Class: Senior Secondary School 1 (SS1 / SSS 1)
Term: 3rd Term
Week: 5
Age: 15 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Garment Making
Curriculum Theme: Trade
Previous Lesson: Fastening In Garments.
Topic: FASTENING
Subject Matter: Methods of attaching zips, Practical attachment, Finishing edges

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain:

Define a zip.
Identify different types of zips.
State various methods of attaching zips to garments.

Affective Domain:

Appreciate the importance of neat and secure zip attachment.
Show interest in learning practical skills for garment construction.

Psychomotor Domain:

Demonstrate the correct procedure for attaching a zip.
Finish the edges of a garment neatly after zip attachment.

Collaborate with peers during practical sewing activities.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

9 Years Basic Education Curriculum for Home Economics.
State Unified Scheme of Work for Senior Secondary Garment Making.
Okoro, E.A. (2010). Clothing and Textile for Senior Secondary Schools. Evans Brothers (Nigeria Publishers) Limited.

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

Various types of zips (e.g., closed-ended, open-ended, concealed).
Fabric scraps for practical work.
Sewing machine with a zipper foot.
Hand sewing needles and matching threads.
Scissors, pins, measuring tape, chalk.
Iron and ironing board.
Chart showing different methods of zip attachment.

Rationale for the Lesson

Understanding how to attach fasteners like zips correctly is important in garment making. This lesson enables pupils to produce functional and well-finished garments, which is a valuable skill for personal use and potential vocational opportunities in tailoring and fashion design.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils are expected to have basic knowledge of sewing stitches, operating a sewing machine, and general garment construction terms.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

Fastening: Methods of Attaching Zips

Definition of a Zip

A zip (or zipper) is a common fastening device used to join two edges of fabric or other flexible material. It consists of two rows of teeth or coils on flexible tapes that are pulled together by a slider to open or close the fastening.

Types of Zips

The following are common types of zips:

Closed-ended Zips: These zips have stoppers at both ends, meaning they cannot be separated completely. They are commonly used in skirts, trousers, and dresses.
Open-ended Zips: These zips can be completely separated at the bottom. They are used in jackets, coats, and other garments where the opening needs to be fully detached.
Concealed (Invisible) Zips: These zips are designed to be hidden within the seam, making them almost invisible when closed. They are often used in formal wear and delicate fabrics.
Metal Zips: Zips with metal teeth, known for their durability.
Nylon Coil Zips: Zips with plastic coils, which are lightweight and flexible.

Tools and Materials for Zip Attachment

The following are essential tools and materials for attaching zips:

Zip (appropriate type and length)
Fabric for the garment
Sewing machine (with a zipper foot)
Matching sewing thread
Hand sewing needle (for tacking or finishing)
Scissors
Pins
Chalk or fabric marker
Measuring tape or ruler
Iron and ironing board

Methods of Attaching Zips

The following are common methods for attaching zips:

Lapped Zip: In this method, one side of the fabric laps over the zip teeth, covering them completely. It creates a neat, concealed finish and is often used in skirts and trousers.
Centred Zip: Also known as slot seam zip. The zip is centred in the seam, with equal amounts of fabric on either side of the zip teeth. It creates a symmetrical finish and is commonly used in the back of dresses.
Concealed (Invisible) Zip: This method uses a special invisible zip and zipper foot to sew the zip directly into the seam allowance, making it virtually undetectable from the right side of the fabric.

Steps for Attaching a Lapped Zip

The following are the general steps for attaching a lapped zip:

Prepare the garment opening: Machine-stitch the seam up to the point where the zip will end, then tack the remaining opening closed. Press the seam open.
Place the zip face down on the seam allowance, ensuring the teeth align with the seam line.
Machine-stitch the right-hand side of the zip tape to the seam allowance, close to the teeth.
Turn the garment to the right side.
Position the fabric so that one side of the opening covers the zip teeth by a small, consistent overlap (e.g., 1.5 cm).
Machine-stitch this lapped edge, starting from the top, across the bottom, and up the other side to secure the zip.
Remove the tacking stitches from the seam opening.

Finishing Edges After Zip Attachment

Finishing edges after zip attachment helps to prevent fraying and gives the garment a professional look. Common methods include:

Overlocking/Serging: Using an overlocker machine to create a neat, durable finish on raw edges.
Binding: Enclosing the raw edges with a strip of bias fabric.
Turning Under: Turning the raw edge under twice and stitching it down (narrow hem).
Zig-zag Stitch: Using a zig-zag stitch on a regular sewing machine to secure raw edges.

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques

Discussion, Lecture, Demonstration, Question and Answer, Visual Aids, Practical Activity

Instructional Procedures

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Set Induction
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the pupils, reviews the previous lesson on garment fasteners (e.g., buttons, hooks and eyes), and asks pupils to mention other types of fasteners they know. The teacher then introduces “zips” as a common type of fastener and states the lesson topic.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to questions, recall previous knowledge, and listen attentively to the introduction of the new topic.
Learning Point: Pupils are prepared for the lesson and connect new information to prior knowledge.

Step 2: Explanation of Zips and Types

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Illustration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher defines a zip, using a chart and actual zip samples to illustrate. The teacher then explains and shows different types of zips (closed-ended, open-ended, concealed) and discusses their uses.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the samples, listen to the explanations, and ask questions for clarification.
Learning Point: Pupils understand what a zip is and can identify different types.

Step 3: Discussion of Attachment Methods

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Discussion
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the main methods of attaching zips: lapped, centred, and concealed. The teacher uses the chart to show how each method appears on a garment and discusses when each method is most appropriate.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, observe the chart, and participate in the discussion by asking questions.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the different methods of zip attachment.

Step 4: Teacher Demonstration of Zip Attachment

Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher demonstrates the step-by-step process of attaching a lapped zip to a fabric scrap using a sewing machine and zipper foot. The teacher emphasizes neatness and accuracy.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils carefully observe the teacher’s demonstration, paying attention to the techniques and safety precautions.
Learning Point: Pupils observe the practical steps involved in attaching a zip.

Step 5: Practical Attachment by Pupils

Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Practical Application/Supervision
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher distributes fabric scraps and zips to pupils and guides them to practice attaching a lapped zip. The teacher moves around the classroom, providing individual assistance and correcting errors.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils practice attaching zips to their fabric scraps, following the demonstrated steps.
Learning Point: Pupils gain hands-on experience in attaching a zip.

Step 6: Finishing Edges

Time: 2 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Instruction
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher briefly discusses the importance of finishing edges after zip attachment and demonstrates a simple method like turning under or using a zig-zag stitch on the raw edges of the zip seam allowance.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe and understand the need for finishing edges.
Learning Point: Pupils learn how to finish edges neatly for a professional look.

Step 7: Evaluation/Review

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment

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

Define a zip.
Mention three types of zips.
State two methods of attaching zips.
List two tools needed for attaching a zip.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.

Step 8: Conclusion

Time: 3 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summarization
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the key points of the lesson, reiterating the importance of proper zip attachment for garment quality. The teacher assigns homework for pupils to practice attaching zips at home on discarded fabric.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and note down the homework.
Learning Point: Pupils consolidate their learning and are encouraged to practice further.

Lesson Keywords

Fastening – A device used to close or secure two parts of a garment or item together.
Zip – A common fastener consisting of two flexible strips of material with interlocking teeth or coils, joined or separated by a slider.
Lapped zip – A method of zip attachment where one side of the fabric overlaps the zip opening, concealing the zip teeth.
Centred zip – A method of zip attachment where the zip is placed centrally in the seam, with equal fabric on both sides of the zip teeth.
Concealed zip – A type of zip that is sewn into a seam in such a way that it is hidden from view when closed.
Seam allowance – The area between the fabric edge and the stitching line.

Differentiation

For pupils who are struggling, the teacher will provide closer supervision and simplified instructions, perhaps pairing them with more advanced learners. For pupils who grasp the concept quickly, the teacher can challenge them to attach a different type of zip (e.g., a concealed zip) or practice on a curved seam.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Ensure all necessary materials are available and in good working condition before the lesson. Emphasize safety when using sewing machines and sharp tools. Encourage pupils to practice diligently, as zip attachment requires precision. Provide ample fabric scraps for repeated practice. Demonstrate each step clearly and allow time for pupils to ask questions.