Teaching - Sewing skills in schools 
 

I recently worked to develop a collaborative wall hanging to display in the central hall of a local primary school. Nestled in the foot of the Malvern Hills, the artwork needed to reflect and celebrate the essence of the school ethos and values as well as the beauty of its natural surroundings. 

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I started running after-school clubs to help and encourage children learn basic sewing skills and incorporated upcycling old school uniforms into pin cushions, bunting and other items. I also ran interactive workshops where we used a variety of textile techniques to help children represent their school, creating an appliqué wall hanging through mark-making on fabric, experimenting with colour and form, and representing local natural flora and fauna.

Younger children created repeat patterns on fabric and using simple stitching to create 3D textile leaves which explored themes of the natural environment. Older Key Stage 2 pupils used appliqué, and learned sewing techniques to build layers to the background. 

 

The resulting wall hanging was a joyous piece of textile art, celebrating the school community and created a collaborative focal point for the school hall. Thank you to all the staff and children of St.James’ CE Primary school for their energy, ideas and partnership with this exciting project.