Standard Components And Tools

Question 1

How is fabric sold?

Answer 1

Fabric is sold in standard widths (e.g. 90cm, 115cm and 150cm). This is so you only need to specify the length you require.

Question 2

What are the advantages of using zips as a fastening? (6)

Answer 2

1. They’re a secure fastening - they close the product fully with no gaps
2. They’re quick to do up and undo
3. They’re quick and simple to attach
4. They lay flat and don’t add bulk
5. They’re hard-wearing and can be washed
6. Colours can match or contrast with the fabric

Question 3

What are the disadvantages of using zips as a fastening? (1)

Answer 3

1. They can snag delicate fabrics

Question 4

How does velcro work?

Answer 4

Velcro comes in two halves - a rough tape and a smooth tape. Nylon hooks on the rough half attach to the soft loops on the smooth half.

Question 5

What are the advantages of using velcro as a fastening? (3)

Answer 5

1. Safe and soft (good for children’s products)
2. It can be machine washed
3. It’s hard-wearing

Question 6

What are the disadvantages of using velcro as a fastening? (3)

Answer 6

1. Hooks collect fibres over time and become less sticky
2. Not very decorative
3. Requires a large amount of force to open it so needs to be firmly attached and therefore isn’t suitable for delicate fabrics

Question 7

What are the advantages of using toggles and buttons as a fastening? (2)

Answer 7

1. They’re easy to attach and replace

2. Colours can match or contrast with the fabric (buttons can be fabric-covered to blend in)

Question 8

What are the disadvantages of using toggles and buttons as a fastening? (2)

Answer 8

1. They can fall off - a choking hazard on children’s products
2. They can be damaged in the wash

Question 9

What are the advantages of using press studs as a fastening? (2)

Answer 9

1. They can be used to fasten items that need to be opened and closed quickly
2. They come in different sizes depending on the strength of fastening required

Question 10

What are the disadvantages of using press studs as a fastening? (1)

Answer 10

1. They’re not very decorative

Question 11

What are paper scissors for?

Answer 11

Cutting out patterns

Question 12

What are dressmaking scissors/fabric shears for?

Answer 12

Cutting fabric. They have long, sharp blades that cut through fabric more easily and neatly.

Question 13

What are embroidery scissors for?

Answer 13

Delicate jobs - e.g snipping threads or clipping curved seams to help press them. They have short, sharp blades.

Question 14

What are pinking shears for?

Answer 14

Cutting fabric with a zig-zag edge - this helps to prevent the fabric from fraying

Question 15

What are craft knives for?

Answer 15

Cutting stencils as they are neater than scissors

Question 16

What are seam rippers for?

Answer 16

Unpicking seams (using scissors might accidentally cut the fabric)

Question 17

What are pins for?

Answer 17

Holding the fabric together before stitching

Question 18

What are needles for?

Answer 18

Hand stitching - e.g. embroidery stitches, attaching beads to fabric or tacking stitches

Question 19

What are flexible tape measures for?

Answer 19

Accurately measuring curved surfaces

Question 20

What is tailor’s chalk for?

Answer 20

Marking out patterns

Question 21

What are irons for?

Answer 21

Pressing creases out of the fabric and flattening seams. Irons can also be used to apply designs from transfers onto fabric (heating the transfer causes the design to imprint onto the fabric)