FASH 6 - Introduction to Fibers, Fabric and Textiles

Transfer Status

CSU/UC

Unit(s)

3.00

• Lecture: 51.00 Contact hours/102.00 Out of class hours/153.00 Total hours/3.00 Unit(s)
• Total: 51.00 Contact hours/102.00 Out of class hours/153.00 Total hours/3.00 Unit(s)

Course Description: This course introduces students to fibers and their origin, yarns, basic weaves and fabric finishes, with reference to fabric selection for use in fashion and interior design. Emphasis is placed on the selection, use and care of new fibers and fabrics. The course also examines the impacts of textile laws, regulations and trade agreements.

Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to:

1. Select a fiber or fabric for its inherent characteristics to use for an end product or garment.
2. Analyze a product or garment from conception to manufacturing to a finished product.
3. Evaluate a fiber or fabric for its aesthetics, durability, safety, care and cost of the finished product or garment.
4. Identify the construction and manufacturing processes used to create various consumer and industrial textiles.

Topic Titles / Suggested Time Topic

Lecture

1. Demonstrations
2. Discussion
3. Homework: Students are required to complete two hours of outside-of-class homework for each hour of lecture
4. Lecture
5. Multimedia Presentations
6. Reading Assignments

1. Exams/Tests
2. Quizzes
3. Projects
4. Homework
5. Journal
6. Written Assignments

Reading Assignments

1. Read about careers in the textile industry. Identify a particular career potentially of interest to you. Learn about job prospects, desired qualifications, working conditions, salary and opportunities for advancement. Prepare for in-class discussion.
2. Read articles provided by the instructor about upcoming apparel and textile shows. Pay particular attention to current trends in the textile industry. Be prepared for in-class discussion.

Writing Assignments

1. Write a 3-5 page paper pertaining to a textile law or regulation, or to a textile-related trade association. Discuss the historical context and the current impact of the law, regulation or trade assocation.
2. Write a 3-5 page research paper about a fiber or fabric used to make garments and/or end products. Describe the history of the fiber, the chemistry and/or production of the fiber, the characteristics of the fiber and the environmental impact of the production process.

Out-of-Class Assignments

1. Using your Textile Swatch Kit, pull apart swatches to identify yarns, contruction technology, dying and printing techniques, applied finishes and thread counts. Determine the appropriate end use for each of the swatches. The final report for this semester-long project will be approximately 50 pages long.
2. Develop an idea for a product utilizing a fiber or fabric that meets the serviceability concept. Decide on the best fiber or fabric for the end product. Determine if it will meet the criteria of aesthetics, durability, comfort, safety, appearance retention, care and cost. Also, consider the environmental impact of manufacturing or production. Make a product prototype. Submit a one page executive summary and journal acccounting for the time and cost involved in creating your prototype.

Cohen, A.C., Johnson, I., Pizzuto, J.J. (2023). Fabric Science. Bloomsbury/Fairchild, 12. 9781501367878.

Cohen, A.C., Johnson, I., Pizzuto, J.J. (2023). Fabric Science Swatch Kit. Bloomsbury/Fairchild, 12. 9781501367953.

Kadolph, Sarah J. (2016). Textiles Basics. Pearson, 12. 9780134128634.

Family & Cons Study/Home Ec

Fashion & Related Technologies

Interior Design