Guides for tailors and makers
Short, practical notes on choosing and using tailoring materials, written from 50 years behind the counter in Chennai.
6 min read
Where to Buy Tailoring Materials and Accessories Wholesale in Chennai
Buy tailoring materials and accessories wholesale from Sowcarpet, Chennai, at trade rates with dispatch across India.
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4 min read
Appliques and Patches for Clothes: Floral, Stonework, Nursery and Embossed
Floral, stonework, nursery and embossed patches lift a plain garment fast. Here is how to use each.
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5 min read
Sewing Machine Needles and Bobbins: A Simple Setup Guide
The right needle size and a clean bobbin fix most stitch problems. Here is how to set up correctly.
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5 min read
Garment Linings Explained: Jacket, Printed and Satin Lining
Jacket, printed and satin linings each suit a different garment. Here is how to match the lining to the cloth.
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4 min read
Velcro and Hook-and-Loop Tape: Uses, Sizes and Where to Buy in Chennai
Black or white, sew-on or stick-on, narrow or wide. Here is how to pick the right velcro for the job.
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5 min read
Overlock and Speciality Threads Explained
From overlock cones to embroidery and crochet threads, each type has a machine and a finish it is made for.
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4 min read
Shoulder Pads, Chest Pads and Blouse Pads for Structured Wear
Shoulder, chest and blouse pads give garments their shape. Here is which pad does what, and where double tape fits in.
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4 min read
Saree Cancan and Fish Net for Lehenga and Gown Volume
Cancan and fish net are what give a lehenga or gown its flare. Here is how to choose and how much to use.
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4 min read
Choosing the Right Elastic for Pants, Petticoats, Jeans and Masks
The right elastic depends on the garment: width, grade and stretch all change from a petticoat to a pair of jeans.
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5 min read
Pant Grips, Pocket Cloth and Hair Canvas Explained
Pant grip, pocket cloth and hair canvas are the three hidden materials that decide how a trouser sits.
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5 min read
Fusible Canvas and Interlining: Collar, Jacket, Microdot and Lehenga
Fusible canvas adds shape to collars, jackets and lehengas. Match the weight and the glue to the fabric.
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4 min read
Hip Curve vs French Curve Scales, and the Pattern-Making Scale Set
The hip curve shapes long seams, the french curve shapes tight ones, and a scale set covers the rest.
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5 min read
Choosing Buttons for Every Garment: Shirt, Coat, Safari and Coconut
Shirt, coat, safari and coconut buttons each suit a different garment. Here is how to match the button to the cloth.
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4 min read
What Is a Pressing Hook? Pant Hooks and Bar Fasteners for Waistbands
A pressing hook is the flat metal hook and bar that fastens a trouser or skirt waistband under the button.
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4 min read
Pant Belt Roll, Shirt Patti and Cuff Rolls Explained
Belt roll stiffens the waistband, shirt patti holds the placket straight, and cuff rolls keep cuffs firm.
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5 min read
Saree Laces Buying Guide: Cotton, Guipure, Ric Rac and Nylon
Cotton, guipure, ric rac and nylon laces each suit a different border; here is how to choose.
Read guide4 min read
Tailoring Tools Every Tailor Needs: Tapes, Scales and Curves
From the measuring tape to the French curve, these are the tools behind an accurate fit.
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5 min read
Choosing the Right Sewing Thread: Spade Poly, Ameto and Overlock
Spade poly, Ameto and overlock threads each have a use; match the thread to the fabric and the machine.
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Blouse Hooks, Pant Hooks and Fasteners Explained
Sew-on blouse hooks, snap press buttons and flat pant hooks each have a job, and a place on the garment.
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5 min read
Types of Zips and When to Use Them: Pant, Invisible, Jacket and Metal
Pant, invisible, jacket and metal zips each suit a different garment, and the wrong one shows.
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