Most Important Tailor Equipment For New Fashion Designers in Nigeria

Visit any tailor shop in Lagos or Abuja and you would find dozens of tools and machines. This may be intimidating as a new fashion designer just entering the game. . As a new fashion designer, this can be quite intimidating, and one may think that in order to start, they must purchase a bunch of machines and equipment. This, however, is not the case. Before many Nigerian tailors became successful, they had a few basic tools to start with, and smart beginners would invest in a few pieces of equipment that would allow them to tailor and produce quality work.

 As a new tailor, here is a list of things that are essential to starting your business, without spending on a bunch of tools that you won’t need initially.

A Reliable Sewing Machine

For many beginners, this is the top priority, and in Nigeria, a reliable domestic machine (sewing) from a recognised brand, such as Singer or Brother, is an excellent machine that will work with any type of design; however, tailors need to be careful with the most inexpensive models because they will be overly frustrating and break quickly. 

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Machines need to be the type that sew both straight and zigzag stitches, as well as any and every type of fabric, from the most delicate to the heaviest. There are many shops in Nigeria that sell sewing machines in order to compare them with other models in other countries. Machines that will later work in mass production and will be able to sew at a rapid speed will not be needed early on. The priority in the early stages is reliability, not decorative features.

Quality Fabric Scissors and Shears

Do not use ordinary scissors to cut fabric. Cutting with professional fabric shears yields clean cuts that do not fray. Purchase two pairs: a big one to cut patterns, and a small one to do more detailed work. Keep them sharp and use them only for fabric–cutting paper dulls the blades quickly. Although quality shears are more expensive, they last longer for years. This is one of the tools where investment in quality will deliver instant payoff. 

Measuring Tools That Don’t Lie

What separates professional tailors from amateurs is the ability to take accurate measurements. To get all the measurements, a quality measuring tape, a ruler, and chalk for fabric markers for tailors need to be in the collection. Measuring tapes that don’t stretch over time are the best. 

Fibreglass measuring tapes are the best. Measuring tapes, markers, and rulers can be purchased at tailoring supply stores across Nigeria and are good for more than just measuring. Measuring tools are more than just a means of measurement.

An Iron and an Ironing Board

Ironing is often underestimated. However, professional pressing is actually quite important. When looking at steam irons, you want to get a good quality steam iron as the reasonably priced ones could create issues when trying to set seams, remove wrinkles, and provide a polished finish that your customers want. 

In the beginning, you won’t need a large press, just a good quality iron and a solid ironing board will do the trick. You will want to get steam irons with temperature dials to accommodate all the different fabrics available. This basic equipment will elevate your work to a professional level.

Collection of Thread, Pins and Needles

You should have assorted needle types for fabrics of different weights, which means fine needles for silk and heavy needles for denim. Pins of good quality will hold textiles firmly enough so that you can sew without worry that they’ll leave a big hole. Along with a good quality thread that has different colours and is of good reputation, you can cover most of your project colours, which will include black, white, navy, brown, and beige; and that will be most of your projects. 

These little retail purchases for your collection may be pricey, but they are of high utility value each and every single day.

Dress Forms or Mannequin

These aren’t needed right at the beginning, but dress forms make it easier to create accurate fittings, especially when clients are not available to do multiple fittings. This is great for wedding dresses, fitted styles, and for fittings with lots of complex adjustments. 

Get an adjustable form first, one that fits the average Nigerian body type. A lot of tailors don’t start with one and get one after their first few months when consistent revenue starts coming in.

Cutting Table and Pattern Paper

Big pattern paper allows you to make and store templates of recurring clients to save time on popular styles. A well-built cutting table at a convenient height will save your back and help you be more precise.

A large wooden board, laid on sawhorses, is the most suitable for beginners who are looking to cut costs–a large table is needed, but it is much cheaper than professional tables. With the expansion of your business, you will be able to replace it with the right furniture. The trick here is to have a flat surface, which is stable at the correct height to avoid any strain on the body during the prolonged cutting.

It’s a new year, how do you manage your finances this year as a beginner in the business? Read more on: Survive 2026 Finances: What Every Nigerian Tailor Must Know to Thrive

How FAMK Apparel Is Taking Your Tailoring to the Next Level with Digital Embroidery

Once basic skills have been mastered, embroidered details can be a great way to stand out. FAMK Apparel is a pioneer in digital embroidery for mainstream African fashion in Nigeria, while others used digital embroidery for logo printing. We were the first to use machine embroidery on agbadas, kaftans, boubous, and danshikis, changing the way Nigerian fashion designers added luxury details.

Start Off Simple, Grow Big With Strategy

You won’t need everything right on the first day. Start with the basic tools: sewing machine, cutting tools, measuring tools, and other basic supplies. As more clients come in and more revenue comes in, more tools can be bought. Observe established tailors in your area, ask questions, and buy tools that help you with the actual problems at hand instead of tools that can sit and never be used.

Every weekend, owambes in Lagos showcase our embroidery masterpieces on agbada flaps and pockets. We provide designs on flaps that save time, colour matching, placement, thread quality, and detailing in multiple machine embroidery formats. FAMK delivers embroidered flaps, custom monograms, and luxury that makes clients look regal at affordable prices. 
Explore FAMK Apparel and see for yourself why tailors nationwide refer to us as the best embroidery maker. Let us help you give your clients that extra touch of magic.