Testing fabrics
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can test and select different fabrics to meet the needs of the user.
Key learning points
- Fabrics need to be carefully chosen for the product.
- Fabrics can be waterproof.
- Fabrics can have different strengths.
- Fabrics can be woven, flexible or stiff.
Keywords
Woven - cloth made by crossing threads over and under each other
Fabric - a material used to make clothes, blankets, curtains, etc.
Flexibility - how easily something bends or stretches
Waterproof - does not let water pass through it
Common misconception
All products made for use in or around water need to be waterproof.
Clothing used for swimming ie, trunks, costumes, shorts and wetsuits, are not waterproof.
Teacher tip
A selection of clothing made from different materials should be provided for pupils to test. Pupils can look at labels in their own clothing, including coats and bags, to determine fabrics used.
Equipment
Please see additional materials document for a list of resources needed for 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 sewing used for?
Q2.What is the hole in a needle called?
Q3.Which stitch is the strongest for holding fabric together?
Q4.Match the stitch to the description.
a simple stitch with gaps
a solid line of stitches with no gaps
a decorative edging stitch
Q5.What are clothes usually made from?
Q6.Which direction do the main stitches go in a blanket stitch?
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.Which of these products need to be waterproof?
Q2.Match these words to the definition.
cloth made by crossing threads over and under each other
a material used to make clothes
does not let water pass through it
how easily something bends or stretches
Q3.Which fabric would be good for warmth?
Q4.Fabrics need to be carefully __________ for the product.
To help you plan your 3 design and technology lesson on: Testing fabrics, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 3 design and technology lesson on: Testing fabrics, 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.