Steps (2)

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. 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. 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. 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. East Wind brand tacking needles
1960s to 1970s
Hong Kong Museum of History collection

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. 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.