Stitches Notes, Quizzes & Revision
π Revision Notes β’ π Quizzes β’ π Past Papers available in app
Home Science β Clothing
Subtopic: Stitches (for age 9 β Kenya)
What is a stitch?
A stitch is a small loop or line made with a needle and thread to join or repair cloth. We use stitches to sew buttons, mend torn clothes or make decorations on kitenge and school uniforms. πͺ‘π§΅
Materials you need
- Needle (ask an adult to choose the right one)
- Thread (match the colour of the cloth)
- Scissors (to cut thread)
- Spare fabric or kitenge scrap for practice
- Buttons, pins or thimble (adult help)
Three easy stitches to learn
1) Running stitch β good for simple sewing and mending.
How to do it (easy steps):
- Thread the needle and tie a small knot at the end.
- Push the needle up from the wrong side of the cloth.
- Move a short space forward and push the needle downβthis makes one stitch.
- Keep doing the same: up, forward, down, up, forward, down.
Visual: fabric β β’ β’ β’ β’ (stitches) πͺ‘
2) Backstitch β stronger than running stitch; good for seams.
How to do it (short):
- Make one short stitch forward.
- Bring needle up one step ahead, then insert the needle back into the end of the first stitch.
- Repeat: this makes a firm line of stitches that do not easily open.
Visual: fabric β β β β (solid line)
3) Whip / Overcast stitch β for edges so they do not fray.
How to do it:
- Start at the edge and push the needle from back to front.
- Take small loops over the edge, always in the same direction.
Visual: edge β ))) ))) )))
How to sew on a button (quick)
- Place the button where it belongs on the cloth.
- Thread needle and tie a knot. Push the needle up through one hole of the button, then down through the next hole.
- Repeat 6β8 times so the button is strong. Tie a knot on the back of the cloth.
- Cut the extra thread. βοΈ
Safety tips (very important)
- Always ask an adult for help when using a sharp needle or scissors.
- Keep pins and needles in a pin cushion when not using them.
- Do not run while holding needles. Keep them flat on the table.
Practice ideas (make it Kenyan!)
- Use a small kitenge scrap to practice running stitch and backstitch.
- Mend a torn sleeve on your school uniform with a running stitch and a small patch.
- Make a little pouch from two fabric squares and sew the sides using a whip stitch β decorate with bright thread.
Quick quiz (for fun!)
1) Which stitch is stronger: running stitch or backstitch? β Answer: backstitch.
2) Who should help you with needles and scissors? β Answer: an adult or teacher.
Have fun sewing! Practice a little every day and your stitches will get neater. πΈ