By Mrs Silcock (Art and Textiles Teacher)

This week, our Year 6 sewing bees were excited to complete their owl appliqué cushions. Miss Browne (Arts and Textiles Technician) worked with two groups of Year 6 pupils on this fun project. It began with an introduction to the design, inspired by appliqué owl cushions, followed by the girls choosing fabric scraps to create their own owl patches.

The girls then learned basic sewing techniques using our Janome sewing machines. They started by practising straight stitching, followed by zig zag stitching. As their confidence grew, they worked on more complex shapes and patterns, guided by “My Top Tips” to help them perfect their technique.

Next, the girls used Bondaweb to attach the appliqué patches to their base fabric. A step-by-step guide was provided to ensure they could follow the process easily. After each patch was sewn in place, the girls added their own decorative stitches, adding character and individuality to their cushions.

In the final stages, the girls selected backing fabric, pinned the two sides together, and sewed a seam, leaving an opening for stuffing. After turning the cushion right side out and adding the stuffing, they hand-sewed the opening to complete their cuddly owl cushions.

Miss Browne and I are incredibly proud of the girls for their enthusiasm and dedication. Many of them faced their fears of using a sewing machine for the first time, and through teamwork, perseverance, and attention to detail, they developed a range of valuable skills.