Home Science — Clothing

Subtopic: Tools and Equipment

These are the common tools and equipment you will meet when learning to make or repair clothes. The examples and fabrics are things you can find in Kenya — such as kitenge and khanga. Keep it safe and ask an adult when using sharp or electric tools.

Main tools and what they do

• Measuring tape 📏 — A soft tape used to measure bodies and cloth. Always read numbers carefully (cm and inches).
• Fabric scissors ✂️ — Sharp scissors only for cutting cloth. Do not use for paper or hair.
• Hand sewing needles 🪡 — Small metal needles for sewing by hand. Choose the right size for the thread and fabric.
• Thread 🧵 — Comes in many colours. Match the colour to the fabric (white, black, or a close shade).
• Safety pins & pins 🧷 — Hold pieces of cloth together before sewing. Use a pin cushion and do not leave pins on the floor.
• Tailor's chalk or pencil ✏️ — For marking lines on fabric when cutting or sewing.
• Seam ripper ✂️(undo tool) — For removing stitches if you make a mistake. Use carefully.
• Thimble — Protects your finger when pushing a needle through thick cloth (ask teacher where to get one).
• Sewing machine 🧵⚙️ — Used to sew quickly. Machines are found in tailoring shops and schools — use only with an adult or teacher nearby.
• Iron & ironing board — Used to press seams and make cloth flat. Always plug/unplug with permission.
• Buttons, zips, elastic — Fasteners used to finish clothes. You will learn to sew on buttons and attach zips.
• Fabric — Kitenge, khanga, cotton, denim and others. Each fabric needs different needle and thread strength.
• Storage boxes & baskets — Keep small tools like buttons and threads safe and tidy.

How to use and care for tools (simple rules)

1. Keep tools in a box or basket when not using them so they don’t get lost or cause injuries.
2. Only use fabric scissors for cloth. Wipe blades clean and keep them sharp with help from an adult.
3. Thread needles carefully. Use a thimble for thick fabrics to protect your finger.
4. Unplug the iron after use. Let it cool before putting it away.
5. Keep pins in a pin cushion and throw away bent or rusty pins.
6. Ask a teacher or adult to oil and service a sewing machine. Do not try to fix it yourself.

Safety tips

• Always work at a clean table with good light.
• Point scissors downwards when walking. Carry them closed by the handle.
• Keep pins and needles away from small children and pets.
• Do not touch the hot part of the iron. Use an adult to help with plugging and unplugging.
• If you cut yourself, tell an adult and clean the wound right away.

Simple activity: Make a hand-sewn bookmark (about 20–30 minutes)

Use a small scrap of kitenge or cotton. This activity helps you practise measuring, cutting and sewing.

1. Measure and cut a rectangle 20 cm x 7 cm (use measuring tape and fabric scissors).
2. Fold the long edges inwards about 0.5 cm and press with your fingers or ask an adult to press with an iron.
3. Pin the edges so they do not move.
4. Sew around the edge by hand with small straight stitches, or use a sewing machine with adult help.
5. Add a button or a small decoration if you like.
6. Trim loose threads and press the bookmark flat.

Quick questions (use with teacher)

• Q: Which tool do you use to measure the body? (A: Measuring tape)
• Q: Why should you not use fabric scissors to cut paper? (A: It makes them dull for cloth)
• Q: Who should help when using an electric sewing machine or iron? (A: An adult or teacher)

Tip: Visit a local tailor or market to see these tools in real life — tailors in Kenya often use kitenge and other local fabrics. Watching a tailor work is a great way to learn.