Sewing with Style

Unit: Sewing Skills Unleashed

Lesson 22 of 24
Duration: 60 minutes
Year Level: Year 9 (Ages 13–14)
Subject: Technology – Materials and Processing Technology
Curriculum Level: The New Zealand Curriculum, Level 4

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Big Idea

Textiles can be used to design and create sustainable, useful, and personally meaningful products when we apply technical skills and creative thinking.

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Lesson Title

Sewing a Simple Knit Project

Lesson Description

Students will apply prior learning to construct a stretch fabric project—such as a comfortable headband—demonstrating their ability to handle knit materials and apply appropriate stitching techniques. This session encourages personalisation, real-life application, and introduces stretch fabric considerations.

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Learning Outcomes

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

• Apply previously learned sewing techniques to sew and finish a simple knit headband.
• Demonstrate safe and effective use of sewing machines when working with stretch materials.
• Reflect on the functionality and aesthetics of their finished textile product.
• Explain how their project could connect to both sustainability and personal or cultural identity.

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Key Competencies

• Thinking – Students make decisions about design elements and stretch fabric handling.
• Using Language, Symbols and Texts – Reading patterns or diagrams, and understanding sewing instruction language.
• Managing Self – Planning and executing their own project steps within the allocated time.
• Participating and Contributing – Peer support and sharing finished products.
• Relating to Others – Offering positive feedback and identifying shared interests in textile design.

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Resources Required

Materials & Equipment	Quantity
Pre-cut knit fabric strips (variety of colours and patterns)	1 per student
Pins	Class set
Sharp fabric scissors	Class set
Thread (black/white/coloured)	Shared
Sewing machines with ballpoint needles	5–6 (shared in groups)
Safety checklist and sewing technique reference guides	1 per student
Reflection sheets	1 per student

Preparation Before Class

• Pre-thread machines and test tension on knit.
• Prepare diagrams of headband folding and stitching steps.
• Organise workstations with essential supplies.
• Display key safety reminders and learning intentions clearly on the board.

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Lesson Structure

⏱️ Time Allocation: 60 Minutes

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1. Mihi / Karakia + Roll Call and Settling (5 minutes)

Objective: Centre the class and signal the transition into focused learning time.

• Begin with a welcoming karakia (optional), and brief roll call.
• Reconnect with unit progress: “We’re now on Lesson 22 of 24 – almost finished crafting our final pieces.”

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2. Introduction & Demonstration (10 minutes)

Objective: Provide students with a visual and verbal walkthrough of the task.

• Show a sample finished headband.
• Revisit the handling of stretch fabrics: discuss fabric direction and how knit requires different handling than woven fabrics.
• Demonstrate the key steps:
  1. Pinning fabric with edges aligned.
  2. Stretch stitch (or zig-zag) on side seams.
  3. Seam finishing options: overlock (if available) or alternative methods.
  4. Turning and finishing techniques.

Kaiako Tip: Anchor the discussion by linking the product to real-world use (e.g., sportswear, kapa haka costumes, cultural wear).

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3. Independent Group Work: Sewing the Project (30 minutes)

Objective: Students create their own headbands following the model and instructions.

Breakdown of workflow:

• 0–5 minutes: Gather materials and set up machines in pairs or small groups.
• 5–20 minutes: Pin and stitch side seams.
• 20–25 minutes: Turn right-side out and assess workmanship.
• 25–30 minutes: Help those needing machine adjustments or with small troubleshooting tasks.

Teacher Role: Roam, model, and assist. Prompt learners to think critically when solving challenges (e.g., what to do if a seam puckers).

Safety Reminder: Reinforce correct finger positioning during machine operation & safe scissor use.

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4. Creative Personalisation (Optional Stretch Task) (5 minutes)

Objective: Offer challenge for fast finishers or higher capability learners.

• Provide optional embellishment materials: buttons, patches, hand embroidery thread.
• Ask learners to consider "How does this design reflect your identity or lifestyle?"

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5. Reflection and Peer Feedback (8 minutes)

Objective: Promote self-awareness and celebrate progress across the unit.

Reflection Sheet Prompts:

• What went well?
• What did you find challenging, and how did you overcome it?
• How might you improve your technique in future?
• How would you describe your finished product in one word?

Pair-share:

• Students turn to a buddy and offer one piece of positive feedback about each other’s creations.

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6. Wrap-Up / Looking Ahead (2 minutes)

“Next time, we’ll be completing finishing touches and preparing for our exhibition! Bring any special bits you want to include in your final product.”

Provide a heads-up that in Lesson 24, students will participate in a mini-exhibit showcasing their textile creations, linking to key employability competencies such as communication and initiative.

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Assessment Opportunities

Type	Indicator of Success
Observation	Safe and effective machine use
Product quality	Even stitching, appropriate finishing, functional fit
Reflection quality	Specific examples of strengths and areas for development
Peer feedback exchange	Positive engagement and language supports classroom culture

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Cross-Curricular Connections

• Science – Understanding of elasticity and material properties in stretch fabrics.
• Careers/Pathways – Link textile skills to fashion technology, costume design, and clothing production careers. Use the Ki hea rā? posters to make these connections visual.
• Tikanga Māori/Pasifika perspectives – Connection between garments, identity, and cultural expression. Consider students designing pieces inspired by whānau patterns or motifs.

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Extension & Differentiation

Learner Need	Strategy
Fast Finishers	Create a second item (e.g., scrunchie or wristband) using offcuts
Students requiring support	Work in pairs or supported by buddy system. Use printed picture instructions.
ESOL Learners	Use visual cues and bilingual sewing glossaries to reinforce understanding

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Final Thought 🌱

This lesson encourages students to think critically, create meaningfully, and connect tactile skills with their identity and future ambitions. With only two lessons to go, we’re not just stitching fabric—we’re stitching confidence, culture, and creativity.

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He toi whakairo, he mana tangata – Where there is artistic excellence, there is human dignity.