Every artist needs the right tools to create their stunning works of art. Fashion designers are the same. They need the right fashion designer tools to create their sartorial masterpieces. But what are these fashion design tools and equipment? Let’s discuss some of the most important items that would be in every professional fashion design kit.
The Essential Fashion Designer Tools
1. A Measuring Tape
The first tool is the humble measuring tape. That is something that every single fashion design equipment list will mandatorily have. They might keep extras on them, too. In movies, fashion designers are portrayed having measuring tapes around their necks while overseeing all the activity taking place backstage.
In reality, many keep their measuring tapes safely in boxes or safely wrapped around their wrists. Fashion designers also keep a set square and grading ruler if needed. That is especially true for beginners.
2. A Sharp Pair of Scissors
These are one of the main fashion design tools, whether one is a student or a professional. There are many types of scissors that designers use. Each has its specialty. There are shears – these are heavy scissors with long blades that are used to cut fabrics, sometimes several layers at a time. Then there are tailor’s scissors, which are short and perfect for crafters and sewers. These cut through heavy-duty materials, such as leather.
All-purpose scissors are used for non-fabric materials. Lightweight scissors are used for delicate fabrics, such as silk and lining. With so many scissors to carry around, a regular fashion designer can end up looking like Edward Scissorhands! But unlike that misunderstood character, a designer can create stunning clothes with these unassuming tools.
3. Tailor’s Chalk
Another important fashion tool is tailor’s chalk. Designers keep an entire army of chalk with them! That’s because they can go missing easily. These are used to make dimensions on the fabric. Tailor’s chalk is useful for designers as the marks can easily be washed off if adjustments need to be made, or if the marks are no longer needed. That makes them easy tools to use when alterations need to be made.
4. Adjustable Dressmaker
Many times, designers will want to check the length or fall of a garment. But can they keep calling in real-life models to test these details? No, it’s not feasible. That’s where an adjustable dressmaker comes in. Dress forms are used by designers to check the fitting of each garment. These are dummies that come in different sizes. Adjustable and stick-sized ones are the most common.
Fashion designers make their garments in varying sizes, lengths, and shapes and test them out on these dummies. That way, the designers save a considerable amount of time in the designing process, as they can avoid errors in the garments’ fit.
Also Read: How to Make A Fashion Mood Board
5. Needles and Threads
These are also essentials in a fashion designer’s tool kit. They’re not usually used during the creation of the dress, but act as last-minute life-savers when alterations need to be made during fittings. Fashion designers carry several different shapes and sizes of needles to match their requirements.
Fashion designing isn’t as easy as people think it is. It’s quite difficult and requires precision as well as an artistic flair. These tools are necessary to help designers be prepared for any situation.
6. Curved Rulers
While it’s easy to demarcate straight lines, curved parts of the body are much harder. These areas require special tools to carry out pattern drafting and adjustments. Such tools are called curved rulers for sewing garments. There are three main types:
- The French curved rulers are the most widely used- these are best for creating patterns or fitting adjustments.
- The fashion design curve is used for draft patterns- this ruler is mostly used to create a collar or a neckline.
- Finally – the hip curve ruler does exactly what it sounds like – used for making side-seam adjustments.
7. Muslin Fabric
Muslin is a cotton fabric that can range in weight – from sheers to coarse material. There are many reasons for fashion designers to use muslin cloth. It’s easy to mold according to the shape the designer requires. This fabric is widely used by students who are practicing sewing and designing. As Muslin is more affordable than many other high-quality fabrics, designers won’t go into losses if they use this to experiment within the beginning stages of their creative process.
8. Fashion Designing Software
When it comes to technical tools, there are several fashion designing tools online, such as software that can be used in dress designing. One free fashion design software for beginners is Paint. It sounds basic, but it can be used for sketches. Then there is paid software like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Autodesk, and more. These have a wide variety of functions, depending on the project. While many designers still prefer using actual paper and pencil to make their sketches, many others prefer using technology instead.
