Sewing Tools, Equipment and Materials
11 Grade 10 Home Science questions on Sewing Tools, Equipment and Materials, with worked marking schemes. 11 questions are available on this topic in full.
Question 1
1 markWhich hand-sewing tool is most suitable for threading elastic through the waist casing of a pair of shorts?
A. Betweens needle
B. Sharps needle
C. Crewel needle
D. Bodkin
(1 mark)
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4 marksState the function of each of the following sewing machine parts:
(a) presser foot (1 mark)
(b) feed dog (1 mark)
(c) take-up lever (1 mark)
(d) balance wheel (1 mark)
(4 marks)
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5 marksWanjiru's younger brother uses her cutting-out shears to cut cardboard and sisal twine for a school project.
(a) Explain why this practice is harmful to the shears. (2 marks)
(b) State three other ways of caring for cutting-out shears. (3 marks)
(5 marks)
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5 marksDraw a table with the headings Measuring, Cutting, Sewing, Pressing and finishing, and Storage. Place each of the following items under its correct heading. (5 marks) hem gauge, pinking shears, thimble, sleeve board, pin cushion, seam ripper, metre rule, needle case, pressing cloth, hand-sewing needle
(5 marks)
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4 marksThe upper thread on a learner's sewing machine keeps breaking while she sews a pair of cotton curtains. Explain two possible causes of this fault and suggest a remedy for each. (4 marks)
(4 marks)
Marking scheme
Any two causes, each with a matching remedy: 1 mark for the cause, 1 mark for the remedy (4 marks): - Upper tension too tight: loosen the upper tension dial slightly and test on a scrap. - Machine wrongly threaded, for example a thread guide or the take-up lever missed: rethread the upper thread correctly following the manual. - Needle inserted wrongly, or bent or blunt: reinsert it correctly (flat side of shank and long groove the right way) or replace it. - Poor-quality, old or knotted thread: use good-quality thread of the correct thickness. - Needle too fine for the thread, or a rough or burred eye: change to the correct needle size or a new needle. - Thread catching on the spool or in the notch of the reel: place the reel correctly on the spool pin, using a spool cap where provided.
Question 6
1 markWhile machining a cotton apron, a learner notices loose loops of thread forming on the underside of the seam. What is the most likely cause?
A. The stitch length is set too short
B. The upper thread tension is too loose
C. The feed dog has been lowered
D. The needle is too fine for the thick fabric
(1 mark)
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1 markA learner has stitched a plain seam on a cushion cover made from firmly woven cotton fabric. She wants a quick way to neaten the raw edges of the seam allowance. Which cutting tool is most suitable?
A. Cutting-out shears
B. Buttonhole scissors
C. Pinking shears
D. Embroidery scissors
(1 mark)
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1 markAfter oiling the school sewing machine, a learner stitches on a scrap of fabric for a few minutes before going back to her project. What is the main reason for doing this?
A. To warm the moving parts before heavy stitching
B. To absorb excess oil that could stain the project
C. To set the correct tension for the next fabric
D. To confirm that the needle was inserted the correct way
(1 mark)
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1 markA learner cannot find sewing thread in exactly the same colour as her fabric. When choosing the closest match, she should pick a thread that is
A. slightly lighter than the fabric
B. in a colour that contrasts with the fabric
C. slightly darker than the fabric
D. white, whatever the fabric colour
(1 mark)
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5 marks(a) Outline two safety precautions a learner should observe when operating a sewing machine in the Home Science laboratory. (2 marks)
(b) Describe three steps a learner should follow when cleaning and storing a sewing machine at the end of a practical lesson. (3 marks)
(5 marks)
Marking scheme
(a) Any two, 1 mark each (2 marks): - Keep fingers clear of the needle and presser foot while stitching. - Remove pins before they reach the needle; do not sew over pins. - Switch off and unplug an electric machine before threading, changing the needle or cleaning. - Tie back long hair and keep loose sleeves, ties or jewellery away from moving parts. - Sit squarely in front of the machine, with only one person working the treadle or foot control at a time. - Do not run the machine with the presser foot down and no fabric under it. - Report faults to the teacher instead of forcing the machine. (b) Any three, 1 mark each (3 marks): - Remove lint and fluff from the feed dog, bobbin case and shuttle area with a small brush. - Wipe dust off the machine with a soft, dry cloth. - Oil the moving parts sparingly with sewing machine oil when needed, and wipe off any excess. - Place a scrap of fabric under the presser foot and lower the needle and presser foot onto it. - Unplug the machine and coil the cable neatly (electric machines). - Cover the machine with its lid or dust cover. - Store it in a dry, clean cupboard or on a firm surface away from damp.
Question 11
4 marksA school is buying new sewing tools and equipment for its Home Science laboratory. Explain two factors the school should consider when selecting them. (4 marks)
(4 marks)
Marking scheme
Any two factors, 1 mark for the factor and 1 mark for a correct explanation (4 marks): - Purpose: each item should suit the work learners will do, for example cutting-out shears for fabric and pinking shears for neatening. - Quality and durability: rust-proof, well-made tools (such as stainless steel pins and sharp, well-aligned shears) last longer and give accurate results. - Cost and budget: the items should give value for money within the funds available. - Safety: items should have no rough edges and should come with safety features, such as guards on electric machines. - Ease of use and comfort: sizes should suit the learners, for example thimbles that fit and shears that are comfortable to hold. - Ease of maintenance and availability of spare parts: sewing machines should be easy to clean and oil, with needles, bobbins and belts available locally. - Number of learners and storage space: enough items for the class, and space to store them safely. - Reputable brand or supplier, with a guarantee or after-sales service.
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