FASH 0004A. Basic Clothing Construction

Units: 3
Hours: 108 (27 lecture, 81 laboratory)
Techniques of garment construction; use of commercial patterns, pattern alterations, and fitting techniques; comparison of construction techniques and costs between ready-to-wear and custom-made clothing; the social and psychological aspects of clothing selection, with emphasis on basic design principles. (CSU)

FASH 0004A - Basic Clothing Construction

http://catalog.sierracollege.edu/course-outlines/fash-0004a/

Catalog Description Hours: 108 (27 lecture, 81 laboratory) Description: Techniques of garment construction; use of commercial patterns, pattern alterations, and fitting techniques; comparison of construction techniques and costs between ready-to-wear and custom-made clothing; the social and psychological aspects of clothing selection, with emphasis on basic design principles. (CSU) Course Student Learning Outcomes CSLO #1: Create a cost sheet to include fabric selection and adjustments made to a commercial plan. CSLO #2: Demonstrate basic skill techniques of hand sewing. CSLO #3: Demonstrate basic skill techniques of machine sewing. Effective Term Fall 2025 Course Type Credit - Degree-applicable Contact Hours 108 Outside of Class Hours 54 Total Student Learning Hours 162 Course Objectives Lecture Objectives: 1. Follow the instruction of threading the machine to prepare to sew; 2. estimate the yardage required for sewing projects based on measurements, fabric width, and the information found on the pattern chart; 3. explain correct method for cutting, and marking options for different fabric types; 4. observe and describe pattern adjustment procedures; 5. identify appropriate seams and seam finishes for garment construction; 6. distinguish appropriate use of interfacings, underlining, and/or linings to garment construction; 7. outline the step by step instructional demonstration of required technique samples for: darts, gathers, cuffs, sleeves, closures (zippers, buttons, and buttonholes, snaps, hook and eyes), pockets, hems, tucks, pleats, necklines, plackets, collars, and waistbands/casings in fabric; 8. analyze basic principles of design in clothing selection and wardrobe planning; and 9. create cost sheet analysis. Laboratory Objectives: 1. Mimic the threading of the sewing machine and perform sewing test on machine; 2. make an appropriate fabric and yardage selection using the pattern chart information; 3. prepare garments for sewing by cutting according to the pattern and selecting the appropriate method for marking the fabric; 4. adjust commercial patterns for improved fit and customization based on basic pattern adjustments; 5. apply appropriate seam and seam finishes to garment construction; 6. choose appropriate interfacings and placement in garment construction; 7. create darts, gathers, cuffs, sleeves, closures (centered and invisible zippers, buttons, and buttonholes, snaps, hook and eyes), pockets, hems, tucks, pleats, necklines, plackets, collars and/or waistbands/casings in fabric as examples of sewing techniques; 8. demonstrate skill in basic techniques of hand and machine by replicating samples based on the notebook of samples; 9. follow basic principles of design in fabric and pattern selection for class sewing projects; 10. customize finished garments from commercial patterns; and 11. construct at least 2 garments from commercial patterns making fabric and trim selections to express design sensibility. General Education Information Approved College Associate Degree GE Applicability CSU GE Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU approval) Cal-GETC Applicability (Recommended - Requires External Approval) IGETC Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU/UC approval) Articulation Information CSU Transferable Methods of Evaluation Objective Examinations Example: Students answer multiple choice, matching and short answer questions on an objective test. Questions cover use of a sewing machine, use of sewing equipment, use and preparation of patterns and fabrics, and basic sewing terminology. Tests are graded using a percentage-based scale. Example question; On an inside curved seam would you clip or notch? Projects Example: Students complete 2 garments applying the basic skills of using a pattern to create a garment. Each garment is assessed for the overall look as well as the application of individual skills used to create the finished garment. Grades and feedback are given in class or on the LMS. Skill Demonstrations Example: Students complete a samples notebook demonstrating proper use of a sewing machine to complete the basic stitches and techniques. A grade is assigned to each technique sample based on the neatness and accuracy of the sample. Grades and feedback are given in class or on the LMS. Repeatable No Methods of Instruction Laboratory Lecture/Discussion Distance Learning Lab: Students will complete an in-class assignment following lecture/demonstrations for each of the two types of skills. The lecture/demonstration will be provided by the instructor. The assignment for the Hand Sewing Skill asks students to sew a button onto a piece of cloth properly placing the button, correctly creating a thread shank, and a secure knot. The assignment for the Machine Sewing Skill asks students to sew a machine-worked buttonhole on a piece of cloth using correct stitch selection and formation and appropriate thread tension. The instructor will provide individual help to students while students are completing the tasks. Lecture: Instructor demonstrates all the parts of the machine and their function, how to thread the machine and how to sew. Prepare a list of FAQ's about using a sewing machine for the first time and discuss the answers in a class discussion. Potential problems are noted and what to do to adjust the machine accordingly. Instructor will check each student's machine threading and set up. Feedback to the students is verbal. Distance Learning Instructor prepares visual examples and actively demonstrates the steps needed to put in a zipper. The parts and function of a zipper are explained and the procedural steps are presented systematically. Students cut the samples according to instructor's dimensions. Students are expected to sew in a zipper according to the demonstration or information provided by the Instructor. Feedback from the Instructor on the quality of the sewing and what might be done to improve it are presented verbally, written or on the Learning Management System. Grades are recorded on the LMS. Typical Out of Class Assignments Reading Assignments 1. Read the selection in your assigned reading on estimating yardage and be prepared for discussion/demonstration. 2. After reading about different types of pockets, students will evaluate which type would best suit their project. Writing, Problem Solving or Performance 1. Complete 2 garments in fashion fabric. 2. Complete 5 pattern alterations. Other (Term projects, research papers, portfolios, etc.) 1. Complete a garment details/styles notebook. 2. Complete a notebook of sewing technique samples as a culmination of all techniques practiced during the semester. Required Materials Reader's Digest New Complete Guide to Sewing Author: Reader's Digest Publisher: Reader's Digest Publication Date: 2022 Text Edition: Classic Textbook?: OER Link: OER: Professional Sewing Techniques for Designers Author: Julie Cole Sharon Czachor Publisher: Fairchild Publication Date: 2023 Text Edition: 3rd Classic Textbook?: OER Link: OER: A Guide to Fashion Sewing Author: Connie Amaden-Crawford Publisher: Bloomsbury Publication Date: 2023 Text Edition: 7th Classic Textbook?: OER Link: OER: Other materials and-or supplies required of students that contribute to the cost of the course. Sewing supplies; sewing box, shears, small scissors, pinking shears, tape measure, thimble, seam ripper, pins, pin cushion, needles, thread, tracing wheel, tracing paper, basting tape, marking tools, bobbins and scotch tape. Fabric, patterns and notions for samples and at least 2 styles.