Stitches (Temporary & Permanent) (Primary 6- Home Economics Lesson Note: First Term, Week Eight)

Lesson Plan for Primary Six (Age 11)

Subject: Home Economics
Class: Primary Six
Week of the First Term: 8th Week
Topic: Stitches (Temporary & Permanent)
Subtopics:
(i) Examples of temporary stitches (tacking, basting).
(ii) Examples of permanent stitches (running stitch, backstitch).

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Instructional Objectives
At the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:

1. Identify and describe the purpose of at least two temporary stitches and two permanent stitches.
2. Demonstrate how to perform tacking and running stitches on fabric.
3. Evaluate the appropriateness of different stitches for various sewing tasks.

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Entry Behaviour
Pupils should already know the basics of sewing, including the use of needles and thread, as well as basic fabric types from previous lessons.

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Instructional Materials

1. Spectrum Home Economics For Primary School 6 Textbook
2. Samples of fabrics for practice
3. Visual aids showing examples of temporary and permanent stitches

Reference Materials
Sobowale, S., Umar, S., & Ogbonna, C. (2017). Spectrum Home Economics For Primary School 6 Textbook. Spectrum Book Limited. Lagos.

Content
(i). Examples of Temporary Stitches 

1. Tacking Stitch: Tacking is a simple temporary stitch used to hold layers of fabric together before permanent stitching. It’s often done with long, loose stitches.
   • How to Use:
     • Use a contrasting thread to easily see the tacking stitches.
     • Take long stitches across the fabric, about 1-2 inches apart.
     • Once the fabric pieces are securely held, you can easily remove the tacking stitches.
2. Basting Stitch: Basting is similar to tacking but usually involves longer stitches. It’s used for fitting garments or temporarily holding fabric layers in place.
   • How to Use:
     • Thread a needle with a longer length of thread and tie a knot at the end.
     • Make long, loose stitches through all layers of fabric, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
     • This stitch can be removed easily once the permanent stitching is done.
3. Running Stitch (as a Temporary Stitch): The running stitch can also be used as a temporary stitch for gathering fabric or holding layers together.
   • How to Use:
     • Use a simple running stitch technique, making small, evenly spaced stitches along the fabric edge.
     • It can be pulled slightly to gather the fabric if needed.
4. Slip Stitch (Temporary Use): The slip stitch can be used to temporarily hold hems or seams in place while preparing for permanent stitching.
   • How to Use:
     • Insert the needle under the hem fabric and pull through, then take a small stitch from the main fabric.
     • Repeat this process, making sure the stitches are loose enough to be easily removed later.

(ii) Examples of Permanent Stitches

1. Straight Stitch: The straight stitch is the most common and basic stitch used in sewing. It creates a line of stitching that secures fabric layers together.
   • How to Use:
     • Set the sewing machine to a straight stitch setting.
     • Place the fabric under the presser foot and sew along the desired seam allowance, ensuring even spacing.
2. Zigzag Stitch: The zigzag stitch is versatile and is used for finishing edges to prevent fraying, as well as for stretchy fabrics.
   • How to Use:
     • Adjust the sewing machine to the zigzag stitch setting.
     • Sew along the raw edges of the fabric to create a secure finish.
3. Backstitch: The backstitch is a hand-sewing stitch that creates a strong seam, often used in areas that require durability.
   • How to Use:
     • Insert the needle into the fabric and take a stitch forward, then bring the needle back one stitch length.
     • Repeat this process, ensuring the stitches are close together for strength.
4. Blind Hem Stitch: The blind hem stitch is used to hem garments without visible stitching on the front side, ideal for hems on dresses and trousers.
   • How to Use:
     • Fold the hem up and secure it in place.
     • Use a sewing machine set to the blind hem stitch setting, ensuring that the needle picks up a small amount of the main fabric while sewing the hem.
5. French Seam: A French seam encloses raw edges within the seam, providing a neat finish often used for delicate fabrics.
   • How to Use:
     • Sew the fabric pieces together with wrong sides facing, using a narrow seam allowance.
     • Trim the seam allowance and then sew again with right sides facing, encasing the raw edges.
6. Topstitch: A topstitch is an additional line of stitching on the outside of a garment, often used for decorative purposes or to secure layers.
   • How to Use:
     • After constructing the garment, sew a straight stitch along the desired seam or edge to add detail and secure layers.

Step 1: Introduction

Lesson Presentation (Step-by-Step Procedure)

Others removed.