Notes
There are lots of ways to differentiate this activity:
Pre-cut the pattern and fabric and concentrate on the sewing.
Pre-cut the pattern allow the children to cut the fabric.
Use glue as another method of joining the side seams and glue fabricshapes rather than using sewn decoration.
The pattern can be scaled up or down either with a photocopier or bymore able children themselves. The top flap needs to be 1cm shorter thanthe bottom flap and the side flaps should be 2cm wide.
Practicing the Key Skills
Prior practice at cutting against a straight edge is vital - using fabric with apiece of card pinned to it get the children to cut along the straight edge.Move the card and practice again. Scissors need to be sharp for fabriccutting so this needs consideration. Felt is easier to cut as it is stiffer.Use double thread with a knot tied at the bottom to stop the children losingthe thread out of the needle.Sewing on a button needs patience - try this out on another piece of fabricbefore the bag.If you want to teach the children to thread a needle, remember needles eyesare machine punched and one side can be easier to get a thread through thanthe other - if it’s hard - turn it around.Using cotton fabric cut out with pinking shears to prevent fraying. If youuse calico or plain white cotton you could decorate the bags using fabricpaint or pens.Make a larger scale bag and the look at adding handles. Examine bags fromhome and discuss ways of fixing handles and making them strong enough.How can adding handles in different places change the style and use of thebag?
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An easy project to introduce sewing to Key Stage 1 children - more free resources available at www.teacher-timesaver.co.uk