New
New
Lesson 5 of 8
  • Year 4

Simple pattern pieces

I can design fabric pattern pieces.

Lesson 5 of 8
New
New
  • Year 4

Simple pattern pieces

I can design fabric pattern pieces.

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These resources were created for remote use during the pandemic and are not designed for classroom teaching.

Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Designs can be measured in mm, cm or inches.
  2. A seam allowance of 15mm is needed in designs.
  3. Pattern pieces can be made from paper as a prototype.

Keywords

  • Pattern piece - a paper shape that shows you how to cut fabric

  • Seam allowance - extra fabric allowed for joining, usually 15 mm

  • Accurate - exact, without mistakes

Common misconception

A seam allowance is included in the sizing measurements.

A seam allowance needs to be added to the sizing measurements.


To help you plan your year 4 design and technology lesson on: Simple pattern pieces, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

Make sure pupils allow space around each pattern piece to add on the seam allowance. Some pupils may be able to add the seam allowance to measurements before drawing.
Teacher tip

Equipment

Large sheets of paper (newsprint works well), pencils, rulers, scissors.

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

Download quiz pdf

6 Questions

Q1.
Which is the net of this 3D shape?

An image in a quiz
An image in a quiz
Correct Answer: An image in a quiz
An image in a quiz
An image in a quiz
An image in a quiz

Q2.
What is a pattern piece?

Correct answer: a guide to help cut shapes
a quick drawing
a way to test a fabric's properties
a model of a product

Q3.
What is a prototype?

a drawing to show how a design will look
Correct answer: a model to test a design before it is made
a list of things a product must have
a finished product

Q4.
Why are insulating fabrics good for winter clothing?

An image in a quiz
they are stretchy
they don't rip easily
they stop water getting through
Correct answer: they stop heat from escaping

Q5.
Which three words remind us how to look after the environment?

reshape, rework, remake
remind, rewind, reward
Correct answer: reduce, reuse, recycle
reduce, remake, rework

Q6.
Match the centimetres (cm) to the equivalent millimetres (mm).

Correct Answer:3 cm,30 mm

30 mm

Correct Answer:10 cm,100 mm

100 mm

Correct Answer:8.5 cm,85 mm

85 mm

Correct Answer:five and a half centimetres,55 mm

55 mm

Assessment exit quiz

Download quiz pdf

4 Questions

Q1.
Match the measurements.

Correct Answer:540 mm,54 cm

54 cm

Correct Answer:140 mm,14 cm

14 cm

Correct Answer:270 mm,27 cm

27 cm

Correct Answer:370 mm,37 cm

37 cm

Q2.
On a straight-sided brimmed hat, the width of the crown is the same size as the centre of the ...

An image in a quiz
peak.
side panel.
Correct answer: brim.
crown.

Q3.
What size is a typical seam allowance?

An image in a quiz
150 mm
1.5 mm
15 cm
Correct answer: 15 mm

Q4.
What does the word accurate mean when measuring?

Correct answer: exact size, without mistakes
estimated size
a guess
rough size, not to scale