Basic Stitches

TITLE:

Basic Stitches

PREVIOUS KNOWLEDGE:

Students can hold a needle and thread, cut fabric, and use pins. They know how to use scissors and a measuring tape. They can sew a simple straight line with a sewing machine. They are familiar with basic fabric types like cotton and polyester.

OBJECTIVES

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

1. Perform tacking stitches to hold fabric temporarily.

2. Create a neat hem on a garment edge.

3. Use a running stitch to join fabric pieces.

4. Apply a backstitch for strong, durable seams.

INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS:

- Needle and thread

- Scissors

- Measuring tape

- Pins

- Fabric pieces

- Small fabric patch

- Button

- Small sewing kit

CONTENT

Tacking

Tacking is a quick hand stitch that holds fabric together before permanent stitching. For example, when you are fixing a torn shirt in Lagos, you may tacking the raw edge to keep it from fraying. It is a temporary stitch that can be removed later.

To tacking, first place the fabric flat on a table. Then thread the needle with a suitable colour of thread. Finally, make short stitches across the edge, pulling the thread tight each time.

Worked

Example 1:

A student has a cotton shirt that needs to be repaired. The shirt is torn at the sleeve. How should the student tacking the torn edge?

Solution:

Step 1: Place the torn edge on a flat surface.

Step 2: Thread the needle with a matching thread.

Step 3: Make short stitches across the tear, pulling the thread tight.

Step 4: Repeat until the edge is held firmly.

Answer: The student should tacking the edge with short, tight stitches.

Worked

Example 2:

A student wants to attach a small patch to a jacket. The patch is on the back of the jacket. How should the student tacking the patch?

Solution:

Step 1: Place the patch on the jacket where it will sit.

Step 2: Pin the patch in place.

Step 3: Thread the needle and start making short stitches across the patch edge.

Step 4: Pull the thread tight to hold the patch.

Answer: The student should tacking the patch with short, tight stitches.

Hemming

Hemming is a hand stitch that folds fabric to create a neat, finished edge. For instance, when you sew a skirt for a wedding in Kano, you may need to hem the skirt to the right length. It gives a clean look and prevents fraying.

To hem, first fold the raw edge up by the desired amount. Then pin the fold in place. Finally, stitch along the fold using a small, even stitch.

Worked

Example 1:

A student has a skirt that is 10 centimetres too long. How should the student hem the skirt?

Solution:

Step 1: Measure 10 centimetres from the bottom edge.

Step 2: Fold the fabric up by 10 centimetres.

Step 3: Pin the fold to keep it straight.

Step 4: Stitch along the fold with a small, even stitch.

Answer: The student should fold, pin, and stitch to hem the skirt.

Worked

Example 2:

A student is repairing a jacket that has a raw edge. The jacket is made of polyester. How should the student hem the jacket?

Solution:

Step 1: Fold the raw edge up by 5 centimetres.

Step 2: Pin the fold to hold it.

Step 3: Stitch along the fold with a small, even stitch.

Step 4: Trim any excess fabric.

Answer: The student should fold, pin, stitch, and trim to hem the jacket.

Running Stitch

Running stitch is a straight line of stitches that holds fabric together. For example, when you attach a small patch to a school jacket in Ibadan, you may use a running stitch. It is simple and quick to perform.

To make a running stitch, first thread the needle. Then pull the thread through the fabric, leaving a small loop on the back. Finally, pull the thread tight to create a straight line of stitches.

Worked

Example 1:

A student needs to attach a patch to a jacket. The patch is on the front of the jacket. How should the student use a running stitch?

Solution:

Step 1: Place the patch on the jacket.

Step 2: Pin the patch in place.

Step 3: Thread the needle with a matching thread.

Step 4: Insert the needle through the fabric and the patch, pulling the thread tight.

Step 5: Repeat to create a straight line of stitches.

Answer: The student should use a running stitch to attach the patch.

Worked

Example 2:

A student wants to sew a button onto a shirt. The button is on the left side of the shirt. How should the student use a running stitch?

Solution:

Step 1: Place the button on the shirt.

Step 2: Pin the button to keep it steady.

Step 3: Thread the needle.

Step 4: Insert the needle through the button and the shirt, pulling the thread tight.

Step 5: Repeat to secure the button.

Answer: The student should use a running stitch to sew the button.

Backstitch

Backstitch is a strong hand stitch that creates a continuous line of stitches. For instance, when you make a sturdy seam for a work shirt in Port Harcourt, you may use backstitch. It gives a durable seam that can withstand wear.

To perform a backstitch, first thread the needle. Then push the needle forward, leaving a small loop. Next, pull the thread through the loop and pull it tight. Finally, repeat the process, always moving the needle forward.

Worked

Example 1:

A student needs to sew a seam on a work shirt. The seam is along the side of the shirt. How should the student use a backstitch?

Solution:

Step 1: Place the two fabric pieces together.

Step 2: Thread the needle.

Step 3: Push the needle forward and pull the thread through.

Step 4: Pull the thread tight to create a small loop.

Step 5: Repeat, moving the needle forward each time.

Answer: The student should use a backstitch to sew a strong seam.

Worked

Example 2:

A student wants to stitch a pocket onto a pair of trousers. The pocket is on the front of the trousers. How should the student use a backstitch?

Solution:

Step 1: Place the pocket on the trousers.

Step 2: Pin the pocket in place.

Step 3: Thread the needle.

Step 4: Push the needle forward, pull the thread through, and pull tight.

Step 5: Repeat to create a continuous line of stitches.

Answer: The student should use a backstitch to attach the pocket.

COMMON MISTAKES:

- Using a thread that is too thick for the needle, causing jams.

- Not keeping the fabric flat, leading to uneven stitches.

- Pulling the thread too tight, making the fabric puckered.

- Forgetting to pin the fabric before stitching, causing misalignment.

- Using a running stitch for a heavy seam that needs strength.

EVALUATION

1. What is tacking and when do you use it?

2. How do you create a neat hem on a skirt?

3. Describe the steps of a running stitch.

4. Explain why backstitch is used for strong seams.

5. Which stitch would you use to attach a patch to a jacket?

SUMMARY

In this lesson, you learned four basic hand stitches that are essential for garment making. You practiced tacking to hold fabric temporarily, hemming to finish edges neatly, running stitch for simple joining, and backstitch for strong, durable seams. You also learned common mistakes to avoid and how to evaluate your skills.

- Tacking holds fabric temporarily and is quick to perform.

- Hemming folds and stitches the edge to create a neat finish.

- Running stitch is a straight line of simple stitches.

- Backstitch creates a strong, continuous seam for durability.