Types and Uses of Stitches Basic 6 Home Economics Lesson Note

Learning Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:

• Mention the general uses of stitches
• Describe the steps in making both temporary and permanent stitches
• Produce articles using different types of stitches

Lesson Content

General Uses of Stitches

1. Construction Uses

• Joining Pieces: Connecting fabric pieces to make garments
• Creating Seams: Forming strong joints between fabric edges
• Attaching Parts: Joining sleeves to bodies, collars to necklines
• Inserting Elements: Adding zippers, buttons, pockets

2. Finishing Uses

• Edge Finishing: Preventing fabric from fraying
• Hemming: Creating neat bottom edges on garments
• Seam Finishing: Tidying up raw seam edges
• Binding Edges: Encasing raw edges with bias tape

3. Decorative Uses

• Embroidery: Creating decorative patterns and designs
• Appliqué: Attaching decorative fabric pieces
• Topstitching: Visible decorative stitching
• Smocking: Creating decorative gathering effects

4. Functional Uses

• Gathering: Creating fullness in fabric
• Pleating: Making organized folds
• Darning: Repairing holes in fabric
• Reinforcing: Strengthening stress points

Steps in Making Temporary Stitches

A. TACKING/BASTING STITCH

Materials Needed:

• Fabric pieces to be joined
• Contrasting colored thread
• Sharp needle
• Scissors
• Pins

Steps:

1. Prepare: Cut thread about 18 inches long
2. Thread Needle: Tie a knot at one end
3. Pin Fabric: Place fabric pieces together, right sides facing
4. Start Stitching: Insert needle from right to left
5. Make Long Stitches: Create stitches about ½ inch long with ½ inch spaces
6. Keep Loose: Don’t pull thread tight
7. Finish: Make a small backstitch to secure
8. Remove Later: Pull out easily after permanent stitching

B. TAILOR’S TACKING

Steps:

1. Place Pattern: Put pattern piece on double fabric layer
2. Mark Points: Identify marking points (dots, notches)
3. Double Thread: Use double thread without knotting
4. Stitch Through: Take small stitch through pattern and both fabric layers
5. Leave Loops: Pull thread to create small loops
6. Cut Pattern: Carefully cut away pattern paper
7. Separate Layers: Gently pull fabric layers apart
8. Cut Threads: Cut threads between layers, leaving tufts on each piece

Steps in Making Permanent Stitches

A. RUNNING STITCH

Steps:

1. Prepare Thread: Cut 18-20 inches of matching thread
2. Knot End: Tie small knot at one end
3. Start from Back: Insert needle from wrong side of fabric
4. Even Stitches: Make small, even stitches (1/8 inch)
5. Consistent Spacing: Keep equal spaces between stitches
6. Multiple Stitches: Take several stitches on needle before pulling through
7. Secure End: Make small backstitch to finish

B. BACK STITCH

Steps:

1. Start Forward: Make first stitch forward about 1/8 inch
2. Go Back: Insert needle back at starting point
3. Come Forward: Bring needle out 1/8 inch ahead of first stitch
4. Repeat Process: Continue backing and moving forward
5. Keep Even: Maintain consistent stitch length
6. Strong Line: Creates continuous line of stitching
7. Secure: End with small backstitch

C. OVERCAST STITCH

Steps:

1. Position Fabric: Hold fabric with raw edge toward you
2. Start at Edge: Insert needle from back, close to edge
3. Diagonal Stitches: Make diagonal stitches over the edge
4. Even Spacing: Keep stitches evenly spaced
5. Don’t Pull Tight: Avoid puckering the fabric
6. Cover Edge: Completely cover raw edge
7. Secure End: Finish with small stitch

D. HEMMING STITCH (BLIND HEM)

Steps:

1. Prepare Hem: Fold hem to desired length
2. Hide Knot: Start with knot hidden in hem fold
3. Catch Few Threads: Pick up only 1-2 threads of main fabric
4. Move Along: Take next stitch 1/4 inch away in hem fold
5. Keep Invisible: Stitches should not show on right side
6. Maintain Tension: Keep stitches snug but not tight
7. Secure: End with knot hidden in hem fold

Projects Using Different Stitches

PROJECT 1: Simple Pot Holder

Materials:

• 2 squares of cotton fabric (8″ x 8″)
• Cotton batting or old towel
• Thread
• Needle
• Scissors

Steps:

1. Tack Layers: Use tacking stitches to hold fabric and batting together
2. Permanent Seams: Use back stitch to sew around edges, leaving small opening
3. Turn Right Side: Pull through opening
4. Blind Hem: Close opening with hemming stitch
5. Finishing: Add loop with blanket stitch if desired

PROJECT 2: Simple Bookmark

Materials:

• Strip of felt or fabric (6″ x 2″)
• Decorative thread
• Needle
• Ribbon for tassel

Steps:

1. Design: Mark decorative pattern lightly
2. Running Stitch: Create border with colored running stitch
3. Blanket Stitch: Finish edges with blanket stitch
4. Overcast: Attach ribbon tassel with overcast stitch
5. Finishing: Remove any markings

PROJECT 3: Fabric Bag

Materials:

• 2 rectangles of fabric (10″ x 8″)
• Cord for drawstring
• Thread

Steps:

1. Tack Together: Use tacking to hold pieces with right sides together
2. Sew Sides: Use back stitch for side seams
3. Hem Top: Create casing with hemming stitch
4. Remove Tacking: Pull out temporary stitches
5. Insert Cord: Thread drawstring through casing
6. Finishing: Turn bag right side out

Multiple Choice Exercise – Week 9

1. What is the first step in making a tacking stitch? a) Cut the fabric b) Prepare the thread c) Make a knot d) Pin the fabric 
2. Which stitch creates a continuous strong line? a) Running stitch b) Tacking stitch c) Back stitch d) Overcast stitch 
3. For hemming, you should catch how many threads of the main fabric? a) Many threads b) 1-2 threads c) 5-6 threads d) All threads 
4. What is the purpose of tailor’s tacking? a) Join fabric permanently b) Create decoration c) Transfer markings d) Finish edges 
5. Which project uses blanket stitch for finishing? a) Pot holder b) Bookmark c) Fabric bag d) All projects 

Answers: 1-b, 2-c, 3-b, 4-c, 5-b

Homework – Week 9

1. List 4 general uses of stitches.
2. Write the steps for making a running stitch.
3. Explain the difference between tacking and back stitch.
4. Practice making 3 different types of stitches on fabric scraps.
5. Design a simple project using at least 2 different stitches.