Simple Garments – JSS1 Fashion and Garment Making Lesson Note (Second Term)

Simple garments are items made with straight lines and straight seams, with no complex shaping and no buttons.

Examples are the handkerchief, the pillowcase and the apron. They are the first things a beginner sews after learning fabrics, stitches and seams.

Behavioural objectives

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

1. Define a simple garment and give three examples.
2. List the materials needed for a handkerchief, a pillowcase and a simple apron.
3. Describe, in order, the steps for making each project.
4. Name the common mistakes in beginner sewing and say how to avoid them.
5. Make a hemmed handkerchief in class.

Why do we learn to sew simple garments?

Simple garments let a beginner practise the basic sewing skills on easy shapes.

• Cutting straight lines: accurate cutting gives pieces that fit together.
• Steady sewing speed: an even speed gives straight, even stitches.
• Turning corners neatly: sharp, clean corners make the work look professional.
• Finishing edges properly: hems and neatened seams stop the fabric from fraying.

What are the key sewing terms for these projects?

These terms are used in every project in this lesson.

• Raw edge: the cut edge of fabric, which frays if left unfinished.
• Hem: a folded and stitched edge that hides the raw edge.
• Right side: the outer, printed or nicer-looking face of the fabric.
• Plain seam: a straight line of stitches joining two pieces of fabric, sewn with the right sides together.
• Neatening: finishing a raw edge, for example with a zigzag stitch or overcasting.
• Backstitch: a strong stitch sewn backwards over the start or end of a seam to lock it.
• Pressing: ironing folds flat before sewing.

Why is cotton the best fabric for beginners?

Cotton is the best beginner fabric because it is easy to cut, fold, press and sew.

• Does not slip: it stays in place under the needle.
• Holds a crease: folds press flat with an iron.
• Soft and absorbent: it suits a handkerchief and a pillowcase.
• Easy to find: it is available in Nigerian markets and fabric shops.

How do we make a handkerchief?

A handkerchief is a small hemmed square of cotton fabric, and it is the best beginner project.

Materials needed

• Fabric: a square piece of cotton (30cm×30cm).
• Thread: matching thread.
• Sewing kit: needle, scissors and pins.

Steps

1. Trim the edges: make sure your square is perfect.
2. The first fold: fold each edge in by about 0.5cm and press with an iron.
3. The second fold: fold it again by another 0.5cm (this hides the raw edges). Pin it down.
4. Sewing: use a running stitch or a machine stitch to sew very close to the inner fold.
5. Corners: on the machine, when you reach a corner, keep the needle in the cloth, lift the presser foot, turn the cloth and continue.

How do we make a pillowcase?

A pillowcase is a large bag with one open end, and it gives practice in long, straight seams.

Materials needed

• Fabric: cotton (usually about 50cm×120cm, to fold over).
• Tape measure: for checking the size.
• Sewing kit: thread, needle or machine, scissors and pins.

Steps

1. Fold the fabric: fold the long piece in half so the “right sides” face each other.
2. Sew the sides: sew a plain seam along the two long sides.
3. Neaten: use a zigzag stitch or overcasting to neaten these side seams.
4. The opening (hem): at the open end, fold the edge over twice (about 2cm each) to make a wide hem. Sew it down neatly.
5. Turn it out: turn the pillowcase right-side out and push the corners out gently with a pencil.

Why sew with the right sides facing each other?

• Hidden seam: the seam ends up on the inside after turning out.
• Neat outside: only the smooth right side shows.

How do we make a simple apron?

An apron is a simple garment worn over the clothes in the kitchen or sewing room to keep them clean.

Materials needed

• Main piece: a rectangular piece of fabric (50cm×60cm).
• Waist ties: two long strips of fabric.
• Neck loop: one shorter strip of fabric.

Steps

1. Hem the edges: hem the top, bottom and sides of the large rectangle.
2. Prepare the ties: fold the long strips and sew them into tubes, then turn them out.
3. Attach the neck loop: sew the ends of the short strip to the top corners of the apron.
4. Attach the waist ties: sew one long strip to the left side and one to the right side of the waist area.

• Tip: use a backstitch when attaching the ties, so they are very strong.

What skill does each project teach?

Each project trains one main skill, as shown below.

What are the common mistakes to avoid?

The common beginner mistakes are skipping pressing, tangling the thread and leaving seams unsecured.

• Not pressing: always iron your folds before sewing. It makes the job much easier.
• Tangled thread: pull both the top and bottom threads to the back of the machine before you start sewing.
• Loose corners and ends: backstitch at the start and end of every seam so it does not unravel.

What is the class practical activity?

This week, the class will make the handkerchief.

1. Bring your cotton fabric to the next class.
2. Use chalk to mark the 30cm×30cm square.
3. Practise the double-fold hem.

Evaluation

1. What is a simple garment? Give three examples.
2. Why is cotton the best fabric for a beginner’s handkerchief?
3. Explain how to “turn a corner” neatly while sewing.
4. Why do we use a strong stitch like the backstitch for the apron ties?
5. What is the benefit of sewing a pillowcase with the “right sides” facing each other?

Assignment

In your notebook, list the materials for a handkerchief and write its five steps in order. Then name two common sewing mistakes and say how to avoid each one.