Seam types and uses open for JSS 1

Class: JSS 1
Term: First Term
Week: 9
Age: 12 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Fashion Design and Garment Making
Curriculum Theme: Sewing techniques and their uses
Key competencies/values: Creativity and innovation; Respect; Patience
Skills:

• Produce samples of basic stitches, seams and edge finishes

Previous Lesson: Stitch types and uses temporary and Stitch types and uses permanent
Topic: Basic Sewing Techniques And Their Uses: Seam Types And Uses: Open
Subject Matter: Seam types and uses

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain

• Identify common seam types.
• State uses of selected seams.

Psychomotor Domain

• Demonstrate selected seam types correctly.

Affective Domain

• Appreciate the importance of neat and accurate seams in garment making.
• Show patience and creativity while working on sewing samples.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

• 2025 Revised 9 Years Basic Education Curriculum
• Relevant State Unified Scheme of Work
• Basic Fashion Design and Garment Making Textbook for JSS 1
• The HeadTeacher Scheme of work

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

• Sewing machine
• Sewing kit (needles, threads, scissors, pins, measuring tape, thimble)
• Fabric scraps
• Interactive sewing applications (if available)
• Online tutorials (projected for demonstration)
• Album/Practice book for samples
• Chart showing different seam types

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson is fundamental to garment making as seams are the basic structural elements that hold fabric pieces together. Understanding different seam types and their correct application ensures strong, durable, and aesthetically pleasing garments. Mastering the open seam provides students with a foundational skill for various sewing projects.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Students should have basic knowledge of handling sewing tools and making simple hand stitches.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

Seam Types and Uses: Open Seam

What is a Seam?

A seam is a line of stitching that joins two or more pieces of fabric together. It is a fundamental part of garment construction.

Common Seam Types

There are various types of seams, each with specific uses and appearances. Common types include:

1. Plain Seam: The most basic seam, used for most garments.
2. French Seam: A strong, neat seam that encloses raw edges, suitable for sheer fabrics.
3. Flat-Felled Seam: A very strong, durable seam with a flat finish, often used on jeans and workwear.
4. Lapped Seam: Used when joining a curved edge to a straight edge, or for attaching patch pockets.
5. Bound Seam: A seam where the raw edges are enclosed with a binding strip.
6. Open Seam: A plain seam where the seam allowances are pressed open and flat.

The Open Seam

The open seam, also known as a plain seam with open allowances, is a simple and versatile seam where the raw edges of the fabric are pressed open after stitching. This creates a flat finish, reducing bulk.

Uses of the Open Seam

The open seam is commonly used for:

1. Joining most fabric pieces in garments, such as side seams, shoulder seams, and sleeve seams.
2. Creating a flat, less bulky finish on medium to heavy weight fabrics.
3. Providing a foundation for various seam finishes to prevent fraying.

Step-by-Step Procedure for Making an Open Seam

To create a neat open seam:

1. Prepare Fabric: Place two pieces of fabric right sides together, aligning the edges.
2. Pin: Insert pins perpendicular to the seam line to hold the fabric in place.
3. Stitch: Using a sewing machine or hand needle, sew a straight line along the designated seam allowance (e.g., 1.5 cm or 5/8 inch) from the raw edge.
4. Trim: Trim the seam allowances evenly to about 1 cm (3/8 inch) if they are too wide.
5. Press Open: Place the stitched seam on an ironing board. Using an iron, press the seam allowances open and flat on both sides. Ensure the seam line is crisp and flat.

Quality Check for an Open Seam

A well-made open seam should have the following qualities:

1. The stitching line should be straight and even.
2. The seam allowances should be pressed completely open and flat, without wrinkles.
3. The seam should lie flat on the fabric without puckering.
4. The stitches should be consistent in length and tension.

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques

Discussion, Demonstration, Guided Practice, Question and Answer, Explanation, Observation, Practical Activity

Instructional Procedures

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Activating Prior Knowledge/Engagement

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the students and asks them to recall what they learned about basic hand stitches. The teacher then introduces the concept of seams by showing examples of garments and asking how the fabric pieces are joined. The teacher explains that today’s lesson will focus on seam types, especially the open seam.

Pupils’ Activity: Students respond to questions about hand stitches and observe the garment examples. They listen attentively to the introduction.

Learning Point: Introduction to seams

Step 2: Identification of Common Seam Types

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explanation/Identification

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher uses a chart or fabric samples to show and explain various common seam types (plain, French, flat-felled, lapped, bound, open). The teacher asks students to identify some of these seams on ready-made garments.

Pupils’ Activity: Students observe the chart/samples, identify different seam types, and participate in a group discussion to identify basic types and uses of stitches, seams and edge finishes in sewing.

Learning Point: Common seam types

Step 3: Explanation of the Open Seam

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explanation/Definition

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher focuses on the open seam, defining it as a plain seam where allowances are pressed open. The teacher explains its characteristics and why it is widely used.

Pupils’ Activity: Students listen and ask questions for clarification about the open seam.

Learning Point: Open seam definition

Step 4: Uses of the Open Seam

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explanation/Application

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher discusses and lists the practical uses of the open seam, providing examples of where it is typically found in garments (e.g., side seams, shoulder seams).

Pupils’ Activity: Students note down the uses of the open seam and contribute examples if they can.

Learning Point: Uses of open seam

Step 5: Demonstration of Making an Open Seam

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Modelling

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher demonstrates the step-by-step procedure for making an open seam using fabric scraps, a sewing machine, and an iron. The teacher emphasizes proper pinning, stitching, trimming, and pressing techniques.

Pupils’ Activity: Students observe the demonstration carefully, paying attention to each step and the teacher’s instructions.

Learning Point: Open seam demonstration

Step 6: Guided Practice

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Guided Practice/Supervision

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher provides fabric scraps to students and guides them to practice making an open seam, offering individual assistance and correcting errors as they work. The teacher also highlights the quality check points for a good open seam.

Pupils’ Activity: Students practice making open seams on their fabric scraps under the teacher’s supervision, applying the steps demonstrated.

Learning Point: Practical open seam application

Step 7: Evaluation/Review

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment

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

1. What is a seam?
2. Mention two common types of seams.
3. Describe how to make an open seam.
4. State two uses of an open seam.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Seam types and uses assessed

Step 8: Note-Taking

Time: 8 minutes

Teaching Skill: Guided Writing

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides pupils/students to copy the essential Board Summary notes on seam types, the open seam, its uses, and procedure into their notebooks.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils/students copy the notes carefully into their notebooks.

Learning Point: Seam types and uses recorded

Step 9: Conclusion

Time: 2 minutes

Teaching Skill: Reinforcement

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher briefly summarizes the key learning points about seam types and the importance of the open seam in garment construction, encouraging students to continue practicing their sewing skills.

Pupils’ Activity: Students listen and prepare for the next lesson.

Learning Point: Seam knowledge consolidated

Continuous Assessment/Further Study

Type: Homework/Practice Exercise

Instruction: Complete the following tasks in your practice book:

1. Sew two more samples of an open seam on different fabric scraps and attach them to your album/practice book.
2. Research and write down one additional use for the open seam not discussed in class.
3. Draw and label three different types of seams you learned today.

Lesson Keywords

• Seam – A line of stitching that joins two or more pieces of fabric.
• Open Seam – A plain seam where the seam allowances are pressed open and flat.
• Seam Allowance – The area between the stitching line and the raw edge of the fabric.
• Pressing – Using an iron to flatten seams and fabric during sewing.
• Stitching – The act of sewing with a needle and thread.

Differentiation

Support for weaker learners: Provide pre-cut fabric pieces and guide them through each step of the open seam demonstration individually. Allow them to practice with larger seam allowances initially.
Extension for faster learners: Challenge them to try a simple seam finish on the raw edges of their open seam samples, such as zig-zag stitching or overcast stitch, and research other seam types.

Suggested Lesson Videos

For visual demonstrations of seam types and how to sew an open seam, teachers can search on YouTube for:

• “Basic seam types for beginners”
• “How to sew an open seam”
• “Plain seam with open allowances tutorial”

Teacher Guide for Using This Lesson Plan

Before the lesson, gather all necessary instructional materials, including various fabric scraps, a functional sewing machine, sewing kits for students, and a chart or visual aids displaying different seam types. Begin by engaging students with examples of garments to introduce the concept of seams. When demonstrating the open seam, ensure all students can clearly see the steps, perhaps by using a projector or having students gather closely around the demonstration area. Emphasize the importance of accurate pinning, straight stitching, and proper pressing for a neat finish. During guided practice, circulate among students, providing immediate feedback and assistance. Allow students to copy the Board Summary notes after the practical demonstration and evaluation to reinforce their learning. Encourage creativity and patience throughout the practical activity, and ensure safety guidelines for using sewing tools are strictly followed.