Types and Uses of Simple Sewing Tools and Equipment (Primary 5- Home Economics Lesson Note: Second Term, Week Eight)

Week Eight

Subject: Home Economics
Class: Primary Five
Week of the Second Term: 8th Week
Topic: Types and Uses of Simple Sewing Tools and Equipment
Subtopic 1: Practicing Permanent Stitches
Subtopic 2: Techniques for Running, Back, and Hemming Stitches

Objectives

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

1. Identify and describe the purpose of running, back, and hemming stitches in sewing projects, providing examples of their applications.
2. Demonstrate the correct techniques for performing running, back, and hemming stitches, ensuring accuracy and neatness in their work.
3. Collaborate with classmates to evaluate the effectiveness of different stitching techniques and provide constructive feedback on each other’s work.

Entry Behaviour

Pupils should already have a basic understanding of temporary stitches and prior experience with simple sewing tools. They should know the difference between temporary and permanent stitches.

Instructional Materials

1. Spectrum Home Economics for Primary School Book 5 (Textbook)
2. Visual aids (charts showing examples of running, back, and hemming stitches)
3. Fabric swatches, needles, and threads for practical exercises

Reference Materials

• Sobowale, S., Umar, C., & Ogbonna, C. (2017). Spectrum Home Economics for Primary School Book 5. Spectrum Book Limited, Lagos.
• Olaitan, S. O., & Mbah, C. O. (2017). Wabp Home Economics for Primary School Book 5. Spectrum Book Limited, Lagos.

Content

Practicing Permanent Stitches: Techniques for Running, Back, and Hemming Stitches

Permanent stitches are essential in sewing, as they secure fabric pieces together to create a finished product. This section will cover three common techniques: running stitch, back stitch, and hemming stitch. Each technique has its own uses and advantages, making them valuable skills for any aspiring seamstress.

Running Stitch

The running stitch is one of the simplest and most commonly used stitches. It is often used for basic seams and gathering fabric.

1. Preparation:
   • Gather your materials, including two pieces of fabric, a needle, and thread.
   • Choose a thread color that contrasts with the fabric for visibility and thread your needle.
2. Technique:
   • Starting: Insert the needle from the back of the fabric to the front at your starting point, pulling the thread until the knot catches.
   • Stitching: Make small, evenly spaced stitches by inserting the needle into the fabric, pulling it through, and then skipping a short distance before inserting the needle again. Repeat this process, ensuring that the stitches are of equal length for a neat appearance.
   • Ending: Once you reach the end of the fabric, tie off the thread securely on the backside.
3. Uses: The running stitch is ideal for lightweight fabrics and can also be used for decorative purposes.

Back Stitch

The back stitch is a strong, secure stitch often used for seams that require durability. It creates a solid line of stitching, making it suitable for areas that undergo stress.

1. Preparation:
   • Gather your materials, including two fabric pieces, a needle, and thread.
   • Thread your needle and tie a knot at the end.
2. Technique:
   • Starting: Begin by making a small running stitch at the starting point, similar to the running stitch.
   • Stitching: Insert the needle into the fabric at the end of the last stitch (going from back to front) and then bring the needle back one stitch length behind that point. Pull the thread through.
   • Continue this process, inserting the needle at the end of the previous stitch and then one stitch length back. This creates a continuous line of stitching.
   • Ending: Once you reach the end, tie off the thread securely.
3. Uses: The back stitch is excellent for seams that need to withstand tension, such as the sides of garments.

Hemming Stitch

The hemming stitch is used to finish the edges of fabric, preventing fraying and creating a neat appearance. It can be done by hand or with a sewing machine.

1. Preparation:
   • Gather your materials, including the fabric to be hemmed, a needle, and thread.
   • Choose a thread color that matches the fabric for a seamless look.
2. Technique:
   • Folding: Fold the edge of the fabric to the desired length for the hem (typically ¼ inch or more) and press with an iron to create a crease.
   • Starting: Insert the needle from the back of the hemmed edge, hiding the knot inside the fold.
   • Stitching: Take a small stitch on the hemmed edge, then catch a tiny bit of the main fabric below it. Alternate between small stitches on the hem and tiny catches on the main fabric.
   • Ending: Once you reach the end, tie off the thread on the backside.
3. Uses: The hemming stitch is ideal for finishing the edges of skirts, pants, and other garments.

Step 1: Introduction

Lesson Presentation (Step-by-Step Procedure)

Others removed.