New
New
Year 6

Develop a design for an arpillera

I can design an arpillera based on a story of conflict

New
New
Year 6

Develop a design for an arpillera

I can design an arpillera based on a story of conflict

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Arpilleras are typically stitched or appliquéd textile scenes that have been used to depict conflict.
  2. Arpilleras have been used as activist art which gives a voice to people who might not otherwise be heard.
  3. Arpillera design might include materials and processes such as stitch, synthetic felt, needle felting and hessian.

Keywords

  • Arpillera - stitched or appliquéd textile scenes originating from Latin America

  • Activist art - art that tries to make a change

  • Design - when you plan and create something new

Common misconception

Arpilleras generally avoid themes related to daily life or social issues.

Remind children that arpilleras are typically appliquéd textile scenes, showing everyday life, rural culture, or times of conflict. Arpilleras are sometimes used as activist art, especially in the context of human rights or social justice.


To help you plan your year 6 art and design lesson on: Develop a design for an arpillera, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

To enable children to trace their designs later on, encourage pupils to make their designs the size of their final arpillera. Children may also need access to images related to scenes of conflict.
Teacher tip

Equipment

sketchbooks, pencils, colouring pencils

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), 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

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6 Questions

Q1.
While stitches can simply be used to join textiles, they can also be ...
difficult to complete
Correct answer: decorative, such as embroidery
completed using a paintbrush
Q2.
What is the primary focus of artists responding to conflict?
To create beautiful landscapes
Correct answer: To express pain and devastation
To design fashion items
Q3.
A is a serious disagreement or fight between people, groups, or countries.
Correct Answer: conflict, war
Q4.
A is a picture, object, or sign that stands for or represents an idea, feeling, or message.
Correct Answer: symbol
Q5.
Which of the following is a symbol of remembrance in Japan?
Red poppy
Correct answer: Paper crane
Blue cornflower
Q6.
The act of remembering and showing respect for people who have died in wars is known as __________.
Correct Answer: Remembrance

Assessment exit quiz

Download quiz pdf

6 Questions

Q1.
What is an arpillera?
A type of painting
Correct answer: A stitched or appliquéd textile scene
A drawing tool
Q2.
Activist art is art that tries to make a ...
Correct Answer: change
Q3.
Match the keywords to its definition:
Correct Answer:Activist art,Art that advocates for social change

Art that advocates for social change

Correct Answer:Arpillera,A textile scene often depicting conflict

A textile scene often depicting conflict

Correct Answer:Appliqué,A technique of decorating fabric

A technique of decorating fabric

Q4.
What motivated the Arpilleristas of Chile to create their artwork?
To showcase their sewing skills
Correct answer: To tell stories of hardship and conflict
To compete in art contests
Q5.
What materials are commonly used to create an arpillera?
Watercolour and clay
Correct answer: Synthetic felt and hessian
Paper and metal
Q6.
An arpillera can tell a story about and conflict.
Correct Answer: War, struggles