Course Syllabus
Course: HFST 1140
Division: Social and Behavioral Science
Department: Education and Family Studies
Title: Introductory Sewing
Semester Approved: Spring 2022
Five-Year Review Semester: Fall 2026
End Semester: Fall 2027
Catalog Description: This course is an introduction to sewing and is geared toward the beginning student. Individuals will use domestic sewing machines and serge machines to construct projects, including those that are designed to provide experience with service learning and sustainability.
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
Credit/Time Requirement: Credit: 3; Lecture: 3; Lab: 0
Repeatable: Yes.
Prerequisites: N/A
Corequisites: N/A
Justification: Sewing is a valuable life skill. This class provides instruction on basic sewing techniques that focus on sustainability of textile items and creating new items that fit the needs of the user by using the principles of repair, repurpose and reuse of textile items. It promotes satisfaction as a result of sewing for diverse humanitarian aid agencies. It gives students skills that may be transferred to entrepreneurial endeavors. It gives students an option for an elective course. The class articulates with FCSE 1140 at USU and is a required course for FCSE majors.
Student Learning Outcomes:
Students will learn basic sewing skills by incorporating them into a Service Learning Project. Evidence of completion will be seen in their finished projects. Instructor will evaluate the quality of the work.
Students will complete two outdoor gear projects (duffle bag, fannie pack or backpack) which incorporate redesign and basic sewing skills. Students will be assessed on the completion of the project and the quality of the work.
Students will learn skills that will contribute to sustainable living and management of textile waste. They will be assessed by the completion of project(s) that involve repurposing and/or redesigning textile items.
Because sewing skills can only be developed through practice, students will be given the opportunity to work on projects that are appropriate for their skill level, and that will contribute to their improvement. Through consultation with the instructor, projects will be selected and completed by the student. Students will be assessed by the completion and quality of their projects and the number of hours that they sew.
Content:
Demonstrations on basic sewing techniques such as seam finishes, curved seams, elastic waistband, neckline facing, buttonholes, zipper, basic hemming. Students will be assisted
based on their individual needs to ensure accessibility. Completed projects are shared with
the class to promote engagement and acknowledgment of diverse cultural, creative, and artistic approaches.
Completion of student projects incorporating basic sewing techniques.
Pattern selection, pattern fitting and cutting out projects.
Experience repurposing/redesigning textile items.
Completion of Service Learning project.
Individualized instruction as needed by students.
Key Performance Indicators:
Service Learning Project incorporating required sewing skills: 40 to 55%
Redesigning/repurposing outdoor projuct 5 to 10%
Completing two outdoor gear projects 40 to 55%
Other Assignments including attendance: 0 to 10%
Representative Text and/or Supplies:
Students are required to purchase their own supplies (i.e. fabric, thread, notions).
Recommended Text: The Sewing Book by Alison Smith
Pedagogy Statement:
Students will be taught using group demonstrations and individualized instruction. There are many skills that can be demonstrated using a camera and projecting the image onto a large screen TV. Students will be assisted based on their individual needs to ensure classroom accessibility. Completed projects are shared with the class to promote engagement and acknowledgment of diverse approaches.
Instructional Mediums:
Lecture/Lab
Maximum Class Size: 12
Optimum Class Size: 12
