Factors that influence garment design for SS 1

Class: SS 1
Term: First Term
Week: 5
Age: 15 years
Duration: 60 minutes
Subject: Fashion Design and Garment Making
Curriculum Theme: Introduction to fashion design and
Focal competence: Use elements and principles of garment design
Key competencies/values: Collaboration; ICT and Digital Competencies; Digital Competencies
Skills:

• Drawing of different lines and shapes e.g. straight, curved etc
• Drawing of colour triangle and colour wheel

Previous Lesson: Elements of Garment Design Line, Colour, Texture and Shape
Topic: Elements And Principles Of Garment Design: Factors That Influence Garment Design
Subject Matter: Factors that influence garment design

Specific Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils/students should be able to:

Cognitive Domain

• Identify various factors that influence garment design.
• Explain the importance of each factor in garment creation.
• Relate current fashion concepts to garment purpose.

Affective Domain

• Appreciate the importance of considering multiple factors in garment design.
• Develop an interest in researching fashion trends.
• Value safe handling practices in garment making.

Psychomotor Domain

• Draw different types of lines and shapes relevant to design.
• Construct a colour wheel and a colour triangle.
• Demonstrate safe handling of basic garment making tools.

Social Domain

• Collaborate effectively in group discussions on design factors.
• Share findings from internet research on garment design.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

• 2025 New Revised Senior Secondary Education Curriculum (SSEC)
• Relevant State Unified Scheme of Work
• A suitable Fashion Design and Garment Making textbook for SS 1
• The HeadTeacher Scheme of work For The New Revised Senior Secondary Education Curriculum (SSEC)

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

• Charts on colour wheel and colour triangle
• Charts showing different shapes and lines (straight, curved, zig-zag, etc.)
• Samples of various garments
• Students’ uniforms (as examples of garment purpose and construction)
• Internet-enabled devices (e.g., tablets, phones, computer with projector) for research
• Drawing materials (pencils, rulers, compasses, crayons/colour pencils, drawing books)

Rationale for the Lesson

Understanding the factors that influence garment design is fundamental for aspiring fashion designers and garment makers. This lesson equips students with the knowledge to make informed design decisions, ensuring garments are functional, aesthetically pleasing, and meet specific needs. It also lays the groundwork for practical skills in design and construction.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Students should have basic knowledge of different types of clothing and an awareness of everyday fashion items.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

Factors That Influence Garment Design

Garment design is a creative process influenced by many considerations that determine the final look, function, and appeal of a clothing item. These factors guide designers in making choices about style, fabric, construction, and overall aesthetics.

Purpose of the Garment

The intended use or occasion for which a garment is designed significantly influences its features. Different purposes require different designs:

1. Formal Wear: Requires elegant fabrics, structured designs, and sophisticated embellishments (e.g., evening gowns, suits).
2. Casual Wear: Focuses on comfort, ease of movement, and relaxed styles (e.g., t-shirts, jeans, shorts).
3. Workwear/Uniforms: Prioritises durability, functionality, safety, and often incorporates specific branding (e.g., factory overalls, medical scrubs, school uniforms).
4. Sportswear: Designed for specific physical activities, requiring breathable, flexible, and often moisture-wicking fabrics (e.g., jerseys, tracksuits).
5. Protective Wear: Aims to shield the wearer from hazards, often using specialised materials and reinforced construction (e.g., fire-resistant suits, raincoats).

Fabric Behaviour and Properties

The characteristics of the chosen fabric play a critical role in how a garment will look, feel, and perform. Designers must consider:

1. Drape: How the fabric hangs or falls (e.g., soft, flowing fabrics like chiffon versus stiff fabrics like denim).
2. Texture: The surface quality of the fabric, which can be smooth, rough, shiny, dull, etc.
3. Weight: Whether the fabric is light, medium, or heavy, affecting comfort and suitability for different climates.
4. Stretch: The fabric’s ability to extend and recover, important for comfort and fit, especially in activewear.
5. Durability: The fabric’s resistance to wear and tear, crucial for long-lasting garments.
6. Care Requirements: How easily the fabric can be washed, ironed, and maintained.
7. Colour and Pattern: The aesthetic appeal and how they complement the design.

Accurate Measurement

Precise body measurements are essential for creating garments that fit well and are comfortable. Inaccurate measurements lead to ill-fitting clothes, which can ruin the design’s intention.

1. Body Measurements: Taking measurements of bust, waist, hips, shoulder, sleeve length, etc., ensures the garment conforms to the wearer’s body.
2. Garment Measurements: Specific measurements for pattern pieces, ensuring correct sizing and proportion.

Tools and Equipment

The availability and appropriate use of tools and equipment are vital for effective garment construction.

1. Measuring Tools: Tape measure, ruler, L-square.
2. Cutting Tools: Fabric shears, rotary cutter, thread snips.
3. Marking Tools: Tailor’s chalk, tracing wheel, fabric markers.
4. Sewing Tools: Hand needles, sewing machine, thimble, pins.
5. Pressing Tools: Iron, ironing board, pressing cloth.

Safe Handling of Tools and Materials

Safety is paramount in garment making to prevent accidents and ensure the longevity of tools and materials.

1. Sharp Tools: Always handle scissors and needles with care, keeping them closed or capped when not in use. Store them safely.
2. Sewing Machine: Follow operating instructions, keep fingers away from the needle, and unplug when not in use or during maintenance.
3. Iron: Use on a stable surface, avoid direct contact with skin, and unplug after use.
4. Chemicals: Handle fabric treatments or dyes in well-ventilated areas, wearing protective gear if necessary.
5. Proper Storage: Store all tools and materials in designated places to prevent damage or injury.

Neat Construction Techniques

The quality of a garment is significantly determined by the neatness and precision of its construction. Good techniques ensure durability and a professional finish.

1. Seams: Proper stitching, finishing, and pressing of seams for strength and a smooth appearance.
2. Hems: Evenly folded and stitched hems that are appropriate for the fabric and garment style.
3. Facings and Linings: Used to finish raw edges and provide structure or comfort.
4. Pressing: Regular pressing during construction helps to set stitches, shape the garment, and achieve a crisp finish.

Current Fashion Concepts and Trends

Fashion is dynamic, and designers often draw inspiration from prevailing trends, cultural influences, and societal changes.

1. Styles and Silhouettes: Contemporary shapes, cuts, and overall forms of clothing.
2. Colours and Patterns: Popular colour palettes and prints of the season.
3. Cultural Influences: Incorporating elements from different cultures or historical periods.
4. Sustainability: Growing focus on eco-friendly materials and ethical production methods.

Client’s Preferences/Target Market

Understanding the needs and desires of the intended wearer or market segment is crucial for successful design.

1. Age Group: Designs vary significantly for children, teenagers, adults, and the elderly.
2. Style Preferences: Individual tastes, whether classic, trendy, minimalist, or extravagant.
3. Budget: The price point of the garment influences fabric choice, embellishments, and construction complexity.
4. Cultural and Religious Considerations: Respecting dress codes and modesty requirements.

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques

Discussion, Demonstration, Guided Practice, Question and Answer, Explanation, Observation, Group Work, Practical Activity

Instructional Procedures

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Engaging Questioning

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the students and asks them to observe their school uniforms and other garments they wear. The teacher then asks, “What do you think makes a garment suitable for a particular occasion or person?”

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond by mentioning factors like comfort, style, occasion, and fabric type.

Learning Point: Introduction to garment design

Step 2: Discussion on Garment Purpose

Time: 10 minutes

Teaching Skill: Group Facilitation

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides students to discuss in groups on factors that influence fashion and garment design, starting with the “Purpose of the Garment.” The teacher provides examples like formal wear, casual wear, and workwear, asking groups to identify characteristics of each.

Pupils’ Activity: Students discuss in groups, providing examples and characteristics for different garment purposes.

Learning Point: Garment purpose and design

Step 3: Exploring Fabric Behaviour and Measurement

Time: 10 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explanation/Demonstration

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains how fabric behaviour (drape, texture, weight) influences design. The teacher also explains the importance of accurate measurement, demonstrating how to take a simple measurement on a sample garment.

Pupils’ Activity: Students observe the fabric samples and measurement demonstration, asking questions for clarity.

Learning Point: Fabric properties and measurement

Step 4: Tools, Safe Handling, and Construction

Time: 10 minutes

Teaching Skill: Practical Demonstration

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher displays various garment making tools, explaining their uses and demonstrating safe handling practices. The teacher also highlights the importance of neat construction techniques (seams, hems) using garment samples.

Pupils’ Activity: Students identify tools, observe safe handling demonstrations, and examine garment construction details.

Learning Point: Tools, safety, construction techniques

Step 5: Current Fashion Concepts and Client Preferences

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Guided Research

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides students to search the internet (if resources are available) for different garment designs and current fashion concepts. The teacher then discusses how client preferences and target markets influence design choices.

Pupils’ Activity: Students search for designs online and discuss how current trends and client needs affect design.

Learning Point: Fashion trends and client needs

Step 6: Practical Drawing Activity

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Guided Practice

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides students to draw different lines (straight, curved, zig-zag) and basic shapes (square, circle, triangle) in their notebooks. The teacher also briefly introduces the concept of a colour wheel and colour triangle, guiding them to sketch a simple one.

Pupils’ Activity: Students practice drawing lines, shapes, and sketching a basic colour wheel/triangle in their notebooks.

Learning Point: Drawing lines, shapes, colours

Step 7: Evaluation/Review

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:

1. Mention three factors that influence garment design.
2. Why is accurate measurement important in garment making?
3. State two safety precautions when using garment making tools.
4. Draw a simple curved line and a square.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Understanding design influencing factors

Step 8: Note-Taking

Time: 10 minutes

Teaching Skill: Guided Writing

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides pupils/students to copy the essential Board Summary notes on factors influencing garment design into their notebooks.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils/students copy the notes carefully into their notebooks.

Learning Point: Recording lesson information

Step 9: Conclusion

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Summarisation

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarises the lesson by reiterating that successful garment design considers purpose, fabric, measurements, tools, safety, construction, trends, and client needs. The teacher encourages students to observe these factors in everyday clothing.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen attentively and ask any final questions.

Learning Point: Consolidation of design factors

Continuous Assessment/Further Study

Type: Homework/Project

Instruction: Individually or in pairs, research and present on the following:

1. Choose a specific type of garment (e.g., a school bag, a party dress, a chef’s uniform).
2. Identify at least five factors that would significantly influence its design.
3. Explain how each factor would impact the choice of material, style, and construction.
4. Draw a simple sketch of your chosen garment, highlighting elements influenced by the factors discussed.

Lesson Keywords

• Garment Design – The process of creating clothing items, considering aesthetics, function, and production.
• Fabric Behaviour – How a fabric responds to handling, including its drape, stretch, and texture.
• Accurate Measurement – Precise body and pattern dimensions essential for good fit.
• Construction Techniques – Methods used to assemble garment pieces, such as seaming and hemming.
• Fashion Concepts – Current styles, trends, and ideas prevalent in the fashion industry.
• Colour Wheel – A circular chart showing the relationships between colours.
• Colour Triangle – A diagram illustrating primary, secondary, and tertiary colours and their mixtures.

Differentiation

For students who grasp concepts quickly, encourage them to research specific historical fashion influences or the impact of sustainable practices on garment design. For students needing more support, provide pre-selected images of garments for discussion and offer more direct guidance during the drawing activity, focusing on basic lines and shapes.

Suggested Lesson Videos

YouTube search for “factors influencing garment design SS1”
YouTube search for “how to draw colour wheel and triangle”