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      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can use stitch with paper and felt to make an abstract panel.

      Key learning points

      1. Flexibility, tension and hole preparation should be considered when sewing paper pieces together.
      2. Pinning a panel together before sewing it can prevent the pieces from moving as well as allowing for alterations.
      3. Artists might reflect and evaluate a whole collection of work rather than a single piece.

      Keywords

      • Panel - a flat surface or section used as the base for an artwork

      • Evaluation - when we think about our artwork to understand how good it is and how we could make it better

      • Collection - a group of art pieces that are gathered together because they share a common theme

      Common misconception

      Stitching onto paper is exactly the same as stitching onto fabric.

      Remind children that stitching on paper requires a few things to be mindful of, including preparing holes in your paper and not pulling your thread too tightly.

      Teacher tip

      Allow children further time to practise sample stitches on samples if necessary until they are confident.

      Equipment

      needle threader, fabric panels, felt pieces, embroidery thread, needles, masking tape, previous abstract work, pins, rubber, pencils

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Lesson video

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      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      What technique involves decorating fabric with needles and threads?

      weaving
      Correct answer: embroidery
      knitting
      Dyeing

      Q2.
      Stitches can be used to ___________ materials together or in a decorative way.

      Correct Answer: join

      Q3.
      Match the term to its description.

      Correct Answer:Textile,Made from fibres woven together

      Made from fibres woven together

      Correct Answer:Sample,A piece to showcase stitches

      A piece to showcase stitches

      Correct Answer:Design,Planning how something looks

      Planning how something looks

      Q4.
      True or False: stitches are only used to join materials together.

      True
      Correct answer: False

      Q5.
      What should artists do before starting a textile design?

      Choose random colours
      Correct answer: Plan ideas in a sketchbook
      Start stitching immediately
      Ignore previous artworks

      Q6.
      In your sketchbook, you can record your ___________ and shapes from previous artworks.

      Correct Answer: lines, colours

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      What is the purpose of pinning fabric together before sewing?

      To make it easier to cut
      Correct answer: To prevent the fabric from moving
      To make the fabric look pretty
      To make sewing faster

      Q2.
      Flexibility means that fabric can be easily, while paper is rigid and may tear.

      Correct Answer: bent, flexed

      Q3.
      Match the terms with their definitions.

      Correct Answer:Evaluation,Reflecting on your work

      Reflecting on your work

      Correct Answer:Panel,A flat surface for artwork

      A flat surface for artwork

      Q4.
      Which sample is best for creating decorative stitches?

      Correct answer: Chain stitch sample
      Running stitch sample
      Correct answer: French knot sample
      None of the above

      Q5.
      An effective evaluation should reflect on what went well, as well as any faced during the project.

      Correct Answer: challenges, problems

      Q6.
      What should you consider when evaluating a collection of work?

      The materials used
      The time taken
      How it looks on the wall
      Correct answer: All of the above

      To help you plan your 5 art and design lesson on: Make an abstract felt panel, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...