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New
Year 5

Select fabrics for functional and aesthetic properties

I can choose fabrics for function and aesthetics.

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New
New
Year 5

Select fabrics for functional and aesthetic properties

I can choose fabrics for function and aesthetics.

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. Designers use fabric for function.
  2. Designers use fabric for aesthetics.
  3. Fabric qualities inform design solutions.

Keywords

  • Function - a purpose or use

  • Aesthetics - the way something looks, its appearance

  • Qualities - specific features

  • Solution - a way to solve a problem

Common misconception

Fabrics are only chosen for aesthetic reasons.

Fabric selection can be driven by function and aesthetics.


To help you plan your year 5 design and technology lesson on: Select fabrics for functional and aesthetic properties, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

Pupils will need to consider the type of belt they will use. Consider easy access - simple belts can be made from seatbelt webbing with hook and loop attached or elasticated money belts. Plan where they can be sourced. Will pupils bring in a suitable belt to repurpose or will school provide?
Teacher tip

Equipment

Worksheets, pens/pencils and examples of fabric products (see Additonal materials).

Content guidance

  • Exploration of objects

Supervision

Adult supervision recommended

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.
Which of these fabrics is human-made?
wool
cotton
silk
Correct answer: polyester
Q2.
Match the fabrics to the description.
Correct Answer:silk,soft and very flexible

soft and very flexible

Correct Answer:wool,warm and fluffy

warm and fluffy

Correct Answer:spandex,stretchy

stretchy

Correct Answer:oil cloth (vinyl),waterproof

waterproof

Correct Answer:denim (cotton),stiff and durable

stiff and durable

Q3.
Which of these words means 'easy to use'?
empathy
Correct answer: accessible
utility
function
Q4.
What do we call a list of things a product needs to have or do?
menu
materials list
Correct answer: design specifications
instructions
price list
Q5.
Which word means to understand others' feelings and experiences?
function
utility
Correct answer: empathy
accessible
Q6.
Which of the following best describes the word 'utility'?
a type of material
Correct answer: something useful or helpful
a pocket or pouch
a tool

4 Questions

Q1.
Which of these is not an aesthetic quality?
texture
colour
pattern
Correct answer: strength
Q2.
Which product would need fabric chosen mainly for its aesthetic qualities?
umbrella
Correct answer: wedding dress
tent
workwear
Q3.
Which product considers fabric function as its main priority?
Correct answer: weighted blanket
fashionable t-shirt
cushion covers
ceremonial clothes
Q4.
What type of fabric is strong and waterproof?
silk fabric
woollen fabric
Correct answer: PVC coated fabric
hessian fabric

Additional material

Download additional material