Class: Senior Secondary School 1 (SS1 / SSS 1)
Term: 3rd Term
Week: 7
Age: 15 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Garment Making
Curriculum Theme: Trade
Previous Lesson: Patterns: Definition Drafting And Advantages.
Topic: METHODS OF OBTAINING PATTERNS
Subject Matter: Draping method, Flat method, Knock-off method, Merits and demerits

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain:

Define pattern making.
List three methods of obtaining patterns.
Explain the draping, flat, and knock-off methods.
State at least two merits and demerits of each pattern making method.

Affective Domain:

Appreciate the importance of accurate pattern making in garment construction.
Show interest in selecting appropriate pattern making methods for different garments.

Psychomotor Domain:

Identify examples of patterns created using different methods.
Differentiate between the draping, flat, and knock-off methods.
Compare the merits and demerits of the various pattern making methods.

Participate in group discussions about pattern making methods.
Communicate ideas clearly regarding the advantages and disadvantages of each method.

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.
Adepoju, A. (2018). Clothing and Textile for Senior Secondary Schools. Ibadan: University Press PLC.

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

Pattern samples (e.g., a draped pattern, a flat pattern block, a pattern from an existing garment).
Whiteboard and markers.
Charts illustrating different pattern making methods.

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson helps pupils understand the different ways patterns are created for garments. Knowing these methods enables them to choose the best approach for various designs and ensures proper fit and style in garment construction, which is important for practical skills in tailoring.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils are expected to have some basic knowledge of garment construction and the general concept of patterns from previous lessons.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

METHODS OF OBTAINING PATTERNS

Introduction to Pattern Making

Pattern making is the art of manipulating and drafting a two-dimensional fabric to create a three-dimensional garment. A pattern serves as a template for cutting fabric pieces, which are then sewn together to form a finished garment.

Methods of Obtaining Patterns

There are several methods used to obtain patterns for garment construction. The main methods include:

Draping method
Flat pattern method
Knock-off method

Draping Method

Draping is a method of pattern making where fabric is manipulated directly on a dress form or a live model. The fabric is pinned, shaped, and cut to create the desired design and fit. This method allows for a direct visualization of the garment’s appearance and how the fabric will behave.

The following are merits of the draping method:

Allows for direct visualization of the design on a three-dimensional form.
Helps in understanding how fabric drapes and falls.
Good for complex designs and asymmetrical styles.

The following are demerits of the draping method:

Requires a dress form or live model.
Can be time-consuming, especially for beginners.
Requires a good understanding of fabric properties.

Flat Pattern Method

The flat pattern method involves drafting patterns on a flat surface, usually paper, using measurements and basic pattern blocks (slopers). These basic blocks are then manipulated (e.g., by dart rotation, slash and spread) to create new designs.

The following are merits of the flat pattern method:

Can be done without a dress form.
Allows for precision and accuracy through measurements.
Suitable for creating multiple sizes from one base pattern.

The following are demerits of the flat pattern method:

Requires good knowledge of pattern drafting principles and measurements.
Difficult to visualize the final three-dimensional garment on a flat surface.
May require more adjustments during fitting.

Knock-off Method

The knock-off method involves creating a pattern by disassembling an existing garment. The garment is carefully unstitched, and each piece is traced onto paper to create a new pattern. This method is often used to replicate a favorite garment or to reverse-engineer a design.

The following are merits of the knock-off method:

Relatively easy as it uses an existing garment as a guide.
Helps in replicating a successful design or fit.
Good for learning garment construction by deconstruction.

The following are demerits of the knock-off method:

Requires sacrificing an existing garment.
The original garment might be distorted, leading to inaccurate patterns.
Does not teach fundamental pattern drafting skills.

Merits and Demerits of Pattern Making Methods

Each method has its advantages and disadvantages depending on the design complexity, fabric type, available resources, and desired outcome. Understanding these helps in choosing the most appropriate method for a specific garment construction project.

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 what they understand by a “pattern” in the context of sewing. The teacher then introduces the topic, “Methods of Obtaining Patterns,” and explains that today’s lesson will cover different ways to create patterns for garments.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to the teacher’s questions and listen attentively to the introduction.
Learning Point: Pupils recall prior knowledge and are introduced to the lesson topic.

Step 2: Presentation of Draping and Flat Pattern Methods

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the draping method, possibly demonstrating with a piece of fabric on a small dress form or by describing the process with charts. The teacher then explains the flat pattern method, showing basic pattern blocks and how they are manipulated on paper. The teacher also highlights the merits and demerits of these two methods.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the demonstration, listen to the explanations, ask questions for clarity, and take notes on the methods, merits, and demerits.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the concepts of draping and flat pattern methods, along with their advantages and disadvantages.

Step 3: Explanation of Knock-off Method

Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the knock-off method, describing how an existing garment is unstitched to create a pattern. The teacher also discusses the merits and demerits of this method.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the explanation, ask questions, and make notes on the knock-off method, its merits, and demerits.
Learning Point: Pupils learn about the knock-off method and its specific advantages and disadvantages.

Step 4: Group Discussion on Merits and Demerits

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Group Work/Facilitation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher divides pupils into small groups and asks them to discuss and compare the merits and demerits of all three methods, encouraging them to think about when each method would be most suitable.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils engage in group discussions, comparing the merits and demerits of the draping, flat, and knock-off methods. They prepare to share their findings.
Learning Point: Pupils reinforce their understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of each pattern making method through peer discussion.

Step 5: Class Feedback and Clarification

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Feedback/Clarification
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher calls on representatives from each group to share their discussion points. The teacher provides feedback, clarifies any misconceptions, and summarizes the key merits and demerits of each method.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils present their group’s findings and listen to the teacher’s feedback and summary.
Learning Point: Pupils consolidate their understanding of the merits and demerits and receive clarification on any difficult areas.

Step 6: Practical Application/Comparison

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Application/Comparison
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher presents various garment designs (e.g., a simple skirt, a complex evening gown, a replica of a uniform) and asks pupils to suggest which pattern making method would be most appropriate for each, justifying their choices based on the merits and demerits discussed.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils compare the methods by applying their knowledge to practical scenarios, explaining their reasoning.
Learning Point: Pupils apply their knowledge to practical situations and demonstrate their ability to compare the methods 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 is pattern making?
Mention three methods of obtaining patterns.
Briefly explain the draping method.
State two merits and two demerits of the flat pattern method.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.

Step 8: Conclusion

Time: Remaining minutes
Teaching Skill: Summarization
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the key points of the lesson, emphasizing the importance of choosing the correct pattern making method for different garment designs. The teacher assigns homework: “Research and write down one additional merit and demerit for each pattern making method discussed today.”
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and copy the homework assignment.
Learning Point: Pupils recap the lesson and receive further learning tasks.

Lesson Keywords

Pattern Making – The process of creating templates for cutting fabric to make garments.
Draping Method – Creating a pattern by manipulating fabric directly on a dress form.
Flat Pattern Method – Drafting patterns on a flat surface using measurements and basic blocks.
Knock-off Method – Creating a pattern by disassembling an existing garment.
Merits – Advantages or benefits of a method.
Demerits – Disadvantages or drawbacks of a method.

Differentiation

For pupils who grasp concepts quickly, the teacher can challenge them to sketch a simple garment and suggest which pattern method would be most efficient. For pupils who require more support, the teacher can provide simplified charts or visual aids with key points highlighted and offer one-on-one guidance during group activities.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Ensure you have actual pattern samples or clear visual aids for each method to make the explanations more concrete. Encourage pupils to share their experiences if they have attempted any form of pattern making at home. Emphasize that the choice of method depends on the design, fabric, and desired outcome.