Building Confidence to Teach Primary Textiles Safely and Competently

Primary Textiles Safely and with Competence

You know the importance of Design & Technology (DT) at Key Stage 1 (KS1) and Key Stage 2 (KS2). It develops fine motor skills, problem-solving, and creativity. Yet, the Textiles strand often gets side-lined. Why? Because the moment needles, irons, and glue guns come out, the confidence of the non-specialist teacher plummets.

This post will guide you through the essentials of safety, planning, and practical skills, ensuring you can teach Primary Textiles Safely and with Competence with confidence.

1. Safety First: Mastering Risk Assessments and COSHH

Before the first pin is used, you must master the paperwork that protects your students and yourself.

Risk Assessments (The Practical Hazards)

A simple risk assessment for Textiles should focus on sharp tools and heat.

• Sharp Tools (Needles, Pins, Scissors):

  • Risk: Puncture/laceration injuries.

  • Control: Implement a "No Pins in Mouth" rule. Always keep pins in a designated pin cushion. Teach the correct way to pass scissors (handle first, blade closed) and enforce the "use over a mat" rule for rotary cutters (if used in upper KS2).

• Heat (Irons, Glue Guns):

  • Risk: Burns/scalds.

  • Control: Designate a "Heat Zone" away from the main group. Students should only use heat tools one at a time under direct supervision. Ensure irons are always placed on a safe heel rest and unplugged when not in use.

COSHH Assessments (The Material Hazards)

COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) primarily applies to substances like dyes, specialist paints, or aerosol adhesives.

• Rule: For standard primary Textiles projects (felt, cotton, fabric glue), a full COSHH assessment is rarely complex. Simply ensure all glues and paints are non-toxic and clearly labelled. Store them in a locked cupboard when not in use.

2. Planning and Curriculum: What the Curriculum Expects to Teach Primary Textiles Safely

The UK curriculum for DT focuses on process and purpose. Your planning should reflect this:

KS1 Focus: Joining and Simple Tools

Students should focus on simple joining techniques (running stitch, glue) and handling materials.

• Practical Skills: Learning to safely thread a needle, tie a knot, and use fabric shears accurately.

• Knowledge: Naming simple materials (cotton, felt) and tools (needle, pin).

KS2 Focus: Selecting and Evaluating

Students move towards selecting the best technique for a purpose and evaluating its effectiveness.

• Practical Skills: Developing seam strength (back stitch), simple appliqué, and finishing techniques (whip stitch for edges).

• Knowledge: Understanding why a back stitch is stronger than a running stitch and justifying the choice of fabric for a specific function.

3. Practical Skills, Techniques, and Processes for Competence

Competence comes from structured practice. Break down complex skills into tiny, manageable steps for teaching primary textiles safely and with competence.

Age-Appropriate Tools and Equipment

• KS1: Use large-eye plastic needles with yarn or wool before introducing metal needles. Use blunt-end children's scissors for cutting shapes.

• KS2: Introduce sharp-point metal needles and fabric shears (not school scissors). Use pins only when students have mastered handling the needle. Focus on control and accuracy.

Mastering Materials Correctly

Teach students the difference between:

• Woven Fabric (Cotton): Best for straight-line projects; requires a neatened edge to prevent fraying.

• Non-Woven Fabric (Felt): Does not fray; perfect for KS1 projects that focus on shape and decoration, as it requires no complex seam neatening.

By systematically addressing safety, mapping the curriculum, and building practical skills, you can teach Primary Textiles Safety and Competence with authority. This subject is too important to be skipped—it's time to bring Textiles back to life in your classroom!

Teacher demonstrating how to use tools safety.

Need a framework for effective grading? Download your FREE Primary DT Assessment Handbook for KS1/KS2 today! Click Here to View Resources.

Which single Textiles skill (e.g., threading a needle, using a glue gun) do you think primary teachers would benefit most from a 15-minute training video on, and why?