Make a woven bag

Use recycled materials to produce a basket/bag that can be used to store small items or presents for Christmas.

In this fun activity for Key Stage 2, students will develop their knowledge and understanding of the weaving process and how it can be applied to make products. This is a challenging exercise that requires dexterity.

This activity could be used as a main lesson activity to teach about the skills and techniques associated with making textile products using weaving. It could also be used as part of a wider scheme of learning focusing on environmental issues within design and technology.

This is one of a series of free STEM resources designed to allow learners to use the theme of the festive season to develop their knowledge and skills in Design and Technology, and Engineering.

Recycling helps to reduce the number of new materials we need to make products. Your challenge is to use recycled paper to make a great-looking and strong woven storage basket for Christmas.

Download our free activity sheet for a step-by-step guide on how to make your own woven bag!

Tools/resources required

Recycled paper
Scissors
PVA glue
Skewer or dowel
Empty card box

The engineering context

Engineers must understand the environmental impact of the designs they produce and how their carbon footprint can be reduced, for example, by using recycled or reused materials more.

Structural engineers must understand how to utilise weaker materials to create more robust structures, such as using rope to make bridges.

Weaving is an essential skill for textile designers and engineers.

Suggested learning outcomes

By the end of this activity, students will be able to apply the process of weaving to create a basket, understand how strong structures can be created from weaker materials, and understand the benefits of using recycled materials to make products.

Download the Make a woven bag activity sheet for free!

All activity sheets and supporting resources are free to download, and all the documents are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs.

The activity sheet includes teacher notes, guidance, useful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in each of the four devolved UK nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

Oh ho ho, and please share your classroom learning highlights with us @IETeducation.