Sewing Machine and Garment Construction Process – JSS3 Home Economics Lesson Note (Second Term)

A sewing machine is a piece of sewing equipment that joins pieces of fabric together with thread, and it is used with a set of steps to construct a garment.

Behavioural objectives

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

1. name the common types of sewing machines;
2. identify the main parts of a sewing machine and state their functions;
3. state the guidelines for choosing a sewing machine;
4. describe how to care for and maintain a sewing machine;
5. list the steps of garment construction in the correct order;
6. name the tools used in garment construction.

What are the types of sewing machines?

There are three common types of sewing machine: the hand, treadle and electric machines.

• Hand sewing machine: simple machine operated by hand, and it must be placed on a table.
• Treadle sewing machine: operated with the feet, so both hands are free to guide the work.
• Electric sewing machine: operated with the aid of an electric motor.

• The treadle machine normally has a special stand.
• Different makes of each type are sold, so compare them before buying.

What are the parts of a sewing machine and their functions?

Each part of a sewing machine has its own function, as shown in the table below.

How do you prepare a sewing machine for stitching?

Preparing a machine means winding the bobbin, threading the machine and placing the fabric under the presser foot.

1. Place the machine on a firm table or stand.
2. Loosen the stop motion screw so that the needle does not move.
3. Put the spool on the spool pin and pass the thread through the thread guide and tension discs to the bobbin.
4. Turn the balance wheel to wind the bobbin, then tighten the stop motion screw.
5. Fit the bobbin into the bobbin case and place the case in the lower part of the machine.
6. Thread the upper part of the machine and draw the lower thread up through the throat plate.
7. Raise the presser foot with the lifter and place the fabric under it.
8. Lower the presser foot, then turn the balance wheel or start the machine to stitch.

What are the guidelines for choosing a sewing machine?

A sewing machine should be chosen carefully by comparing makes, cost, weight and accessories.

1. Compare makes: compare similar types of machines by different manufacturers.
2. Compare services: compare servicing arrangements, parts, prices and any other necessary information.
3. Weight: a very heavy machine may be too difficult to carry about.
4. Money available: buy the best your money can afford.
5. Manual and accessories: before paying, check that you have the instruction manual (handbook), all the accessories and the spare parts that come with the machine.
6. Demonstration: before carrying the machine away, ask the dealer to show how it is operated. Then try it out yourself.

How do you care for and maintain a sewing machine?

Caring for a sewing machine means keeping it clean, oiled, covered and handled as the handbook directs.

1. Study the machine handbook (manual) carefully.
2. Clean the machine often by dusting to remove dirt and dust.
3. Oil the necessary points according to the handbook.
4. Cover the machine when not in use.
5. Do not scratch the polished parts of the machine with sharp objects like scissors.
6. Disconnect the belt of a treadle machine so that the machine can be put in its box.

What is garment construction?

Garment construction is the process of making a wearable item of clothing from fabric, from taking measurements to the final pressing.

What tools are used in garment construction?

• Tape measure: takes body measurements and measures fabric.
• Shears: cut the fabric.
• Pins: hold the pattern and fabric together before stitching.
• Tailor’s chalk: marks the fabric.
• Hand needle and thimble: used for tacking and hand sewing.
• Seam ripper: removes wrong stitches.
• Iron: presses seams and the finished garment.

What are the steps in garment construction?

The steps of garment construction are followed in order, from choosing a style to pressing the finished garment.

1. Choose a style: decide what to make and who will wear it.
2. Take measurements: measure the wearer correctly and record the figures.
3. Prepare the pattern: use a ready-made pattern or draft one from the measurements.
4. Select the fabric and materials: buy the fabric, thread, zip, buttons or other items needed.
5. Prepare the fabric: straighten the fabric and press out creases.
6. Lay the pattern on the fabric: place the pieces carefully and pin them down.
7. Cut out: cut round the pattern pieces with sharp shears.
8. Mark: transfer pattern markings to the fabric with tailor’s chalk.
9. Tack: join the pieces with long temporary stitches by hand.
10. Fit: try the garment on and correct any faults.
11. Stitch: sew the seams on the machine and remove the tacking.
12. Finish: neaten the seam edges, make the hem and add fastenings.
13. Press: iron the finished garment.

Evaluation

1. Name the three common types of sewing machines.
2. State two functions of the feed dog.
3. Which part of the machine holds the bobbin?
4. State four ways of caring for a sewing machine.
5. List the first five steps of garment construction in order.

Assignment

1. List any five parts of a sewing machine and state the function of each.