Home Economics - Junior Secondary 2 - Edge finishes

TERM: 3^RD TERM

WEEK: 10

CLASS: Junior Secondary School 2

AGE: 13 years

DURATION: 40 minutes each for 2 periods

DATE:

SUBJECT: Home economics

TOPIC: Edge finishes

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES: At the end of the lesson, the learners should be able to

1. ) Define seam finishes
2. ) Enumerate the advantages of seam finishes
3. ) List and explain seam finish processes
4. ) Define edge finishes
5. ) State the uses of edge finishes
6. ) List and explain the types of edge finishes
7. ) Outline the points to considering choosing an edge finishing

INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNIQUES: Identification, explanation, questions and answers, demonstration, story-telling, videos from source

INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS: Recommended Home economics textbooks for Junior Secondary School 2

INSTRUCTIONAL PROCEDURES: PERIOD 1-2:

NOTE

EDGE FINISHES

Seam finishes are techniques used to finish the raw edges of seams in garments or other textile products to prevent fraying, enhance durability, and provide a neat appearance. Seam finishes are essential for preventing the fabric from unraveling at the seam lines, improving the overall strength, and extending the life of the garment.

Advantages of Seam Finishes

1. Prevents Fraying:
   Seam finishes help prevent the fabric from unraveling, ensuring that the seams remain intact over time.
2. Improves Durability:
   A proper seam finish can reinforce the structure of the garment, making it last longer and withstand wear and tear.
3. Enhances Appearance:
   Neatly finished seams provide a clean, professional, and polished look to the garment.
4. Increases Comfort:
   Seam finishes can prevent raw edges from rubbing against the skin, making garments more comfortable to wear.
5. Prevents Fabric Damage:
   Certain seam finishes can protect delicate fabrics from snagging or tearing by covering the raw edges.

Seam Finish Processes

1. Overlocking (Serger Finish)
   • Explanation: A sewing machine with a serger attachment trims and overcasts the edges of the fabric, securing the seam. This is commonly used for knits and woven fabrics.
   • Example: Used in many ready-to-wear garments for a neat and durable seam finish.
2. French Seam
   • Explanation: The fabric edges are enclosed within the seam itself. The raw edges are sewn inside the seam and then pressed, making it ideal for lightweight fabrics.
   • Example: Commonly used in delicate fabrics like silk or lace.
3. Bias Tape Finish
   • Explanation: Bias tape is sewn over the raw edges of the seam to encase them completely. It provides both a neat appearance and added durability.
   • Example: Often used in home décor items or garments with visible seams.
4. Double-Stitched Finish
   • Explanation: The seam is reinforced with additional rows of stitches to prevent it from opening up and to give it a clean finish.
   • Example: Used in heavy-duty garments like workwear or denim.
5. Pinked Finish
   • Explanation: The raw edges of the fabric are cut with pinking shears, which leave a zigzag pattern that helps reduce fraying.
   • Example: Often used in lightweight fabrics or for quick, less formal finishes.

Edge Finishes

Edge finishes are techniques used to treat the raw edges of fabric to prevent them from fraying or becoming damaged. These finishes can be applied to hems, seams, or any other edge of a garment or fabric to enhance its appearance and increase longevity.

Uses of Edge Finishes

1. Prevents Fraying:
   Edge finishes help to secure the fabric’s raw edges, preventing threads from unraveling.
2. Improves Durability:
   Proper edge finishes ensure that garments withstand regular use and washing, making them last longer.
3. Enhances Appearance:
   A well-done edge finish creates a clean, neat look that improves the garment's overall finish.
4. Increases Comfort:
   Some edge finishes help prevent the edges from being rough or irritating when they touch the skin, adding comfort to the garment.
5. Facilitates Better Fit:
   Edge finishes are sometimes applied to prevent fabric edges from stretching or pulling out of shape, ensuring the garment maintains its shape over time.

Types of Edge Finishes

1. Overlocking (Serger Finish)
   • Explanation: A fast and efficient method where the raw edge is stitched and overlocked using a serger machine, often for knit fabrics.
   • Example: Used in ready-to-wear garments and sportswear.
2. Bias Tape Finish
   • Explanation: A strip of bias-cut fabric is sewn along the edge, covering the raw fabric edge completely.
   • Example: Commonly used in home décor projects and some garments like dresses or blouses.
3. Zigzag Stitch
   • Explanation: A zigzag stitch is sewn over the raw edge of the fabric to prevent fraying.
   • Example: Frequently used for lightweight fabrics or when a quick, simple finish is required.
4. Hong Kong Finish
   • Explanation: A decorative finish where bias tape is sewn over the raw edges and then stitched down neatly, providing both a finished look and protection against fraying.
   • Example: Often used in high-end garments, such as tailored jackets and suits.
5. Pinking Shears
   • Explanation: Pinking shears are used to cut the raw edge of fabric in a zigzag pattern, which reduces fraying.
   • Example: This is often used in garments where a decorative, less formal finish is acceptable.

Points to Consider When Choosing an Edge Finishing

1. Type of Fabric:
   Consider the fabric type when choosing an edge finish. Delicate fabrics, like silk, require more refined finishes (e.g., French seams), while heavier fabrics may benefit from serging or pinking shears.
2. Durability:
   Ensure the edge finish chosen is durable enough for the garment's intended use. For example, activewear may need overlocking for additional strength.
3. Appearance:
   Choose an edge finish that complements the overall design of the garment. A visible edge finish like bias tape may enhance the look of the garment, while a hidden finish like a French seam may provide a more discreet result.
4. Time and Efficiency:
   Some edge finishes are quicker to perform than others. For bulk production or quick fixes, finishes like zigzag stitching or pinking shears may be more time-efficient.
5. Skill Level:
   The complexity of the edge finish should align with the skill level of the sewer. For example, overlocking may require a special machine (serger), while pinking shears are simpler to use.

EVALUATION:

1. What is the importance of using seam finishes in garment construction, and how do they affect the durability and appearance of the garment?
2. Compare and contrast the different types of seam finish processes, such as overlocking, French seams, and bias tape finishes, in terms of their advantages and disadvantages.
3. Define edge finishes and explain how they help prevent fabric fraying. How do they contribute to the overall quality of the finished product?
4. Discuss the factors that should be considered when choosing an edge finishing method for a garment.
5. List and explain the types of edge finishes, and provide examples of garments or textile products where each type might be most appropriate.

CLASSWORK: As in evaluation

CONCLUSION: The teacher marks their books and commends them positively