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Sewing ClubOnce your club is established, you might want to encourage the children to try some of the following:

• Create items that could be sold at a school event to help raise funds for a charity

• Hold a fashion show• Have a design competition

You may also want to complete some of the following to help promote your club:

• Set up a website, blog or newsletter• Invite parents, friends or family to join• Organise a visit from someone who sews

professionally

In this pack you will find ideas and guidance to help you set up and run a sewing club at your school. These resources are aimed at KS2, however, some elements could be adapted for KS1.

The idea of a sewing club is to provide a more relaxed session for pupils in comparisaon to the normal, formal D&T textile lesson done during the school day. It will also provide additional knowledge and experience on top of the timetabled learning.

Each activity within this pack provides a list of required equipment, however, as a standard you will need: steel needles (not plastic), various cottons, fabrics, binca, embrodiery thread, felt and fabric scissors. You may also find at least one sewing machine useful for more technical projects.

Don’t forget, that videos on the internet can be a big help in demonstrating different processes and stitches. Often it is easier to learn from watching!

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Sewing Club

Embroidery Sampler

1. Cut the binca to size (a 20cm x 10cm rectangle is a good starter size).

2. Thread your needle with your choice of embroidery thread and knot the end.

3. Start at one corner and work across the binca with a line of a stitch.

Instructions

1

You will need:• Binca

• Fabric scissors

• Larger steel embroidery needles

• Embroidery thread

This project is a traditional activity that was popular in the Victorian times to help students learn different stitches. It consists of a plain piece of binca as a foundation to practise each stitch on.

• Create a bookmark from your binca.

• Try a cross stitch pattern or make a picture entirely out of cross stitch. You could follow a pre-made pattern or try and create your own.

• Frame your finished pieces for a gift or a display.

Variations

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Embroidery Stitches

This looks like short, diagonal lines. Working on a set of four holes in a square, come up through bottom left and down through top right. This is one stitch done. Now, come up through the bottom right hole and you are now on the bottom left hole of the next set of four squares ready to go down the top right from where you are now. Second stitch completed. Continue.

1 Half Cross Stitch

Work on a set of four binca holes. Come up though top left, down through bottom right, up through top right and down through bottom left. Then, come up again through top right, acting as the new top left for the nest set of four holes. (There are alternative correct ways of achieving a cross - this is a suggestion.)

2 Continuous Cross Stitch

Work as before on the four binca holes but on moving to the next set of four, do not use the same holes you’ve been working on. Use a fresh set of four instead. This provides a gap between the crosses.

3 Cross Stitch

A simple line of straight stitches with the needle going up through a hole, down through the next and continuing. When explaining to the children, it is useful to liken this to the Loch Ness Monster coming up and down out of the water.

4 Running Stitch

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This is basically running stitch with the gaps filled in. Start with one running stitch, then come up for the next stitch but rather than sewing on, go back a space and fill in the gap. Now come up through the hole you came up most recently and stitch forward for one running stitch. Then, repeat.

5 Back Stitch

First, do a line of back stitch. Now using a different colour come up through the first back stitched hole. Now, your needle will stay on the top of the binca until the end. Weave in and out (like a snake) along the line of back stitches, going under each stitch (in between the stitch and the binca).

6 Threaded Back Stitch

Two lines of running stich which can mirror each other exactly or can be offset – with the second line of running stitch showing a stitch opposite a gap on the first row.

7 Double Running Stitch

Create a double or double offset running stitch and then, as in threaded back stitch, bring a different coloured thread up through the first running stitch hole. Keep the thread on top of the binca but weave it in and out under the stitches and above the binca.

8 Whipped Double Running Stitch

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Good for making lines to create letters or picture outlines. Start with one long running stitch that is two holes long. After going back down, come up through the middle hole of the long stitch you have just made. As you come up, make your needle split the thread and sew through it. Now you are up, continue with another two-hole running stitch and repeat the process.

9 Split Stitch

Start from underneath the binca. Come up and down through the same hole, but do not pull the threat all the way through - leave a 1cm loop. From the back, push the needle through the next hole but while coming through, pass the needle through the loop. It will also tighten up as you pull, but don’t pull too tight! For the next stitch, you have already done the first part - now go back down the same hole you came up and leave that loop again…continue.

10 Chain Stitch

Start from underneath and come up through the bottom left hole of a square of four holes. Next, go down through top right and up through bottom right before the thread is all pulled through. As the needle is pulled, make sure the loop that is tightening on the top stays below the needle and this will make a backwards ‘L’ shape as it tightens. You are now in position for the next stitch (already up through bottom left hole). Continue.

11 Blanket Stitch

Work with two rows of holes. Up through 1st hole on bottom row. Down through 3rd hole on top row. Up through 2nd hole on top row (back one). Down through 4th hole on bottom row. Up through 3rd hole on bottom row and this is now your starting point for the next stich following the same pattern. Now repeat steps 2-5, using where you are now as hole 1 on the bottom row.

12 Herringbone Stitch

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Single little knots used for decorations, eyes and flowers. Come up through one hole. Now use your fingers to wrap the thread around the needle about 5 times. After that, go back down through the same hole and a pile of thread should make a knot as the thread tightens.

13 French Knot

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Sewing Club

Felt Paper Clips

1. Draw the desired shape onto a piece of felt using one of the cardboard templates. Make sure these are larger than the paper clip. (If you wish to create a custom shape, then it is advised to create your own cardboard template first.)

2. Cut out your felt shape.

3. Sew the single wired curve edge of the paper clip onto the felt shape. (Make sure you are not sewing the double curved edge as you need this for the paper clip to be functional.)

4. Decorate your felt shape as desired by sewing on smaller shapes.

Instructions

2

You will need:• Large coloured paper clips

• Scraps of felt

• Needles and cotton thread

• Fabric scissors

• Cardboard templates for generic shapes such as stars, hearts or flowers.

With this small project it is quickly achievable in a short space of time. Children can make as many as they like, which is perfect for creating small gifts that can be used for a variety of options.

• Why not sew on sequins or buttons for additional decoration?

• Try creating more advanced shapes such as an animal or letter.

• Make a set of these using letters to spell out a word.

• Design and create themed felt paper clips to be given as gifts at Christmas, Mother’s day, Father’s day or Valentine’s day.

• Instead of using paper clips, why not use safety pins to create badges?

Variations

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Sewing Club

Felt Keyrings

1. Draw the desired shape onto a piece of felt twice using one of the cardboard templates. (If you wish to create a custom shape, then it is advised to create your own cardboard template first.)

2. Cut out your two felt shapes.

3. Using ribbon or fabric tape, cut a length of 10cm and thread through a keyring hoop so it is half way through. Add a couple of stitches under the hoop so it doesn’t slip.

4. Now, trap the two tails of the ribbon or fabric tape in between your two felt shapes. (You could use pins to help keep this in place.)

5. Sew around the edge of the felt shapes using a running stitch, making sure that the ribbon or tape remains trapped and is stitched in tightly.

6. Now that your basic shape has been created, you can show additional pieces for decoration.

Instructions

3

You will need:• Keyring hoops (these can be brought cheaply in bulk

on the internet)

• Ribbon or fabric tape

• Scraps of coloured felt

• Needles and cotton thread

• Fabric scissors

• Cardboard templates for generic shapes such as stars, hearts or flowers.

This small project can be adapted to create a variety of different designs in a short space of time. Perfect for gifts, it could be done as part of a themed project for Christmas, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day or Valentine’s Day.

• Why not try stuffing your felt shapes to create a padded keyring?

• Sew on buttons or sequins for extra decoration.

• Try trickier shapes such as an animal or a letter.

• Turn them into Christmas decorations by removing the keyring and only sewing on a loop of ribbon.

Variations

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Sewing Club

Noughts and Crosses Game

1. Thread the needle and tie a knot in the end of the thread. It is advised to pull the thread half way through and tie the two ends together as the needle won’t fall off whilst sewing and the sewing will be stronger and more durable.

2. Sew an over stitch1 around the edges of the square, leaving roughly half a centimetre between each stitch.

3. When you have reached the end, you will need to securely knot your thread before cutting off any excess. To do this, pass your needle through the same hole as the last stitch two or three times. (Remember to leave enough tread to complete this step before you reach the end.)

4. Using a pencil, lightly mark out a 3x3 grid on the felt square.

5. Now sew along the lines with either a running stitch2 or back stitch3.

6. Once completed, use your buttons to play on your very own handmade noughts and crosses board!

Instructions

4

You will need:• A square of felt (approx. 10cm x 10cm)

• Needle and embroidery thread

• Two different coloured buttons (5 of each colour)

• Fabric scissors

• Pencil

This a great starting project to introduce two different types of stitches (and you get to make a game to play afterwards too!)

• Try using different colours to mix and match the design.

• Why not create a grid by using a patchwork?

Variations

1) Over StitchThis is where the needle comes up through the fabric and then wrapped over the edge before coming back up for another stitch.

2) Running StitchYour needle is directed up and down to create a dashed line.

3) Back StitchSimilar to running stitch, however, once you have come up through your fabric you go back on yourself by threading through the previous hole to fill in the gaps.

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Sewing Club

Sock Pets: The Socktopus

1. To create the head of your socktopus, place your pillow stuffing into the sock and push down the toe. You will need enough stuffing to help you create a sphere shape.

2. When adequately stuffed, wrap strong thread or ribbon around the gather and tie into a strong double knot.

3. The remaining part of your sock will form your socktopus’ legs. To create these you need to cut it into eight even strips.

4. Once cut, wrap each strip around a pipe cleaner and sew along the joining edges of a strip with an over stitch1 to secure inside. This will provide your legs with extra shape and allow them to become bendable. (Don’t forget to sew up the end so the pipe cleaner doesn’t fall out!)

5. Finally, sew buttons or felt pieces onto the head to form eyes.

Instructions

5

You will need:• 1x sock (If you have any odd socks lying around, now’s

the time to utilise them!)

• Pillow stuffing

• Buttons or felt for decoration

• Fabric scissors

• Needles and thread

• 8x pipe cleaners

These lovely sock pets are a popular project and are simple to create. They can be adapted and altered to create individual designs fit for any imagination. Perfect for fun gifts!

1) Over StitchThis is where the needle comes up through the fabric and then wrapped over the edge before coming back up for another stitch.

• If you want to hang your socktopus, sew a loop of ribbon onto the top of the head using a cross stitch.

• Why not customise your socktopus with sequins or additional buttons for decoration?

• Try out using different coloured socks to create different socktopuses. Which is your favourite?

• Use different size socks to make larger or smaller socktopuses.

Variations

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Sewing Club

Sock Pets: The Snocke

1. Firstly, decide on which sock you would desire to be the head of the snocke and sew on buttons or felt shapes to form the eyes.

2. Create a tongue using the red ribbon or felt, and sew onto the head. This can be done by pinching the inside of the sock and sewing a running stich1. (This will help to hide any unsightly stitches and form a more distinctive mouth shape.)

3. Once completed, turn your sock head inside out in preparation for the next steps.

4. To create the body of your snocke, cut the toe of the next sock, turn inside out and sew one opening onto the opening of the sock head by using an over stitch2. (It may help to pin the edges before sewing!)

5. Repeat step 4 by sewing sock to sock until you are happy with the final length of your snocke.

6. Finish off by turning your snocke the right way round, stuffing and sewing off the end. Make sure the edges on the end are tucked inside to create a clean seam. (Why not use pins to help make this easier?)

Instructions

6

You will need:• A number of different socks (If you have any odd

socks lying around, now’s the time to utilise them!)

• Pillow stuffing

• Buttons or felt for decoration

• Fabric scissors

• Needles and thread

• Red ribbon or felt to form a tongue

Using a number of different socks, create this fantastic sock pet - the snocke! Use different patterned and coloured socks to create a vibrant and cuddly friend.

1) Running StitchYour needle is directed up and down to create a dashed line.

2) Over StitchThis is where the needle comes up through the fabric and then wrapped over the edge before coming back up for another stitch.

• Use different size socks to make larger or smaller snockes.

• Why not add additional buttons or sequins for further decoration?

Variations

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Sewing Club

Pencil Case Roll

1. Firstly, cut your A3 sheet of felt in half horizontally to create the top piece. (To prevent any waste encourage children to share one sheet of A3 to create two top pieces!)

2. Lay your top piece on top of your remaining A4 sheet of felt. Make sure one short edge and the long edges are lined up. Place pins along the short edge only.

3. Sew along the pinned short edge using an over stitch1.

4. Once completed, lay one of your pens or pencils in between the bottom and top pieces. Wrap the top felt around the pen and pin down to the bottom piece to form a dividing line and a tube for your pens. (Make sure you don’t wrap your pen too tightly!)

5. Repeat this process all the way along your bottom piece until you reach the end. Once you have pinned down the end short edge, cut off any excess felt from your top piece and sew together securing using an over stitch1.

6. Now it is time to sew your pinned dividers using a running stitch2 or back stitch3.

7. Once completed, sew along the bottom long edge using an over stitch1 to prevent your pens from falling out!

8. Lastly, sew the middle of your ribbon half way up your bottom piece so when you roll up your pencil case you can easily tie it to hold in place.

Instructions

7

You will need:• 1x A4 and A3 sheet of felt

• 30cm of ribbon

• Fabric scissors

• Pins

• Needles and thread

• A pen or pencil that you may desire your pencil case roll to hold

A pencil case roll is a relatively easy project to complete where children can practise different stitches and are left with something they can use afterwards.

1) Over StitchThis is where the needle comes up through the fabric and then wrapped over the edge before coming back up for another stitch.

2) Running StitchYour needle is directed up and down to create a dashed line.

3) Back StitchSimilar to running stitch, however, once you have come up through your fabric you go back on yourself by threading through the previous hole to fill in the gaps.

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• Instead of using felt, why not try using a durable fabric which you can mix and match to create a vibrant design? Don’t forget, you will need to hem the edges of fabrics to prevent fraying.

• If you are feeling brave, try creating spaces for you to place your ruler and rubber, or even create a book-fold version to place a notebook.

• Decorate your pencil case roll one completed using sequins, buttons or pieces if scrap material.

• Why not design your pencil case roll before make to test out different shapes?

• You could try out using a sewing machine to make this project.

Variations

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Sewing Club

Sewing Machine Project: Drawstring Bag

Instructions

8

You will need:• Fabric (approx. 38cm x 50cm)

• 60cm of cord to form the drawstring

• Pencil

• Pins

• Fabric scissors

• 1x safety pin

• 1x A3 paper template

This project can be completed by hand, however, forms a great starting project to introduce children to sewing machines, and perfect to creating a handmade, personalised PE kit!

1. Lay your piece of fabric upside down on a flat surface.

2. Put your A3 template on top of fabric, positioning it directly in the middle and pin it in the corners.

3. When securely in position, draw around your A3 template using a pencil to create your inner rectangle.

4. Measure a 2 cm border all the way around your A3 template and mark using a ruler.

5. Connect your marks together using a ruler to create lines that form a larger outer rectangle. You should then be left with two drawn rectangles, one inside the other.

6. Neatly cut your fabric following the lines of your outer rectangle.

7. Unpin your template and make sure your fabric is laid out flat.

8. Now you need to create folds along your two shorter edges. Fold the edge of your fabric to join with the edge of your inner rectangle and pin down. This should create a 1cm fold.

9. To secure these folds, sew a back stitch straight down using your sewing machine.

10. Next, you need to create the channel for your drawstring. Taking one of the long edges, fold over the fabric past the inner rectangle to create a roughly 2cm fold and pin down.

11. Using a sewing machine, stitch a back stitch straight down the fold. Make sure you are stitching nearer the inner edge rather than the outer. You want to create a tube like shape.

12. Once completed, fold your bag in half so the corners and edges meet and pin. (Make sure you fold your bag inside out so the fabric print is on the inside.)

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• When completed, customise your bag by sewing scrap pieces of fabric, buttons or sequins.

• Create a shoulder strap by punching a small metal eyelet into the adjacent bottom corner which your cord can thread through before being tied. (You may need a longer piece of cord!)

• Make a variation of different sizes drawstring bags for other uses such as make-up bags, toiletries, shoe bags or toiletries.

• Why not experiment with using waterproof materials instead?

• Use different materials to create a patchwork drawstring bag.

• Create smaller versions to act as gift bags for any other sewing project that has been completed. Design them based on the event.

Variations

13. It is now time to sew the open edges of your bag! Use a zig-zag stitch along the two open edges of your fabric, making sure that you do not sew over the folded opening for your drawstring and keeping it as straight as possible.

14. When finished, turn your bag out the right way making sure to push out the corners.

15. Finally, add your drawstring by threading your cord through the channel your previously created and tie to the two ends together. (Use your safety pin to help you effectively achieve this!)

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Sewing Club

Customising9Customising is something that can be done to almost anything just as long as you have permission! You could use something that you already own or purchase plain t-shirts to jazz up!

• Sew on letters to create a name or word.

• Add sequins, ribbons, studs or sparkles.

• Cut out prints from other old clothing items and sew onto the new item.

• Cut strips into the fabric to create a fringe.

• Add patch pockets.

• Sew on badges or additional buttons.

• Use fabric paints or pens to create images or patterns.

• Stitch embroidery patterns.

Ways of customising:

• Jeans, shorts or trousers

• Skirts or dresses

• Bags

• Headbands

• Pillow covers

• Duvet covers

• T-shirts

• Old shoes

• Jackets

• Hats

Things you could customise:

• Check and confirm that you are allowed to customise the items you are using.

• Some fabrics will fray and may need hemming. You may also want to use this to your advantage and design it into the style.

• Use pins to help you correctly place your additional decorations before sewing.

• Try not to sew straight through both sides of clothing otherwise you may risk sewing the clothes together!

• Why not design your customised style before you create it?

Top Tips!