Tools Needed By A Fashion Designer

Six Fashion Designer Tools and Equipment You Need For Fashion Designing

Fashion designing is all about using the right tools. I have accumulated several fashion designer tools and equipment over the years, which has allowed me to become the fashion designer I had always dreamed of. Most people say that in order to step into the fashion designing world, you need to have an artistic flare. I disagree! Today, there are so many patterns and designable clothes available in the market that you don't need to sketch one of your own.

My work usually involves draping pieces of cloths on a dummy, twisting them here and there to create the perfect twirl or cut bodice. Give free rein to your imagination and let your fashion designer tools and equipments guide you to create a masterpiece. Following are six basic tools that every person needs to become a fashion designer:

1. Pair of Scissors

A fashion designer does not work with just one pair of scissor. There are several steps to create the perfect design and for that you need three scissors:

Card Scissors: This scissor is used to cut the cardboard design, so that the sewing phase can be made easier

Shear Scissors: This scissor is a bit heavy than the card scissor because it is used to cut different types of fabrics

Lightweight Scissors: This scissor is light in weight and is used to cut fussy cloth materials such as silk, lining, etc

2. Tape Measure

I keep a tape measure constantly around my neck. When I'm designing, I lose sight of time and things get a little messy. I usually keep three with me: One around my neck, second in the toolbox and third in the fabric shopper I'm currently planning to sew. A tape measure is very important because it is the one tool that allows you to create picture perfect fitting clothes. Some people also use a set square and grading ruler, which can come handy if you are bad with measurement.

3. Tailor's Chalk

This is the bane of my fashion designing existence. I keep forgetting where I put them and then I get frustrated. So, when I start my work, I spread at least five around my entire work area in different colors. The tailor's chalk is a great tape measure partner. Just draw the lines once you have taken the measurement and you can start snipping away.

4. Dress Maker Dummy

Try buying an adjustable dress maker dummy because it allows you to make clothes in all sizes. The dummy gives you an idea how the dress will look on a real person. It saves you time from making any changes if a piece does not fit a body part.

5. Pearl Head Pins

The sewing comes way later but to make sure that the seams are going to look perfect once put together, you need to get an idea pre-sewing. The pearl head pins are the perfect size to sink into the dummy and they can be grabbed easily.

6. Sewing Machine

Last but the most important: The sewing machine. What fashion designer is complete without a sewing machine! I bought a zigzag machine because it creates a nice pattern rather than the overlock one. You don't need to go all out on buying a sewing machine but buy a sturdy one that has a metal base.

As mentioned earlier, if you have the right fashion designer tools and equipments , your job gets much easier. You don't need to be a creative artist to become a fashion designer. The correct tools will automatically guide you to the fashion skills you need.