Fabrics for Fashion Design: Essential Learning for Designers ~ Fabrics Inspiration for a Collection

This Course defines the different types of Fabrics and how to use them in developing a design, a group, or a collection. In this Course you learn fabric's Characteristics and Properties and Categories such as Knits, Woven and Non-Woven; analyzing fibers: Natural and Man-Made Fibers; Plant-based and Animal-based Fibers; and different types of Weaves. 

This Course will not only educate you, but also inspire you to approach Fashion Designing from a different perspective: using fabrics as a source of inspiration to create your designs and develop a group or collection.

I will show you (by draping fabrics on a dress form), how different fabrics "react/behave".

This Course includes topics such as:

• Fiber Content: know your fabric

• Natura vs Man-made Fibers: how they affect the environment.

• Woven vs Knits: an important difference.

• Different types of weaves: Oxford, Twill, Herringbone, Flannel, Popeline.

• Grainlines: Warp and Weft

• Learn Fabric Nap as in fabrics such as: Velvet, Corduroy, Velour, Velveteen.

• "Life" and Process of fabric: Greige Goods. Finishing Mills. Converters. Vertical Mills. Distributors. Jobbers. Important new terminology.

• Properties of Fabric: Weight, Drape, Construction, etc.

• Sustainable and Organic fabrics for an eco-friendly environment.

• How different Fabrics "behave": Chiffon, Canvas/Taffeta, Organza, Felt, Jersey.

• Color and its importance in the context of fabric selection.

• Using Fabric as a Source of Inspiration in Designing.

• Choosing a Theme for your Collection: What is a Theme?

• How to distress Denim (jeans); as well as creating a Tie-dye look

Fabric is one of the most important element in fashion designing and learning the different types of fabric is essential in creating a successful collection -- learn the process.

You will learn how to distress fabric (denim) to create a unique and individual fabric surface design. And you'll learn how to Tie-dye jeans.

You will see how designers use several layers of fabric to create a "new" fabric/look.

I will also include a great website regarding sustainable eco-friendly fabrics, where you can learn in-depth the environment and how the fashion industry effects its health;

I will include the name of a terrific Textbook that has swatches in it, so that you can actually "touch/feel" the fabric.

Choosing a Theme when starting a Fashion Collection is important in focusing on a design direction and establishing a cohesive group.

The importance of color when choosing fabric in designing a collection.

If you have taken any of my other Fashion Design Courses, such as Sketching, Draping, Pattern Making, etc. this Fabric Course will add a new and important element to your proficiency in Fashion Designing.

• 1 - Introduction. Overall highlights of Course Content.
• 2 - Fiber Content. Natural vs Man-made fibers. Plant-Based vs Animal-Based fibers.
• 3 - Woven vs Knits. Jersey, Double-knit, Tricot. Oxford, Twill, etc. , Warp and Weft
• 4 - Leather/Hides. Fabrics with a nap: Velvet, Corduroy, Velour, Velveteen.
• 5 - Greige goods. Finishing Mills. Converters. Vertical Mills. Distributors. Jobbers
• 6 - Properties of Fabric: Weight. Drape. Durability. Softness. Construction. Breathability
• 7 - Sustainable fabrics in an eco-friendly environment and ethical production.
• 8 - How different fabrics "behave": Chiffon, Canvas/Taffeta, Organza, Felt.
• 9 - Color. And Printing: Screen Printing, Heat Transfer, Sublimation, Digital.
• 10 - Using fabric to create a Design (Part 1)*
• 11 - (Part 2) One Design leads to a Group or Collection
• 12 - Distressing Denim Jeans. Tie-dye Jeans.
• 13 - Layering fabrics. Paint your own fabric. Conclusion.
• Bonus Lecture: FAQs, and other "goodies", etc.