Course Outline – Home Economics General Textiles Component

This semester you will be able to:

1. follow basic pattern instructions
2. understand pattern terminology
3. understand grains, layouts, naps
4. read pattern envelopes
5. determine correct sizing
6. determine how much fabric to buy
7. follow pattern instructions
8. understand different fabric types and their properties

Routines & Responsibilities

• Enter room quietly and place books on shelves.
• NO food or drinks in the room. Eat before entering the room.
• Get drawers and get organized to work.
• Be productive — NO visiting around and wasting time.
• End of class: – put all your equipment in drawers
  • return all classroom equipment to proper places- including sewing machines
  • last person using irons UNPLUG
  • pick up scraps and threads and put in garbage
  • put in all chairs and stools (last class of day puts up chairs)
• Each student is responsible for picking up scraps and threads in their working area.
• Each student is responsible for looking after his or her own equipment. Be sure to put all supplies away in your drawer.
• Put your name on the board if you require help during class and to show me your progress.

Suggested Projects

Students are expected to be sewing on a daily basis. Please have your supplies in class as soon as possible. For students with minimal sewing experience it is recommended that they start with a project such as pajamas. Projects should be challenging to the student’s own ability level.

To pass this class Three projects are to be completed in the semester – one using a commercial pattern, one recycle project and the third is your choice. In choosing your project, be sure to refer to the information on pattern and fabric selection and the techniques list (see below)

The course is of a highly practical nature and to this end the following materials and projects will be required:

1. Box of STEEL dressmaker’s straight pins
2. Package hand sewing needles
3. Pin cushion – optional
4. Bobbin for Janome machine
5. Stitch ripper with a thin, fine point
6. Pair of scissors
7. Small box to hold equipment
8. Scrap material for samples
9. Sewing notions required for projects

Please put your name on all equipment!

Remember: Projects are of your own choice but must contain various sewing techniques.  Choose patterns and fabrics according to your abilities.

Pattern and Fabric Selection

1. Buy pattern according to size that is determined in class to avoid unnecessary pattern alterations.
2. Choose a pattern that is not too difficult for your sewing skills, one where you will learn some new techniques and can be completed in one term. If in doubt about the difficulty of the pattern, check with the teacher.
3. Fabric should be suitable to pattern and easy to work with.
4. AVOID very stretchy or slippery fabrics
5. EXTRA fabric is required for matching plaids, fabrics with a nap, or a one-way design.
6. PRESHRINK all fabric before bringing to school
7. See list of notions on pattern envelope for additional, supplies such as buttons, zipper, interfacing etc.

Technique List

• darts-single, double point, French, darts
• facings
• hand sewn hems
• casings
• tucks
• cuffs
• waistband
• placket
• fasteners-snaps, hooks/eyes
• difficult fabrics
• interfacing
• bias edges
• stretch & sew techniques
• speciality seams-lap, French, Flat Fell, Princess
• pleats
• gathers
• zippers-fly, one or two lap, invisible zippers
• collar-flat, rolled, standing, shirt or 2 piece collar
• sleeves-set-in, raglan
• pockets-patch, slash
• ribbing
• buttonholes and buttons
• lining
• shirring
• mitered corners
• straps, belts
• ruffles

See me if you have another one in mind!

Clothing & Textiles Evaluation

The course’s primary focus will be for each student to progress at their own rate while improving their standard of quality and expertise.  Students will be evaluated on:

• ability to sew independently
• ability to seek help when needed
• understanding of sewing terminology and patterns
• ability to follow proper sewing techniques
• productive use of classtime
• meeting of course objectives and requirements

The course is 85% practical and 15% theory.  It is essential you work every day.  Work may only be taken home with teachers permission.  You will be required to come in during tap time or other posted times to complete your course work.  Three construction projects , a written  assignment and samples are required.  Techniques not completed in a project should be done as samples.

Generally:  The more you talk to me the higher your mark will be!

I cannot accurately assess your progress or understanding unless you are showing me your work at each step along the way.  So keep me in the loop and you’ll learn more!