VET Fashion and Textiles
General introduction to the subject:
Fashion and textiles introduce the students to the fascinating world of fashion. It provides an introduction to all the aspects related to fashion and textiles. It includes aspects related to the fashion industry and its different careers in design, manufacture, retail, marketing, and promotion.
Through hands-on classroom activities, students will be able to tell the difference between how different fibers and fabrics look and what they can be used for. They will also learn basic skills in fashion design and pattern making using computer-aided design software and will also produce clothing items and soft furnishings. Moreover, the students will focus on making the right fashion choices, for themselves and others, concerning design, style and colour. The course will enhance the students’ potential in creativity and the application of skills in the fashion and textiles industry.
Topics studied:
• the fashion industry and its different careers;
• the different fibres and fabrics, and their uses;
• history of fashion;
• fashion sketching and drawing;
• pattern drafting and the use of CAD software;
• choice of clothing according to the various figure types;
• different sewing and design tools and equipment found in the fashion studio;
• experimenting on fabrics to identify different properties;
• making different textile items;
• the colour wheel;
• dyeing fabrics using natural and synthetic dyes;
• the creation of creative items using different techniques and embellishments to enhance its appearance – such as tie-dye, batik, printing and weaving;
• recycling of textiles;
• the role of the consumer—consumers’ rights and responsibilities, addressing complaints.
• portfolio – including samples of work such as fashion drawings, pattern alterations, sewing and creative
techniques, creative work, garments, and soft furnishings.
Class activities involved:
Class activities are student-centred and vary according to the topic being covered. Individual and group work, discussions and experiments are some of the ways that the students will be involved in when studying Fashion and Textiles. Other hands-on activities include, designing outfits, demonstrations of practical work and basic sewing techniques are some of the activities carried out during Fashion and Textiles lessons.
Real life scenarios are constantly presented to students so that all knowledge and comprehension will be applied to a practical setting or situation.
Homework assigned:
Homework is aimed at completing assignments. Some tasks may include research and written work, the creation of a leaflet and a mood/theme board, sketching figure drawings, designing a poster or preparing a power point presentation. Other tasks may include interviewing a person and practicing some sewing skills in the school’s
fashion studio.
Assessment given:
Students will complete three units over the course of three years, one unit during each scholastic year.
During the year, each unit is assessed by means of
• two (2) assignments (60% of the yearly mark) that consist of both written and practical tasks
• one (1) assessment (40% of the yearly mark and issued by MATSEC) that consists of a written examination
The marks obtained during years 9, 10 and 11 will amount to 100% of the final Secondary Education Certificate (SEC) result.
Skills acquired while studying the subject:
• Communication skills
• Experimental and investigation
• Illustration techniques and sketching
• Measuring, pattern-cutting and draping techniques
• Sewing skills
• Appreciation of colour, texture and shape
• Ability to develop fashion trends
• Drawing skills
• The use of digital technology in fashion
Skills required to study the subject:
• Creativity
• Artistic aptitude
• Eye for detail
• Interest in meeting people
This subject can lead you to the following Career Paths:
Fashion Blogger
Fashion Merchandiser
Fashion Designer
Fashion Stylist
Fashion Consultant
Interior Designer
Seamstress
Fashion Events Coordinator
Applied Fashion and Textiles
General introduction to the subject:
The main aim of the applied programme for Fashion and Textiles is to provide students with relevant hands-on experience in the fascinating world of fashion and textiles. Throughout this programme, students develop a flair and ability to generate ideas and concepts to help customers make the right choice. It also helps students with the basics of sewing and related skills whilst developing a range of designing and sewing skills. Students will also learn basic skills in fashion design and will be able to use digital software to design fashionable garments. Fashionable clothing items and creative soft furnishings including curtains and cushions will be produced. Moreover, students will be equipped with the basic knowledge and confidence to undertake their own bespoke interiors for a living space.
Topics studied:
• positive attitude to provide best customer service in a work environment;
• exploring different fibres and fabrics, their properties, uses and care;
• fabric finishes;
• calculating fabric for different projects including soft furnishings;
• the use of sewing and design tools and equipment found in the fashion studio;
• the creation of creative items using different techniques and embellishments to enhance its appearance – such as tie-dye, batik, printing, patchwork and weaving;
• producing mood boards for various creative textile items;
• fashion sketching and drawing;
• using digital software to design an outfit;
• designing garments for different body shapes, age and occasions.
• pattern drawing and the use of digital software;
• the colour wheel;
• experimenting on fabrics to identify different properties;
• making different textile items using basic sewing skills;
• portfolio – including samples of work such as fashion drawings, pattern alterations, sewing and creative
techniques, creative work, garments and soft furnishings.
Class activities involved:
Students are given the opportunity to experiment with fabrics, dyes, colours and using computer software whilst at the same time they practice with tools and equipment to help them understand concepts in the fashion and textiles industry.
Individual and group work, discussions and experiments are some of the ways that the students will be involved in when studying Fashion and Textiles. Other hands-on activities include, designing outfits, demonstrations of practical work and basic sewing techniques.
Homework assigned:
Homework is aimed at completing assignments. Some tasks may include research and written work, the creation of a mood board, sketching figure drawings, preparation for role play and practice some sewing skills in the school’s fashion studio.
Assessment given:
During each scholastic year, students will cover a unit.
Throughout the three years, students complete 3 units, one each year.
During the year, each unit is assessed by means of three (3) assignments that are mainly based on practical tasks and carried out in class.
Out of the 3 assignments each year, one is issued by MATSEC.
The marks obtained during years 9, 10 and 11 will amount to 100% of the final Secondary Education Applied Certificate (SEAC) result.
Skills acquired while studying the subject:
• Communication skills
• Experimental and investigation
• Illustration techniques and sketching
• Measuring, pattern-cutting and draping techniques
• Sewing skills
• Appreciation of colour, texture and shape
• Ability to develop fashion trends
• Drawing skills
• The use of digital technology in fashion
Skills required to study the subject:
• Creativity
• Artistic aptitude
• Eye for detail
• Interest in meeting people.
This subject can lead you to the following Career Paths:
Assistant in the Crafts Sector
Assistant Fashion Designer
Machine Operator
Junior Designer
Assistant Interior Designer
Assistant Seamstress
Shop Assistant
Laundry Worker