Throughout this lesson, the students will learn how to correctly take measurements to create a fitted garment. Students will begin with brainstorming measuring tools. Next, they will discuss fabric sizing as a class. Students will learn about the history of measurements and why it is important to take measurements. Individuals will team up in pairs to practice taking measurement. Finally, students will apply the measurements by comparing and contrasting them with a home-sew pattern.  This lesson could be used before a student begins creating a garment for themselves, especially in Intro to Design or an Apparel Production & Construction course.

Throughout this project, the students will complete a burrito-style pillowcase. This project will take about five days (50-minute class periods) for students to complete. Everyday, students will begin with setting up their sewing machines and setting goals for the day. Students will follow the written and video instructions to complete the project. At the end of each day, students will reflect upon what they accomplished and what they hope to improve upon for the following day. As there are written and video instructions, students can move through the project at their own pace.  This project works well for middle school or as a project to refresh students on how to use the sewing machine and construction terminology in high school. (In my classroom, I give students the choice to complete the PJ Pants or the Pillowcase Project. If they choose to make a pillowcase, I have them make two - one for themself and one for a foster kid.)

Throughout this project, the students will create a drawstring bag. This project will take about five days (50-minute class periods) for students to complete. Everyday, students will begin with setting up their sewing machines and setting goals for the day. Students will follow the written and video instructions to complete the project. At the end of each day, students will reflect upon what they accomplished and what they hope to improve upon for the following day. As there are written and video instructions, students can move through the project at their own pace.  This project works well for middle school or as a project to refresh students on how to use the sewing machine and construction terminology in high school. 

Throughout this project, the students will construct a kitchen pot holder. This project will take about six to seven days (45-minute class periods, with 22 students) for students to complete. Everyday, students will begin with setting up their sewing machines and setting goals for the day. Students will follow the written and video instructions to complete the project. At the end of each day, students will reflect upon what they accomplished and what they hope to improve upon for the following day. As there are written and video instructions, students can move through the project at their own pace.  This project works well for middle school (specifically 6th grade) or as a project to refresh students on how to use the sewing machine and construction terminology in high school.

Throughout this project, the students will construct a pair of pajama pants. This project will take about seven days (50-minute class periods) for students to complete. Everyday, students will begin with setting up their sewing machines and setting goals for the day. Students will follow the written and video instructions to complete the project. At the end of each day, students will reflect upon what they accomplished and what they hope to improve upon for the following day. As there are written and video instructions, students can move through the project at their own pace.  This project works well for middle school or as a project to refresh students on how to use the sewing machine and construction terminology in high school. (In my classroom, I give students the choice to complete the PJ Pants or the Pillowcase Project.)

This one day lesson (45-minute class period) is designed as a checkpoint to make sure students understand how to use the sewing machine safely. Students will independently work through a worksheet that has them describe the steps to set-up a sewing machine, describe sewing notions, explain their skill level on a sewing machine, practice sewing on paper, and sew a straight line and pivot on fabric. As the students are working, the teacher will walk around, monitor progress, and ask questions. The day will conclude with a class discussion and the teacher picking up  the applications. The following day, after the worksheets are graded, the teacher will award the Sewing Machine Licenses.  This lesson is used right before the students begin their main sewing project as one last check to make sure the students know the necessary information to complete their projects.

Throughout this lesson students will learn about and use the various sewing notions through a series of six stations. This lesson is designed to be used towards the beginning of a sewing unit. The lesson will begin with a discussion of sewing knowledge and the importance of tools to various careers. Next, the teacher will explain and demo each of the six stations. The safety precautions will also be discussed. The students will move about the room in eight-minute increments as they learn about and try the tools. The students will also fill out a worksheet on the tools. The class will wrap-up with a discussion of the tools.