As part of Hawken School’s annual FAB Play Maker Educators Institute, Integrated Mathematics major and future math teacher, Anna Leitson, led a hands-on workshop titled Integrating Sewing Arts into the Classroom.
Hosted at Hawken School—a private college preparatory school in Northeast Ohio known for its expansive 8,000-square-foot makerspaces—FAB Play brings together educators to explore how making can transform teaching and learning.
In line with Hawken’s commitment to innovation through design and fabrication, Leitson’s session demonstrated how sewing and embroidery can be used to teach subjects like math, science, history, and language arts.
“Sewing offers a hands-on way to engage students,” she said. “It’s creative, cross-disciplinary, and accessible.”
Participants began by learning basic stitches and practicing techniques like appliqué, creating individual fabric squares that reflected their own designs. Some chose to keep their pieces, while others contributed to a collective display. Leitson also shared curriculum connections—calculating stitch patterns for math, exploring dyeing techniques for science, and studying global textiles for history. “It becomes more than just a craft,” she said.
Design Innovation as a Launchpad
Leitson’s passion for education innovation was shaped by her work with Kent State’s Design Innovation Initiative (DI). She credits DI with helping her develop the confidence to present, lead, and collaborate with experienced educators.
“DI gave me the tools to network, present professionally, and collaborate,” she said.
Expanding Access and Reimagining the Classroom
Inclusivity was central to her approach. “Sewing isn’t just for one group—anyone can do it. You don’t even need a needle and thread; you can use glue or create collages. It’s all about making art accessible.”
She designed the session to work for all levels of experience, all genders, and all classroom types.
Reflecting on the experience, Leitson said, “Sometimes the best thing you can do as a teacher is become a student again and bring art into the classroom setting.”
As Leitson prepares to enter the classroom as a student teacher, her work at FAB Play is a preview of the creativity, innovation, and empathy she plans to bring to her future students!