Lesson 4: The Geometry of Fashion

Suggested Time: 60 minutes
Overview
Students will learn about various two-dimensional and three-dimensional shapes, and learn why fashion design is really applied geometry! Then they will practice actually sewing garments for their small models.
Vocabulary
Objectives
Next Generation Science Standards
Common Core Mathematical Standards
Required Project Materials
Multimedia Resources
Optional Multimedia Resources
Before the Lesson/ Background Information
The Lesson
Part 1: Math is in Fashion (10 mins)
  1. Collect homework and review lessons learned from the measurement exercises the class conducted during the last session.
  2. Have the class identify what shapes they are wearing. For example, most shirts are basically three cylinders sewn together: one for the torso, and two for the sleeves. What about the round openings of the sleeves: what shapes are those? Let the students have fun identifying shapes in each other’s clothes.
Part 2: Construction Paper Clothing (15 mins) 
  1. Using the protractor, ruler, and other tools, the students will cut out perfect geometric shapes from the construction paper and shape basic clothing items.
  2. For example, students will need to cut out a rectangle to make a cylinder.
  3. Next, the students will make mini clothing items from the shapes they cut out. They should try to dress the small models with their construction paper clothing. Of course, the pieces won’t fit together quite right!
  4. Have the students experiment with cutting the joining parts of shapes so that they fit together better.
Part 3: Patterns and Sewing (35 mins)
  1. The students will now work on making cloth items for the small models.
  2. Separate the class into groups. Distribute several patterns of different types to each group. For example, one group might get a pattern for a dress, a hat, and a tie.
  3. Next, each group will select fabrics and materials to use. Then they will work on cutting out the patterns (on a much smaller scale, of course). For reference, they can use How to Use, Adapt, and Design Sewing Patterns: from Store-Bought Patterns to Drafting Your Own: a Complete Guide to Fashion Sewing with Confidence .
  4. Finally, the groups will sew their items for the small models, using Sewing Basics: All You Need to Know About Machine and Hand Sewing as a guide. Encourage the students to try a variety of stitches found in the book.
Homework Due Next Class
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