Class: Senior Secondary School 1 (SS1, SS 1, SSS1, SSS 1)
Term: 3rd Term
Week: 2
Age: 15 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Clothing and Textiles
Curriculum Theme: Clothing and Textiles
Previous Lesson: Drafting Simple Patterns: Symbols and Simple Items.
Topic: MAKING SIMPLE GARMENTS
Subject Matter: preparation of fabric, laying out pattern pieces, transferring pattern markings, cutting out procedures

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain:

State the importance of preparing fabric before cutting.
Identify the correct methods for laying out pattern pieces on fabric.
List different methods for transferring pattern markings.
Describe the proper procedures for cutting out garment pieces.

Affective Domain:

Appreciate the need for accuracy in fabric preparation and cutting.
Develop patience and attention to detail when working with patterns and fabric.

Psychomotor Domain:

Demonstrate the proper way to prepare fabric for cutting.
Successfully lay out pattern pieces on various types of fabric.
Transfer pattern markings accurately onto fabric.
Cut out garment pieces precisely following pattern lines.

Collaborate with peers to ensure correct pattern placement and cutting techniques.
Share tools and resources effectively during practical 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 School Clothing and Textiles.
Akinwumi, O.O. (2018). Clothing and Textiles for Senior Secondary Schools Book 1. University Press PLC.
https://www.thesprucecrafts.com/preparing-fabric-for-cutting-2977717
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F0m8l2v-44g

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

Simple garment pattern pieces (e.g., apron, simple skirt).
Various fabric samples (e.g., cotton, ankara).
Scissors (fabric shears).
Pins.
Tailor’s chalk, tracing wheel, carbon paper.
Measuring tape.
Iron and ironing board (optional, for fabric preparation).

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson helps pupils understand the foundational steps in garment construction. Mastering fabric preparation, pattern layout, and cutting ensures that garments are well-fitting and professionally finished, which is important for practical sewing skills and daily life applications.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils should have prior knowledge of basic sewing tools, different types of fabrics, and how to take body measurements.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

MAKING SIMPLE GARMENTS

Preparation of Fabric for Cutting

Fabric preparation is the initial step before cutting out garment pieces. It ensures that the fabric is in its best condition for accurate cutting and to prevent issues during sewing.

The following are important steps in fabric preparation:

Pre-shrinking/Pre-washing: Washing and drying fabric before cutting to prevent shrinkage after the garment is made.
Pressing: Ironing the fabric to remove wrinkles and creases, ensuring a smooth, flat surface for accurate pattern placement.
Straightening the Grain: Aligning the crosswise and lengthwise grains of the fabric to ensure the garment hangs correctly and does not twist.

Laying Out Pattern Pieces on Fabric

Laying out pattern pieces involves placing them correctly on the fabric before cutting. This step conserves fabric and ensures all pieces are cut in the correct direction.

The following are general guidelines for laying out pattern pieces:

Refer to the pattern’s layout guide for specific instructions.
Place large pieces first, then smaller pieces.
Ensure pattern pieces are placed on the correct grainline (lengthwise or crosswise).
Pin pattern pieces securely to the fabric, placing pins perpendicular to the cutting line.
Ensure the fabric is flat and smooth, without wrinkles or folds beneath the pattern pieces.
Consider the fabric’s nap or one-way design to ensure all pieces run in the same direction.

Transferring Pattern Markings

Pattern markings guide the sewing process, indicating darts, pleats, buttonholes, and other construction details. They must be accurately transferred from the pattern to the fabric.

The following are common methods for transferring pattern markings:

Tailor’s Chalk: Used for marking directly onto fabric, easily brushed off.
Tracing Wheel and Carbon Paper: Used to transfer lines and symbols onto fabric, especially useful for delicate fabrics or light colours.
Tailor’s Tacks: Loose, hand-sewn stitches used to mark details on both sides of the fabric, especially useful for thick fabrics.
Notches: Small V-shaped or straight cuts on the edge of pattern pieces used for matching seams.

Cutting Out Procedures

Accurate cutting is essential for a well-constructed garment. It involves using sharp shears and following the pattern lines precisely.

The following are proper procedures for cutting out garment pieces:

Use sharp fabric shears for cutting; do not use them for paper.
Cut along the cutting lines of the pattern, not the stitching lines.
Hold the fabric flat on the table, using one hand to steady the fabric and pattern.
Cut with long, even strokes, avoiding jagged edges.
Cut notches outward or inward as indicated on the pattern, being careful not to cut into the seam allowance.
Cut all pieces before removing any pins or separating the fabric layers.

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques

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

Instructional Procedures

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Set Induction/Motivation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the pupils and asks them what they think are the initial steps a fashion designer takes after selecting a fabric and pattern for a new garment. The teacher links their answers to the importance of accurate preparation and cutting.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to the questions and share their ideas about garment making processes.
Learning Point: Pupils recall prior knowledge and are introduced to the lesson’s topic.

Step 2: Explanation of Fabric Preparation

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the reasons for preparing fabric before cutting, discussing pre-shrinking, pressing, and straightening the grain. The teacher may briefly demonstrate how to check for grainline and iron a fabric sample.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen attentively, ask questions, and observe the demonstration.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the importance and methods of fabric preparation.

Step 3: Demonstration of Pattern Layout

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Practical Activity
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher demonstrates the correct procedure for laying out pattern pieces on a folded fabric, emphasizing grainlines, pinning techniques, and efficient use of fabric. The teacher uses a simple garment pattern and a fabric sample.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe carefully and may attempt to lay out a small pattern piece on a scrap of fabric if available.
Learning Point: Pupils learn how to correctly place and pin pattern pieces on fabric.

Step 4: Explanation and Demonstration of Transferring Markings

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the purpose of pattern markings and demonstrates various methods of transferring them, such as using tailor’s chalk, a tracing wheel with carbon paper, and making notches. The teacher highlights the importance of accuracy.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the different marking techniques and understand their applications.
Learning Point: Pupils identify and understand various methods for transferring pattern markings.

Step 5: Demonstration of Cutting Out Procedures

Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Practical Activity
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher demonstrates the correct way to cut fabric, emphasizing the use of sharp shears, cutting on the correct lines, steadying the fabric, and cutting notches. The teacher allows some pupils to practice cutting a straight line on a fabric scrap.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the cutting techniques and practice cutting if given the opportunity.
Learning Point: Pupils learn the proper and safe procedures for cutting fabric.

Step 6: Evaluation/Review

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment

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

Why is it important to prepare fabric before cutting?
Mention two methods for transferring pattern markings from a pattern to fabric.
State two general guidelines for laying out pattern pieces on fabric.
Describe one correct procedure for cutting out garment pieces.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.

Step 7: Conclusion

Time: 3 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summarisation/Assignment
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher briefly summarizes the key points of the lesson, reiterating the importance of accuracy in all stages of garment making. The teacher assigns pupils to list the tools required for each stage of garment preparation and cutting.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and note down the assignment.
Learning Point: Pupils consolidate their learning and prepare for future lessons.

Lesson Keywords

Pre-shrinking – Washing and drying fabric before cutting to prevent future shrinkage.
Grainline – The direction of the threads in the fabric, either lengthwise or crosswise.
Pattern layout – The arrangement of pattern pieces on the fabric for cutting.
Tailor’s chalk – A type of chalk used for marking fabric.
Notches – Small marks or cuts on pattern pieces used for matching seams.
Fabric shears – Specialized scissors designed for cutting fabric.

Differentiation

For pupils who grasp concepts quickly, they can be tasked with identifying different fabric grainlines or suggesting alternative marking methods. For pupils needing more support, the teacher will provide closer supervision during practical demonstrations and offer simplified explanations, focusing on one step at a time.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Ensure all instructional materials are readily available and in good working condition before the lesson. Emphasize safety when handling sharp tools like scissors. Encourage active participation and hands-on practice, even if with scrap materials, to reinforce learning.