Fibres and Fabrics II SS1 Fashion and Garment Making Lesson Note

The Golden Rules of Selection

Before you buy fabric from the market, you must ask yourself three “Magic Questions”:

1. Who is wearing it? (A baby needs soft fabric; a laborer needs tough fabric).
2. Where are they wearing it to? (A wedding? The gym? To sleep?).
3. What is the weather like? (Is it the hot sun of March or the cold Harmattan of December?).

Key Terms:

• Drape: How the fabric hangs or falls on the body. (Example: Silk drapes beautifully; Denim does not).
• Durability: How long the fabric lasts before it gets thin or tears.
• Absorbency: How well the fabric “drinks” sweat.

Matching Fabric to the Occasion

Different events require different “looks.” Let’s look at the best choices for common garments:

Choosing for Different Body Types

As a designer, you want your customer to look their best. Fabric choice can change how a person’s shape looks:

• For Slim People: They can wear “stiff” or “bulky” fabrics like Organza, heavy Ankara, or Brocade. These fabrics add volume and make them look a bit fuller.
• For Plus-Sized People: It is better to use fabrics with a good “drape” that are not too thick. Chiffon, soft Crepe, or lightweight Cotton are great because they follow the body’s lines without adding extra “size.”
• For Active People: If you are making sportswear, the fabric must have Elasticity (stretch). Look for Spandex or Jersey.

Considering Color and Pattern

Selection isn’t just about the “feel”; it’s also about the “look.”

1. Skin Tone: Some colors make people look vibrant, while others make them look “washed out.” Generally, warm colors (Yellow, Red, Orange) look great on dark skin, while cool colors (Blue, Green) look beautiful on lighter skin tones.
2. Pattern Size: * Small Patterns: Good for everyone, especially petite people.
   1. Large Patterns: Can be overwhelming on a small person but look very bold and “royal” on a tall, large person.
3. Occasion Colors: In many parts of Nigeria, we choose colors based on the Aso-Ebi (family color) for parties!

Practical Tips for the Market

When you go to the market to buy fabric for your practical projects, do these three tests:

• The “Scrunch” Test: Take a corner of the fabric in your hand and squeeze it hard for 5 seconds. Let go. If it stays very wrinkled, it will be hard to maintain. If it bounces back, it’s a good choice for busy people.
• The “Light” Test: Hold the fabric up to the light. If you can see right through it, it might be too thin and will need a “lining” (extra fabric inside).
• The “Rub” Test: Rub two pieces of the fabric together. If small “balls” of fluff (pilling) start to form, the fabric is of low quality.

Student Activity: Imagine you are making a dress for a 5-year-old’s birthday party. The party is outdoors in the afternoon. List three fabrics that would be perfect and two fabrics that would be a disaster!