Class: Senior Secondary School 1 (SS1 / SSS 1)
Term: 3rd Term
Week: 7 – 8
Age: 15 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Dyeing and Bleaching
Curriculum Theme: Trade
Previous Lesson: .
Topic: STICK AND FOLDING; NEED FOR THE STICK AND FOLDING METHOD.
Subject Matter: need for stick and folding method, steps in stick and folding technique, placing sticks to guide pattern formation, tying and securing folded cloth, dyeing and rinsing stick assisted patterns.

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain:

Explain the need for using the stick and folding method.
List the steps involved in the stick and folding technique.
Describe how to place sticks to guide pattern formation.
Describe the process of dyeing and rinsing stick-assisted patterns.

Affective Domain:

Appreciate the creative possibilities of the stick and folding method.
Ask relevant questions to clarify understanding of the process.
Show interest in learning and applying textile patterning techniques.

Psychomotor Domain:

Demonstrate the stick and folding technique on a piece of fabric.
Correctly tie and secure folded cloth with sticks and string.
Produce a fabric sample using the stick and folding method.

Work effectively with peers during practical activities.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

9 Years Basic Education Curriculum for Cultural and Creative Arts (CCA).
State Unified Scheme of Work for Senior Secondary Schools.
Textile and Clothing for Senior Secondary Schools by [Author/Publisher, e.g., F.N. Okoro].
https://www.textilelearner.net/tie-and-dye-methods/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_VpP3K5yP8

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

Cotton fabric samples.
Various sticks (e.g., popsicle sticks, thin wooden dowels).
Strings or raffia for tying.
Dyes and dye fixatives.
Basins or buckets.
Gloves and aprons.
Finished samples of stick and folding patterns.

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson helps pupils understand a traditional textile patterning technique that can be used to create unique designs on fabric. Learning this method enables pupils to develop practical skills in textile decoration, which is useful for personal creativity and potential vocational pursuits in the fashion and textile industry.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils are assumed to have basic knowledge of different types of fabrics and general concepts of dyeing from previous lessons or everyday experiences.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

STICK AND FOLDING METHOD

Definition of Stick and Folding Method

The stick and folding method is a resist dyeing technique where fabric is folded, pleated, or gathered around sticks, then tightly tied with string before being immersed in dye. The areas covered by the sticks and ties resist the dye, creating distinct patterns when the fabric is unfolded.

Need for the Stick and Folding Method

The stick and folding method is used for the following reasons:

To create unique geometric or linear patterns on fabric.
To achieve symmetrical or asymmetrical designs depending on the folding technique.
To add texture and visual interest to plain fabrics.
To produce decorative items like clothing, scarves, and home furnishings.
To offer a creative and cost-effective way to transform fabric.

Steps in Stick and Folding Technique

The general steps involved in the stick and folding technique are:

Preparation of fabric.
Folding or pleating the fabric.
Placing sticks to guide pattern formation.
Tying and securing the folded cloth.
Dyeing the fabric.
Rinsing and drying the fabric.
Unfolding the fabric to reveal the pattern.

Placing Sticks to Guide Pattern Formation

To place sticks effectively, consider the desired pattern:

Fold the fabric neatly into pleats, accordions, or other desired forms.
Lay sticks strategically across the folded fabric. Sticks can be placed parallel, perpendicular, or diagonally to the folds.
Ensure the sticks are positioned firmly to create the intended resist areas. For straight lines, place sticks along straight folds. For geometric shapes, arrange sticks in specific configurations.

Tying and Securing Folded Cloth

After placing the sticks, the fabric must be tied securely:

Use strong string or raffia to wrap tightly around the fabric, covering the sticks and the areas intended to resist the dye.
Ensure the ties are very tight to prevent dye from seeping into the covered areas.
Multiple ties can be made around different sections of the fabric and sticks to create varied patterns and resist effects.
Knots should be firm to hold the structure during the dyeing process.

Dyeing and Rinsing Stick-Assisted Patterns

The final stages involve dyeing and revealing the pattern:

Prepare the dye bath according to the dye manufacturer’s instructions.
Carefully immerse the tightly tied fabric into the dye bath.
Allow the fabric to soak in the dye for the recommended time, ensuring even saturation of the exposed areas.
Remove the fabric from the dye bath and rinse it thoroughly under cold running water until the water runs clear.
Carefully untie and remove the sticks and strings from the fabric.
Rinse the unfolded fabric again to remove any loose dye.
Hang the fabric to dry, preferably in a shaded 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 to recall any methods they know for creating patterns on fabric. The teacher then introduces the topic: “Stick and Folding Method” as another way to create beautiful patterns.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to the teacher’s questions and listen attentively to the introduction.
Learning Point: Pupils are prepared for the lesson and connect to previous knowledge.

Step 2: Explanation of the Need for the Method

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Discussion
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the concept of resist dyeing and discusses why the stick and folding method is used, highlighting its advantages for creating specific patterns. The teacher uses examples of finished products.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, observe the examples, and ask questions for clarification.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the purpose and benefits of the stick and folding method.

Step 3: Detailing the Steps in Stick and Folding

Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Elaboration/Illustration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher outlines the general steps of the stick and folding technique, focusing on how to prepare the fabric and strategically place sticks to achieve different pattern effects. The teacher uses diagrams or sketches on the board.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils take notes and observe the illustrations, asking questions about pattern formation.
Learning Point: Pupils learn the systematic process of preparing fabric and placing sticks.

Step 4: Practical Demonstration of Tying and Securing

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Modelling
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher demonstrates the practical process of folding a piece of fabric, placing sticks, and then tightly tying and securing the fabric with string or raffia. The teacher emphasizes the importance of tightness.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the demonstration carefully, paying attention to the teacher’s technique and asking questions about securing the ties.
Learning Point: Pupils see a practical example of how to execute the tying and securing steps correctly.

Step 5: Dyeing and Rinsing Procedures

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the process of immersing the tied fabric in the dye bath, the importance of dye absorption time, and the subsequent rinsing steps to remove excess dye and reveal the pattern. The teacher may show a pre-dyed, tied fabric being rinsed.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and understand the dyeing and rinsing stages.
Learning Point: Pupils grasp the complete sequence of the stick and folding method, including the dyeing process.

Step 6: Pupils’ Practical Application

Time: (Continued in next lesson if full practical is needed, or a quick practice if time allows)
Teaching Skill: Guided Practice
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides pupils as they attempt to fold, place sticks, and tie small fabric samples. The teacher provides individual assistance and feedback.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils actively participate in the practical exercise, applying the steps demonstrated by the teacher.
Learning Point: Pupils gain hands-on experience and develop practical skills in the stick and folding method.

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 the stick and folding method in textile patterning?
State two reasons why the stick and folding method is used.
List three important steps involved in the stick and folding technique.
Explain how placing sticks helps to create patterns in this method.

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/Assignment
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the key points of the lesson, reiterating the importance of the stick and folding method. The teacher assigns pupils to practice folding and tying techniques at home using scrap fabric and suitable sticks. For a full practical, they may be asked to bring materials for the next lesson.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and note down the assignment.
Learning Point: Pupils consolidate their learning and prepare for future practice.

Lesson Keywords

Resist Dyeing – A technique where parts of the fabric are protected from the dye to create a pattern.
Stick and Folding – A resist dyeing method using sticks and ties to prevent dye penetration.
Pleating – Folding fabric into neat, regular folds.
Tying – Securing folded fabric with string or raffia to create resist areas.
Dye Bath – The solution containing dye into which fabric is immersed.

Differentiation

For pupils who grasp concepts quickly, the teacher can encourage experimentation with different folding styles and stick arrangements to create more complex patterns. For those needing more support, the teacher will provide closer supervision during practical work and offer simplified folding patterns to ensure success.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Ensure all materials are readily available before the practical demonstration and activity. Emphasize safety precautions when handling dyes. If a full dyeing practical is not feasible due to time or resources, focus on the folding and tying aspects, showing pre-dyed samples to illustrate the final outcome. Consider breaking the practical into two lessons if necessary.