Textile Technology
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Course Introduction

 

Core Standards of the Course

Strand 1
Students will explore the characteristics of natural (cotton, hemp, linen, silk, wool) and manufactured fibers (aramid, lyocell, nylon, olefin, polyester, spandex) in the sports and outdoor industry.

Standard 1
Review basic characteristics of natural and manufactured fibers (see prerequisite courses)

Standard 2
Investigate the physical properties of natural and manufactured fibers.

1. Fiber structure
   
   • Length - Staple or filament fibers influences Strength and hand
   • Diameter - Thickness of the fiber influences stiffness, wrinkle resistance and transparency
   • Shape - Cross-sectional shape impacts luster, bulk, body, texture, soiling and hand
     • Surface contour - the outer surface of the fiber
     • Crimp - refers to the waves, bends, twists, and coils
2. Hand - How the fiber feels
   
3. Cover - The ability of a fiber to hide/protect what is beneath
   

Standard 3
Performance properties of natural and manufactured fibers.

1. Absorbency - The ability to take up moisture from the body or environment (hydrophilic/hydrophobic)
   
2. Soiling - The ability to resist dirt and oils (oleophilic/oleophobic)
   
3. Abrasion - The ability to withstand rubbing during use (pilling)
   
4. Wicking - The ability to transfer moisture along its surface
   
5. Dimensional stability - The ability to maintain the original shape neither shrinking nor stretching
   
6. Flammability - The ability to ignite or burn (flammable, flame-resistant, and flame proof)
   
7. Resiliency - capability of a material to spring back to shape after being creased, twisted or distorted
   

Strand 2
Explore the global impact of the textile industry.

Standard 1
Students will examine the sustainability concerns associated with textile production, use and care.

1. Environmental - practices and policies that reduces pollution and do not exploit natural resources
   
   • Textile production
   • Fabric finishes
   • Dyeing and printing
2. Social responsibility - The impact of textile production on people and communities
   
   • Working conditions - Obligation to a group for their well-being
   • Fair labor - Hours, wage and safety
3. Economic
   
   • using a particular set of resources in a responsible way that allows them be used long term
   • allows a company to make money and grow without negatively impacting the environmental and social pillars

Standard 2
Student will differentiate between consumerism practices.

1. Purchasing considerations - Socially responsible buying
   
   • Reasonable consumption levels
   • Ethical sources (fair trade)
   • Eco-friendly
2. Care - Cleaning textiles with minimum environmental impact
   
   • Dry cleaning: uses toxic chemicals
   • Laundry: Detergent/soap, energy consumption (water temperature, dryer)
3. Textile recycling/upcycling - Keeping textiles out of landfills
   
   • Recycling (100% fiber vs. blends)
   • Repurpose
   • Rent
   • Repair

Strand 3
Analyze fabric and product production.

Standard 1
Understand that the type of yarn used has an important effect on the properties of fabric

1. Filament - strength, smooth, lusterous
   
2. Spun - generally weaker, dull, does not snag readily, resilient, absorbent
   

Standard 2
Students will review basic fabric construction (see prerequisite courses)

1. Woven fabric (denim, flannel, ripstop, neoprene)
   
2. Knit fabrics (Jersey, rib knit, fleece, polar fleece)
   

Standard 3
Students will classify non-woven fabrics and other materials

1. Non-woven - Any textile product that is created directly from fibers and is held together by bonding and entanglement
   
   • Felting - Fiber locked together in a process utilizing heat, moisture and pressure
     • Felt, batting
   • Bonded - Technique used to join two fabrics using an adhesive
     • Gortex, faux leather, neoprene
   • Laminated - Two layered construction with polymer film bonded to a fabric
     • Vinyl sheeting, laminated cotton
2. Other materials
   
   • Leather - Hide of animal
   • Down - Feathers
   • Fiberfill - Synthetic material used for patting and insulation
   • Netting - Yarns are fused, looped or knotted at their intersection resulting in a fabric with open spaces
   • Fiber reinforced composites - High technology combination of textiles with resins, metals or ceramics (protective armor, helmets)

Standard 4
Student will describe fabric finishes.

1. Waterproof vs. water resistant - Completely moisture proof vs. withstands the penetration of water to some degree
   
2. Antimicrobial - Resistant to the growth of micro-organisms
   
3. Soil and stain release - Permits the relatively easy removal of soils, especially oily soils
   
4. Flame resistant - Slow to burn or self-extinguishes
   

Standard 5
Student will distinguish methods of printing and dyeing

1. Colorfast - will not bleed, fade, or crock
   
2. Dye classifications - A way of classifying the reaction between dye type and fiber
   
   • Dye affinity - dye absorbing capacity. Natural fabrics are hydrophilic and will absorb at a different capacity than hydrophobic manufactured fibers
3. Screen printing - Pressing ink or dye through a screen with areas blocked off
   
4. Digital printing - ink jet-based method of applying colorant to fabric
   

Strand 4
Apply principles of the design process by reverse engineering a project.

Standard 1
Student will investigate design constraints and product purpose.

1. Intended end use and function
   
2. Maintain original purpose
   

Standard 2
Student will analyze and compare suitable materials.

1. Consider end use and function
   
2. Identify properties of materials
   
3. Determine sourcing
   

Standard 3
Student will calculate dimensions.

1. Measure
   
2. Create pattern pieces
   

Standard 4
Student will select appropriate construction techniques.

1. Determine order of sewing operations

   Step 1- Stitch darts, tucks, and pleats.
   Step 2- Stitch style lines (any seam line besides shoulders, armholes, or side seams). Example: yokes and princess lines.
   Step 3- Stitch or iron interfacing onto to all pieces needing it.
   Step 4- Stitch pockets.
   Step 5- Stitch zippers except a dress zipper.
   Step 6- Stitch shoulder seams.
   Step 7-Stitch side seams and inseams.
   Step 8- Prepare collars. But don't stitch them in, yet.
   Step 9- Prepare sleeves. Stitch plackets, cuffs, or elastic to sleeves and stitch underarm sleeve seam (if a set in sleeve). Don't stitch them in, yet.
   Step 10- Attach collars.
   Step 11- Stitch bodice facings.
   Step 12- Set in sleeves.
   Step 13- Attach bodice and skirt waistline if sewing a dress.
   Step 14- Attach waistband or waist facing if sewing a skirt or pants.
   Step 15- Stitch in dress zipper.
   Step 16- Stitch hems.
   Step 17- Stitch buttons and buttonholes

   
   
   • Some of these steps won't be used for your individual designs. Skip the steps that do not pertain to your design.
2. Consider necessary construction techniques for end use
   
   • Seam construction
   • Seam finishes
   • Embellishments and aesthetics
   • Reinforcement

Standard 5
Students will create adaptions and improvements to a product

Performance Skills

Strand 1
Conduct an experiment that identifies the physical and performance properties of at least two natural and three manufactured fibers

1. Burn test
   
2. Microscope inspection
   
3. Absorbency test (water repellency spray test, water resistance impact penetration)
   
4. Abrasion test (sandpaper, pilling)
   
5. Hand and cover
   

Strand 2
Debate an issue regarding global impact of the textile industry

1. Sustainability
   
2. Fair labor laws
   
3. Fast fashion
   
4. Natural vs. manufactured (fibers, dyes, etc.)
   
5. Textile care (energy, water, chemical considerations)
   

Strand 3
Investigate a variety of multi-layer products to determine materials used

Strand 3
Experiment with fabric finishes

1. Dyeing
   
2. Printing
   
3. Colorfast test
   
4. ASTM testing
   

Strand 4
Create a soft goods project through reverse engineering

Workplace Skills
Students will develop professional and interpersonal skills needed for success in the fashion industry. Determine the difference between hard skills and soft skills.

• Hard Skills: Hard skills are specific, teachable abilities that can be defined and measured
• Soft Skills: Personal attributes that enable someone to interact effectively and harmoniously with other people.

Identify soft skills needed in the workplace

• Professionalism
• Respect Legal requirements/expectations
• Good communication skills
• Resourcefulness

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http://www.uen.org - in partnership with Utah State Board of Education (USBE) and Utah System of Higher Education (USHE).  Send questions or comments to USBE Specialist - Kristina  Yamada and see the CTE/Arts, Audio/Visual Technology and Communication website. For general questions about Utah's Core Standards contact the Director - THALEA  LONGHURST.

These materials have been produced by and for the teachers of the State of Utah. Copies of these materials may be freely reproduced for teacher and classroom use. When distributing these materials, credit should be given to Utah State Board of Education. These materials may not be published, in whole or part, or in any other format, without the written permission of the Utah State Board of Education, 250 East 500 South, PO Box 144200, Salt Lake City, Utah 84114-4200.