Machine stitching
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can create a thread drawing by using a sewing machine to draw with freehand stitching.
Key learning points
- Artists use sewing machines to draw with thread, creating expressive portraits by layering line, tone, and texture.
- Understand how to set up and control a sewing machine for freehand stitching, using the correct tool and techniques.
- Experiment with thread, colour, and layering to develop stitched, thread drawings in response to a project theme
Keywords
Freehand - a sewing machine attachment that lets you move the fabric freely to draw with thread
Sewing machine - a tool that stitches fabric together using thread
Thread - a long, thin strand of fibre used for sewing. It connects pieces of fabric together or can be used decoratively to draw or create texture.
Common misconception
You can only use a sewing machine for straight lines or joining fabric.
With a freehand arm, you can move the fabric in any direction to draw curves, lines, and patterns with thread. Artists use this to stitch portraits, text, and textures, guiding the fabric by hand like drawing with a pencil.
Teacher tip
It is much easier to draw with a sewing machine if you have a freehand arm so it is worth investing in a few. Students who are not that confident with the sewing machine can put their base fabric into an embroidery hoop. This will create tension on the fabric and make it easier for them to control.
Equipment
Sewing machine, freehand arm, white cotton, sowing cotton threads, pins paper, biro.
Licence
except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Why do many artists choose to use batik in their work?
Q2.What effect does the batik dyeing process typically create?
Q3.What role does wax play in batik?
Q4.What does the term "resist" mean in batik?
Q5.What is dye used for in the batik process?
Q6.What must you do after dyeing in the batik process to complete your design properly?
To help you plan your 10 art and design lesson on: Machine stitching, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 art and design lesson on: Machine stitching, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 4 art and design lessons from the Textile Design unit, dive into the full secondary art and design curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.