Activity 01
Sensory Stations: Fabric Hunt
Prepare stations with fabric scraps in bags labeled by texture (smooth, rough, stretchy). Students in small groups pull out samples, rub them against skin, and sort into charts with descriptive words. End with a class share-out of favorites and reasons.
Differentiate between the textures and properties of various fabrics.
Facilitation TipDuring Fabric Hunt, provide a checklist with texture words so students can match their observations to vocabulary as they work.
What to look forProvide students with small swatches of different fabrics (e.g., cotton, wool, felt, silk). Ask them to sort the swatches into two groups: 'smooth' and 'rough', and then write one sentence describing the difference they felt.
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Activity 02
Cardboard Loom Weaving
Provide notched cardboard looms pre-strung with warp yarns. Students select colored weft yarns and practice over-under weaving for 10 rows, creating a pattern. They trim and fringe edges, then display work for peer feedback.
Explain the process of 'over and under' in basic weaving to create a pattern.
Facilitation TipFor Cardboard Loom Weaving, pre-cut notches in looms and mark warp threads with tape to prevent tangles and save time.
What to look forOn a small card, ask students to draw a simple diagram showing the 'over and under' weaving process. Include labels for the warp and weft threads. Then, have them write one sentence about why this process creates a pattern.
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Activity 03
Yarn Path Mazes
Draw over-under paths on paper grids with markers. Students follow paths by laying yarn, alternating over and under lines. Pairs compare results and weave a shared mini-panel on popsicle sticks.
Construct a simple woven piece using different colored yarns.
Facilitation TipUse Yarn Path Mazes to reinforce the over-under sequence by having students trace yarn paths with their fingers before weaving.
What to look forAfter students have completed a small woven piece, ask them to share their work. Prompt them with: 'Describe the pattern you created. How did the different colors of yarn affect the visual rhythm of your weaving? Compare your piece to a classmate's. What is one difference you notice?'
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Activity 04
Class Woven Banner
Set up a large frame loom. Whole class adds yarn sections in sequence, following a teacher-led pattern. Discuss contributions and how individual parts form a whole design.
Differentiate between the textures and properties of various fabrics.
Facilitation TipWhen creating the Class Woven Banner, assign small groups specific color patterns to ensure variety and manage materials efficiently.
What to look forProvide students with small swatches of different fabrics (e.g., cotton, wool, felt, silk). Ask them to sort the swatches into two groups: 'smooth' and 'rough', and then write one sentence describing the difference they felt.
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Generate Complete Lesson→A few notes on teaching this unit
Teachers should model how to handle fabrics gently to preserve samples and demonstrate weaving slowly, repeating the sequence aloud. Avoid rushing the tactile exploration, as feeling differences is key. Research shows students retain more when they explain their choices while working, so prompt them with questions like 'Why did you choose this yarn?' during activities.
Successful learning looks like students confidently describing fabric properties using accurate vocabulary and creating intentional patterns through weaving. They should compare materials by feel, follow weaving steps independently, and discuss their processes with peers. The goal is for students to see themselves as pattern makers, not just material handlers.
Watch Out for These Misconceptions
During Fabric Hunt, students may assume all fabrics feel soft and smooth.
Place burlap, velvet, and wool swatches at the station with a word bank. Ask students to sort them by texture and share one word that describes each, prompting them to notice rough, fluffy, and stiff fibers.
During Cardboard Loom Weaving, students may believe weaving is random wrapping of yarn.
Show a step-by-step visual guide with arrows labeled 'over' and 'under.' Have students place a finger on the guide as they weave, and pause to check their work as a class before moving to the next row.
During Yarn Path Mazes, students may think yarns cannot create stiff structures.
Provide thick yarn and ask students to weave three rows tightly, then three rows loosely. After removing the piece, have them test its stiffness by holding opposite corners and comparing the results.
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