Fashion Designing, Style Sketching and Body Measurements for JSS 2

Class: JSS 2
Term: First Term
Week: 10
Age: 13 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Home Economics
Curriculum Theme: Clothing and Textile Design
Previous Lesson: First Term Home Economics Examination
Topic: Fashion Designing
Subject Matter: Style sketching and taking body measurements in fashion designing

Specific Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils/students should be able to:

Cognitive Domain

• Describe how to follow simple instructions to sketch clothing styles.
• Describe the process of taking accurate body measurements needed for garment construction.
• Describe the correct use of measuring tools such as the tape measure.
• Identify various common body measurements.
• State the importance of accurate measurements in fashion design.

Affective Domain

• Appreciate the role of sketching in fashion design.
• Value accuracy and precision when taking body measurements.
• Demonstrate care and responsibility in handling measuring tools.

Psychomotor Domain

• Sketch simple clothing styles following given instructions.
• Take accurate body measurements from a volunteer or mannequin.
• Demonstrate the correct use of a tape measure.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

• 2014 9 Years Basic Education Curriculum
• Relevant State Unified Scheme of Work
• FCT ERC/NAPPS Scheme of work

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

• Drawing paper
• Pencils and erasers
• Rulers
• Tape measures
• Example fashion sketches (printed or drawn)
• A mannequin or a volunteer student for demonstration

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson introduces students to fundamental skills in fashion design, specifically sketching and accurate measurement taking. These skills are essential for anyone interested in garment construction, tailoring, or fashion illustration. Mastering them provides a practical foundation for creating well-fitting and aesthetically pleasing clothing items.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Students should have basic drawing skills and a general understanding of different types of clothing.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

Fashion Designing, Style Sketching and Body Measurements

Sketching Clothing Styles

Sketching is the process of drawing initial designs for clothing. It helps to visualise ideas before actual construction. Follow these simple instructions to sketch clothing styles:

1. Start with a croquis, which is a basic outline of a human figure used as a template.
2. Draw the basic shape of the garment on the croquis, considering its silhouette and how it will fit the body.
3. Add details such as necklines, collars, sleeves, pockets, seams, and fastenings (buttons, zippers).
4. Consider the fabric type and how it drapes or falls on the body, adding folds and wrinkles where appropriate.
5. Use shading or colour to give the sketch more depth and realism.

Taking Accurate Body Measurements

Accurate body measurements are crucial for creating well-fitting garments. Incorrect measurements lead to ill-fitting clothes. When taking measurements:

1. Ensure the person being measured stands upright and relaxed.
2. Use a flexible tape measure.
3. Take measurements over light clothing or undergarments.
4. Do not pull the tape measure too tightly or leave it too loose.
5. Common body measurements include:
1. Bust/Chest: Measure around the fullest part of the bust, keeping the tape straight across the back.
2. Waist: Measure around the natural waistline, usually the narrowest part of the torso.
3. Hip: Measure around the fullest part of the hips, ensuring the tape is parallel to the floor.
4. Shoulder Width: Measure from one shoulder bone to the other across the back.
5. Arm Length: Measure from the shoulder bone to the wrist, with the arm slightly bent.
6. Neck: Measure around the base of the neck.
7. Skirt/Dress Length: Measure from the natural waistline to the desired hem length.
8. Trouser Length (Outseam): Measure from the natural waistline down the side of the leg to the desired hem length.

Correct Use of Measuring Tools (Tape Measure)

The tape measure is the primary tool for taking body measurements. Proper use and care ensure accuracy and longevity:

1. Holding: Hold the tape measure firmly but gently, ensuring it lies flat against the body without twisting.
2. Reading: Read the measurements at eye level. Most tape measures have markings in both inches and centimetres. Understand how to read both units.
3. Care:
1. Avoid stretching the tape measure, as this can distort its accuracy over time.
2. Do not fold or crease the tape measure; roll it up neatly after use.
3. Store it in a clean, dry place away from direct sunlight or extreme temperatures.
4. Check its accuracy periodically against a rigid ruler.

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques

Discussion, Demonstration, Guided Practice, Question and Answer, Explanation, Observation, Practical Activity

Instructional Procedures

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Engaging learners, Activating prior knowledge

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the students and asks them about their favourite clothing styles and how they think clothes are made to fit different people. The teacher then introduces the topic of fashion designing, sketching, and body measurements.

Pupils’ Activity: Students respond to questions and listen attentively to the introduction.

Learning Point: Introduction to fashion design

Step 2: Sketching Clothing Styles – Introduction

Time: 7 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explanation, Demonstration

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains what fashion sketching is and its importance in garment construction. The teacher shows examples of simple fashion sketches and outlines the basic steps for creating them, referring to the Board Summary.

Pupils’ Activity: Students observe the examples and listen to the explanation of sketching steps.

Learning Point: Understanding style sketching

Step 3: Sketching Clothing Styles – Practical

Time: 8 minutes

Teaching Skill: Guided Practice, Observation

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher distributes drawing materials and guides students to sketch a simple clothing style (e.g., a basic dress or shirt) on paper, following the instructions discussed. The teacher moves around to provide individual assistance.

Pupils’ Activity: Students attempt to sketch a clothing style, applying the instructions.

Learning Point: Practicing clothing sketches

Step 4: Body Measurements – Introduction

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explanation, Questioning

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher introduces the concept of body measurements, explaining why they are important for garment construction. The teacher names common body measurements and asks students where they think these measurements are taken.

Pupils’ Activity: Students identify common measurements and discuss their importance.

Learning Point: Importance of measurements

Step 5: Body Measurements – Practical

Time: 8 minutes

Teaching Skill: Demonstration, Guided Practice

Teacher’s Activity: Using a mannequin or a volunteer student, the teacher demonstrates how to take accurate body measurements for bust, waist, hip, and length, explaining each step clearly. Students are encouraged to practice in pairs.

Pupils’ Activity: Students observe the demonstration and then practice taking measurements in pairs, under teacher guidance.

Learning Point: Taking body measurements

Step 6: Use of Measuring Tools

Time: 3 minutes

Teaching Skill: Demonstration, Explanation

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher demonstrates the correct way to hold and read a tape measure. The teacher also explains how to care for the tape measure to maintain its accuracy and longevity, referring to the Board Summary.

Pupils’ Activity: Students observe the demonstration and listen to the instructions on tool care.

Learning Point: Proper use of tape measure

Step 7: Evaluation/Review

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:

1. What is the first step when sketching a clothing style?
2. Mention two important body measurements needed for garment construction.
3. Demonstrate how to correctly hold a tape measure.
4. Why is it important to take accurate body measurements?

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Assessment of learning

Step 8: Note-Taking

Time: 4 minutes

Teaching Skill: Guided Writing

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides pupils/students to copy the essential Board Summary notes on style sketching, body measurements, and tool use into their notebooks.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils/students copy the notes carefully into their notebooks.

Learning Point: Recording lesson notes

Step 9: Conclusion

Time: 1 minute

Teaching Skill: Reinforcement

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarises the lesson by reiterating the importance of sketching and accurate measurements in fashion designing. The teacher encourages students to practice these skills at home.

Pupils’ Activity: Students listen and prepare for the next lesson.

Learning Point: Reinforcement of concepts

Continuous Assessment/Further Study

Type: Homework/Practice Exercise

Instruction: Complete the following tasks at home:

1. Sketch a simple design for a skirt or a pair of trousers.
2. With the help of an adult, take and record your own bust, waist, and hip measurements.
3. Describe two ways to care for a tape measure.

Lesson Keywords

• Fashion Designing – The art of applying design, aesthetics, clothing construction and natural beauty to clothing and its accessories.
• Sketching – The process of making a quick, rough drawing to represent an idea or design.
• Body Measurements – Specific dimensions of the human body, taken for the purpose of garment construction.
• Tape Measure – A flexible ruler used to measure size or distance, especially for curved surfaces.
• Croquis – A basic sketch of a human figure used as a template for fashion design.

Differentiation

For students who struggle, the teacher can provide pre-drawn croquis for sketching and offer more one-on-one guidance during measurement practice. Advanced students can be challenged to sketch a more complex garment design or research additional body measurements used in tailoring.

Suggested Lesson Videos

Search YouTube for: “JSS 2 fashion sketching and body measurements” or “how to take body measurements for sewing”