Curve Stitching

Lesson Plans available on Tpt

Curve stitching has always appealed to me, probably because of it's very direct and obvious links between mathematics and art. Curve stitching can be done fairly simply or on a much more complex level. I've always liked using it just for the simplicity of showing students how curves can be made from a series of lines. The more lines you use, the better quadratic approximation you'll get (for a curve). Also, the more lines you use, the more complex the design can be.

Whether you're showing how art and nature are mathematical, or how mathematics can be artistic, this is a great integration opportunity. Linear equations and functions are the root of any design that you may want to create or will see in the world. Curve stitching shows us this basic break down.

As an educator, I have used this in both the mathematics and art classroom. Mathematically, I've used curve stitching lessons with middle school kids, Algebra I students, and Advanced Algebra students. I saw the most success when used in an Algebra I classroom. There were a number of students that I the 'light bulb' moment was almost tangible.

I have put this lesson together with full instructions, both written and visual, examples in all formats including student samples, and with an opener in a PDF format. I wanted to make sure that I had instructions in a written step-by-step format, as well as visually, because I wanted to make the document something that my students could look to while I was explaining and demonstrating in class. I wanted to make sure to be able to address all learning styles and serve the needs of students who may need extended time or additional instruction, as well.

Initially I began by searching the internet and blogs thinking that it would be fairly easy to find a set of step-by-step instructions rather than having to write it all up myself and recreate the wheel. I was wrong, it was not so easy by any means. I finally did find some instructions online, however the grammar was poor and it was very obviously not written by a native English speaker or was translated using an electronic translating service. So, I set out to make my own document. I have this set of instructions, complete with all visuals (in full color) online in my TeachersPayTeachers store. A direct link can be found above on the caption to the curve stitching picture.