The Applique Machine

There is a common phrase, tools of the trade that is true for many different activities. Seeing a tool belt filled with hammers, measuring tapes, pencils, and other equipment is to be expected when a building contractor or construction worker is around. Similarly, stethoscopes are associated with doctors, police cars with law enforcement and computers with technology wizards. Tailors also have their tools of the trade. Many may still picture the simple needle and thread when picturing a tailor because of the age old story of the tailor who became a giant killer, but the tools of this trade have changed with time and there are many more complex items that are used by a tailor on a regular basis.

One of the standard features within a tailors shop is the mannequin figure that can adjust to different sizes and measurements depending on the dimensions of the person the clothing items are intended for. The mannequin is usually only of the neck and torso area, but it can have various knobs and gears inside to adjust the width and height of the model. A tailor has to have a good eye for how some clothing items will hang on the figure of the person when it is being worn. It used to be that people would have to stand for long periods of time while the tailor marked adjustments and changes that needed to be made. With the help of a mannequin, these sessions are much shorter and usually only involve verifying the fit of the garment and marking the bottom hem. This iconic item of a tailors workroom allows the tailor to have a three dimensional model of the clothing whenever adjustments are needed.

A quality sewing machine is the next staple of a tailors office. Rather than doing all the stitches by hand, a good sewing machine allows the tailor to complete more rapidly with fine stitches that are uniform in nature. It has the option for straight stitches, zig zag stitches, button holes and everything in between. This is helpful in speeding the work of the tailor and is also a good option for most fabrics. With really delicate fabrics, the tailor may still have to complete some work by hand, but the multitude of stitch options and speed that a sewing machine provides makes it a necessity for a tailor.

Similarly, appliqu machine embroidery designs are a decorative element that many people enjoy having added to clothing and other fabrics. Appliqu machine embroidery designs are particularly useful for people who are making custom quilts for family and friends. They may have the tools to make the quilt, but need the assistance of a tailor to complete the appliqu machine embroidery designs that will make it more unique. The fabric used in these machines needs to be pulled taut in order to have the needed tension for the appliqu machine embroidery designs to turn out correctly. In some cases, it is better to have the designs completed before the fabric is cut into smaller pieces for the quilt. Tailors also need appliqu machine embroidery designs for regular clothing as well. Whether it is an intricate design added to a wedding dress or a decorative element added to a shirt, the raised and sometimes colorful pattern adds more depth to the garment. When choosing fabrics to give a tailor for appliqu machine embroidery designs, the background pattern needs to be taken into consideration and it should mesh well with the appliqu pattern that will be sewn into it. As can be seen, the tools of the trade for a tailor have taken on a distinct technical element in addition to the traditional needle and thread.