Sewing Driver’s License:

I like the idea of allowing students to earn their driver’s license for the sewing
machines. Once all 5 steps are completed you can earn
your sewing license to sew on your own with fabric.
Students must sign their driver’s license and agree to
take care of the materials they are able to use.
I gathered some ideas from
https://www.thespruce.com/teach-adults-and-
children-to-sew-2977517

1. Speed control- Allow students to experiment with the mechanics of the machine
such as the hand crank and the foot pedal. Don’t put thread in the machine but
allow them to explore carefully how the parts move and work together. Have
them determine the names of the following parts of the machine: feed dogs,
needle, hand crank, backstitch button, and zigzag knob. Once signed off by two
classmates students may move to the next step.
CLASSMATE SIGN______________________________
CLASSMATE SIGN______________________________
TEACHER SIGN________________________________

2. Sewing on Paper- Once they feel comfortable with a forward and backward
motion on the hand crank and know the parts of the machine have them practice
actually sewing on the paper without thread. Students must follow the line with
a deviation of no greater ¼ inch from the line. Students must complete 5 straight
lines, 2 curvy lines, and 2 zigzag lines. Once this is completed students can carry
on to the next step.
TEACHER SIGN________________________________

3. Thread the machine- Students are now allowed to thread the machine. They
must have viewed the teacher demo and follow the diagram to complete this
 task. Teacher must sign off each time. Student must thread machine correctly 3
separate times completely to complete this step.
TEACHER SIGN #1 ________________________________
TEACHER SIGN #2 ________________________________
TEACHER SIGN #3 ________________________________

4. Sew on paper with thread- Students must complete 2 more strait lines that they
sew on paper with a threaded machine. No visible deviations are allowed.
Teacher must sign off to continue.
TEACHER SIGN________________________________

5. Pivot Points- Students must follow the large square, large triangle, and the large
circle on paper as they sew with thread. Once these are completed at an
appropriate level, and effective pivots and turning strategies are followed, the
teacher will sign off.
TEACHER SIGN________________________________