Embroidered Patches

 

Fiona Black

Unit of Study: Fashion and Art

Subject: Art

Grade: 6th

 

The Big Idea: 

 

Students will learn basic embroidery to create a piece of art they can wear.

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Specific Essential Questions addressed in this lesson:

 

What is embroidery? How is it different from sewing? What kinds of images have you seen in embroidery art? Where might you see embroidery in your everyday life? In clothes?

 

Learning Outcomes/Expectations/Objectives:

 

As a result of this lesson, students will understand that patches can express certain things about a person (things they like, are interested in, design they think are cool). 

 

As a result of this lesson, students will know that embroidery is different from sewing in that it focuses on decoration rather than function.

 

As a result of this lesson, students will be able to use new materials to embroider a design onto fabric.

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Learning Activities:

 

Introduction/Opening (5 minutes)

Begin by showing a brief slideshow with images of patches (a variety of different kinds: symbols, words, abstract designs, animals, bands, badges, numbers, flags, teams etc.). Explain that patches can be used to cover holes or rips in fabric, but are also used for decorative purposes. Ask students to think about something they like that they would want to make a patch of, and remind them to sketch the design onto the fabric before they start embroidering.

 

Demonstration (10 minutes)

For the demonstration show students how to put their fabric into the embroidery hoop, and how to tighten or loosen it. Then show them how to thread a needle, and how to hold it so you don't loose your thread while you're working (pinch the needle and the thread together when you pull). Show them how do a few different basic embroidery stitches (backstitch, satin stitch, running stitch) and explain why you might want to use different stitches for different areas of the design. Make sure to give reminders about stitching curved lines, and why making one long stitch is not a good idea (even though it seems like it would save time). Show them how to tie off their thread when they are done using it.

 

Transition: Send students to seats to begin working.

 

Activity (30 minutes) 

Student will work independently on this project during this time frame.

 

Cleanup (5 minutes) 

Have students clean up, remind them to give back needles, and clean up scraps of thread off the floor.

 

Materials needed for the lesson:

• variety of different colored embroidery thread

• embroidery hoops (small/medium size) [1 per student]

• embroidery needles [1 per student]

• scissors [1 pair per student]

• pencil [1 per student]

• sketch paper [1 sheet per student]

• canvas fabric pieces (~7x7) [1 per student]

 

Teacher Materials needed for demonstration:

• one medium length piece of embroidery thread

• embroidery needle

• embroidery hoop

• scissors

• piece of canvas fabric (~7x7)

• sharpie (for putting names on fabric pieces)

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