Stitch types and uses temporary and Stitch types and uses permanent for JSS 1

Class: JSS 1
Term: First Term
Week: 8
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: use of visual aids/real objects to identify parts of a sewing machine
Topic: Basic Sewing Techniques And Their Uses
Subject Matter: Stitch types and uses

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain

• Identify basic sewing techniques, specifically different types of hand stitches.
• State the uses of various temporary and permanent hand stitches.

Affective Domain

• Show patience and care when performing hand stitching.
• Respect sewing tools and materials.

Psychomotor Domain

• Demonstrate selected basic hand stitches safely.
• Produce samples of basic hand stitches for an album or practice book.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

• 2025 Revised 9 Years Basic Education Curriculum
• Relevant State Unified Scheme of Work
• A suitable 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 kit (needles, thread, thimble, scissors)
• Fabric scraps (calico or other plain cotton fabric)
• Interactive sewing applications (if available)
• Online tutorials (if projector/internet access is available)
• Album/Practice book for samples
• Sample boards showing different stitches

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson provides students with foundational skills in hand sewing, which are essential for garment construction and repair. Understanding different stitch types and their uses enables students to make informed decisions when approaching various sewing tasks. Mastering these basic techniques builds confidence and precision necessary for more complex fashion design and garment making projects.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Students should have basic knowledge of common sewing tools and their uses, as well as an understanding of different types of fabrics.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

Basic Sewing Techniques And Their Uses

Introduction to Basic Hand Stitches

Stitches are loops of thread used to join pieces of fabric together, secure edges, or for decorative purposes. They are fundamental to all sewing and can be done by hand or machine. Hand stitches are categorised into temporary and permanent stitches.

Types of Basic Hand Stitches and Their Uses

1. Temporary Stitches

Temporary stitches are used to hold fabric pieces together temporarily before permanent stitching is applied. They are usually removed after the permanent stitching is done.

Running Stitch (Basting Stitch)

Description: This is a simple, even stitch made by weaving the needle in and out of the fabric. It is not very strong.

Uses:

1. To hold two or more pieces of fabric together before permanent stitching (e.g., machine sewing).
2. To gather fabric for fullness.
3. To mark lines for permanent stitches or for fitting.

Procedure for Running Stitch

1. Thread a needle and make a knot at the end of the thread.
2. Push the needle through the fabric from the wrong side to the right side.
3. Make small, even stitches by weaving the needle in and out of the fabric.
4. Ensure the stitches are uniform in length and spacing.
5. Secure with a backstitch or knot if needed, but usually left loose for easy removal.

Quality Check for Running Stitch:

The stitches should be even, straight, and loose enough to be easily removed without damaging the fabric.

2. Permanent Stitches

Permanent stitches are strong and durable, designed to hold fabric permanently. They are not removed after completion.

Backstitch

Description: The backstitch is a strong and continuous stitch that looks like machine stitching on the right side of the fabric. It is made by taking a stitch backwards.

Uses:

1. Creating strong seams that need durability.
2. Repairing torn seams or small holes in garments.
3. Starting and ending machine stitching for reinforcement.

Procedure for Backstitch

1. Thread a needle and knot the end of the thread.
2. Bring the needle up from the wrong side of the fabric (let’s call this point A).
3. Go back into the fabric a short distance behind point A (point B).
4. Bring the needle up again a short distance in front of point A (point C).
5. Insert the needle into point A, completing the first stitch.
6. Repeat the process, always going back into the end of the previous stitch (like point C becomes the new point A for the next stitch).

Quality Check for Backstitch:

Stitches should be even, close together, and form a continuous, strong line that resembles machine stitching on the right side.

Hemming Stitch (Slant Hemming)

Description: This is a neat, almost invisible stitch used to secure folded edges, especially hems. It is made with small, slanted stitches.

Uses:

1. Securing hems on garments like skirts, trousers, and sleeves.
2. Finishing raw edges of fabric to prevent fraying.
3. Attaching linings or facings discreetly.

Procedure for Hemming Stitch

1. Prepare the hem by folding the fabric twice (e.g., 1cm then 2cm) and pressing it flat.
2. Knot the thread and hide the knot within the fold of the hem.
3. Pick up a tiny bit of fabric from the main garment, then a small stitch from the folded edge of the hem.
4. Make small, slanted stitches, ensuring they are loose enough not to pucker the fabric.
5. The stitches should be small and barely visible on the right side of the garment.

Quality Check for Hemming Stitch:

Stitches should be small, evenly spaced, and almost invisible on the right side of the fabric. The hem should lie flat without puckering.

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: Recalling/Engaging

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the students and reviews the previous lesson on sewing tools. The teacher then introduces the new topic by asking students if they have ever seen clothes being sewn by hand and what kind of stitches they noticed.

Pupils’ Activity: Students respond to questions and share their observations about hand sewing.

Learning Point: Introduction to hand stitches

Step 2: Identification of Basic Stitch Types

Time: 7 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explaining/Identifying

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains that stitches are loops of thread used to join fabrics. The teacher introduces the two main categories of hand stitches: temporary and permanent, and asks students to identify examples from sample boards.

Pupils’ Activity: Students observe the sample boards, identify different stitches, and discuss their initial thoughts on their uses.

Learning Point: Temporary and permanent stitches

Step 3: Demonstration of Running Stitch

Time: 7 minutes

Teaching Skill: Demonstrating/Modelling

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher demonstrates the running stitch (basting stitch) step-by-step on a fabric scrap, explaining its description and uses. The teacher highlights the importance of even stitches and how it serves as a temporary hold.

Pupils’ Activity: Students observe the teacher’s demonstration carefully, paying attention to the technique and explanation.

Learning Point: Running stitch demonstration

Step 4: Guided Practice for Running Stitch

Time: 7 minutes

Teaching Skill: Guiding/Coaching

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher distributes fabric scraps, needles, and thread. The teacher guides students as they practice making the running stitch, providing individual assistance and correcting techniques.

Pupils’ Activity: Students practice making the running stitch on their fabric scraps, seeking help when needed.

Learning Point: Running stitch practice

Step 5: Demonstration of Backstitch and Hemming Stitch

Time: 7 minutes

Teaching Skill: Demonstrating/Explaining

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher demonstrates the backstitch and hemming stitch, explaining their descriptions, uses, and the step-by-step procedures for each. The teacher emphasises the strength of the backstitch and the neatness of the hemming stitch.

Pupils’ Activity: Students observe the demonstrations, noting the differences in technique and appearance of the permanent stitches.

Learning Point: Permanent stitches demonstration

Step 6: Guided Practice for Permanent Stitches

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Facilitating/Supervising

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher allows students to begin practicing the backstitch and hemming stitch on their fabric scraps, circulating to offer support and ensure correct technique.

Pupils’ Activity: Students begin practicing the backstitch and hemming stitch, applying the demonstrated steps.

Learning Point: Permanent stitches practice

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 the main use of a running stitch?
2. Why is a backstitch considered a permanent stitch?
3. Describe one quality check for a well-made hemming stitch.
4. Demonstrate a running stitch on a small piece of fabric.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Understanding stitch types and uses

Step 8: Note-Taking

Time: 4 minutes

Teaching Skill: Guided Writing

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

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

Learning Point: Recording lesson content

Step 9: Conclusion

Time: 3 minutes

Teaching Skill: Summarising/Reinforcing

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarises the importance of knowing and being able to make basic hand stitches, encouraging students to continue practicing. The teacher reiterates that these skills are foundational for all sewing projects.

Pupils’ Activity: Students listen and ask any final questions.

Learning Point: Reinforcement of basic stitches

Continuous Assessment/Further Study

Type: Homework/Practical Exercise

Instruction: Using fabric scraps, thread, and a needle, create a sample sheet demonstrating the following stitches. Attach your samples to a page in your practice book or album.

1. A row of running stitches.
2. A row of backstitches.
3. A small hem secured with hemming stitches.

Lesson Keywords

• Stitch – A loop of thread used to join or decorate fabric.
• Temporary Stitch – A stitch used for temporary holding, easily removed.
• Permanent Stitch – A strong, durable stitch meant to hold fabric permanently.
• Running Stitch – A simple, even stitch used for basting or gathering.
• Backstitch – A strong stitch resembling machine stitching, used for durable seams.
• Hemming Stitch – A neat, almost invisible stitch used to secure folded edges (hems).
• Fabric – Material made by weaving or knitting threads.

Differentiation

For weaker learners: Provide pre-threaded needles and larger fabric scraps. Focus on mastering just one stitch (e.g., running stitch) before moving to others. Offer more one-on-one guidance and demonstrate slowly.
For faster learners: Encourage them to try variations of the stitches (e.g., even basting, uneven basting) or to practice making very small, precise stitches. They can also explore simple decorative stitches if time permits.

Suggested Lesson Videos

Search for “basic hand stitches jss1 fashion design” on YouTube

Teacher Guide for Using This Lesson Plan

Before the lesson, ensure you have enough fabric scraps, needles, and thread for every student. Prepare sample boards showing clearly made running, back, and hemming stitches. Start with a review of sewing tools to ensure students are comfortable. During demonstrations, speak clearly and slowly, showing each step from different angles. Encourage students to practice immediately after each demonstration. Circulate around the classroom to provide individual support and correct any errors in technique, especially regarding needle safety. Emphasise that practice is key to developing good hand sewing skills. Students should copy the Board Summary notes after the practical demonstrations and evaluation to consolidate their learning. Remind them to keep their practice samples for their album or practice book.