Design Technology

Design and technology project

Textiles- 2-D shape to 3-D product 

Prior learning

• Have joined fabric in simple ways by gluing and stitching.

• Have used simple patterns and templates for marking out.

• Have evaluated a range of textile products.

Designing

• Generate realistic ideas through discussion and design criteria for an appealing, functional product fit for purpose and specific user/s.

• Produce annotated sketches, prototypes, final product sketches and pattern pieces.

Making

• Plan the main stages of making.

• Select and use a range of appropriate tools with some accuracy e.g. cutting, joining and finishing.

• Select fabrics and fastenings according to their functional characteristics e.g. strength, and aesthetic qualities e.g. pattern.

Evaluating

• Investigate a range of 3-D textile products relevant to the project.

• Test their product against the original design criteria and with the intended user.

• Take into account others’ views.

• Understand how a key event/individual has influenced the development of the chosen product and/or fabric.

Technical knowledge and understanding

• Know how to strengthen, stiffen and reinforce existing fabrics.

• Understand how to securely join two pieces of fabric together.

• Understand the need for patterns and seam allowances.

• Know and use technical vocabulary relevant to the project.

Skills progression

Key Stage 2

Through a variety of creative and practical activities, pupils should be taught the knowledge, understanding and skills needed to engage in an iterative process of designing and making. They should work in a range of relevant contexts [for example, the home, school, leisure, culture, enterprise, industry and the wider environment].

When designing and making, pupils should be taught to:

Design

•  use research and develop design criteria to inform the design of innovative, functional, 

• appealing products that are fit for purpose, aimed at particular individuals or groups

•  generate, develop, model and communicate their ideas through discussion, annotated 

• sketches, cross-sectional and exploded diagrams, prototypes, pattern pieces and 

• computer-aided design

Make

•  select from and use a wider range of tools and equipment to perform practical tasks 

• [for example, cutting, shaping, joining and finishing], accurately

•  select from and use a wider range of materials and components, including construction 

• materials, textiles and ingredients, according to their functional properties and aesthetic 

• qualities

Evaluate

•  investigate and analyse a range of existing products

•  evaluate their ideas and products against their own design criteria and consider the 

• views of others to improve their work

•  understand how key events and individuals in design and technology have helped 

• shape the world

Technical knowledge

•  apply their understanding of how to strengthen, stiffen and reinforce more complex 

• structures

•  understand and use mechanical systems in their products [for example, gears, pulleys, 

• cams, levers and linkages]

•  understand and use electrical systems in their products [for example, series circuits 

• incorporating switches, bulbs, buzzers and motors]

•  apply their understanding of computing to program, monitor and control their products.

Key vocabulary

fabric, names of fabrics, fastening, compartment, zip, button, structure, finishing technique, strength, weakness, stiffening, templates, stitch, seam, seam allowance