Class: Senior Secondary School 1 (SS1, SS 1, SSS1, SSS 1)
Term: Second Term
Week: 10
Age: 15 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Clothing and Textiles
Curriculum Theme: Clothing and Textiles
Previous Lesson: Essentials of Garment Construction: Fabric Quantity and Style Use.
Topic: Simple Patterns
Subject Matter: types of commercial patterns such as printed and perforated, trade marks for commercial patterns, choice of commercial patterns, alteration of commercial patterns, uses of commercial patterns

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain:

Identify and describe different types of commercial patterns.
State the importance of trademarks on commercial patterns.
List factors to consider when choosing a commercial pattern.

Affective Domain:

Appreciate the benefits of using commercial patterns for garment construction.
Show interest in selecting appropriate patterns for their sewing projects.
Value the need for accurate pattern alteration.

Psychomotor Domain:

Examine samples of commercial patterns.
Demonstrate how to measure and mark simple pattern alterations.
Select a suitable commercial pattern for a given garment.

Discuss with peers the various uses of commercial patterns.
Collaborate in examining different pattern samples.

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.
Okoro, N. (2010). Clothing and Textiles for Senior Secondary Schools. Learn Africa Plc.

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

Samples of printed commercial patterns.
Samples of perforated commercial patterns.
Measuring tape.
Pencil and eraser.
Scissors.

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson helps pupils understand how commercial patterns simplify the process of making garments. Knowing how to choose and alter patterns enables them to create well-fitting clothes, which is a valuable skill for personal use and potential entrepreneurship.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils have basic knowledge of sewing tools, taking body measurements, and simple garment construction.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

Simple Patterns

Types of Commercial Patterns

Commercial patterns are pre-designed patterns produced by companies for making various garments. They come in different types, mainly:

Printed Patterns: These patterns have all markings, cutting lines, and instructions printed directly on the pattern tissue paper. They are common and easy to use.
Perforated Patterns: These patterns have markings indicated by small holes or perforations. They are less common now but were historically used. The perforations guide the user in marking the fabric.

Trademarks for Commercial Patterns

Trademarks are symbols or names used by pattern companies to identify their products. They help consumers recognize the brand and ensure quality. Examples of common pattern companies include Simplicity, Butterick, McCall’s, and Vogue.

Choice of Commercial Patterns

When choosing a commercial pattern, the following factors should be considered:

Garment Style: Select a style appropriate for the occasion and wearer.
Fabric Compatibility: Ensure the pattern is suitable for the chosen fabric type (e.g., knits, wovens).
Skill Level: Choose a pattern that matches the sewer’s experience (e.g., “easy,” “advanced”).
Body Measurements: Select the pattern size closest to the wearer’s body measurements.
Design Features: Consider details like collars, sleeves, pockets, and closures.
Pattern Brand: Some brands are known for specific fits or styles.

Alteration of Commercial Patterns

Pattern alteration is the process of adjusting a commercial pattern to fit individual body measurements or to modify the design. Reasons for alteration include:

Achieving a better fit (e.g., adjusting length, width).
Accommodating unique body shapes.
Changing the design (e.g., shortening a sleeve, adding a pocket).

Common alterations include:

Lengthening or shortening bodice, skirt, or sleeve.
Adjusting for broad or narrow shoulders.
Modifying for different bust sizes.

Uses of Commercial Patterns

Commercial patterns are used for various purposes:

To provide accurate cutting lines and markings for garment pieces.
To ensure correct garment construction and fit.
To save time compared to drafting patterns from scratch.
To offer a wide range of styles and designs for different garments.
As a guide for beginners in sewing.

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 seen a paper pattern used for cutting fabric. The teacher introduces the topic “Simple Patterns,” specifically focusing on commercial patterns.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to the teacher’s questions and listen attentively to the introduction.
Learning Point: Pupils are introduced to the concept of commercial patterns.

Step 2: Types of Commercial Patterns

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher displays samples of printed and perforated commercial patterns. The teacher explains the characteristics of each type, highlighting how markings and instructions are presented.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the pattern samples, listen to the explanations, and ask questions for clarification.
Learning Point: Pupils identify and differentiate between printed and perforated commercial patterns.

Step 3: Trademarks for Commercial Patterns

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Discussion
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher discusses the importance of trademarks on commercial patterns, explaining how they identify the manufacturer and assure quality. The teacher mentions common pattern companies.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and contribute to the discussion by mentioning any pattern brands they might know.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the role and importance of trademarks on commercial patterns.

Step 4: Choice of Commercial Patterns

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Guided Discussion
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher leads a discussion on factors to consider when choosing a commercial pattern, such as garment style, fabric, skill level, and body measurements. The teacher encourages pupils to share their ideas.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils actively participate in the discussion, offering suggestions and noting down key points.
Learning Point: Pupils learn the criteria for selecting appropriate commercial patterns.

Step 5: Alteration of Commercial Patterns

Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Practical Application
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains why patterns need to be altered and demonstrates simple alteration techniques using a sample pattern, such as lengthening or shortening a pattern piece. The teacher emphasizes careful measuring.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the demonstration, follow the steps, and may practice simple markings on a provided scrap pattern piece.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the reasons for pattern alteration and can identify basic alteration techniques.

Step 6: Uses of Commercial Patterns

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Brainstorming/Summary
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher asks pupils to brainstorm the various uses of commercial patterns based on the day’s lesson. The teacher summarizes the key uses.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils share their ideas on the uses of commercial patterns.
Learning Point: Pupils enumerate the practical applications and benefits of using commercial patterns.

Step 7: Evaluation/Review

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment

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

Mention two types of commercial patterns.
State two factors to consider when choosing a commercial pattern.
Why is it important to alter a commercial pattern?
List three uses of commercial patterns.

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/Consolidation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the key learning points of the lesson on simple patterns, emphasizing their importance in garment making. The teacher assigns homework: Ask pupils to find and bring an old commercial pattern or a picture of one for the next class.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary, ask any remaining questions, and note down the homework.
Learning Point: The lesson is concluded, and pupils are given a task to reinforce their learning.

Lesson Keywords

Commercial Pattern – A pre-designed paper or digital template used as a guide for cutting fabric pieces to make garments.
Printed Pattern – A type of commercial pattern where all lines, markings, and instructions are printed directly on the pattern tissue.
Perforated Pattern – A type of commercial pattern where markings are indicated by small holes or perforations.
Trademark – A symbol or name legally registered by a company to represent its products or services.
Pattern Alteration – The process of adjusting a pattern to fit individual body measurements or to change the design.

Differentiation

For pupils who grasp concepts quickly, they can be encouraged to research different pattern companies and their specialties. For pupils needing more support, the teacher will provide simplified pattern samples and offer one-on-one guidance during the demonstration of alteration, possibly pairing them with faster learners for peer support.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Ensure you have a variety of commercial pattern samples available, including both printed and if possible, a perforated example to show the historical context. Encourage pupils to bring their own patterns from home if available, to make the lesson more interactive and relatable. Emphasize safety when demonstrating cutting and marking tools.