WEEK 1

HOW TO WEAVE A TABLE MAT

1. Fold the sheet of cardboard in half lengthways. Cut long lines in the card
about 1 inch apart and about 1 inch from the edge of the card.
2. Cut the preferred colour of cardboard into strips about 1 inch wide.
3. Take a strip of paper and pass it under the first cardboard sheet and then up
through the first slit, down through the second and back up through the third
and so on until you reach the other side of the card. Push it up so it sits as
close to the top of the initial card as it can reach.
4. Repeat with a different coloured strip of paper, starting the other way, down
through the first slit and up through the second and so on. Repeat until the
card is full.
5. To protect your mat, you could laminate it.

WEEK 2
CHILD DEVELOPMENT AND CARE
Growth is the increase in size and weight of the body. It is measured in meters and
kilograms. Development is an increase in skill and complexity of function.
Child development is a process through which human beings grow and mature
from infancy to adulthood. Child development is affected by genetic and
environmental factors. There are three aspects of child development and they are:
a) Physical development: This is the development of physical structures such
as brain, muscles and bones. Other aspects of development depend on
physical development.
b) Mental or cognitive development: This is the development of intellectual
abilities such as ability to think, understand and solve problems.
c) Social development: This is the development of approved behavior by the
society.
STAGES OF CHILD DEVELOPMENT
There are four stages of child development. Each stage is measured by the three
aspects of development (physical development, mental development and social
development). The stages are:
1. INFANCY STAGE (0-2 years).
Infancy stage begins at birth and ends at two years of age. It is the most
rapid period of growth in human being.
a) Physical development: This includes rolling over, sitting up, crawling
and walking.

b) Mental or cognitive development: This includes language learning,

eating, looking and listening.
c) Social development: This includes trust and security.
2. EARLY CHILDHOOD STAGE (2-6 years).
a) Physical development: Growth rate is slow. The child can run, jump,
climb and balance.
b) Mental development: The child can think, reason and solve problems.
c) Social development: The child learns to be independent.
3. MIDDLE SCHOOL STAGE (6-12 years).
a) Physical development: Growth in height, weight and strength.
b) Mental development: The child develops initiative and learns to work
hard.
c) Social development: The child relates with peers according to rules,
and develops self-discipline and teamwork.
4. ADOLESCENT/TEENAGE STAGE (13-18 years).
Adolescent stage is the most challenging stage for both parents and children.
a) Physical development: This includes body changes, energy and too
much strength, and development of skills and talents.
b) Mental development: The child develops self-consciousness,
sometimes doubts his ability or becomes over-confident or moody.
c) Social development: The child has high peer pressure influence over
his behavior, bullying tendency, personal and sexual identity and
relationship, tendency of delinquency.

FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE CHILD DEVELOPMENT

There are many factors that influence child development. For most of them, we
have control over but for some others we do not. These factors are:
1. Family influence.
2. Heredity influence.
3. Nutritional influence.
4. Socio-economic status.
5. Chronic diseases.
6. Emotional influence.
7. Environmental influence.

(Refer to your textbook on page 4-5 for more explanation on these factors that
influence child development)

WEEK 3
CONDITIONS NECESSARY FOR CHILD DEVELOPMENT
The following are conditions necessary for child development:
1. Good environment: The child needs a conducive, comfortable and warm
environment for maximum development.
2. Love: The child needs to feel loved and wanted. This will enable him to trust
and feel trusted. He should also be encouraged to achieve all that he is
capable of achieving.
3. Food: Good nutrition in form of a balanced diet or adequate diet is important
for health and growth.
4. Good care: Every child depends on the adult to meet his needs. Meeting the
needs adequately and promptly aids the child’s development.
5. Toys for children: A child begins to play early in the infancy stage when he
becomes aware of people and objects. Toys help to keep the child busy and
happy. They aid learning, enhance exercise and coordinate muscles.
6. Good school: The school should provide the child with an environment that
encourages interest in physical, mental, emotional and social abilities.
7. Society: Society helps the child to learn the things which the school and
home could not teach. Society is the child’s widest environment. Society
impacts cultural norms and shapes the child’s behavior.
CARE OF THE CHILD
A child is helpless and depends on his mother to take care of his needs. The care
given to a child influences his development. It is therefore important to learn how
to care for a child. Below are the different types of care required by a child:
1. Feeding the child: A newborn baby is usually breastfed by the mother from
birth to six months. Sometimes, as a result of some situations, a baby is fed
with processed milk. Some of these instances include when the mother
cannot produce enough milk for the baby or when the mother is sick or weak
and cannot breastfeed the baby.
2. Clothing the child: The child should be well clothed for protection, warmth

and good appearance. Fabric for a child’s clothing should be soft, non-
flammable and washable. A child’s clothes should be easy to put on and take

off. .
3. Bathing the child: Considering the delicate nature and tender skin of a
child, the child should be bathed at least two times daily. A baby should not
be allowed to stay too long in water as he may catch cold.

4. Supervising the child: There is a need for parents and guardians to

supervise and monitor the safety of the child, especially during their
playtime.
5. Keeping good hygiene: Help the child keep good hygiene and personal
grooming. It is important for the food, clothing and surroundings of a child
to be kept clean, to avoid sickness and diseases.
6. Develop schedules and routines for the child to have enough physical
activity, rest and playtime.
7. Watch out for emotional or developmental problems in the child and get the
needed attention promptly.

WEEK 4
COMMON CHILDHOOD AILMENTS
Common childhood ailments are minor child illnesses that are bound to happen to
children. Parents and caregivers should have knowledge of the signs and symptoms
of these illnesses in order to help the child feel better. Severe cases of illness
should be referred to the doctor.
The most common childhood illnesses are:
1. Common cold: Signs of common cold are mild fever, congestion, coughing
and sore throat. Common cold can be treated with lots of fluids and rest.
2. Diarrhea and vomiting: These usually manifest in loose, watery bowel
motions often caused by a gastroenteritis infection. Diarrhea is a sudden
increase in the number of bowel movements with loose and watery stool. It
can be caused by infection, over-feeding, or eating unsuitable diets. A child
that suffers diarrhea should be given oral rehydration therapy (ORT) after
each stool.
3. Colic: Colic is caused by cramps in the intestine of the baby. It causes
discomfort and pains. A baby who has colic cries hard. Such baby should be
taken to the doctor.
4. Common fever: Signs of common fever are flushed face, a hot and dry skin
with a rise in the normal body temperature. Fever usually indicates infection.
5. Measles: Measles is a highly infectious disease among unvaccinated
children and adults. Signs of measles include fever, cough, sore throat and
watery eyes. Rash appears after the third or fourth day of contracting
measles infection.
6. Mumps: Mumps is a viral infection. The major sign is painful swelling at
the side of the face under the ears. If not treated promptly, mumps virus can
spread to other parts of the body. Other signs include headache, joint pain
and fever.

7. Chickenpox: Chickenpox can affect both children and adult. It is

preventable by vaccine. Signs and symptoms are rash of red and itchy spots
that turn into blisters, high fever. The spots can cover the entire body.
Chickenpox if not treated promptly, could cause serious complications that
can lead to death. A child with chicken pox should be taken to the doctor.
IMMUNISATION FOR CHILDREN
Immunisation is to make a person resistant to a particular infection by the
administration of vaccine. It is the process by which an individual’s immune
system becomes fortified against foreign particles or antigens, as a result of
vaccination.
Vaccination is the administration of a vaccine to help the immune system develop
protection from a disease. Immunisation is mostly used to protect children and
pregnant mothers against infections. The main purpose is to reduce the mortality
(death) rate resulting from the following diseases:
1. Diphtheria.
2. Tetanus.
3. Whooping cough.
4. Chicken pox.
5. Smallpox.
6. Hepatitis B.
7. Polio.
8. Influenza.
9. Tuberculosis.
10.Measles.
TYPES OF IMMUNISATION
1. Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) Vaccine: This vaccine is given at birth
and some months after, to prevent a child from having tuberculosis.
2. Diphtheria, Tetanus and Pertussis (Whooping cough) (DTP) Vaccine:
This vaccine is given to a child for protection against diphtheria, whooping
cough and tetanus.
3. Polio Vaccine: This is given to a child to prevent polio. Two or three drops
of the vaccine are squeezed into the mouth of the child.
4. Hepatitis B (Hep B) Vaccine: This vaccine provides immunity against
Hepatitis B infection. It protects the child from birth through adult years
from virus that infects the liver.
5. Measles Vaccine: This is given to protect against measles. It is given as an
injection at nine months of age.

6. Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV): This protects against

pneumonia and meningitis.
7. Smallpox vaccine: This injection is given to protect the child against
smallpox.
8. Influenza (flu) Vaccine: This vaccine is given to protect against flu. Flu is a
highly infectious disease of the respiratory tract. Influenza vaccine is given
to children from six years and above. Adults are also given vaccine.
WEEK 7
SEWING MACHINE
A sewing machine is a machine used to sew fabric and materials together with
thread. The use of sewing machine makes garment construction faster and easier
than hand stitches. Proper knowledge of the parts uses and care of the sewing
machine is important in order to effectively utilize the machine.

TYPES OF SEWING MACHINE

There are different types of sewing machines, though basically all types are similar
in function. Sewing machines may differ in the way they are operated and the
number and type of stitches they make. There are four main types and they include
the following:
1. Hand-operated sewing machine: This type of machine is operated with the
hand. One hand operates the machine while the other guides the fabric
during sewing. It can be placed on the table, floor or any flat surface that is
convenient for the user. It operates without electricity. However more
energy is used in its operation and it is time consuming.

2. Foot or treadle sewing machine: This type of sewing machine is operated

with the feet, though one foot can also be used. The two hands are free to
guide the fabric during sewing. It is fixed on a special stand that normally
comes with the machine; it can operate with or without electricity and so
makes its use very popular in sewing business.
3. Electric sewing machine: This type of sewing machine uses electricity to
operate. It can be equipped with a special stand or it may be placed on a
table. To sew, one leg presses the electric motor while the two hands guide
the fabric. It does not require much energy to operate and it sews faster. It
can only be used where there is electric supply.
4. Computerized sewing machine: This type of sewing machine also makes
use of electricity for it to function. It has large touch screen with many
functions. The user can create designs on the computer and link it to the
machine. Some can download patterns from the internet. Computerized
sewing machines are more expensive than other common types of sewing
machines.
PARTS OF SEWING MACHINE AND THEIR FUNCTIONS
1. Presser screw or bar: This is used to prevent difficulties in the tension of
the machine.
2. Spool pin: This holds the sewing thread in position.
3. Balance wheel: This sets the machine in motion.
4. Stop motion screw: This puts off the machine. It is also used when
threading the bobbin.
5. Bobbin winder: This is used to wind the thread onto the bobbin.
6. Stitch regulator: This is numbered and is used in determining the length of
stitch that is suitable for different types of materials.
7. Tension discs and screw: These are used to control the tightness of the
thread when sewing.
8. Presser foot lever: This is used to raise or lower the presser foot during
sewing.
9. Presser foot: This is used to hold the material in position during sewing.
10.Feed plate: This helps to pass the material through during sewing. This
should be done without pulling the material, unless it is too thick.
11.Shuttle or bobbin case: This holds the threaded bobbin in position ready for
sewing.
12.Bobbin: The bobbin is a small spindle that is wound with thread. Bobbin
supplies the bottom thread during the stitch formation.
13.Needle clamp: This is where the needle is fixed.

14.Thread guides: These support and guide the thread from the spool down to
the presser foot. They also prevent the thread from twisting.
15.Feed dog: It helps to pass the cloth through the machine in forwarding
direction during the sewing.
16.Slide plate: It is rectangular in shape and it is situated beside the pressure
foot, it helps the removal of bobbin case without lifting the machine.
17.Thread take-up lever: The main function of the thread take-up lever is
threading the sewing needle and maintaining the proper tension. If thread
take-up lever is incorrect, the thread will knot up, break and jam in the
machine.
18.Hook: It catches the thread as it is forced out of the needle to create a stitch.

WEEK 8
FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE THE CHOICE OF SEWING MACHINES
The following are factors that influence a person’s choice of sewing machine;
1. User’s intention: The user should make a decision to choose a sewing
machine either for commercial or private use.
2. Availability of spare parts and ease of maintenance: Users should consider
the affordability of spare parts, maintenance facility available.
3. Space available: The space available to mount the machine should determine
the size of the machine to choose.
4. Sampled opinion about the different types of machines: Ask around to have
a general knowledge about the different models of machine and their
features before making a choice.
5. Financial ability: The cash at hand often determines the machine to be
purchased. Choose the best your money can afford.
6. Number of people that will use the machine: Consider the sewing skill of
other family members. Choose a model that is strong and offers a variety of
features and functions.
GUIDELINES FOR CHOOSING SEWING MACHINES
The following are guidelines when choosing sewing machines;
1. Choose a sewing machine that the spare parts and regular maintenance are
available.
2. Choose the one that is best suited for the purpose of buying it.
3. Choose a costly or sophisticated machine only when it is for commercial
use. The aim is to recover the money invested by producing cloths in mass
quantity.
4. Know how to use the machine properly before leaving the dealer’s shop.

5. Ensure that all the parts and accessories of the type you have chosen are in
place because they vary according to the maker.
6. Choose a simple machine that is quite appropriate for stitches.
7. Choose a machine that can be easily transported and stored.
8. Choose the best sewing machine your money can afford.
CARE OF SEWING MACHINES
It is important to know how to keep the machines in good working conditions so
as to serve you better. The following steps should be taken to care for a sewing
machine.
i. Always cover the machine when not in use, to keep dust and fluff off it.
ii. Oil the machine regularly, but ensure that you wipe off excess oil before use.
iii. Read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully before use.
iv. Tighten loose screws of the machine before use.
v. Remove threads, pins and snippings after sewing. They can cause serious
damage when trapped in the machine.
vi. Leave the presser foot down when the machine is not in use.
vii. Disconnect plugs and fold flexes after using electric sewing machines.
viii. Disconnect the belt of a treadle machine. It allows the machine to be put
back in its box.
ix. Maintenance and servicing should be done by an expert or the
manufacturer’s representative.
x. Create a sewing space or room to avoid carrying the machine about.

WEEK 9
SOME TERMS USED IN GARMENT CONSTRUCTION
1. DART: This is a small fold put into a garment to make it fit better. The
different types of darts include; straight dart, curved and double pointed dart.
Uses of darts
i. Darts are used mostly on outer and undergarments to control fullness.
ii. They give shape to the garment.
iii. They give a better fitting to the wearer.
2. TUCKS: These are small stitched folds in garments. They may be of
different widths or lengths. They take up three times the finished width of
the material. The folds are formed on the right side of the garment.
Use of tucks
i. For decoration, e.g. pin tucks in the front of a bodice.
ii. To introduce shape or fitting.
iii. To take up extra width and length which may be loosened later.

iv. To hide a join in the fabric.

3. GATHERS: Gathers in clothing are small folds of material pulled together.
They are suitable for fine fabric. It is the easiest and best way to control
fullness. It may be worked by hand or machine.
Use of gathers
i. They are used to control fullness.
ii. They are used on skirts, sleeves, frills and yokes.
4. OPENING: This is a hole or space made in a garment because of its
importance. It is easily noticed. Openings are made according to the type of
fastening to be used on them. There are two types of openings; continuous
opening and faced opening.
Use of openings
i. To allow garments to be put on and taken off easily and quickly.
ii. To decorate the garment.
iii. To allow garments to be made in a close-fitting style.
5. FASTENINGS: Fastenings are devices that are often attached to openings.
The kind of fastening determines the type of opening to be made. Fastenings
can be visible or hidden on the materials after attaching them. Visible ones
include buttons, loops, tie strips and zip fasteners. Hidden ones include press
studs, hooks and eyes, bars and velcro, zips. Fastenings should be strong
enough to withstand frequent handling and strain.
Use of fastenings
i. Fastenings allow garments to be worn and taken off easily and
quickly.
ii. They can be used for decoration.
iii. They protect openings from straining and overstretching.
iv. They allow garments to be made in close-fitting styles.
6. HEM: This is a garment finishing method where the edge of cloth is folded
narrowly and sewn to prevent unraveling of the fabric. It is used on sleeves
and skirts.
7. FACING: This is a small piece of fabric used to finish the edge of a fabric.
It can be made on the right or wrong side of the garment using the same
material or a material of another colour and texture. Facing is used to finish
necklines, armholes hems, openings, and to produce a decorative effect.
8. SEAM: This is the line where two pieces of fabric are sewn together.
9. SEAM ALLOWANCE: This is the space of fabric between the edge and
seam. The seam allowance may be different depending on the type of fabric
you use.
Refer to your textbook for more information/guideline on how to create the
basic terms on a piece of fabric.

WEEK 10
MAKING A BABY’S DRESS WITH GATHERS, OPENINGS AND
FASTENINGS
The following are the points to consider in making a baby’s dress:
1. Material must be easy to launder, e.g. cotton.
2. Colour and pattern should be suitable for the wearer.
3. Materials should not be too expensive.
4. The style of the garment must allow for it to be easily put on and off, e.g. the
use of long openings from neck.
5. The style must allow for the growth of the child.
6. The style should not involve elaborate decoration.
7. The sleeves should be of a reasonable size and should not be tight fitting.

Refer to your textbook for more information on page 56-57