Opening and Fastenings – JSS2 Home Economics Lesson Note (Third Term)

Openings are features in garments that help us put on and take off clothes. Fastenings are devices attached to openings. They keep the opening in position while the garment is worn. This note covers the points to consider when making openings, the types of openings and fastenings, and how to choose a fastener.

Behavioural objectives

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

• state the points to consider when making openings;
• name two types of openings and say where each is used;
• state the uses of fastenings;
• list the types of fastenings and say where each is used;
• state the points to consider when choosing a fastener.

What are openings?

Openings are features in garments. They help us to put on and take off our clothes. There are different kinds of openings, and they can also be used to decorate the garment.

Points to consider when making openings

• The opening should be suitable for the position on the garment.
• It should be suitable for the texture of the fabric.
• It should be long enough to serve its purpose.
• It should be as neat and invisible as possible.
• It should be placed where it will be easy to fasten.
• The two sides of the opening should be of equal length.
• The opening should lie flat when fastened.

What are the types of openings?

Continuous wrap openings

Continuous wrap openings are also called continuous strip openings. This is a short opening. It can be fastened with hook and eye, buttons and buttonholes, and press studs. Continuous wrap openings are suitable for:

• very fine and light materials or fabrics;
• side openings on pyjamas, shorts and shirts, and wrist openings on long sleeves;
• children’s clothes and night dresses.

Faced slit openings

The faced slit opening can be used for:

• front or back neck openings;
• wrist cuff openings on long sleeves set into a band;
• decoration.

What are fastenings?

Most garments need openings. Fastenings are devices attached to the openings.

Uses of fastenings

• Like openings, fastenings allow the garment to be put on and taken off.
• They keep the opening in position while the garment is being worn.
• They protect the opening from strain or stretching.
• They can also be used for decoration.

Types of fastenings

• Zips: useful in blouses, dresses, jackets, trousers and similar garments.
• Press studs: used where there is less strain.
• Hooks and eyes or bars: used where there is strain, to prevent gaping. They can also be used to fasten the end of a neck opening.
• Buttons and loops: used on openings without a wrap.
• Buttons and buttonholes: used on openings with a wrap.
• Eyelets and cords: used to fasten faced slit openings on blouses and children’s dresses.

What should you consider when choosing a fastener?

• The type of opening to be fastened.
• The type of fabric.
• The use of the fastening.
• The part of the garment to be fastened.
• The style of the garment.
• The fastening should match the garment in colour.

Evaluation

1. State four points to consider when making openings.
2. Name two types of openings and give one use of each.
3. State three uses of fastenings.
4. Which fastenings are used on openings with a wrap?
5. List four points to consider when choosing a fastener.

Assignment

Explain where press studs are used and where hooks and eyes are used. Give one reason for each.