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.