Grades 7-8 Students
Textile Study Topics

• Expand knowledge about fabrics
• Learn what makes fabrics different
• Learn more about fabric properties
• Learn about fabric technology & the future of fabrics
• Learn about career paths in the textile industry

INDEX

TEXTILES - GENERAL

• TOPIC - FABRICS ARE ALL AROUND US
• TOPIC - FABRICS FEEL DIFFERENT

TEXTILE PROPERTIES

• TOPIC - TEXTILE FIBER CHARACTERISTICS
• TOPIC - FABRIC PROPERTIES
• TOPIC - HOW FABRICS HELP YOU STAY COMFORTABLE IN ANY WEATHER.
  • Cold Weather Fabrics
  • Warm Weather Fabrics
• TOPIC - SELECT FABRIC PROPERTIES FOR DIFFERENT OCCUPATIONS

FABRIC CONSTRUCTION

• TOPIC - DIFFERENCE BETWEEN KNITTING and WEAVING
• TOPIC - DISCUSS THE PARTS OF VARIOUS APPAREL

TECHNOLOGY

• TOPIC - DISCUSS HOW TECHNOLOGY IS CHANGING FABRICS

SUSTAINABILITY

• TOPIC - WHAT IS SUSTAINABLE FASHION?
• TOPIC - LEARN SUSTAINABILITY TERMS USED FOR TEXTILE PRODUCTS
• TOPIC - COMPANY SUSTAINABILITY STORIES
• TOPIC - OVERVIEW OF SUSTAINABILITY PROBLEM/SOLUTIONS

SKILLS

Utilize videos, written & teacher instructions

• Learn the parts of a sewing machine & surgers
• How to use a sewing machine
• Learn intermediate sewing skills: sew a simple garment
• Basic to intermediate pattern reading
• Learn basic to intermediate knitting and crocheting
• Learn to make a hand woven/looped rug

MORE

Invite a Guest Speaker
Guest speaker(s) from the textile industry - either in person or virtual. Discuss topics such as: how textiles are all around us; basics of textile production, future of textiles, sustainability, careers in the textile industry, need for scientists, biologist, chemists, and engineers.

Suggested Field Trips

• Visit a museum, in-person or online, that’s having an exhibit about textiles
• Visit a factory, in-person or online, to see how fabric is being made; dyed; how a finish is added and/ or clothing is sewn

General Class Assignments
Keep a list displayed in the classroom of where fabric is used. Keep adding to the list. This can be interesting to display for the full school year.