Fashion and Technology – JSS3 Fashion and Garment Making Lesson Note (First Term)

Fashion technology is the use of machines, computers and software to design and make clothes faster, neater and more accurately.

Behavioural objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. State why technology is used in fashion.
2. Define Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and name three things it can do.
3. Name and describe the three types of sewing machine.
4. Explain the uses of the overlocker and the embroidery machine.
5. Explain why creativity is still needed when technology is used.

Why do we use technology in fashion?

Technology is used in fashion because it saves time, reduces mistakes and makes large-scale production possible.

• Speed: machines do not get tired like human hands do.
• Accuracy: a computer can measure down to the smallest millimetre.
• Mass production: factories can make thousands of identical t-shirts in one day, so many people can afford them.
• Neat finish: machine stitches are even and strong.

In the olden days, everything was done by hand. It took a long time, and mistakes were easy to make.

This lesson covers two main areas: CAD (for designing) and modern sewing machines (for making).

What is Computer-Aided Design (CAD)?

Computer-Aided Design (CAD) is the use of computer software to create designs and patterns instead of pencil and paper.

A designer can work on a laptop or tablet to draw a dress and test it before any fabric is cut.

What can you do with CAD?

• 3D modelling: you see how a dress will look on a “virtual human” before you buy the fabric.
• Pattern drafting: you draw and edit pattern pieces on screen.
• Grading: you change a pattern from one size to another, for example Small to Extra Large, with a few clicks.
• Colour swapping: you change a dress from red to blue instantly to see which looks better.

What are some popular CAD tools?

• Adobe Illustrator: a drawing program used to sketch designs.
• CLO 3D: a program used to build 3D garments on virtual models.
• Phone design apps: simple apps that let beginners sketch and try out ideas.

What are the types of sewing machine?

There are three types of sewing machine: manual (pedal), electric and computerised.

Manual or pedal machine

• How it works: the user moves a pedal with the feet (or turns a hand wheel) to make the needle move.
• Advantage: it needs no electricity.
• Disadvantage: it is tiring to use for a long time.

Electric machine

• How it works: a motor drives the needle. A light press on the foot pedal makes it run fast.
• Use: most local tailors use this type today.

Computerised machine

• How it works: a built-in computer controls the stitching. It is like a “smartphone” of the sewing world.
• Screen: it has a display for choosing stitches.
• Stitches: it makes hundreds of decorative stitches automatically.
• Embroidery: some models can be programmed to sew a name or logo without the user guiding the fabric.

How do the three machines compare?

What are specialised sewing machines?

Specialised machines are machines built for one job, which give clothes the neat finish of shop-bought ones.

What is an overlocker?

An overlocker (also called a serger) is a machine that trims the edge of fabric and sews it with looped thread at the same time.

• Purpose: it stops the fabric edge from fraying.
• Where you see it: look at the inside seams of a shirt or school uniform.
• Action: it cuts the rough edge and stitches over it in one pass.

What is an embroidery machine?

An embroidery machine is a machine that stitches patterns, names or badges onto fabric.

• Uses: school badges, names on shirts and designs on caps.
• High-tech versions: they connect to a computer, so a picture can be “sent” to the machine.

How does a computer-linked embroidery machine work?

1. The designer creates or chooses a design on the computer.
2. The design is sent to the machine.
3. The fabric is fixed in a hoop under the needle.
4. The machine stitches the design automatically.
5. The worker trims loose threads.

How does hand work compare with technology?

Hand work uses only human skill and simple tools, while technology adds machines and computers to the same tasks.

Why is creativity still needed?

Technology is only a tool, so the designer must still supply ideas.

• Creativity: a computer cannot decide what looks good for you.
• Imagination: the best machine still needs a designer to think of great fashion.

Evaluation

1. State three reasons why technology is used in fashion.
2. What does CAD stand for?
3. What is grading in pattern making?
4. What is the main difference between an electric sewing machine and a computerised one?
5. Give one use of an overlocker and one use of an embroidery machine.

Assignment

Visit a nearby tailor’s shop and ask if they use an overlocker. Write three to five lines on what you found, including what the machine is used for. If there is none, name the type of sewing machine the tailor uses.