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Introduction
If you have just made the decision to learn to sew, you will need help in gaining an
understanding of basic sewing skills. This textbook will provide all of the information and
activities you will need to achieve your goal. If you are an experienced sewer, this book will
help you brush up on your present skills. It will also challenge you to try new techniques.
The following is a brief summary of the units included in this textbook. It will give you
an idea of what to expect as you work through the materials.
Unit 1: An Introductory Activity
The text book begins with an introductory lesson that will acquaint you with what
is ahead. You will find out what is to be learned and discover just how much you may
already know.
Unit 2: Evaluating Your Knowledge and Planning Your Learning
In this section you will need to take a pretest. Don’t worry! You aren’t expected to
know all the answers. The test is to help you plan your learning. Other activities are also
included to help you develop your own plan for learning to sew.
Unit 3: Learning the Basics
Unit 3 contains lessons providing all the basic information needed to learn to sew. If
you have sewn before, you may not need to complete all of the lessons. Your pretest, your
teacher, and your personal goals will help you decide which lessons you need to complete.
The information in the basic lessons is presented in a way that may be completed
through self study. It may also be completed by working with other members of your class.
Sometimes your teacher may ask you to work by yourself. At other times, he or she may
ask you to work with your classmates. This arrangement will help you meet your personal
learning needs quickly and easily.
The lessons have been designed around three types of learning processes: gathering
information, practicing, and evaluating learning. You will find learning easier if you do all
the activities in the order they are given. This method of study will also help you retain
information longer.
Unit 4: Assessing Your Learning
This unit includes a posttest similar to the pretest you took in Unit 2. Taking the test
will help you see how much you have learned. It will also help you identify any skills that
you need to practice. Analyzing the results of the posttest will allow you to review needed
skills before beginning work on your project.