Class: Senior Secondary School 1 (SS1 / SSS 1)
Term: 2nd Term
Week: 6
Age: 15 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Garment Making
Curriculum Theme: Trade
Previous Lesson: Basic Stitches: Types And Uses of Basic Stitches.
Topic: BASIC STITCHES
Subject Matter: Practical stitching, Working of different stitches, Stitch finishing
Specific Objectives
By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:
Cognitive Domain:
- Define basic stitches.
- Identify at least three types of basic stitches.
- State the uses of different basic stitches.
Affective Domain:
- Appreciate the importance of neat and accurate stitching.
- Develop patience and precision in practical work.
Psychomotor Domain:
- Demonstrate how to make at least three basic stitches correctly.
- Finish stitches neatly.
Social Domain:
- Work cooperatively with peers during practical sessions.
- Share instructional materials responsibly.
Reference Materials
The following resources were used in planning this lesson:
- 9 Years Basic Education Curriculum for Home Economics (Senior Secondary Education)
- State Unified Scheme of Work for Senior Secondary School 1 Garment Making
- Obe, O. (2018). Clothing and Textile for Senior Secondary Schools. Ibadan: University Press PLC.
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=basicstitches
- https://www.pinterest.com/basicstitches
Instructional Materials
The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:
- Pieces of plain fabric
- Assorted sewing threads
- Sewing needles
- Scissors
- Thimble
- Examples of finished basic stitches on fabric
Rationale for the Lesson
Understanding basic stitches is fundamental for pupils learning garment making. This lesson enables pupils to master the foundational hand-sewing techniques required for creating durable and neat garments, which is important for practical skills and daily life applications.
Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge
Pupils are expected to have prior knowledge of threading a needle, holding fabric, and basic safety rules for using sewing tools.
Lesson Content/Board Summary
BASIC STITCHES
Definition of Basic Stitches
Basic stitches are fundamental hand-sewing techniques used to join fabrics, finish edges, or add decorative details. They form the foundation for all sewing projects.
Importance of Basic Stitches
The following are reasons why basic stitches are important:
- They are essential for joining pieces of fabric together.
- They help to finish raw edges of fabric to prevent fraying.
- They are used for temporary and permanent construction.
- They contribute to the neatness and durability of a garment.
- They are foundational skills for more complex sewing tasks.
Types of Basic Stitches and Their Uses
The following are common types of basic stitches:
- Running Stitch: A simple stitch used for gathering, seaming, tucking, and temporary basting. It is made by passing the needle in and out of the fabric at regular intervals.
- Backstitch: A strong and durable stitch resembling machine stitching on the right side. It is used for permanent seams, mending, and outlining designs.
- Hemming Stitch: A slanting stitch used to hold down a folded edge (hem) invisibly or semi-invisibly. It is ideal for finishing garment edges like skirts and trousers.
- Whipping Stitch: A small, close stitch used to join two finished edges together, such as folded edges or lace to fabric. It is also used to finish buttonholes.
- Overcasting Stitch: A diagonal stitch used to finish raw fabric edges to prevent them from fraying. It is often used on seams that are not enclosed.
Stitch Finishing
Stitch finishing involves securing the end of a stitch line to prevent it from unraveling. This is usually done by making several small stitches on top of each other or by tying a knot close to the fabric.
Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques
Discussion, Lecture, Demonstration, Question and Answer, Visual Aids
Instructional Procedures
Step 1: Introduction
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Set Induction
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the pupils, takes attendance, reviews the previous lesson briefly, and then introduces the new topic, “BASIC STITCHES”, by asking pupils if they have ever sewn anything by hand.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to greetings, answer questions, and listen attentively to the introduction of the new topic.
Learning Point: Pupils recall previous knowledge and are prepared for the new lesson.
Step 2: Definition of Basic Stitches
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Definition
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher defines basic stitches and explains their general importance in garment making, using the board summary.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, take notes, and ask questions for clarification.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the meaning and overall importance of basic stitches.
Step 3: Importance of Basic Stitches
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Elaboration/Discussion
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher further elaborates on the specific importance of basic stitches, encouraging pupils to contribute their ideas on why neat stitches are necessary.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils participate in the discussion, sharing their thoughts and taking notes.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the practical applications and benefits of mastering basic stitches.
Step 4: Demonstration of Running and Backstitch
Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Practical Application
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher clearly demonstrates how to make the running stitch and the backstitch on a piece of fabric, explaining each step. The teacher then guides pupils to practice these stitches.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the demonstration carefully, then attempt to practice the running stitch and backstitch on their fabric pieces, seeking assistance where needed.
Learning Point: Pupils learn the technique for creating running and backstitches.
Step 5: Demonstration of Hemming and Whipping Stitch
Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Practical Application
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher demonstrates how to make the hemming stitch and the whipping stitch, highlighting their specific uses. The teacher then supervises pupils as they practice.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils watch the demonstration and then practice the hemming and whipping stitches on their fabric samples.
Learning Point: Pupils learn to make hemming and whipping stitches.
Step 6: Demonstration of Overcasting Stitch and Stitch Finishing
Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Practical Application
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher demonstrates the overcasting stitch for edge finishing and explains how to finish stitches neatly to prevent unraveling. Pupils are guided to practice.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the demonstration, practice the overcasting stitch, and learn how to secure their stitches.
Learning Point: Pupils learn to overcast edges and finish their stitches effectively.
Step 7: Evaluation/Review
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:
- What are basic stitches?
- Mention three types of basic stitches.
- State one use for the running stitch and one for the backstitch.
- How do you finish a stitch to prevent it from unraveling?
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.
Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.
Step 8: Conclusion
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summarization/Assignment
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the key points of the lesson, emphasizing the importance of practice for mastering basic stitches. Homework is assigned: Pupils are to practice all the stitches taught and bring their samples to the next class.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary, ask any final questions, and note down the homework.
Learning Point: Pupils consolidate their learning and are prepared for continued practice.
Lesson Keywords
- Basic stitches – Fundamental hand-sewing techniques.
- Running stitch – Simple stitch for gathering and temporary seams.
- Backstitch – Strong stitch for permanent seams.
- Hemming stitch – Used to secure folded edges of fabric.
- Whipping stitch – Used to join two finished edges.
- Overcasting stitch – Used to prevent raw fabric edges from fraying.
- Stitch finishing – Securing stitches to prevent unraveling.
Differentiation
For pupils who grasp the concepts quickly, the teacher can encourage them to assist peers who are struggling or to practice more complex variations of the stitches. For pupils requiring more support, the teacher will provide individualized guidance and additional demonstration, breaking down each stitch into smaller, manageable steps.
Note for teachers using this lesson plan
This lesson is highly practical, so adequate time for demonstration and pupil practice is important. Ensure each pupil has the necessary materials (fabric, needle, thread). Emphasize safety when using needles and scissors. Encourage neatness and precision throughout the practical session, as these are important skills in garment making.





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