- Cheongsam tailoring tools: Electric iron
Electric iron
Mid-20th century
Hong Kong Museum of History collection
Electric irons started to become popular in Hong Kong during the 1950s. To this day, cheongsam tailors still prefer using a heavy iron to press down the fabrics.
- Cheongsam tailoring tools: Spray can
Spray can
1950s to 1960s
Hong Kong Museum of History collection
Cheongsam tailors prefer to use traditional spray cans rather than irons with a steam function.
- Cheongsam tailoring tools: Portable ironing board
Portable ironing board
1980s
Hong Kong Museum of History collection
This small portable ironing board is particularly suited for ironing the sleeves of the cheongsam.
- Cheongsam tailoring tools: Copper glue scrappers
Copper glue scrappers
1960s to 1970s
Hong Kong Museum of History collection
While making a cheongsam, the tailor would mix flour, hot water and white alum into a glue and apply it to certain parts of the fabric. Once ironed, the fabric is stiffened, making it easier to cut, fix and sew.
- Cheongsam tailoring tools: Tacking needles
East Wind brand tacking needles
1960s to 1970s
Hong Kong Museum of History collection
- Cheongsam tailoring tools: Thimbles
Thimbles
1960s to 1970s
Hong Kong Museum of History collection
While sewing, a tailor usually wears a thimble around the second segment of the middle finger on his right hand to protect it from being pierced by the blunt end of the needle.
- Cheongsam tailoring tools: Steel pincers
Steel pincers
1960s to 1970s
Hong Kong Museum of History collection
The different sizes are used in the various procedures involved in making frog closures.