Fabric Handling Notes
Subject Overview
Fabric Handling teaches the practical skills of layout, marking, cutting and finishing across a wide range of fabric types — the hands-on production-floor skills a textile designer needs to actually construct a garment or product. Students learn seam types and finishing, then handle a full range of fabrics from denim and satin to chiffon, velvet, knits and embroidered fabric, developing a creative sample or product from one selected fabric. This is a 2-credit core practical paper across 2 units.
Subject at a glance
2
Units
11
Topics
2
Credits
2
Infographics
Unit-wise Syllabus
2 units — open any unit for detailed topic-wise notes, diagrams and important exam questions
- Introduction to layout
- marking and cutting
- different types of seams and seam finishing
- 1
Pre-shrink and press the fabric
- 2
Find the grain
Straight, cross, bias
- 3
Lay out pattern pieces
Grain line parallel to selvedge
- 4
Pin and mark
Notches, darts
- 5
Cut accurately
- 6
Transfer markings
Study guide
This unit introduces layout, marking and cutting and the types of seam and seam finishes. Good layout reduces fabric waste, which is a direct cost saving.
- Cutting and finishing techniques and sample development across denim
- satin
- organza/organdy
- chiffon/georgette/crepe
- velvet/corduroy
- knits
- silk
- loosely woven and embroidered fabric
Chiffon and georgette
Slippery, frays
Tissue paper under it; fine needle; French seams
Velvet and corduroy
Pile direction (nap)
Cut all pieces in one direction
Denim
Thick seams
Denim needle, longer stitch
Knits
Stretch
Ballpoint needle, stretch stitch
Satin
Shows pin marks
Pin in the seam allowance only
Study guide
You learn cutting and finishing techniques across denim, satin, organza, chiffon, georgette, crepe, velvet, corduroy, knits, silk, loosely woven and embroidered fabrics. Each fabric needs different handling, so practise with samples.
Why Fabric Handling Matters
Fabric handling skills reduce errors and waste in sampling and production, a major quality factor in garment manufacturing.
How to Prepare for Fabric Handling
- Practise cutting and sewing difficult fabrics such as chiffon and velvet.
- Study nap and grain for each fabric.
- Keep a sample book of seams for different fabrics.
Fabric Handling: Frequently Asked Questions
Why is grain important when cutting fabric?
Cutting along the correct grain ensures the garment hangs properly and does not twist or distort after washing.