Teacher notes – handbag construction. Background – This sounds a little brief but it is really the essence of what we want the pupils to take on board - “Less is more”. Possible teaching/discussion point e.g. Often pupils first instinct is to use too many decorative features. Pupils need to select contrasting or complimentary ribbons etc. They might need to be reminded that proportion will influence the effectiveness of their design, the division of three guide could be reintroduced. Pinning and tacking – we have found that this needs an actual demonstration. Background – Pupils are given a choice of two main bag styles to develop in their first Textiles unit in Year 7. We have in the past attempted to give them a greater choice of outline shapes but have ended up with various difficulties including the dreaded box of unfinished work. These construction presentation slides have been developed for a number of reasons. They can be run through quickly before the beginning of the “make” sessions, to give pupils an outline of what is entailed in the making of their selected bag.. Presentation slides can be selected and shown at the beginning of a lesson to illustrate a specific process/technique that is to be completed in that session. Or left to “loop”, as semi-self help guides. The available Flash version has engaging animations of the construction process e.g. machine stitching etc

Possible teaching/discussion point e.g. we have found that “ straighter” lines of embroidery stitches are achieved if pupils follow a guideline, these could be actual ribbons, or lines of drawn tailors chalk. It is surprising how well they build up really effective decorative effects from a few ribbons with decorative stitches. Possible teaching/discussion point e.g. Ribbons are often made of man-made fibres and have a tendency to slip, we have found tacking essential.

P ossible teaching/discussion point e.g. Front of bag. Concept of why fabric is neatened and what method can they use. – a quick look at a garments they are wearing will be the clue what stitch is needed. A re-cap on how to set the zigzag stitch might be needed. Neatening of the top raw edge of the front of the bag. Possible teaching/discussion point e.g. A number of possible aspects to consider such as the Safety Issue with the pins, the placing of the edge of the machine foot to act as guide and achieve a straight line.

Possible teaching/discussion point e.g. beginning to join the bag together, lining up the front and back accurately. P ossible teaching/discussion point e.g. the same points as previous presentation slide– these apply to the back of the bag.

Possible teaching/discussion point e.g. Discussion of concepts of seams – definition and method., placement of pins. Possible teaching/discussion point e.g. Aspects to be reaffirmed: making the side seams - starting at the very top of the fabric - reverse stitching and using either the edge the fabric or guide plate as guideline. The need to stitch in a U shape and turn sharply at 90 degree angles. An attempt has been made using animation here, but it is more effective in the Flash version.

Possible teaching/discussion point e.g. trimming off excess fabric to achieve a flat and neat corner to the bag. Care with trimming! Possible teaching/discussion point e.g. concept of positioning zigzag stitching and importance of stitching on the edge of the fabric. Pupils are asked to give reasons why two of the samples are incorrect. The re-cap also reaffirms the need to stop and turn 90 degrees at corners Again the Flash version engages pupils well on this aspect.

Possible teaching/discussion point e.g. We often have to help pupils with the handles due to the thickness of the fabric. A quick press, watch the ribbons, a page of paper over can help avoid any scorching.