Safety in the Sewing Room
TITLE:
Safety in the Sewing Room
PREVIOUS KNOWLEDGE:
You know how to use a needle, scissors and a sewing machine.
You can read a simple pattern and follow basic steps in a craft class.
You have seen your classmates sew small pieces of cloth.
OBJECTIVES
By the end of this lesson, students should be able to:
1. Follow rules for proper handling of needles.
2. Use scissors safely and responsibly.
3. Operate a sewing machine with safety precautions.
INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS:
- Needle set with different sizes.
- Pair of scissors of various sizes.
- A standard sewing machine.
- Safety goggles.
- Workbench with a stable surface.
- Sample fabric pieces.
- Instructional handouts.
CONTENT
Needles and Their Handling
A needle is a long, thin metal tool with a sharp point and a small eye for thread.
In Lagos market, a tailor might use a needle to stitch a blouse.
When you hold a needle, keep the point away from your fingers.
Always place the needle on a flat surface before putting thread through the eye.
If you need to thread a needle, do the following.
First, hold the needle in your dominant hand.
Next, take a piece of thread and place it over the eye.
Pull the thread through until it is snug.
Never hold the needle by the point while threading.
Worked
Example 1:
Question: You have a needle that is 5 centimetres long. You cut a piece of thread that is 20 centimetres. How many centimetres of thread are left after you use 5 centimetres for the needle?
Solution:
Step 1: The thread is 20 centimetres.
Step 2: You use 5 centimetres for the needle.
Step 3: Subtract 5 from
20. Answer: Fifteen centimetres of thread remain.
Scissors Safety
Scissors are tools with two blades that cut fabric or paper.
In a school in Ibadan, students use scissors to cut paper for art projects.
When you use scissors, keep the blades away from your body.
Always cut away from yourself and others.
To use scissors safely, follow these steps.
First, hold the scissors in both hands.
Next, open the blades and place the fabric between them.
Close the blades gently to cut.
Never leave scissors lying open on the floor.
Worked
Example 2:
Question: You have a pair of scissors that can cut 10 centimetres of fabric in one try. You cut a strip that is 30 centimetres long. How many cuts do you need to finish the strip?
Solution:
Step 1: Each cut can handle 10 centimetres.
Step 2: Divide 30 by
10. Answer: Three cuts are needed.
Sewing Machine Safety
A sewing machine is a machine that stitches fabric using a needle and thread.
In Kano, a small workshop might use a sewing machine to make shirts.
Always turn off the machine before changing the needle or thread.
Keep your hands away from the needle and the moving parts.
Before you start a sewing project, check these safety steps.
First, turn the machine on and let it warm up.
Second, attach the needle and thread properly.
Third, keep a safety guard in place.
Fourth, do not touch the machine while it is running.
Worked
Example 3:
Question: A sewing machine can sew 50 centimetres of fabric in 10 minutes. How long will it take to sew 150 centimetres?
Solution:
Step 1: 50 centimetres take 10 minutes.
Step 2: 150 centimetres is three times
50. Step 3: Multiply 10 minutes by
3. Answer: Thirty minutes are needed.
COMMON MISTAKES:
- Holding a needle by the point while threading.
- Leaving scissors open on the floor.
- Touching the sewing machine while it is running.
- Not wearing safety goggles in the sewing room.
EVALUATION
1. What should you do before you start using a needle?
2. How should you hold scissors while cutting fabric?
3. Name one safety step before turning on a sewing machine.
4. Why is it important to keep the needle away from your fingers?
5. Explain why you should never leave scissors lying open.
SUMMARY
Today we learned how to stay safe in the sewing room.
We covered rules for needles, scissors, and sewing machines.
Key points: keep needles pointed away, scissors closed when not in use, and always turn off machines before maintenance.