Introducing Stitching Skills

We are creating textile bookmarks in DT using Bunca fabric and simple stitches such as running stich. We have done the first lesson looking at paper weaving and the concept of under and over. For this second lesson we need to explore simple stitches that the children will use. I need to introduce the concept of stitching, needles, threading, tying knots. Then a simple guided activity were the students will sew on a peice of material, practicing the simple stiches (2 max). This will be taught predominantly to the ks1 children and the lesson will last about 30 minutes. I can show videos and use simple vocabulary. The lesson following this will be designing the bookmarks and then the following two will be creating and evaluating the bookmarks.

Overview

This 30-minute lesson is designed for Reception and KS1 children (age 4–7) to introduce the basics of textiles through stitching, supporting the National Curriculum for Design and Technology (DT). Students will develop fine motor skills as they learn to thread needles, tie knots, and practise simple stitches on Bunca fabric, preparing them for creating woven bookmarks later in the unit. The lesson leverages multimodal teaching (video, hands-on, demonstration) building on their prior knowledge of paper weaving.

National Curriculum Links

Design and Technology: Key Stage 1

Developing, planning and communicating ideas:
- Use a range of materials and components, including textiles, according to their characteristics.
Working with tools, equipment, materials and components to make quality products:
- Use simple tools and techniques competently and appropriately.
Evaluating processes and products:
- Begin to explore how products work and how they can be made better.

Learning Objectives (I can statements)

I can understand the purpose of stitching in textiles.
I can thread a needle and tie a knot.
I can practice simple running stitches and backstitches on fabric.
I can handle textile tools safely and with care.

Success Criteria

Children confidently thread needles with adult support.
Children tie a knot on their thread to secure stitching.
Children successfully make neat running stitches or backstitches on Bunca fabric along a marked line.
Children demonstrate safe handling of needles and scissors.

Resources

Bunca fabric squares (approx. 15cm x 15cm) — one per child
Plastic or metal needles with large eyes (to reduce frustration and for safety)
Pre-cut lengths of thick embroidery floss or cotton thread in bright colours (about 30cm)
Small sharp scissors (child-safe)
Plastic or wooden needles demonstration set (for modeling threading)
Video clip (~2-3 mins) demonstrating threading and simple stitching
Visual aids (step-by-step picture cards of threading, knotting, running stitch, backstitch)
Marker pens to lightly draw stitch lines on fabric
Fabric glue or tape to secure threads temporarily for beginners

Lesson Structure

1. Warm-up and Introduction (5 mins)

Gather children on the carpet; recap prior learning about weaving (under and over concept).
Show the Bunca fabric and explain today’s goal: “We will learn how to sew using a needle and thread. Sewing helps us join fabric pieces and make things like bookmarks.”
Ask if anyone has seen or done sewing before to link prior experience.
Introduce key vocabulary with visuals: needle, thread, knot, stitch, running stitch, backstitch.

2. Modelling and Guided Practice (10 mins)

Threading the needle: Use a large plastic needle demo. Show video clip on threading a needle, pausing at key steps.
Children practise threading their own needle (adult support as needed).
Tying the knot: Demonstrate tying a simple knot at the thread end. Use a memorable phrase or rhyme to help recall.
Demonstrate the running stitch on a fabric square using a bright thread, pointing out how the needle goes “in and out” of the fabric.
For more able learners, introduce the backstitch and model the steps slowly.

3. Independent Practice (10 mins)

Children sit with fabric squares and pre-threaded needles.
Practise running stitches along the marked line. Teacher and assistant(s) circulate supporting pupils, encouraging neat stitches and safe handling.
For advanced learners, encourage trying backstitch.
Use fabric glue or tape to secure thread ends if needed.

4. Plenary and Reflection (5 mins)

Invite children to show their stitched fabric to the class and describe what they did using “I can…” statements.
Reinforce safe use of needles and care for materials.
Explain that in the next lesson, children will design and personalise their bookmarks continuing these skills.

Differentiation

Group	Support	Challenge
SEN & Lower Ability	Use plastic needles, shorter thread lengths, adult hand-over-hand guidance for threading and stitching.	Use tactile aids (felt shapes), larger stitch lines; allow stitching over pre-punched holes.
Typical KS1	Guided independent stitching, peer modelling, scaffold vocabulary with picture prompts.	Introduce backstitch and encourage neat, consistent stitch length and pattern.
Advanced Learners	Challenge to create a simple pattern with running and back stitches; teach a knot-tying rhyme.	Encourage sewing at least 2 lines or shapes (e.g., circle, square) on their fabric square.

Assessment for Learning

Observation checklist for threading, knot tying, running stitch accuracy and safety.
Questioning during plenary to assess understanding of vocabulary and techniques.
Photographic evidence of stitching outcomes saved for portfolio.
Peer feedback: “I noticed you did a neat running stitch!”

Extension Activities (For Early Finishers or Advanced Learners)

Create simple stitched shapes (hearts, stars) on fabric using running stitch or backstitch.
Experiment with different coloured threads to create patterns.
Teach simple embroidery stitch names (chain stitch, cross stitch) verbally to pique interest for future lessons.
Investigate real bookmarks showing sewn detailing to inspire next lesson.

Teaching Tips & Rosenshine Links

Use explicit modelling and clear instructions (Rosenshine’s Principle 4 & 6).
Break down complex tasks into small, manageable steps (Principle 3).
Use repetition and guided practice for mastery (Principle 7).
Provide positive feedback and praise effort to nurture confidence and resilience.
Scaffold language and hands-on support to maximise inclusion for diverse learners.

Contextual Notes for Selside C of E Primary

Embed Christian values like patience and care within stitching (e.g., “We sew carefully as a way of looking after our work and each other”).
Link fine motor skills practice with outdoor learning opportunities (e.g., making natural bookmarks later).
Use school’s ethos of nurturing the whole child by praising effort and creativity equally with accuracy.

By the end of this lesson, your class will have a solid foundation in stitching techniques that will empower them to create their own beautiful textile bookmarks, deepening their DT skills while enjoying the hands-on, calm focus sewing encourages.