This question was very well answered by the candidates.

The required answers to the questions are as follows:

(a) (i) Points to consider when choosing tape measure

• Well marked on both sides, in centimeter inches.
• should have a metal tab at each end
• strong and firm
• Fabric should not stretch
• Should not fray

 (ii) Points to consider when choosing Sewing machine

• Choose a reliable durable make
• Spare parts should be easily available.
• Regular maintenance from the agents should be readily available.
• It should be suitable for the purpose.
• Buy the one you can easily operate
• Buy the best your money can afford
• Money available.

           (iii)      Work table

• Smooth and flat surfaces
• Wide enough for the fabric (for laying out)
• Height should be such that the worker can stand.
• Accessible from all four comers
• No high polished surfaces to avoid fabric sliding
• Be strong and stable.

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(iv) Points to consider when choosing Cutting out shears

•  One rounded blade and one curve well pointed blade stainless steel
  should be considered.
• The blade should be sharp
• Must be of good quality.

        (vi)      Points to consider when choosing Dress maker's pins

• Steel pins - stainless is preferable
• Sharp and fine
• Avoid rusty pins.

(b)      Care of the following equipment:
(i) Sewing machine

• Remove all threads, pins etc
• Stop the motion of the needle when not in use.
• Remove plug from the electric socket.
• Cover the machine when not in use.
• Never use while any part of it is loose.
• Oil the machine according to manufacturer's instructions.

           (ii).      Work table

• Keep clean.
• Do not eat on cutting table
• Clean according to nature of the surface
• Avoid scratching the surface with pins, tracing wheel and scissors.

(iii). Cutting out shears

• Use only for cutting fabrics, not paper
• Keep dry to avoid rusting  
• Place in it
• Oil the screw when not in use
• .place in its cover when not in use
• Avoid dropping so that tips will not chip or blades go out of alignment;
• Tighten loose screw

(iv). Tape measure

• Keep the tape rolled when not in use.
• Do not snip the edge when measuring lengths of material.
• Cut tapes should not be used.

                       (v).      Care of dressmaker's pins

• Keep pins in a box lined with paper
• Put in air tight containers and add white talcum or dusting powder to avoid rust
• Keep in pin cushion while working.

                       G)      Uses of Equipment

• Tracing wheel: It is used with carbon paper for transferring markings from patterns to fabric.
• Used in pattern adaption for transferring construction lines.

                      (ii)       Stiletto:

• It is used for eyelet making
• For removing tacking threads.

                      (iii)      Bodkin: used for threading, ribbon, tapes, core and elastic.
                      (iv)      Magnet: It is used for picking pins and needles.
                      (v)       Thimble: It is used to protect the middle finger while sewing with needles or using pins.