• Class: Primary 5
  • Term: 2nd Term
  • Week: 7
  • Age: 10 years
  • Duration: 40 minutes
  • Subject: Pre-Vocational Studies
  • Curriculum Theme: Home Economics
  • Previous Lesson: Simple Basic Stitches
  • Topic: Steps in Making Temporary Stitches
  • Content: e.g. tacking, basting, tailor’s marking….

Performance Objectives:

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

  • Cognitive domain: Understand and explain the concept of temporary stitches, including tacking, basting, and tailor’s marking.
  • Affective domain: Appreciate the importance of using temporary stitches in sewing tasks.
  • Psychomotor domain: Demonstrate the correct technique of tacking, basting, and using tailor’s marking.
  • Social domain: Collaborate in pairs to practice the steps of temporary stitching, sharing tools and assisting each other.

Reference Materials:

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:


Instructional Materials:

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

  • Needle and thread
  • Fabric swatches
  • Chalk for marking
  • Scissors
  • Pins
  • Ruler

Rationale for the Lesson:

Understanding temporary stitches is essential for learners, as they provide the foundation for making adjustments in clothing before final stitching. It helps in ensuring that designs are aligned properly and mistakes are corrected easily, making sewing tasks more efficient and accurate.


Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge:

Pupils should already be familiar with basic stitches, such as running stitch and backstitch, which will help them understand the concept of temporary stitches and their application.


Instructional Procedures:

To deliver this lesson, the teacher will adopt the following steps:

Content DevelopmentTimeTeaching MethodTeaching StrategyTeacher’s ActivityPupils’ ActivityLearning Point
Step 1: Introduction5 minsSet inductionQuestioningIntroduce the topic of temporary stitches. Ask, “What do you think temporary stitches are used for?”Listen, respond, and share any experiences with sewingUnderstand the need for temporary stitches
Step 2: Tacking (Definition and Application)7 minsDemonstrationVisual demonstrationShow how to perform a tacking stitch on fabric. Explain when and why it is used.Watch attentively, ask questions, and try tacking on their own fabric swatchesLearn how to perform a tacking stitch
Step 3: Basting (Definition and Application)7 minsDemonstrationHands-on practiceDemonstrate the basting stitch and explain its use in temporary stitching.Observe and practice basting on fabricLearn how to perform a basting stitch
Step 4: Tailor’s Marking7 minsExplanation and demonstrationVisual demonstrationShow how to use chalk to mark fabric for temporary stitching. Explain how it helps in aligning stitches and designs.Practice marking fabric using tailor’s chalkUnderstand the use of tailor’s marking
Step 5: Practice Time (Hands-on Activity)7 minsGuided PracticeIndividual practiceAssist pupils as they practice tacking, basting, and marking on their fabric.Work in pairs or individually to complete the practice taskReinforce the use of temporary stitches
Step 6: Note Taking and Summarization4 minsReflection and note-takingTeacher-guided summaryRecap the steps involved in temporary stitches. Have pupils copy the key points into their notebooks.Take notes on the lesson’s key pointsConsolidate the knowledge learned during the lesson
Step 7: Evaluation and Conclusion3 minsOral questioningOral evaluationAsk questions to evaluate understanding. End the lesson with a summary of the importance of temporary stitches.Answer the questions and participate in the class conclusionSummarize the importance of temporary stitches

Lesson Content:

Steps in Making Temporary Stitches

Temporary stitches are quick and easy stitches used to hold fabric in place before permanent stitching. They can be removed easily without damaging the fabric.

  1. Tacking:
    Tacking is used to hold fabric together temporarily. To tack, use a long, loose stitch that can easily be removed. It helps in aligning pieces of fabric before sewing them together permanently.
  2. Basting:
    Basting is similar to tacking but is used for longer stitches. It is often used to hold large sections of fabric together temporarily, such as when hemming.
  3. Tailor’s Marking:
    Tailor’s marking uses chalk or a fabric marker to make temporary lines or dots on fabric. These marks guide the sewer in stitching the fabric correctly and aligning pieces.

Lesson Evaluation:

To evaluate the learning, the teacher asks pupils to:

  1. What is the purpose of temporary stitches like tacking and basting?
  2. How do you perform a tacking stitch?
  3. Why is it important to use tailor’s marking on fabric?
  4. What is the difference between tacking and basting?
  5. Can you demonstrate how to mark fabric using tailor’s chalk?

Note for Teachers Using This Lesson Plan:

When demonstrating temporary stitches, ensure that pupils understand the difference between tacking, basting, and marking. Provide enough practice time for them to get comfortable with these stitches. Encourage them to work in pairs so they can assist one another and learn collaboratively. Happy teaching!