Home Science may seem like a totally new area to you, since there is no subject known as ‘Home Science’ in the Primary School Curriculum. However, you actually covered it under Science and this includes topics such as, the Human Body, Health Education, Foods and Nutrition, among others.
Just as you enjoyed learning the above topics in Science while in Primary School, I am sure you will enjoy learning Home Science as a subject on its own in Secondary School.
The following sub-topics will be covered in this topic:
1. Basic sewing tools and equipment
2. The sewing machine
Introduction
Needlework requires the use of some special tools and equipment which are categorized into two main groups:
Small and Large : needed for:-
Measuring
Cutting
Transferring pattern markings
Sewing
Pressing
Storage
Others
Objectives
By the end of the lesson you should be able to:
State factors to consider when choosing different basic sewing tools and equipment.
Describe how to use and care for basic sewing tools and equipment.
Measuring Tools
Tape measure
Measuring Gauge
Meter stick
Choice
The tape measure should:
Be clearly marked on both sides upto 150cm.
Be woven and plastic coated to avoid fraying and stretching.
Have metal ends.
Use and Care
Remove from the work while cutting out; it can be cut accidentally.
Roll up when not in use. It should:
Be firm.
Be clearly matched at right angles.
Have several measurements marked.
Used for measuring small width.
Store after use.
Meter Stick
Choice of a Meter Stick
It should be:
Made of smooth wood or plastic.
Marked clearly.
Used to measure long straight lines.
Hem Marker
Choice
Can be made from manila or cardboard.
Used for marking hem depths to ensure even size.
CUTTING OUT TOOLS
Dressmaker’s shears
Pinking shears
Embroidery scissors
Buttonhole scissors
Paper scissors
Dressmaker’s pins
Seam ripper
Table worktop
Dressmaker’s Shears
Should be rust free (stainless steel)
Sharp
Firmly hinged
Comfortable handle with one hole large enough for 2 or more fingers
One blade should be pointed
Long blade ,at least 15cm
Oil the hinges regularly
Hold correctly
Do not chop
Wipe after use
Do not use for cutting hair, paper, thread or for snipping
Pinking Shears
Made of rustless metal stainless steel)
Is serrated
Used for neatening edges especially on open seams, on materials that do not fray.
Embroidery Scissors
Small
Sharp fine pointed blades
Cutting threads, snipping
Cutting buttonholes
Paper Scissors
Smaller in size than the cutting out shears
Not very sharp
Used for cutting out paper patterns.
Dressmaker’s Pins
Assorted lengths
Fine and sharp
Made of stainless steel
Buy those with big heads
Store in a pin cushion or in a small box.
Avoid scattering.
Keep them dry and free from rust.
Seam Ripper
The blade should be sharp.
It should have a cover to protect the sharp point.
Used for removing unwanted stitches and cutting button holes.
Do not drop.
Store in the needlework box when not in use.
Table Top
Should be large enough for laying the pattern pieces out.
Comfortable height for the user.
Smooth and flat not to spoil the fabric.
Should not be polished.
Dust well before placing work.
Do not scratch with sharp objects such as tracing wheel.
Do not stain with carbon.
TRANSFERRING PATTERN MARKINGS
Tailor’s chalk
Tracing wheel
Dressmaker’s carbon paper
Pencils
Tailor’s Chalk
Comes in different shapes
Buy assorted colours
Used for marking patterns
Do not drop, it will break
Store in the needle work box
Tracing Wheel
The edge should be well serrated.
The wheel should be firmly fixed.
Use carbon colour closest to that of the fabric.
Wooden handles are more durable than plastic handles.
Used for transferring pattern markings with dressmaker’s carbon.
Dressmaker’s Carbon Paper
Choose different colours
Should be big in size
Used with tracing wheel for transferring patterns.
Do not press hard while using tracing wheel as it will tear.
Fold and keep well.
Pencils
Choose dark strong pencils: For drawing patterns.
SEWING TOOLS
Needles
Sharps
Betweens
Crewels
Sharps Needle
Have round eyes
Should be fine
Eye should be smooth
Easy to thread
Assorted sizes; the higher the number the finer the needle
Use correctly
Used for ordinary sewing
Should be kept in a pin cushion
Betweens Needle
Assorted sizes; the higher the number the finer the needle.
Shorter and sharper than sharps
Fine needles
Also used for quilting
Crewels Needle
The eyes are oval in shape and larger
Used for embroidery
PRESSING EQUIPMENT
Irons
Ironing board
Irons
Made of non rusting material
Medium weight
Smooth sole
Pointed toe to reach fullness
If electric, should be thermostatic.
Used to press work after each stage of construction
Use right temperature for every fabric
Wipe before use
Do not drop
Occasionally clean thoroughly
Oil hinges of charcoal iron to prevent rusting
Ironing Board
Should be adjustable
Should be well padded
Should be stable on the ground
Should have a loose cover
Used to place work when pressing
Adjust to comfortable height
Remove and wash cover regularly
Fold and protect from dust when not in use
Sleeve Board
Similar to ironing board but small
Used for processing small shapes articles such as cuffs and sleeves
Pressing Cloth
Choose lint free clothes that are closely woven
Used for damping and wetting during pressing.
Wash and store after use.
STORAGE EQUIPMENT
Drawers
Wardrobes
Hangers
Drawers
Large enough to carry the work
Have smooth finishing
For storing all needlework
Should be lined with a clean paper or cloth
Wardrobes
Should have a smooth finish
Should be lockable
Should have a rod or nail for hanging
Used for hanging complete and incomplete garments
Clean regularly and place moth balls occasionally
Hangers
Have assorted sizes
Should be made of smooth wood plastic or metal
Should be strong and wide
Used for hanging complete or incomplete garments.
Dust occasionally to keep clean.
OTHERS
Thimble
Stiletto
Bodkin
Embroidery loop
Pressing cloth
Sleeve board
Thimble
Should fit on the middle finger.
Metal thimbles last longer, especially those made of stainless steel.
Ensure that the metal ones do not have rough edges that may damage the thread and
fabrics.
Choice and Care
It is used to push the needle through the fabric.
It also protects the finger from needle pricks.
Wear on the correct finger.
Stiletto
Must be sharp
Should be thick enough to leave holes on the fabric
Should be smooth not to spoil the fabric
Used for making holes and eyelets
Do not drop as the point will become blunt
Bodkin
Eye must be large.
Point should be blunt so that it does not pierce through the work when it is in use.
Used for threading elastic cords, ribbons and tapes through casings or eyelets.
Store in the needlework box.
Embroidery Loop
Choose according to the work
Similar to ironing board but small
Used for pressing small shaped articles such as cuffs and sleeves
Choose lint free clothes that are closely woven
Used for dampening when pressing.
Wash and store after use.
Sewing Machine
A sewing machine is a large sewing equipment designed to make stitches. It makes
sewing quicker and more efficient.It is a simple machine to operate as it is done manually
at the speed of the person operating.
It is portable and easy to carry.
Balance wheel is rotated by hand.
One hand rotates the hand wheel while the other guides the material.
Hand Machine
The following video clip shows the working of a hand machine:
Treadle Machine
Feet rotate the hand wheel
Both hands are free to guide the work
Bulky and hence takes up a lot of storage space
A motor can be fixed onto it to make it electric
Treadle Machine
The following video clip shows the working of a treadle machine:
Electric Machine
Balance wheel is rotated using electricity.
Very fast because both hands are free to guide the work.
Expensive to purchase.
Some are portable and others are very bulky.
The following video clip shows the working of an electric machine:
Parts of a Sewing Machine
Choosing a sewing machine
Consider the cost in relation to the work.
Consider the machine in relation to its work, that is, do not buy a domestic machine for
commercial purposes.
Buy from a reliable dealer who will be able to service and supply spare parts.
Machine should have an instruction manual.
Care of the sewing machine
Ensure servicing of machines regularly.
Store the machine while covered to avoid dust from entering.
Clean and oil it regularly.
Learners should use the machine under supervision.
Do not machine over pins to avoid breaking the needle.
Stitches
Home Science is an applied multi-disciplinary science which aims at improving the quality of life and well being of an individual, family and community.
Classification of stitches
Stitches are classified into two groups:
Roll the mouse over the words: Permanent and Temporary for additional information.
Classify stitches.
Describe how to work out different types of stitches
Joining stitches
These are stitches which are used to hold two or more layers of fabric together permanently. They
include:
Machine stitches
Over sewing
Faggotting
Faggotting Stitches
Neatening Stitches
These are stitches which are used to finish raw edges. They include:
Loop stitches
Button hole stitches
Machine zigzag
Buttonhole Stitches
Decorative stitches
These are embroidery stitches worked to add beauty to a garment or article. They include:
Stem stitch
Chain stitch
Satin stitch
Cross stitch
French knot
Even Tackings
Long and Short Tackings
Diagonal Tackings
Tailor Tacks
Maternal Child Care
It deals with child development from conception to childhood with special attention to the physical,
emotional and social development of the child.
Home Care
It takes care of the individual, the home and the environment through planning, organizing and using
available resources efficiently.
Tidy Room
Untidy Room
Textiles
It is the study of fibres which are made into fabrics.
A textile industry
Clothing
It deals with clothing construction and maintenance.
Health Education
It promotes health by changing people’s behaviour, attitude and practices. This is done through personal hygiene, environmental hygiene and care of the sick at home.
A person washing hands after visiting the toilet
Consumer Education
It makes people aware of the available goods and services in the market, their choice and use.
Variety of liquid soaps
A bill board with some information on food
Importance of Home Science
The importance of Home Science to:
The Individual
The Family
The Community
The Individual
Makes a person to be self reliant by giving one skills to start income generating activities.
It is a foundation for further education and training.
Helps one to acquire skills to enhance quality of life by managing scarce resources.
Prepares an individual to take care of personal hygiene, food, clothing and health.
The Family
Home Science helps the family to:
Practice and administer First Aid in case of accidents and illnesses.
Maintain high standards of living.
Improve its economic status.
The Community
Skills acquired create employment opportunities.
Ensures a healthy community therefore reducing illness and death.
Promotes positive environmental practices.
Produces role models for the community to emulate.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
Home Science leads to diverse career opportunities such as:
Teacher
Interior Designer
Chef
Air Hostess
Dietician
Community Health Worker
Fashion Designer
Entrepreneur
Researcher
Textile Engineer
Teacher
Chef
This is the chief cook of a large kitchen staff. He/she is in charge of menu creation, staff management and business aspects related to the kitchen.
Air Host / Hostess
Also known as flight steward or cabin crew member. He/she ensures that passengers have a comfortable journey on the flight.
Dietician
An expert in Food and Nutrition. He/she promotes good health through proper eating; supervises the
preparation of food, develops modified diets, participates in related research and educates individuals on good nutritional habits.
Community Health Worker
A member of a community who is chosen by community members to provide basic health and medical
care to the community.
Fashion Designer
A Fashion Designer creates original garments as well as those that follow established fashion trends.
He/she studies trends, sketches designs of clothing and accessories, selects colours and fabrics, and
oversees the final product of their designs.
Entrepreneur
A person who identifies a business opportunity, assesses the risks involved, organises the necessary
resources to start and run a successful business.
Researcher
A person who tries to discover, interprete and develop methods and systems for the advancement of
human knowledge on a wide variety of scientific matters of our world and the universe.
Textile Engineer
The textile engineer specializes in the study of fibres and new textile production methods. The profession includes turning fibre into fabric and fabric into clothing and other textile products.
Interior Designer
This profession is concerned with anything that is found inside a space/room, that is, walls, windows,
doors, finishes, textures, light and furnishings. The interior designer uses these elements to develop a
functional, safe and aesthetically pleasing space/ room for use.