Tools, Equipment and Workplace Safety
What the domain tests
The Tools, Equipment and Workplace Safety section of the Punjab PSEB Matric Cutting and Tailoring paper checks whether you can identify tools by stage, choose the correct one for a fabric, and set up a sewing space without injury.
Core tools
- Measuring: fibreglass tape, sewing gauge, metre stick. Keep the tape flat; a stretched tape records a short measurement.
- Marking: tailor's chalk, tracing wheel and carbon, pattern notcher, awl.
- Cutting: bent-handled dressmaking shears, pinking shears, seam ripper, rotary cutter with mat and ruler.
- Drafting: L-square, set square, French curve, hip curve.
- Machine: needles 70/10 to 100/16, bobbins, screwdriver, brush, machine oil.
Safety rules
Unplug the machine before oiling, cleaning or changing the needle. Keep fingers at least 3 cm from the needle and use an awl to guide fabric. Never hold pins in your mouth; use a magnetic pin cushion. Store shears closed and never cut paper with fabric shears. Use good light, a stable chair and a clear floor; keep the iron on a heatproof stand and the cord away from the pedal.
Worked example
A medium cotton poplin kameez needs a sharp needle that does not leave holes. Choose an 80/12 universal needle; for denim use 100/16; for a knit use a ballpoint 75/11. Reasoning: needle size and point must match fabric weight and structure, otherwise you get skipped stitches, holes or a broken needle.
Traps that cost marks
Cutting pattern pieces with pinking shears; cutting paper with dressmaking shears; leaving the machine plugged in while changing the needle; measuring with a twisted or stretched tape; storing pins open on the floor.