Selecting and Using Equipment: Fitting Supplies

MEASURING TAPE

A flexible, accurate tape measure is a must in the fitting room. The numbers and the fractional markings should be clearly marked and easy to read. Tapes marked to begin with the number one at each end help to prevent annoyance occurring during the fitting and alteration processes.

PENCIL

Pencils with lead of a medium softness mark clearly on pattern tissue or fitting muslin and don't smear. Insoluble carmine red lead pencils are very useful for marking fitting changes on muslin.

The markings don't bleed into the fabric when moisture is present.

CHART FOR RECORDING MEASUREMENTS

A chart can provide a systematic, orderly method for recording body measurements and for indicating the necessity and amount of ease for natural body movement. It can aid in the garment fitting and pattern alteration processes. The chart in Part Three organizes information in a concise, orderly manner. Space is also available for recording observations about body conformation and other information obtained during the figure evaluation.

SMALL-BEAD NECKLACE OR MEDIUM-WEIGHT CHAIN

Such a necklace or chain is very useful in fitting. Placed around the neck, it defines the position of the back neckline and width of the front neckline.

ELASTIC, TAPE, and BANDS

Elastic can be fitted around the body and used to define a line. Do not fit it so snugly that an indentation is formed. Choose a type that will not fold or roll. Use a 1/8 inch (3 mm) width for defining the armscyes and a 1% inch (6 mm) width for defining the waistline.

Twill tape or woven hem tape can be used for defining the hipline and for placing across the body between the tips of the bust and the shoulder blades when measuring the center lengths of the upper torso.

Grosgrain ribbon 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide or non-stretch fabric doubled to a 1 inch (2.5 cm) width is firm enough to anchor a skirt or pair of pants firmly in place during fitting. The fastened band may then be marked and used to indicate the size of the waistband or waist stay-tape.