Practical Project – JSS2 Fashion and Garment Making Lesson Note (First Term)

A practical project in Fashion and Garment Making is a hands-on task in which students use what they have learnt to sew a complete garment. In this project, you will sew a simple skirt and blouse.

Behavioural objectives

By the end of this project, students should be able to:

1. Select a suitable fabric and sewing tools for a beginner’s project.
2. Take accurate body measurements for a blouse and a skirt.
3. Place a paper pattern, add seam allowance and cut fabric correctly.
4. Assemble a blouse and a skirt in the correct order.
5. Check a finished garment for quality using a checklist.

What are the goals of the practical project?

The goal is to make a wearable skirt and blouse that you can use yourself or give to a sibling.

1. Select the right fabric, one that is easy to handle, such as cotton or Ankara.
2. Take accurate measurements of your partner.
3. Draft and cut the pieces carefully.
4. Join the pieces using the seams practised in class.

What do you need in your sewing kit?

A sewing kit is the set of materials and tools needed to make the garment.

How do you measure and cut the fabric?

Measuring and cutting give you the “road map” for the whole project, so do them before you touch the shears.

How do you take measurements?

Work in pairs and write each measurement down.

Blouse measurements

• Shoulder width: the distance across the back from one shoulder tip to the other.
• Bust circumference: the distance around the fullest part of the chest.
• Blouse length: the distance from the shoulder down to where you want the hem.
• Sleeve length: the distance from the shoulder tip down to where you want the sleeve to end.

Skirt measurements

• Waist: the distance around the natural waist.
• Hip circumference: the distance around the widest part of the hips.
• Skirt length: the distance from the waist down to where you want the hem.

How do you cut the fabric?

1. Lay the fabric flat on the cutting table. Make sure there are no folds or wrinkles.
2. Place the paper patterns, made in the previous lesson, on the fabric.
3. Pin the patterns down so they do not move.
4. Mark the seam allowance: use tailor’s chalk to draw about 2 cm outside the pattern. This is the line you cut on.
5. Cut slowly. Keep the fabric on the table and do not lift it while cutting.

How do you sew the blouse?

Start with the blouse, because it is usually easier to join the top first.

1. Join the shoulders: place the front and back pieces with right sides facing. Sew the shoulder seams and iron them open.
2. Fix the neckline: finish the neck with bias binding so it looks neat.
3. Attach the sleeves: pin the “hill” (the curved top) of the sleeve to the armhole. Sew carefully around the curve.
4. Sew the side seams: sew from the underarm all the way down to the hem of the blouse.
5. Finish: hem the bottom and add buttons or fasteners at the back.

How do you sew the skirt?

The skirt depends on fit, so a correct waist and hip measurement gives a good result.

1. Darts: sew the darts at the waist first. They shape the skirt to curve over the hips.
2. Zipper: fix the zipper at the centre back. Take your time, because zippers can be tricky.
3. Side seams: join the front and back pieces.
4. Waistband: attach the waistband to the top. It gives the skirt strength so it does not sag.
5. Hem: fold the bottom edge twice and sew a straight line.

What safety and good-practice rules should you follow?

• Shears: use them only for fabric and keep the blades closed when not cutting.
• Pins: keep them in a pin cushion or box, never in your mouth.
• Iron: switch it off and place it safely when you leave it.
• Press as you sew: iron each seam before the next step, as a good tailor does.
• Mistakes: use the seam ripper to remove the stitches, then sew again.

What is the final checklist for the project?

A final checklist is a set of questions used to check the quality of a finished garment.

• Loose threads: are there any? Trim them.
• Zipper: does it move smoothly?
• Seams: are they ironed flat?
• Cleanliness: is the garment clean?

Evaluation

1. List four measurements needed for a blouse and three needed for a skirt.
2. State the correct order for sewing a skirt.
3. Why should seams be ironed as you sew each step?
4. Which part of the project do you think will be the most difficult, and why?
5. Name three items on the final checklist.

Assignment

Write the steps for sewing a blouse in the correct order. Next to each step, write one tip to help you do it well.