Basic Sitches (Permanent Stitches) Basic 5 Home Economics Lesson Note

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to: i. highlight types of permanent stitches ii. state the importance of permanent stitches iii. create an album of permanent stitches

PREVIOUS KNOWLEDGE

Pupils know basic stitches and temporary stitches from previous lessons.

LESSON CONTENT

A. MEANING OF PERMANENT STITCHES

Permanent stitches are stitches that remain in the finished garment or article. They are strong, durable, and form the main construction of sewn items. Unlike temporary stitches, permanent stitches are not removed after sewing is complete.

B. TYPES OF PERMANENT STITCHES

1. Running Stitch

• Description: Small, even stitches that go in and out of fabric in a straight line
• Appearance: Looks like a dashed line with equal spaces
• Uses: Seaming light fabrics, gathering, quilting, mending
• Method:
  1. Insert needle from right side of fabric
  2. Bring out a short distance away
  3. Continue making small, even stitches
  4. Keep stitches and spaces equal in size

2. Back Stitch

• Description: Strong stitch where needle goes backward before moving forward
• Appearance: Looks like a continuous line on top, overlapping underneath
• Uses: Strong seams, attaching zippers, areas needing extra strength
• Method:
  1. Make one stitch forward
  2. Bring needle back to end of previous stitch
  3. Insert needle and bring out ahead of thread
  4. Continue backward and forward motion

3. Hem Stitch

• Description: Stitch used to finish raw edges and create hems
• Appearance: Nearly invisible from the right side
• Uses: Finishing hems on dresses, curtains, table cloths
• Method:
  1. Fold hem to desired width
  2. Pick up a few threads of main fabric with needle
  3. Catch hem fold with same stitch
  4. Continue with small, evenly spaced stitches

4. Overcast Stitch (Overcasting)

• Description: Stitch that goes over the raw edge to prevent fraying
• Appearance: Diagonal stitches over the edge of fabric
• Uses: Finishing seam edges, preventing fraying, mending tears
• Method:
  1. Insert needle from back to front near the edge
  2. Bring needle over the edge to back
  3. Insert needle again from back to front
  4. Continue making diagonal stitches over edge

5. Blanket Stitch

• Description: Decorative edge stitch that also prevents fraying
• Appearance: Looks like connected L-shapes along the edge
• Uses: Finishing edges of blankets, decorative borders, buttonholes
• Method:
  1. Insert needle from front to back near edge
  2. Bring needle up at edge with thread under needle
  3. Pull through to form L-shape
  4. Repeat keeping stitches evenly spaced

6. Button Hole Stitch

• Description: Dense, close stitches that reinforce button hole openings
• Appearance: Tight, closely packed stitches around cut opening
• Uses: Making strong button holes that won’t tear
• Method:
  1. Cut small opening for button
  2. Work closely packed blanket stitches around opening
  3. Keep stitches very close together
  4. Secure ends firmly

7. Cross Stitch

• Description: Two diagonal stitches that cross each other forming an X
• Appearance: X-shaped stitches in regular pattern
• Uses: Decorative embroidery, marking linens, traditional designs
• Method:
  1. Make diagonal stitch from bottom left to top right
  2. Cross with diagonal stitch from bottom right to top left
  3. Complete all bottom stitches first, then cross them
  4. Keep all crosses facing same direction

C. IMPORTANCE OF PERMANENT STITCHES

1. Structural Importance

• Strength: Provide strong construction that holds garments together
• Durability: Last for the life of the garment with proper care
• Security: Won’t come undone during normal wear and washing
• Support: Give shape and structure to clothing items

2. Functional Importance

• Joining: Connect different pieces of fabric permanently
• Finishing: Complete raw edges to prevent fraying and wear
• Reinforcing: Strengthen areas that receive extra stress
• Shaping: Help create curves, gathers, and fitted areas

3. Economic Importance

• Cost-effective: Reduce need for frequent repairs
• Professional appearance: Well-done permanent stitches look neat and finished
• Longevity: Properly sewn items last longer, saving money
• Skill development: Learning permanent stitches builds valuable life skills

4. Aesthetic Importance

• Neat appearance: Create clean, professional-looking finished items
• Decorative value: Some permanent stitches add beauty to items
• Personal satisfaction: Pride in creating well-made items
• Cultural preservation: Traditional stitching techniques preserve heritage

D. CHOOSING THE RIGHT PERMANENT STITCH

1. Based on Fabric Type

• Light fabrics: Running stitch, hem stitch
• Heavy fabrics: Back stitch, overcast stitch
• Stretchy fabrics: Stitches that allow some give
• Fraying fabrics: Overcast or blanket stitch for edges

2. Based on Purpose

• Strong seams: Back stitch
• Decorative edges: Blanket stitch, cross stitch
• Finishing hems: Hem stitch
• Preventing fraying: Overcast stitch
• Button attachment: Button hole stitch

3. Based on Visibility

• Hidden stitches: Running stitch, hem stitch
• Visible stitches: Blanket stitch, cross stitch
• Partially visible: Back stitch, overcast stitch

E. CREATING AN ALBUM OF PERMANENT STITCHES

1. Album Organization Students will create a stitch sample book with:

• One page for each type of permanent stitch
• Sample of the stitch sewn on fabric
• Written description of the stitch
• List of uses for each stitch
• Difficulty level rating

2. Materials Needed for Album

• Fabric pieces: Different colors for each stitch sample
• Thread: Various colors to show stitches clearly
• Needles: Appropriate sizes for different threads
• Album pages: Heavy paper or cardboard
• Glue or paste: To attach fabric samples
• Markers/pens: For writing descriptions

4. Quality Standards for Album

• Neat stitching: All sample stitches should be even and well-executed
• Clear labeling: Each stitch clearly identified and described
• Complete information: Uses and tips included for each stitch
• Attractive presentation: Clean, organized, easy to read
• Durability: Pages secured so samples won’t fall out

PRACTICAL ACTIVITY

Students will:

1. Practice each permanent stitch on fabric scraps
2. Create sample squares showing different permanent stitches
3. Begin assembling their permanent stitch album

TEACHING AIDS

Fabric samples, various threads, needles, scissors, album materials, sample stitch album

EVALUATION QUESTIONS

1. What are permanent stitches?
2. Name 5 types of permanent stitches
3. Which stitch is best for strong seams?
4. Why are permanent stitches important in sewing?
5. How is a back stitch different from a running stitch?