Franco’s Toolkit — Garment District Edition

The Franco Toolkit — Garment District Edition is a curated set of professional pattern-making tools used inside our New York City atelier. Every ruler, curve, and drafting instrument is sourced directly from long-standing suppliers on 39th Street, reflecting the same Garment District ecosystem that shaped Franco’s 70+ years of craftsmanship. This toolkit is the exact set used in our in-person sessions and within Franco’s Studio digital program. The tools included support the essential stages of traditional rub-off pattern-making: garment analysis, balance-point reading, muslin drafting, and translating an existing garment into a clean, accurate paper pattern. Nothing included is decorative or unnecessary. Each item is selected for precision, durability, and direct alignment with the methods taught in Franco’s Studio. Included in the Toolkit — 21 pieces 18” Transparent Ruler — for balance lines and proportional checks 2 ft Metal Ruler — for long, straight drafting lines Metal Hip Curve — for clean side seams and trouser shaping Tape Measure — for accurate body and garment measurement French Curve — for armholes, necklines, and refined contours Tracing Wheel — for rub-off transfers and seam mapping Carbon Paper Sheet — for transferring internal construction lines Wooden Awl — for marking pivot points and precision reference holes Wax Chalk (Garment District standard) — for clean, consistent markings Marking Pens (Red + Blue) — for structural lines and annotations Eraser — for clean corrections without paper damage Masking Tape — for securing drafts and pattern alignment Pattern Paper (5 yards) — for full draft transfers and revisions Muslin (5 yards) — for drafting tests and fit analysis Straight Pins — for securing muslin and paper layers Hand-Sewing Needles — for temporary stitching and corrections Tex 21 Thread — for basting and sample construction Thread Cutter — for clean, controlled cuts Seam Ripper — for precise garment deconstruction Mundial 8½” Shears — for fabric and muslin cutting Thimble — for hand protection during stitching Every tool in this kit carries the lineage of the Garment District. Franco still drafts with these same instruments today. By purchasing this toolkit, you directly support the remaining suppliers who continue to operate within New York City’s Garment District—preserving both material culture and the livelihoods that built it. Designed for rub-off drafting, garment dissection, muslin development, and the full workflow taught in our classes, this toolkit serves both beginners and experienced designers seeking structure, accuracy, and permanence in their work. Toolkit owners receive exclusive access to our Reorder Portal, allowing you to restock chalk, muslin, and selected tools directly through our atelier using the same professional materials sourced from the district. This ensures continuity in both process and material language. Each kit is assembled by hand inside the DIONYSOS Atelier. Garment District–inspired wrapping. All orders ship from New York City via USPS Priority Mail, with tracking provided automatically upon fulfillment.