Introduction to Textiles Online Short Course
Course description
Course overview
We are all surrounded by fabrics every day of our lives and, whether interested in fashion or not, we are aware of the continuous reinvention of new colours, patterns and designs in fabrics. But what do you know about the fibres that fabrics are made from and the processes involved to make them? How are the colours and designs applied? What would you look for in selecting a fabric for yourself or for a customer?
In this course, you will learn about the different types of fibres, both natural and synthetic, and the processes involved to create the wide variety of fabrics manufactured commercially. This course is important for anyone in the fashion industry.
Each week will be composed of lively online workshops, discussions, individual assignments, personal feedback from your tutor and further information on the making of textile fabrics.
Who this course is for
The course is ideal for anyone with an interest in fabrics and curiosity as to how they are made. You may be starting in the textile industry or considering a career in buying, sales or garment design and want to know more about the fabrics that make clothes.
Key information
Topics covered
- Major fibre groups
- Properties of fibres
- Introduction to spinning and yarn-making
- Weaving, knitting and their properties and uses
- Introduction to dyeing techniques
- Printing methods and uses
- What to look for in fabrics
- Environmental considerations on fabrics
Learning outcomes
- Learned about raw materials for textiles and where they come from
- Understood what it means that a fabric is woven or knitted, dyed or printed
- Learned the properties of fabrics, how they can be enhanced and what they can be used for
- Developed an understanding of the environmental impact of textile raw materials and their processing
- Learned the terminology used in fabric processes and be able to explain what happens in the making of fabrics
- Understood how you go about analysing a fabric to find out how it is made and what it is made from
- Receive a digital badge and certificate of attendance
Materials
- Notepad and pen
Please see our Guide to taking online short courses
Tutor
Katherine Soucie
Katherine Soucie is a textile waste designer, educator, and researcher with over 25 years of practice across Canada, the USA, and the UK. She holds a PhD in Upcycling and Circular Textiles from Kingston University, a BFA and MAA in Textiles, and a BAA in Fashion. As a former textile buyer and sourcing specialist, she brings direct waste stream and supply chain knowledge to her teaching. She established the award-winning studio Sans Soucie in 2002, transforming pre-consumer hosiery and sock manufacturing waste sourced from major North American manufacturers including Gildan and Hanes. This work developed into an artisanal and industrial upcycling method and business model for post-industrial textile waste supply chains. Her work has been featured in British Vogue and exhibited in over 75 international shows across six countries. She consults on circular reuse strategies and runs her studio Sans Soucie in East London.
Laura Baker
Laura Baker is an experienced lecturer in the Textiles programme at Central Saint Martins as well as specialist in 2D print and surface pattern for Fashion and Textiles. She has worked as a textile designer in industry and on a freelance basis for fashion and interiors companies internationally. She is also author of the publication 'Laser Cutting for Fashion and Textiles'.
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