Upholstery 10, 20, 30: Curriculum Guidelines

Module 17A: Basic Machine Sewing (Optional)

Suggested time: 20-25 hours
Level: Intermediate
Prerequisite: Modules 2 and 3

Foundational Objectives

To develop skills in the use of equipment and materials common to the upholstery industry.
To demonstrate safe working practices for the upholstery industry.
To demonstrate proper use of hand and power tools, equipment, and supplies utilized in the upholstery industry.
To develop independent decision-making skills pertaining to the upholstery industry.
To develop workplace skills, knowledge, and attitudes that may lead to successful employment.

Common Essential Learnings Foundational Objectives

To understand and use the vocabulary that characterizes the field of upholstery. (COM)
To develop students' understanding of the practical uses of mathematical concepts in upholstery. (NUM)
To provide opportunities for students' active involvement in the use of technology as a learning tool. (TL)
To grow as independent learners within a classroom environment that promotes self-esteem, curiosity, competence, and trust. (IL)

	Learning Objective	Notes
		Basic machine sewing is introduced in this module. The practice and application of these skills should be integrated in projects when appropriate.
17.1	To identify the parts of an industrial sewing machine. (COM)	Label a diagram of the machine parts.
17.2	To identify the parts of a bobbin. (COM)	Label a diagram of the bobbin parts. Research the purposes of all the parts and describe how the bobbin works.
17.3	To identify the different types of needles and their uses. (CCT)	Examine different types of needles and their uses for leather, cloth, and vinyl. Compare the needles for size, number, and appearance. Compare needle numbers to needle sizes. Explain why different needles are suitable for different uses. Have the students enter the information into their journals.
17.4	To identify the different types and styles of threads. (CCT)	Display samples of various types of threads used in upholstery. Compare upholstery thread to traditional sewing thread. Explain the differences. Have the students create journal entries describing the purposes of and reasons for each different type of thread.
17.5	To remove and replace a needle. (TL)	Have the student remove and replace a needle. Ensure that the needle is oriented correctly. If put in backwards, the needle will cut the thread where it runs through the needle. Groove to the side of the last thread guide is a good rule for needle replacement.
17.6	To choose the type of walking foot to use. (CCT)	A journal entry describing each foot and when it is to used is worthwhile. If using an upholstery machine, use either the single welt foot or the double welt foot. If using a home machine, use a multi-purpose foot or the zipper foot.
17.7	To remove and replace the walking foot. (IL)	Demonstrate the replacement of the foot and review the purpose of each foot.
17.8	To thread a machine. (IL)	Describe how to thread a machine. Use a paper diagram of the machine to trace the thread route. Students will thread the machine.
17.9	To describe how to wind (fill) a bobbin. (CCT)	Use a step by step instruction sheet to describe how to wind a bobbin.

17.10	To wind a bobbin. (IL)	Wind a bobbin and keep a step by step record with a checklist. Remove the cover plate. Remove the empty bobbin. Replace with a full bobbin. Replace the cover plate.
17.11	To fill and replace a bobbin.	Have the students fill and replace a bobbin.
17.12	To identify a timing problem. (CCT)	Identify the possible timing problems. Create a handout of possible machine problems and how to solve them.
17.13	To reset the timing problem. (TL)	Have the students reset the timing to correct adjustment.
17.14	To identify common maintenance procedures for a sewing machine. (CCT)	Produce a maintenance schedule and develop an assignment chart detailing student responsibilities.
17.15	To do daily maintenance for a sewing machine.	Assign the daily schedule by making a maintenance chart.
17.16	To oil a sewing machine.	Using an oil cup chart, have students oil the machines.
17.17	To repair a thread jam in the bobbin case. (CCT)	Create a lab activity to remove a jam.
17.18	To set the stitch size. (NUM)	The students will set the number of stitches to different settings. There are different settings required for different materials.
17.19	To maintain steady needle speed. (TL)	Have the students practise using the foot pedal to learn how to keep a constant speed.
17.20	To practice sewing. (IL)	Create a lab where the students practise sewing by starting and stopping on an end point and sewing on straight lines. Use a curved diagram to practide sewing curves. Practise on paper diagrams using a machine that is not threaded, then students can easily see if they are making any mistakes.
17.21	To sew a seam using scrap cloth, vinyl, and leather. (TL)	Have the student draw a chalk line on the fabric before sewing the seam.
17.22	To sew a single welt. (TL)	Use a hand stapler to hold the welt in place before sewing. Sew the single welt.
		Projects: There are a number of projects that will afford student practice. See recommended resources for more information to develop this module. Furniture: Simple sewing projects such as class aprons, cloth grocery carrying bags, window air conditioner covers and free standing air conditioners, bag covers, and cushions/pillows. Auto: Simple sewing projects such as car fronts, car bras, and seat covers. Marine: A simple project is to sew and make a cover for an outboard motor.>

Module 17B: Basic Machine Sewing (Optional)

Suggested time: 20-25 hours
Level: Advanced
Prerequisite: Modules 2, 3 and 19

Learning Objective Notes

Advanced machine sewing use is introduced in this module. It is suggested the practice and application of these skills be integrated throughout the projects as required.

17.23 To identify stitch irregularities. (CCT) Create a sample board containing all of the stitch irregularities.

Prepare handouts to assist students' identification and potential solutions to irregularities.

Journal entries explaining identification, causes, and remedies are a worthwhile record.

17.24 To identify thread fraying. (CCT) Compare fraying thread to proper thread.

17.25 To repair thread fraying. (TL) Discuss and demonstrate how to repair thread irregularities.

Investigate products on the market to control thread fraying and demonstrate some of them.

Have students repair fraying thread.

Have students make journal entries on steps to repair each form of irregularity.

17.26 To identify and repair upper thread tension that is too loose. Journal entry of a description or diagram too loose thread.

Discuss and demonstrate how to adjust the upper thread tension on the machine. Have students make journal entries on steps to do this.

Have students recognize and repair upper thread tension that is too loose. Have students adjust thread tension on the machine.

17.27 To identify and adjust upper thread tension that is too tight. (CCT) Journal entry of description or diagram of thread that is too tight.

Discuss and demonstrate how to adjust upper thread tension that is too tight. Journal entry on steps to recognize and repair this irregularity. Have students adjust upper thread tension that is too tight.

17.28 To identify and adjust bobbin thread tension irregularities. (CCT) Have students make journal entries of description or diagram of bobbin tension problems.

Discuss and demonstrate how to adjust bobbin thread tension. Have students recognize bobbin thread tension irregularity. Describe and demonstrate how to adjust bobbin thread tension and have students make journal entries on the process.

17.29 To be able to adjust presser foot pressure. (CCT) Discuss and demonstrate how to adjust presser foot pressure. Have students adjust foot pressure and make journal entries on how they did it.

17.30 To identify the seams used in upholstery. (CCT) Have students describe common seams used in upholstery in their journal.

Create a lab exercise to construct samples of the seams.

17.31 To sew a double welt. (TL) Cut a welt strip 8.25 cm (3.25 inches) wide on the bias. Turn inside out and sew a single welt to the inside edge. Turn right side out, place the second welt strip beside the first and fold over the material. Sew using a double welt foot, a common machine foot, or a zipper foot.

17.32 To identify the types of cushion seams used. (CCT, IL) Create a lab exercise or have the student use an assigned shop job.

Types of cushion seams used include:

waterfall
boxed welt
knife edge
bench.

17.33 To sew a knife edge cushion. (TL) If this is too difficult, have the students staple the welt to the seat fabric prior to sewing. This will provide ease of sewing and alignment.

Create a simple project where the students cut two scrap pieces of fabric and sew three sides as a knife edge. See Module 19 on how to finish off the fourth side by hand sewing.

17.34 To sew a welt boxed cushion. (TL) To simplify this process, students may staple the welt to the seat material prior to sewing. This will ensure ease of sewing and alignment.

A simple project where the student cuts two scrap pieces of material and sews three sides as a boxed cushion can be done. See Module 19 on how to finish off the fourth side by hand sewing.

17.35 To sew a waterfall cushion. (TL) A simple project where the students sew a waterfall cushion can be done. See Module 19 on how to finish off the fourth side by hand sewing.

17.36 To layout a cushion cover that will have a zipper. (CCT) Create a lab exercise where students use scrap fabrics.

17.36 To insert a zipper. (TL) Insert a zipper into scrap fabrics. Explore both centred and lap zipper styles, students should construct a sample of each.

	Learning Objective	Notes
		Advanced machine sewing use is introduced in this module. It is suggested the practice and application of these skills be integrated throughout the projects as required.
17.23	To identify stitch irregularities. (CCT)	Create a sample board containing all of the stitch irregularities. Prepare handouts to assist students' identification and potential solutions to irregularities. Journal entries explaining identification, causes, and remedies are a worthwhile record.
17.24	To identify thread fraying. (CCT)	Compare fraying thread to proper thread.
17.25	To repair thread fraying. (TL)	Discuss and demonstrate how to repair thread irregularities. Investigate products on the market to control thread fraying and demonstrate some of them. Have students repair fraying thread. Have students make journal entries on steps to repair each form of irregularity.
17.26	To identify and repair upper thread tension that is too loose.	Journal entry of a description or diagram too loose thread. Discuss and demonstrate how to adjust the upper thread tension on the machine. Have students make journal entries on steps to do this. Have students recognize and repair upper thread tension that is too loose. Have students adjust thread tension on the machine.
17.27	To identify and adjust upper thread tension that is too tight. (CCT)	Journal entry of description or diagram of thread that is too tight. Discuss and demonstrate how to adjust upper thread tension that is too tight. Journal entry on steps to recognize and repair this irregularity. Have students adjust upper thread tension that is too tight.
17.28	To identify and adjust bobbin thread tension irregularities. (CCT)	Have students make journal entries of description or diagram of bobbin tension problems. Discuss and demonstrate how to adjust bobbin thread tension. Have students recognize bobbin thread tension irregularity. Describe and demonstrate how to adjust bobbin thread tension and have students make journal entries on the process.
17.29	To be able to adjust presser foot pressure. (CCT)	Discuss and demonstrate how to adjust presser foot pressure. Have students adjust foot pressure and make journal entries on how they did it.
17.30	To identify the seams used in upholstery. (CCT)	Have students describe common seams used in upholstery in their journal. Create a lab exercise to construct samples of the seams.
17.31	To sew a double welt. (TL)	Cut a welt strip 8.25 cm (3.25 inches) wide on the bias. Turn inside out and sew a single welt to the inside edge. Turn right side out, place the second welt strip beside the first and fold over the material. Sew using a double welt foot, a common machine foot, or a zipper foot.
17.32	To identify the types of cushion seams used. (CCT, IL)	Create a lab exercise or have the student use an assigned shop job. Types of cushion seams used include: waterfall boxed welt knife edge bench.
17.33	To sew a knife edge cushion. (TL)	If this is too difficult, have the students staple the welt to the seat fabric prior to sewing. This will provide ease of sewing and alignment. Create a simple project where the students cut two scrap pieces of fabric and sew three sides as a knife edge. See Module 19 on how to finish off the fourth side by hand sewing.
17.34	To sew a welt boxed cushion. (TL)	To simplify this process, students may staple the welt to the seat material prior to sewing. This will ensure ease of sewing and alignment. A simple project where the student cuts two scrap pieces of material and sews three sides as a boxed cushion can be done. See Module 19 on how to finish off the fourth side by hand sewing.
17.35	To sew a waterfall cushion. (TL)	A simple project where the students sew a waterfall cushion can be done. See Module 19 on how to finish off the fourth side by hand sewing.
17.36	To layout a cushion cover that will have a zipper. (CCT)	Create a lab exercise where students use scrap fabrics.
17.36	To insert a zipper. (TL)	Insert a zipper into scrap fabrics. Explore both centred and lap zipper styles, students should construct a sample of each.