Chabot College
March, 1993
Course Outline for Interior Design 55
INTRODUCTION TO TEXTILES
Catalog Description:
55 - Introduction to Textiles
3 units
The textile industry and its effects on the apparel and home furnishings markets. Fiber identification,
yarn and fabric construction, and decoration. Emphasis on consumer information, fabric
performance, care and labeling, and legal responsibilities of the industry. 3 hours.
Expected Outcomes for Students:
Upon completion of the course, the student should be able to:
1. identify specific fiber characteristics, structure, and properties;
2. understand the expected performance of natural and synthetic fibers and their properties and the
necessity of labeling;
3. understand the problems relating to the use and care of fabric finishes;
4. be aware of new developments and the ensuing effect on fashion
a. stretch fabrics
b. warp and weft knits
c. laminated and bonded fabrics
d. coated fabrics;
5. recognize fabric weaves and other construction;
6. understand how designs are applied through dyeing and printing;
7. know the important fabric resources and the role they plan in the total fashion manufacturing
process and in fashion merchandising.
Course Content:
1. Textile fibers
a. identification through solubility and burning test and microscopic examination of fibers
b. basic concepts in methods of producing man-made fibers
c. synthetic fiber classifications
d. natural fiber classifications
2. Yarn construction: simple, complex, and novelty yards
3. Fabric construction
a. woven: recognition of basic and complex constructions
b. knits: warp, weft, and novelty knits
c. minor fabric constructions: bonded, laminated, malimo, etc.
4. Fabric finishes
a. soil and shrink resistance
b. environmental and biological resistance
c. routine finishes
5. Applied surface design
a. embossed, embroidered, flocked, etc.
b. glued, glazed, lacquered, etc.
c. pleated, quilted, moired, puckered, crinkled
6. Fabric dyeing and printing
a. processes: fiber, yarn and fabric dyeing
b. textile printing: roller, silk screen, heat transfer
c. design trends
7. Fabric performance - common problems encountered by consumers
a. serviceability of apparel
b. recommended care and wearability standards
c. types of damage and responsibility
d. permanent care problems
Chabot College
Course Outline for Interior Design 55, Page 2
March 1993
e. care labeling
8. Legal constraints on textile and apparel manufacturers
a. Flammability Act and its affect on manufacturers
b. toxicity problems and quality control
c. environmental concerns
9. Fabric resources and the marketing of fabrics to the garment industry
10. International Fabricare Institute - service to the drycleaning industry. Review publication on
common problems in textile use.
11. Update on technology and fabric trends
Methods of Presentation:
Lecture; discussions; research in trade publications
Methods of Evaluating Student Progress:
Assignments; projects; quizzes; final examination
Textbook(s) (Typical):
Understanding Textiles, P. Tortora, MacMillan
Special Student Materials:
None
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