Class: Junior Secondary School 2 (JSS2, JSS 2)
Term: 1st Term
Week: 7
Age: 13 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Pre-Vocational Studies
Curriculum Theme: Home Economics
Previous Lesson: Patching – Meaning and Types of Patching
Topic: Patching
Subject Matter: Types of darns, practical on darns and patchwork.
Specific Objectives
By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:
- Cognitive Domain:
(a) Identify the various types of darns.
(b) Explain the steps involved in patching a torn fabric. - Affective Domain:
(a) Develop interest in maintaining and repairing damaged clothing items. - Psychomotor Domain:
(a) Demonstrate simple patching and darning techniques on fabric. - Social Domain:
(a) Work cooperatively in groups to practice patching and compare their work with others.
Reference Materials
The following resources was used in planning this lesson:
- 9 Years Basic Education Curriculum
- Lagos State Unified Scheme of Work for Junior Secondary Schools
- Merriam-Webster – DARN Definition & Meaning
- Relevant Textbooks
Instructional Materials
The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:
- Needle and thread of various colors
- Pieces of worn-out fabric or clothing
- Scissors
- Patches of cloth (different textures and colors)
- Darning mushroom or small bowl
- Pins and chalk
- Charts showing types of darns and patchwork steps
Rationale for the Lesson
This lesson equips pupils with the practical knowledge of repairing torn fabrics through darning and patching, promoting thriftiness, neatness, and self-reliance.
Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge
Pupils have previously learned about sewing tools and their uses. They also have basic experience in stitching and mending simple tears using hand sewing.
Lesson Content/Board Summary
Types of Darns, Practical on Darns and Patchwork
Patching is the process of repairing a hole or worn-out area in a piece of fabric by sewing a piece of new cloth (patch) over or under the damaged part. It helps prolong the life of clothing and keeps them neat and wearable.
Types of Darns
Darning is a sewing technique used to repair holes or worn-out areas in fabric, usually by weaving thread over the damaged part to resemble the original weave.
The following are types of darns:
- Simple Darn: Used for small holes or thin areas in clothing, usually woven straight across.
- Loop Darn: Used on knitted materials to repair holes without pulling the edges tightly.
- Diagonal Darn: Worked in diagonal directions to strengthen the repair area.
- Herringbone Darn: Used for decorative repairs and gives a zigzag appearance.
- Invisible Darn: A fine and neat darn used where the repair should not be easily seen.
Patchwork
Patchwork is the art of joining pieces of cloth of different colors or designs to form a larger fabric. It is often used for repairing, decorating, or designing new items such as quilts, bedspreads, and clothing.
The following are the steps in patching a torn fabric:
- Select a patch similar in color and texture to the damaged cloth.
- Cut the patch slightly larger than the torn area.
- Turn the edges of the patch inward and press flat.
- Place the patch neatly over or under the torn part.
- Pin or tack the patch to hold it in place.
- Sew around the edges neatly using hemming or over-sewing stitch.
- Press the finished work to smooth it.
Importance of Patching and Darning
Patching and darning are essential home skills that help to maintain clothing and save money.
The following are the importance of patching and darning:
- They help prolong the life of clothes.
- They save cost by reducing the need for constant replacement.
- They promote neatness and proper dressing.
- They help develop sewing and repair skills.
- They encourage creativity and resourcefulness.
Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques:
Lecture, Discussion, Demonstration, Group Work, Practical Activity, Question and Answer
Instructional Procedures
To deliver this lesson, the teacher will adopt the following steps:
Step 1: Introduction
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Set Induction
Teacher’s Activity: Teacher displays torn fabric and asks pupils what can be done to make it useful again. Leads discussion to the concept of patching and darning.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond and mention mending or repairing.
Learning Point: Pupils become familiar with the idea of repairing torn clothes.
Step 2: Types of Darns
Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: Teacher explains and displays samples or charts of different types of darns.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe, identify, and name each type.
Learning Point: Pupils learn the types and uses of various darns.
Step 3: Steps in Patching and Patchwork
Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: Teacher demonstrates step-by-step how to patch a torn fabric using a sample cloth and patch.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe attentively and ask questions.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the procedure for patching fabrics.
Step 4: Practical Demonstration by Pupils
Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Practice and Guidance
Teacher’s Activity: Teacher guides pupils in pairs to practice patching or darning on old fabric.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils carry out the task under supervision.
Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate skill in simple darning and patching.
Step 5: Note-Taking
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: Teacher dictates or writes the lesson content summary on the board.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils copy notes neatly into their exercise books.
Learning Point: Pupils have a written record of the lesson content.
Step 6: Evaluation/Review
Time: 3 minutes
Teaching Skill: Questioning
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:
- Mention three types of darns.
- List the steps involved in patching a torn fabric.
- State two importance of patching and darning.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer the questions orally.
Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson objectives.
Step 7: Conclusion
Time: 2 minutes
Teaching Skill: Reinforcement
Teacher’s Activity: Teacher summarizes the key points and encourages pupils to apply patching skills at home.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and show interest in practicing more.
Learning Point: Pupils appreciate the value of maintaining clothes through patching and darning.
Lesson Keywords
- Patching – sewing a piece of fabric over a torn area.
- Darning – repairing a hole in cloth by weaving thread over it.
- Patchwork – joining small fabric pieces to make a larger one.
- Hemming – sewing the edge of fabric neatly.
- Repair – fixing something that is damaged or torn.
Differentiation
Teacher supports slower learners by repeating demonstrations and guiding their hand movements, while fast learners assist peers and attempt decorative patchwork.
Note for teachers using this lesson plan
Ensure pupils use blunt needles to prevent injury. Emphasize neatness and accuracy in stitching. Reinforce the value of patience and creativity during practical work.

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