FACS 301 Elements of Fabric

Introduction to concepts and skills for the field of textiles and fabrics related to manufacturing and the dying process necessary for fashion merchandising.

Understanding fibers, fabrics, yarns, and finishes is an essential part of retail merchandising and will equip students to evaluate merchandise based on construction with regard to the quality of the materials and design.

Textbook readings and presentations/notes

No details available.

Course Requirements Checklist

After reading the Course Syllabus and Student Expectations, the student will complete the related checklist found in the Course Overview.

Discussions (3)

Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. Therefore, the student will create a thread in response to the provided prompt and will respond to at least 2 of the prompts by other students in the course. Each discussion will be relevant to course material covered prior to the post. The student will be encouraged to apply discussion information to his/her final Fabric Portfolio Project. The thread must be at least 350 words and cite one of the textbooks at least once; the replies must be at least 200 words.

Portfolio Project Assignments (7)

This project builds on the concepts presented throughout the course. The student will need to select a textile end item (apparel or home furnishing) for an in-depth analysis. The analysis will include identifying fiber content, yarn type, fabrication, dyeing/printing, and finishing techniques. The student is encouraged to utilize photographs to provide evidence to document and support his/her textile end item analysis. The student must choose an item with enough complexity in terms of components to be able to complete the project. The entire project will be broken into six smaller assignments to be completed as the term progresses (Parts 1-6) and one culminating assignment (Part 7) that combines Parts 1-6 and provides a final analysis:

Part 1: Textile End Item Selection Assignment– The student will select an item of his/her choice and provide supporting documentation of textile components.

Part 2: Fiber Identification Assignment– The student will conduct evaluation considering why product developers might have made this fiber choice by relating physical and performance properties to item end use.

Part 3: Yarn and Sewing Thread Assignment– The student will analyze the end item in terms of appearance, quality, comfort, and durability.

Part 4: Fabric– The student will analyze the end item in terms of appearance, quality, comfort and durability.

Part 5: Dyeing, Printing, and Finishing Techniques– The student will evaluate the item’s appearance identifying processes that are manifested visibly as well as those that would be typical for similar items commercially available within the end item target market.

Part 6: Fabric Care and Quality– The student will evaluate garment’s care labeling as well as give an assessment of quality level.

Part 7: Textile End Item Analysis Portfolio– Includes Assignments (Parts 1-6) with improvements based on feedback received and the discussions. From a focused perspective, the student will choose from the following topics: sustainability, technological developments, international trade, or product positioning, and competitive market analysis.