ACTIVITY

Spread the word of fixing clothes – Part 2

The students set up a workshop for younger students to teach them how to sew and fix their own clothes.

The intention is to teach other students how to sew.

Before:

This activity is part 2 of 2. Part 1 can be found here: Spread the word of fixing clothes – Part 1.

1

Give shape to the timing and length of the workshop, for example:

  1. 5 min — welcome + safety rules + show examples.
  2. 5 min — teacher/student demos at each station.
  3. 20 min — rotate learners through 2–3 stations (5-10 min per station works well). Older students coach.
  4. 5 min — pack up, collect photos/logs and quick reflection.
2

Execute the workshop with the children.

Didactic tips:

Safety + classroom management

  • Supervise needles and scissors at all times.
  • Use blunt plastic needles for very young children; adults handle irons/heat.
  • Keep wandering threads off the floor; assign an adult to first aid basics if needed.

Success criteria & quick rubric

  • Secure: Button/patch stays on after gentle tug.
  • Neat: Stitches fairly even and tidy on front.
  • Independent: Learner can explain one step they did.
  • Safe: Used tools correctly and tidied up.

Troubleshooting tips (teacher prompts)

  • If thread keeps breaking → use shorter lengths or double the thread.
  • If stitches are uneven → slow down; demonstrate spacing using the ruler or marks.
  • Worried about fabric bunching → use an embroidery hoop or stretch fabric over cardboard

 

Extensions & take-home

  • Make a tiny “mend card” with the student’s name and the technique they learned.
  • Start a repair club or leave a permanent mini-mend station in school.
  • Send a simple how-to sheet home so families can try the skills.
GreenComp: individual initiative
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Act
THEME:
Textile & fashion
TIME: 45 min.
AGE: 13-15 years

SUBJECTS:

  • Arts
  • Home economics

TOOLS / MATERIALS:

  • Blunt/child-friendly sewing needles and regular needles
  • Thread (various colors)
  • Scissors (rounded tips for younger kids)
  • Pins
  • Fabric scraps & pre-cut patches
  • Buttons
  • Toothpicks (for shanks)
  • Embroidery hoops
  • Transfer paper/markers
  • Small cardboard/darning egg
  • Wipes

METHODS:

RESOURCES: