Class: Senior Secondary School 1 (SS1 / SSS 1)
Term: Second Term
Week: 3
Age: 15 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Garment Making
Curriculum Theme: Trade
Previous Lesson: Care Of Sewing Machine.
Topic: MACHINE FAULTS
Subject Matter: Identification of faults, Causes of faults, Remedies to problems

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain:

Define machine faults.
Identify common faults that occur in a sewing machine.
State the causes of common sewing machine faults.
Explain the remedies for various machine problems.

Affective Domain:

Appreciate the importance of prompt identification and rectification of machine faults.
Develop a positive attitude towards regular machine maintenance.

Psychomotor Domain:

Demonstrate how to rectify simple machine faults like broken needles or tangled threads.
Practice basic troubleshooting techniques for a sewing machine.

Collaborate with peers in identifying and discussing solutions to machine problems.

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 Schools.
Garment Making for Senior Secondary Schools, Book 1.

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

A functional sewing machine.
Fabric scraps.
Sewing tools (e.g., screwdriver, oil can, spare needles).
Charts showing common machine faults and their solutions.

Rationale for the Lesson

Understanding machine faults is important for pupils to keep their sewing machines in good working condition. This knowledge helps them to troubleshoot problems quickly, ensuring smooth and efficient garment production and extending the life of the machine.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils have basic knowledge of operating a sewing machine and its main parts.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

MACHINE FAULTS

Introduction to Machine Faults

Machine faults are problems or malfunctions that prevent a sewing machine from operating correctly, leading to poor stitch quality or complete breakdown.

Common Machine Faults and Their Causes

The following are common machine faults and their causes:

Skipped Stitches:
- Causes: Bent or dull needle, incorrect needle size for fabric, improper threading, incorrect needle insertion, incorrect tension.
Broken Needle:
- Causes: Pulling fabric while sewing, using a bent or wrong-sized needle, hitting a pin, incorrect needle insertion.
Loose Stitches (Top or Bottom):
- Causes: Incorrect tension settings (too loose), improper threading of the machine or bobbin, lint in tension discs.
Tangled Thread (Bird’s Nesting):
- Causes: Incorrect tension, improper threading, bobbin case issues, lint accumulation.
Machine Jamming/Sticking:
- Causes: Too much thread build-up, foreign objects in the bobbin area, lack of lubrication, bent needle.
Broken Thread:
- Causes: Incorrect tension, worn or rough needle eye, poor quality thread, improper threading, lint in thread path, bent needle.

Remedies for Machine Faults

The following are remedies for common machine faults:

For Skipped Stitches:
- Replace the needle with a new, correct-sized one.
- Re-thread the machine carefully.
- Adjust the tension appropriately.
For Broken Needle:
- Replace the needle immediately.
- Avoid pulling the fabric while sewing.
- Ensure correct needle insertion.
For Loose Stitches:
- Adjust the tension dial (tighten for loose stitches).
- Re-thread both the top thread and the bobbin.
- Clean tension discs to remove lint.
For Tangled Thread:
- Check and adjust tension settings.
- Re-thread the entire machine, ensuring the bobbin is correctly wound and inserted.
- Clean the bobbin case area.
For Machine Jamming:
- Remove thread build-up.
- Inspect for and remove any foreign objects.
- Lubricate the machine according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
For Broken Thread:
- Adjust tension.
- Replace the needle if it is rough or bent.
- Use good quality thread.
- Re-thread the machine correctly.
- Clean the thread path and bobbin area.

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 and asks them if they have ever experienced any problems while using a sewing machine. The teacher then introduces the topic of machine faults and explains its relevance.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to the teacher’s questions and listen attentively.
Learning Point: Pupils are prepared for the lesson and understand its importance.

Step 2: Identification of Common Machine Faults

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher displays charts showing various machine faults and, using a sewing machine, demonstrates examples of how these faults appear (e.g., skipped stitches on a fabric sample). The teacher encourages pupils to identify other faults they may have encountered.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the demonstration, identify faults from the charts, and share their experiences.
Learning Point: Pupils can identify common machine faults.

Step 3: Discussing Causes of Machine Faults

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Discussion/Questioning
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher leads a discussion on the possible causes of the identified machine faults, relating them to parts of the sewing machine. The teacher explains how incorrect threading, tension, or a dull needle can lead to problems.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils contribute ideas, ask questions, and relate causes to the faults.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the underlying reasons for machine malfunctions.

Step 4: Demonstrating Remedies for Machine Faults

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Practical
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher demonstrates practical remedies for common faults, such as re-threading the machine, replacing a needle, cleaning the bobbin area, and adjusting tension. The teacher emphasizes safety precautions.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the demonstrations carefully and ask clarifying questions.
Learning Point: Pupils learn practical steps to correct machine faults.

Step 5: Evaluation/Review

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment

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

What is a machine fault?
Mention three common machine faults.
State two causes for skipped stitches.
Explain how to rectify a broken needle.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.

Step 6: Conclusion

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summarization
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the key points of the lesson, reiterating the importance of regular machine maintenance and proper handling to prevent faults. The teacher assigns pupils to observe and note any machine faults they encounter at home or in the workshop before the next class.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and copy down the assignment.
Learning Point: The lesson is reinforced, and pupils are encouraged to apply their learning.

Lesson Keywords

Fault – A defect or malfunction in a machine.
Tension – The tightness or looseness of the thread in a sewing machine.
Bobbin – A small spool that holds the lower thread in a sewing machine.
Needle – A slender tool with a sharp point and an eye for drawing thread through fabric.
Remedy – A solution or corrective action for a problem.

Differentiation

For pupils who grasp the concepts quickly, the teacher can challenge them to identify less common machine faults and research their solutions. For pupils needing more support, the teacher will provide one-on-one guidance during practical demonstrations and use simplified language and more visual aids.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Ensure that a functional sewing machine is available for practical demonstrations. Emphasize safety when handling machine parts and tools. Encourage pupils to participate actively by sharing their experiences and asking questions. Practical application of the remedies is important for skill development.