CU-251: Needlepoint Coasters (5.4 –5.8)

ALLEN
TM
DIAGNOSTIC
CU-251: Needlepoint Coasters (5.4 –5.8)
MODULE
Supplies:
KIT INCLUDES:
Plastic canvas
Yarn
Cork
Diagrams and instructions
YOU WILL ALSO NEED:
Plastic Large Eye Needle
Scissors
Glue
Instructions For Making Samples
Follow the instruction sheet and diagrams to make two coasters, one of each pattern.
Patterns are about equal in difficulty. Use a single strand of yarn throughout. Secure loose yarn
ends under stitches for a flat back. Stitch in a sequence that minimizes long stitches in the back.
While stitching may be done in any order, starting stitches from the center of the design is
recommended. Use the diagrams to determine length and direction of stitches and placement of
colors. Pull stitches uniformly tight to create a flat surface, but avoid pulling too tightly to expose
the plastic canvas. When the design is completed, make a whip stitch border with a doubled yarn
around the edge. Keep double strands parallel for a smoother appearance. Cut a square of cork
slightly smaller than the coaster and attach it to the back with a thin layer of glue. Place the
coaster under a book on a flat surface overnight to ensure adhesion.
When To Use This Activity
The needlepoint coaster is a challenging introduction to needlework for non-sewers and
allows expansion of basic sewing skills for the sewer with a mild degree of cognitive impairment.
It affords an opportunity to attend to a variety of visible cues including color, number, direction,
vertical and horizontal axes, diagonal lines, surface properties, and figure-ground patterns.
Persons functioning below mode 5.4 are usually intimidated by the appearance of the
coaster and may request simpler designs. Simpler needlework activities, such as Bargello
Bookmarks (CU 10) and Needlepoint Initial Key Rings (CU249) are recommended. Persons
functioning at 5.4 usually find the coaster designs intriguing but will depend on a completed
sample to solve problems with pattern replication. Persons functioning at modes 5.6-5.8 can
follow the written instructions and diagrams to complete the activity.
This is an excellent bedside activity. It can be done in several short sessions over the
course of a few days to monitor for changing ability in post-acute settings, or works equally well
in two 1-hour sessions. Adolescents enjoy making a project that can be given as a gift to a
teacher or friend. Persons with vision or hand impairments may find this activity difficult.
Allen Diagnostic Module
HH1
Needlepoint Coasters (Continued)
Evaluation Set-Up
5.4 – 5.8 Individual Projects/Group
Provide kit, written instructions, diagrams, and samples to persons at mode 5.4. Provide kit,
written instructions and diagrams at modes 5.6-5.8. Supplies not in kit may be located in closed
drawers or cupboards to which persons are oriented the first session.
Therapist’s Instructions
5.4
“These are needlepoint coasters. They are made by stitching yarn according to a pattern
onto a plastic canvas. You may select one of these samples to copy. Feel free to use colors of
your choice while copying the pattern. You can keep it or give it away as a gift. Making this
project is an opportunity for you to practice some problem solving with these materials. In order
for me to see how that is going for you, I would like you to read the instructions that come with
the kit. Try to figure things out for yourself as much as possible. I will answer any questions you
may have.”
Observe behavior, provide prompts and clarification to verify or correct person’s
understanding of the instructions, or provide demonstrations as needed. (In groups, therapists
should clarify when persons seek and receive help from others.)
5.6 – 5.8
“These are the instructions for making a needlepoint coaster. The coaster is made by
stitching yarn according to a pattern onto a plastic canvas. You can keep it or give it away as a
gift. In order for me to see how you are doing today, I would like you to read the instructions
and make a coaster using one of the patterns. Feel free to use any colors that you wish. You may
modify the design elements somewhat if you like, but please follow the general idea of the
pattern. Try to figure things out for yourself as much as possible. I will answer any questions you
may have.”
Observe behavior, provide prompts and clarification to verify or correct person’s
understanding of the instructions, or provide demonstrations as needed. (In groups, therapists
should clarify when persons seek and receive help from others.)
HH2
Allen Diagnostic Module
Needlepoint Coasters (Continued)
Critical Observations
4.8+
ability to use written instructions and diagrams
ability to attend to complex visual cues involving 2 axes
ability to imitate lengthy sequences of actions
5.2
ability to attend to details including surface and edge properties
ability to attend to tension of thread and maintain uniform surface
5.4
ability to attend to figure ground patterns, parts and wholes, rotation in space in a
completed sample
ability to solve fine motor problems (threading needle, pushing needle under
threads)
ability to find materials day to day
5.6
ability to use illustrations and diagrams to generate new ideas
ability to anticipate surface property problems
5.8
ability to anticipate spatial problems of a particular new design
Allen Diagnostic Module
HH3
ALLEN
TM
CU-251: Needlepoint Coasters
DIAGNOSTIC
MODULE
KIT INCLUDES:
Plastic Canvas
Yarn
Cork
YOU WILL NEED
Plastic Large Eye Needle
Scissors
Glue
Instructions
1. Cut a plastic canvas piece 17 holes square.
2. All patterns are worked with a single strand of
yarn.Working with shorter lengths of yarn avoids
knots.
3. Patterns for stitching figures and backgrounds are
diagrammed separately. Starting with the figure at
the center of the design is recommended, though the
design may be stitched in any order.
4. Start stitching from the back of the canvas, leaving a
1/2˝ (1 cm) end at the back. Catch this end under
subsequent stitches to secure it (Fig. 1). Follow the stitching
pattern indicated on the diagram.
5. To replenish or to change color of yarn, secure yarn ends by
pushing the needle under two or three adjacent stitches on the
back of the canvas. Cut off excess.
6. To make the border, make a whip stitch with double thread over
all edges (Fig. 2). Make two whip stitches at each corner hole to
hide canvas. End yarn by running stitch under completed whip
stitches.
7. Cut cork to fit back of coaster. Spread a thin layer of glue over
cork. Place cork on back of coaster. To ensure a tight bond, press
coaster under a heavy book on a flat surface for 24 hours.
Time to completion: about 60 minutes.
HH9
Needlepoint Coaster Patterns – Star
Star Figure
Background
HH10
Needlepoint Coaster Patterns – Flower
Flower Figure
Background
HH11