Fabric seams and curves
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can sew seams and a curved edge.
Key learning points
- Practice seams can be sewn on scrap fabric.
- Seams need to have allowance which is extra fabric, usually 15mm.
- Practice curved edge seams can be sewn on scrap fabric.
- To sew curved edges, the template needs to be attached accurately.
Keywords
Seam - a join between fabrics
Seam allowance - additional fabric allowed for joining
Curved - a rounded bend, not straight
Piece - an individual section of pattern or fabric
Common misconception
Curved seams require different stitches to straight seams.
The same stitches can be used on a curved edge as those used on a straight seam.
Teacher tip
Pupils should be using sharp, metal needles and cotton thread (not embroidery thread) at this stage.
Equipment
Fabric scraps, needles, thread and paper for templates. Pre-made paper templates can be found in the additional materials document if required.
Content guidance
Risk assessment required - equipment
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is an action plan?
Q2.Order these stages of making a fabric product.
Q3.In the design process, what is the name for an accurate drawing that shows information?
Q4.What do we call the join between two pieces of fabric?
Q5.How big is a typical seam allowance?
Q6.What word could be used to describe this line?
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.What is a seam used for?
Q2.Which image shows a typical seam allowance?
Q3.Which pattern piece has a curved seam?
Q4.Which describes the best method to sew a curved seam.
To help you plan your 5 design and technology lesson on: Fabric seams and curves, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 5 design and technology lesson on: Fabric seams and curves, 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 Combining fabrics: accessible textiles unit, dive into the full primary design and technology curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.