the must-have tools for designing will make the products perfect. Each day, a fashion designer encounters and discovers different things that his/her skills will be enhanced.
10 Must-have
Fashion Tools of a Designer
Fashion designing is not just about producing an incredible design. It is also about using the right tools in achieving the perfect outcome. To understand the life of a fashion designer, it is also essential to know the tools they use for their career. For example, the draping of pieces of cloths in a mannequin, twirling and cutting the fabrics, and making the creative ideas come out.
1. Scissors Tools
Working in the fashion industry, it is not enough owning a pair of scissors. A fashion designer has different kinds of scissors for him/her to create a perfect cut of the design.
- Shear Scissors — this kind of scissor is a bit heavy than the other types of scissors. Shear scissors also have a long blade which is ideal for cutting fabrics; even for cutting several layers of material at the same time.
- Tailor’s Scissors — this is a short scissor. This tool is an ideal choice for sewers and crafters. These scissors can cut through heavy-duty material like leather. It is also convenient to bring because it is small.
- All-Purpose Scissors — this is the ultimate go-to scissor for materials that are not fabrics.
- Lightweight Scissors — this type of scissor is for light in weight materials like lining, silk, and such.
2. Tailor’s Chalk
Chalk is an essential tool for marking fabrics. A chalk-like material that can be easily brushed or washed off if the mark is no longer needed.
3. Tape Measure
A Fashion Designer usually keeps a measuring tape around his/her neck every time he/she’s at work. And a single tape measure is also not enough; at least three of it is a must-have. This equipment is essential for fashion tools as it will allow creating a perfect fit of the clothes or garments.
4. Dressmaker Pin Tools
These fashion tools are a short straight, stiff piece of wire that is used for fastening pieces of fabrics or other materials together. The Dressmaker pin is an essential tool for a fashion designer as it can help with continuing an unfinished task.
5. An Adjustable Dressmaker Dummy
Using an adjustable dummy will allow a fashion designer to make clothes without worrying about the sizes. Using this model will enable the designer to fit all types of clothes like jackets, coats, dresses, gowns and much more easily. It will also be a great help for getting the correct positions of the design, buttons, pockets, etc. Adjustable dummies are convenient fashion tools to use as the designer will no longer need to worry about anything that he/she must have. But of course, it is still better to have at least three to five especially if a lot of work still needs to be done.
6. Muslin (Mousseline)
The Muslin is a kind of cotton fabric which is from a wide range of weights from delicate sheers to coarse sheeting. Muslin fabrics are imported in Europe from Bengal during the 17th and 18th centuries. But then it was later manufactured in Scotland and England.
Reasons for Using Muslin Fabric in the World of Fashion
- The Style and Shape — the style and shape of the fabric are easy to check. Nothing is such a negative vibe giver when deciding a concept than making it; realizing that something is wrong. But with the use of Muslin, it is easier to determine if it will look good or not.
- Practicing Tricky Techniques — some patterns need some important sewing technique — using muslin fabric is a great way to start with practicing to some complicated parts.
- Will Save Time and Money — high-quality fabrics is a significant investment. That is why making sure that every material will are useful; practice must be on cheaper a structure so that mistakes will not be a problem. Also, sewing a muslin fabric can save some time once the dressmaker mastered the pattern.
- Unleash the Creativity — the main reason for designing and sewing is to make the fashion designer’s name shine brighter! Moreover, a muslin fabric can be as an experiment and starting point of sewing.
- Muslin is a Keeper — just because these fabrics are for practicing or experimenting; it does not mean there’s no use to it any longer. Sometimes, the things that a designer does not look forward to coming as the best outcome of the product; that is the best reason for using muslin.
7. Sketch and Trace Roll Paper
The Sketch and Trace Roll Paper are must-have fashion tools as it is for creating sketches and detail work. Designers must have a skill for drawing; that is why design and tracing paper is critical.
8. Sewing Machine
The sewing machine is the one used for sewing fabrics and other materials. A sewing machine plays a vital role in the fashion design industry. It is the tool for making a variety of plain or patterned kinds of stitches.
9. Curved Tool Rulers
Curved rulers are for both pattern drafting and adjustments around the curvy parts of bodies.
There are Three Types of Curved Rulers for Sewing Garments
- French curve Ruler — it is the most rulers used for fashion designing. It is easy to use for fitting adjustments or for creating a pattern.
- Fashion design curve — This is usually used for draft patterns and most commonly used to make a neckline or collar.
- Hip curve — it is an essential fashion tool for creating designs and even in adjusting the fit. The Hip curve is usually for making side-seam adjustments.
10. Blue Pencil and Red Pencil
This tool is perfect for marking, illustrating, animating, all other unfinished works.
Different Kinds of Stitches
- Chain stitch — this kind of stitch is not self-locking, and if the thread breaks at any point or not tied at both ends, the whole length of stitching comes out, it is also easily ripped out.
- Lockstitch — it is the simple stitch done by most household sewing machines and usual industrial ‘’single needle’’ sewing machines from two threads.
- Overlock — is known as ‘’serging’’ or ‘’serger stitch’’ this is formed with one to four threads, one or two needles, and one or two loopers. Overlock sewing machines mostly are equipped with knives that trim or create the edge in front of the stitch formation.
- Coverstitch — this is formed by two or more needles and one or two loopers. It can also be constructed anywhere on the material sewn.
- Zigzag stitch — this is a variant geometry of the Lockstitch.
A fashion designer is a person who is responsible for creating a specific look for an individual. Designers work with the shapes, fabrics, colors, trimmings, designs, and other aspects of clothes and such. The talent and vision of designers is a part of the significant look at how people look, and they also make a substantial contribution to the world of arts, cultural, and social environment. They start a product from research work, compile the ideas on a paper, and then develop their products. Inspiration is also a crucial part of making sure that the outcome is what they have in mind.
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