Design specification and fabric selection
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can select fabrics for a purpose.
Key learning points
- Design specification considers the user needs and wants to store stationery.
- Selecting fabrics depends upon the design specification.
- Selecting fastening depends upon the design specification.
- Adding swatches of fabrics to sketches adds to knowledge of construction.
Keywords
Design - planning how a product will look or work
Specification - a list of product requirements
Performance - how well a product or material works
Stationery - objects used for writing and drawing tasks, such as pencils
Common misconception
Fabric and fasteners are chosen for aesthetic qualities alone.
Fabric and fasteners need to be selected carefully for their function and application.
Teacher tip
Recycled fabrics can be used for this lesson. Felt, hessian and cross-stitch fabric are most suitable for use with embroidery thread and needles. Some fabrics e.g, stiffer, heavyweight fabrics, will require pupils to use smaller, sharper needles and thinner cotton thread.
Equipment
Please see additional materials document for details of the resources needed in this lesson.
Content guidance
Exploration of objects
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is this type of fastener called?
Q2.How does a zip work?
Q3.Which of these is a type of fabric fastener?
Q4.Which of these is a hook and loop fastener?
Q5.Which of these is a type of fabric?
Q6.Match these words to their meaning.
a tool used for sewing
a thin string used for sewing
a temporary way to join fabric pieces
a material used to make clothes
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is stationery?
Q2.What does this symbol mean?
Q3.Which fastener is commonly used on shirts.
Q4.Which of these is true about hook and loop fasteners?
Q5.What are 'design specifications'?
Q6.Why wouldn't a loose weave fabric be suitable for a pencil case design?
To help you plan your 3 design and technology lesson on: Design specification and fabric selection, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 3 design and technology lesson on: Design specification and fabric selection, 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 2 design and technology lessons from the 2D shapes to 3D products: stationery storage unit, dive into the full primary design and technology curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.