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Year 7

The subversive power of quilting

I can explain what subversive quilting is and design a quilt square to tell a story.

icon-background-square
New
New
Year 7

The subversive power of quilting

I can explain what subversive quilting is and design a quilt square to tell a story.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Quilting is a method of stitching layers of material together to create a blanket, often includes patterns or images.
  2. Quilting has been used by artists as a form of activism, to raise awareness about social issues.
  3. Quilting is often collaborative with several people working on a project together.

Keywords

  • Quilting - is a method of stitching layers of material together to create a blanket, often includes patterns or images

  • Subversive - the practice of challenging traditional ideas or social norms

  • Symbol - is a sign, object, or image that stands for something else

  • Symbolism - is the use of symbols to express deeper meanings or ideas

Common misconception

Quilts are just blankets or decorative items and don’t have any deeper meaning.

While quilts are often used for warmth or decoration, many artists use quilts to share powerful stories and messages. Quilts can be a way for artists to speak out about important issues and make sure voices are heard.

Having computer access would help pupils research a range of symbols for their quilt story design.
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Teacher tip
equipment-required

Equipment

A square of paper, a selction of media which could include: pencils, pens, collage materials or adhesive fabric.

content-guidance

Content guidance

  • Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
supervision-level

Supervision

Adult supervision recommended

copyright

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on
Open Government Licence version 3.0
except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Lesson video

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6 Questions

Q1.
Which statement best describes who can be an artist or craftsperson?
Only people who have been to art school can be considered artists.
Correct answer: Anyone can be an artist or craftsperson, no matter their experience.
Artists need to follow strict rules to be recognised by art galleries.
Only professional artists can make art that is displayed.
Q2.
What is the most accurate description of quilting?
Correct answer: stitching layers of material together often to create a blanket
painting patterns onto fabric to create an art piece
sewing small fabric shapes to make a single layer of fabric
wrapping fabric around objects to make sculptures
Q3.
What does decoration refer to?
Correct answer: something that adorns, enriches, or beautifies
something that uses a tool to create objects
something that measures shapes or sizes
something that organises materials in a space
Q4.
Symbols are often simplified shapes that help to represent big ideas or concepts in a more way.
complicated
detailed
complex
Correct answer: simple
Q5.
What does this gesture refer to?
An image in a quiz
Correct answer: It's a global gesture of strength and activism.
It's a gesture without any deeper meaning.
It's a gesture only to people in certain countries.
It's a common gesture used in fashion.
Q6.
Match the colour with what it might symbolise culturally.
Correct Answer:Red,Strength, power, love
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Strength, power, love

Correct Answer:Green,Prosperity, growth, nature
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Prosperity, growth, nature

Correct Answer:Blue,Calm, trust, spirituality
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Calm, trust, spirituality

Correct Answer:Yellow, Joy, celebration, good luck
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Joy, celebration, good luck

6 Questions

Q1.
Match these terms with the correct definition.
Correct Answer:collaborative,working together with one or more people to achieve a common goal
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working together with one or more people to achieve a common goal

Correct Answer:symbol ,a sign, object, or image that stands for something else
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a sign, object, or image that stands for something else

Correct Answer:subversive,the practice of challenging traditional ideas or social norms
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the practice of challenging traditional ideas or social norms

Correct Answer:symbolism,the use of symbols to express deeper meanings or ideas
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the use of symbols to express deeper meanings or ideas

Q2.
What does "subversive quilting" mean?
making quilts for decoration and warmth
Correct answer: making quilts to challenge traditional ideas or social norms
selling quilts at craft fairs and markets
making quilts for a hobby
Q3.
How are messages commonly communicated through quilting?
by stitching random shapes with no meaning
Correct answer: through the use of symbols, patterns, text, and colours
through the texture of the fabric alone
by creating pictures only
Q4.
What is the most common symbolism of this image?
An image in a quiz
Correct answer: love and affection
strength and resilience
wealth and success
knowledge and learning
Q5.
Put these steps in the correct order for creating a subversive quilt design.
1 - Decide on a cause, story or message.
2 - Sketch symbols, text, or patterns to tell your story.
3 - Choose colours and materials that represent your idea.
4 - Create and arrange the quilt squares to communicate your message.
Q6.
Subversive quilting can inspire and empower others.
Correct Answer: Change, Action, Progress, Awareness, Conversation

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