Fastenings – JSS2 Fashion and Garment Making Lesson Note (Second Term)

Fastenings are devices attached to garments to open and close them, so that we can put clothes on easily and keep them secure on the body.

Behavioural objectives

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

1. Define fastenings and state three reasons for using them.
2. Name five common fastenings and describe each one.
3. Choose a suitable fastening for a given fabric, position and user.
4. State the steps for sewing on a flat button.
5. Explain how to look after fastenings.

What are fastenings and why do we need them?

Fastenings let a garment open wide enough to wear, then close firmly while we walk, run or sit.

• To fit the body: the opening of a garment is often narrower than the head, shoulders or hips, so a fastening lets it open and we can pull it on.
• For decoration: shiny buttons or colourful zips make the cloth look more attractive.
• For security: they keep clothes closed so that the wearer is not embarrassed.

What are the common types of fastenings?

There are five common fastenings: buttons, zips, hooks and eyes, Velcro and press studs.

What are buttons?

A button is a small disc or knob sewn to a garment that fastens through a buttonhole, which is a slit in the fabric.

• Flat buttons: have two or four holes through which they are sewn on.
• Shank buttons: have a small loop at the back instead of holes.
• Tip: line the button up exactly with the buttonhole, or the shirt will look crooked.

What are zips?

A zip, or slide fastener, is a fastening with two rows of metal or plastic teeth that lock together when the slider is pulled.

• Parts: teeth, slider, pull tab and the cloth tape that holds the teeth.
• Advantage: it is very fast to use.
• Where to use: the backs of gowns, the fly of trousers and school bags.
• Care: if a zip sticks, do not pull it hard. Rub a little candle wax or pencil lead on the teeth.

What are hooks and eyes?

Hooks and eyes are small metal fastenings that come in pairs, where the hook catches onto the eye, a small metal loop.

• Where to use: at the top of zips on skirts or trousers for extra strength, and on the backs of bras and traditional blouses.
• Advantage: they are almost invisible when the clothes are closed.

What is Velcro?

Velcro is a hook-and-loop fastening made of two fabric strips that stick when pressed together.

• Hook side: feels scratchy.
• Loop side: feels fuzzy.
• Where to use: children’s shoes, baby bibs and sports gear.
• Why use it: it opens and closes easily, even when the wearer is in a hurry or has shaky hands.

What are press studs?

A press stud is a fastening of two small discs, one with a knob and one with a socket, that snap together when pressed.

• Where to use: baby clothes and light openings that need to open quickly.

How do we choose the right fastening?

Choose a fastening by looking at the fabric weight, the position on the garment and the person who will wear it.

• Fabric weight: use small, light buttons on thin fabrics and strong zips on heavy denim.
• Position: use hooks where there is a lot of pull, such as a tight waistband.
• User: use Velcro or large buttons for children and elderly people who may struggle with tiny hooks.
• Example: a heavy metal zip is wrong for a delicate silk baby dress.

How do we sew on a flat button?

A flat button is sewn on by stitching through its holes, with a little slack left so the buttonhole can slip over it.

1. Mark the button position so it lines up with the buttonhole.
2. Thread the needle and knot the end of the thread.
3. Bring the needle up from the wrong side of the fabric through one hole.
4. Take the needle down through the opposite hole and into the fabric.
5. Repeat several times, keeping the stitches slightly loose.
6. Wind the thread around the stitches under the button and fasten off on the wrong side.

How do we look after fastenings?

Fastenings last longer when they are checked, closed before washing and kept free from rust.

1. Check for looseness: if a button hangs by one thread, sew it back at once before it falls off and gets lost.
2. Close before washing: zip up trousers before washing so the teeth do not snag other clothes.
3. Prevent rust: use rust-proof metal hooks, especially in humid Nigerian weather.

What is the class activity?

• Count: find how many different types of fastenings are in the classroom. See who has the most.
• Practise: thread a needle, so that we can sew on a flat button in the next practical class.

Evaluation

1. What is a fastening? State three reasons for using fastenings.
2. Name the two types of button and describe how they differ.
3. Name the parts of a zip.
4. Which fastening would you choose for a child’s shoe, and why?
5. State two ways of caring for fastenings.

Assignment

List five garments or items you own, such as a shirt, skirt or bag. Name the fastening on each and give one reason it suits that item.