Procedures for the Stitched Portrait

1. Practice drawing a portrait on paper, considering proportions and expression. 
2. Draw the face, hair, and clothing lightly on the burlap napkin using a heat-erase pen.
3. Thread your needle with yarn and tie a knot at the end.
4. Begin stitching along your drawn lines using a running stitch. Emphasize pushing the needle up from the fabric and returning it by going down. Kids often go around the edge of the fabric until they get the hang of it.
5. Work from large shapes (face, hair) to smaller details (eyes, mouth, symbols).
6. Tie off your yarn when finished and trim any extra strands.
7. Add beads and fabric if desired.
8. Use an iron to erase your guidelines once stitching is complete.

Procedures for the Glued Portrait

1. Practice drawing a portrait on paper, considering proportions and expression. 
2. Lightly draw your face, hair, and clothing on paper using a pencil or heat-erase pen.
3. Cut or select yarn pieces for the lines you want to create.
4. Apply glue along the drawn lines and carefully press the yarn into place.
5. Work from large shapes (face, hair) to smaller details (eyes, mouth, clothing patterns).
6. Add beads and fabric if desired.
7. Trim any extra yarn once glued and allow the glue to dry completely.
8. Once the portrait has completely dried, use an iron to erase your guidelines once stitching is complete.

Warm-Up

Show an image of a historic portrait and cover the name. Ask students:

“What if someone lived a full life, but their name was never written down?”

“A portrait can help us remember someone, even when history didn’t.”

“How can you give that person the representation they deserve?”

Direct Instruction for Stitching

1. Introduce stitched portraits as a way artists use yarn and fabric to show identity and belonging.
2. Show examples of stitched or textile portraits and identify how lines, shapes, and texture are created with stitches.
3. Explain that students will create a portrait by stitching yarn on a burlap napkin.
4. Demonstrate how to lightly draw facial features, hair, and clothing on burlap using heat-erase pens. The marks can be erased using an iron on low heat. I teach the kids how to safely use the iron; it is up to each teacher to decide what is best for their group. 
5. Model how to thread yarn through a needle and tie a secure knot.
6. Demonstrate a basic running stitch and explain how stitches create dashed lines.
7. Show how to stitch along the drawn lines using even spacing.
8. Guide students to begin with large shapes (face outline, hair) before adding smaller details.
9. Encourage students to choose yarn colors and symbols to accurately represent the person they are stitching.
10. Reinforce safe needle handling and slow, careful stitching. Remind students that stitches can be removed if necessary.
11. Support students in problem-solving with tangled yarn, uneven stitches, or missed stitches. *Having another adult(s) in the beginning can be helpful.
12. Allow time for tying off stitches and trimming yarn.
13. Once the portrait is completed, use the iron to erase any ink marks.
14. Facilitate a brief share where students identify one stitched detail that represents them.

Direct instruction if Gluing Yarn

1. Introduce stitched portraits as a way artists represent identity using the look of stitches.
2. Show examples of stitched artwork and point out how lines can look dashed or continuous.
3. Explain that students will create a portrait by gluing yarn onto a burlap napkin to mimic stitching.
4. Demonstrate how to lightly draw facial features, hair, and clothing using simple shapes.
5. Model applying glue in short, thin lines.
6. Show how to press yarn into glue to create dashed or continuous stitched lines.
7. Demonstrate overlapping yarn to create thicker lines or texture.
8. Guide students to work from large shapes to smaller details.
9. Encourage intentional color choices that represent personal identity.
10. Remind students to work slowly so the yarn stays in place.
11. Support students in adjusting the yarn if it shifts or the glue spreads.
12. Allow time for the glue to dry fully before moving the artwork.

Guided Practice

Modify if Gluing Instead of Stitching

1. Distribute burlap napkins, yarn, needles, large zip-lock bags to hold all supplies, and heat-erase pens.
2. Guide students to lightly outline their face and hair on the burlap.
3. Pause to check drawings for size and placement before stitching begins.
4. Walk students through threading their needles step by step, offering individual support.
5. Guide students in tying a starting knot and positioning the needle at the edge of their design.
6. Lead students in stitching the first line together using a running stitch.
7. Circulate to support stitch spacing, needle direction, and yarn tension.
8. Prompt students to slow down and check their work after every few stitches.
9. Encourage students to ask for help if the yarn tangles or stitches skip spaces.
10. Remind students to keep needles on the fabric when not stitching.
11. Support students in deciding when to move from large shapes to smaller details.
12. Reinforce safe tool use and respectful sharing of materials.
13. Provide verbal encouragement and specific feedback as students work.
14. Pause the class briefly to highlight effective stitching strategies observed.
15. Demonstrate adding fabric and beads if desired.
16. Continue circulating until students are independently stitching.

Independent Practice 

Modify if Gluing Instead of Stitching

1. Students independently stitch their self-portrait designs onto burlap napkins.
2. Students follow their heat-erase guidelines using a running stitch.
3. Students make choices about yarn color, stitch length, and added details.
4. Students work from large shapes to smaller features at their own pace.
5. Students problem-solve tangles, uneven stitches, or missed spaces using taught strategies.
6. Students pause to check progress and adjust stitching as needed.
7. Students safely manage needles and materials while working independently.
8. Students ask for assistance when needed and continue working while waiting.
9. Students complete stitching and tie off yarn independently.
10. Students select and use beads or fabric if desired.
11. Students trim excess yarn and prepare work for line erasing.
12. Students remain focused and engaged until work time ends.

Summary

1. Students reflect on how stitching slowly and carefully helped their work improve.
2. Students name one challenge they solved during the stitching process.
3. Students describe how yarn, fabric, and stitches were used to create lines and shapes.
4. Students recognize stitched portraits as a way artists tell stories about identity and belonging.
5. Teacher reinforces respect for materials, tools, and cultural art practices.