New
New
Year 1

Joining fabric to make puppets

I can join fabric together with a simple running stitch.

New
New
Year 1

Joining fabric to make puppets

I can join fabric together with a simple running stitch.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Fabrics are joined together using a running stitch.
  2. Fixing the start and end of a running stitch holds the thread in place.
  3. A running stitch creates a seam to join the templates together.
  4. Turning the puppet inside out allows the seam to be on the inside.

Keywords

  • Fray - to unravel or become worn at the edges

  • Seam - a row of stitches joining two pieces of fabric

  • Template - a shape or pattern used to help cut something to the right size

  • Mark out - making marks on something to show how it needs to go together

Common misconception

The whole puppet needs to be stitched.

There are other joining technqiues that can be used to join the felt together. The running stitch is one which is advised for this unit, however, staples or fabric glue / PVA can be used as an alternative.


To help you plan your year 1 design and technology lesson on: Joining fabric to make puppets, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

Model sewing around the puppet, moving the fabric clips as you sew. Remind children to leave the bottom section of the puppet open for their hand to fit inside. Using thick metal needles will prove easier to sew on the felt. Practising turning socks inside out will help to turn puppets inside out.
Teacher tip

Equipment

Needles (metal or plastic, but test on felt before lesson), embroidery thread, felt pieces joined together, scissors, fabric clips, tape

Content guidance

  • Risk assessment required - equipment

Supervision

Adult supervision required

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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4 Questions

Q1.
What is a template?
A picture
Correct answer: A shape or pattern used to help cut something to the right size.
A painting
Q2.
To cut out a template, what could you use?
Correct answer: scissors
pencils
pens
rulers
glue
Q3.
What do you need to sew?
Correct answer: needle and thread
needle and pencil
pencil and thread
Q4.
What is special about a running stitch?
it goes up and down
Correct answer: it goes in one direction
it goes in zigzags

Assessment exit quiz

Download quiz pdf

4 Questions

Q1.
Match the keywords to their meaning.
Correct Answer:fray,to unravel or become worn at the edges

to unravel or become worn at the edges

Correct Answer:seam,a row of stitches joining two pieces of fabric

a row of stitches joining two pieces of fabric

Correct Answer:template,a shape or pattern used to help cut something to the right size

a shape or pattern used to help cut something to the right size

Q2.
By turning the stitched puppet inside out, what do we hide?
front
Correct answer: stitches
back
Q3.
When we mark out something, we ...
make marks on something to stop making it.
make marks on something to take it apart.
Correct answer: make marks on something to show how it needs to go together.
Q4.
What could you use to hold fabric together to sew?
Correct answer: fabric clips or small pegs
nails
screws

Additional material

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