New
New
Year 5

Accessible fasteners

I can fasten fabrics effectively.

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New
New
Year 5

Accessible fasteners

I can fasten fabrics effectively.

Link copied to clipboard

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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. Toggles can be used as pocket fasteners.
  2. Ties can be used as pocket fasteners.
  3. Buttons can be used as pocket fasteners.
  4. Pocket fasteners are chosen for design purposes.
  5. Empathic design considers barriers to accessibility and tries to make products accessible to as many people as possible.

Keywords

  • Fasteners - temporary ways to join fabrics

  • Toggle - a bar shaped fastener that passes through a loop

  • Empathy - understanding others' feelings and experiences

Common misconception

All fasteners are accessible to everyone.

The user needs should be considered when choosing fasteners so they are accesible to the individual.


To help you plan your year 5 design and technology lesson on: Accessible fasteners, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

Eyelets and eyelet pliers/tool could be used to create holes for tie fasteners but may require further instruction or adult support.
Teacher tip

Equipment

Toggles, string/ribbon/laces for ties, selection of buttons, needles, thread. Plus examples of toggles, ties and buttons on existing products.

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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6 Questions

Q1.
What is the main purpose of a pattern template in textiles?
to join fabric pieces
to decorate fabric
Correct answer: to cut fabric into specific shapes
to make a list of resources needed
Q2.
A gusset allows a pocket to ...
open
close
Correct answer: expand
shrink
Q3.
What type of stitch is this?
An image in a quiz
back stitch
cross stitch
running stitch
Correct answer: blanket stitch
Q4.
What does reversing the fabric (turning it inside out) do to the stitching?
strengthens it
Correct answer: hides it
reveals it
loosens it
Q5.
Match these fasteners to the description.
Correct Answer:hook and loop,has a fluffy side and a side with tiny plastic hooks

has a fluffy side and a side with tiny plastic hooks

Correct Answer:zip,has interlocking teeth

has interlocking teeth

Correct Answer:button,is usually round

is usually round

Q6.
Why is hook and loop often used as a fastener on school shoes?
it makes a good sound
it's harder for young children to open
it looks nicer
Correct answer: it's quick and easy to open and close

4 Questions

Q1.
What type of fastener is this?
An image in a quiz
a magnetic button
Correct answer: a loop toggle
a sprung sliding toggle
a tie
Q2.
Which of these is a problem with tie fasteners?
An image in a quiz
Correct answer: they can become knotted
they weaken over time
they are noisy
they can't be adjusted
Q3.
What is meant by empathic design?
creating barriers to accessibility
making products accessible to one user
Correct answer: considering others' experiences
ignoring others' experiences
Q4.
Why might small buttons be difficult for someone with arthritis to use?
Correct answer: they are difficult to grip
they are made from plastic
they are round
they come in lots of colours