The purpose of the development of appreciation of fibres and fabrics is for students to gain a full understanding of the choices available when selecting fabrics as a buyer – to appreciate the aesthetics, properties and performance of fabrics that can be related to cost, market level and sustainability.
In my research it was demonstrated that prior to acquiring the knowledge, students gave opinions such as ‘I don’t like it’. ‘This one looks good’.
Appreciation of an object can be developed through knowledge, origination, how it is made, how it is used. Without this knowledge giving an opinion may be considered as appropriation.
I consider that this knowledge can be built with information about:
- Fibres and their origins.
- Sources of fibres
- How to combine fibres
- Fabric construction, how it is made and constructed.
- Fabric dyeing and finishing processes
- Sustainability of fibres and fabrics
- Sustainability of processing methods
- Fabric properties, how it performs
- Appropriate fabrics for a garment
- Fabric usage
- The relationship of the fabric and the quality of the garment
These are factors that need to be included in preparation for the object-based interventions.
Appreciation of fibres and textiles will facilitate an ability to distinguish and appreciate quality and select fabrics for appropriate use.
Using objects that show the origins of fibres such as the cotton plant, a silk cocoon, recycled polyester chips can facilitate knowledge of fibre origins.
Using fabric swatches will facilitate identifying various types of fabrics and their properties.
Identifying the construction, knit, woven or bonded and identifying the appropriateness for the garment.
Future employability skills can be enhanced through having the knowledge to facilitate sourcing, fabric development and buying skills.
The historical context of textiles can be considered as an important reference for the appreciation of textiles and can support the link between fabric usage and sustainability.
‘In historic times, textiles were so expensive so that every inch was carefully used in garments……This sophisticated appreciation of material is all but forgotten in contemporary fashion design.’ (Niinimäki, 2013)
More recent requirements for sustainable textiles are necessitating this appreciation of material where the fabric is valued and used without waste. Awareness and knowledge will increase employability skills as demand for sustainable product increases.
Bibliography
Niinimäki, K. (2013) ‘A Renaissance in Material Appreciation: Case Study in Zero Waste Fashion’, Journal of Textile Design Research and Practice, 1(1), pp. 77–92. doi: 10.2752/175183513X13772670831191. (Accessed 28 November 2021)