High School 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
• Learn about colleges, universities, trade schools that offer degrees and certifications in textile-related areas.
• Learn about textile industry Workforce Development Programs that provide internships, apprenticeships, skill training and scholarships

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 - TEXTILE FIBERS
• TOPIC - HOW AND WHY TEXTILE FIBERS ARE BLENDED
• TOPIC - YARNS TOPIC - DIFFERENCE BETWEEN KNITTED, WOVEN & NON-WOVEN FABRIC
• TOPIC - HOW ARE FABRICS DYED TOPIC - HOW ARE FINISHES ADDED TO FABRIC
• TOPIC - DISCUSS THE PARTS OF VARIOUS APPAREL

TECHNOLOGY

• TOPIC - DISCUSS HOW TECHNOLOGY IS CHANGING FABRICS

SUSTAINABILITY

• TOPIC - LEARN SUSTAINABILITY TERMS USED FOR TEXTILE PRODUCTS
• TOPIC - COMPANY SUSTAINABILITY STORIES
• TOPIC - OVERVIEW OF SUSTAINABILITY PROBLEM/SOLUTIONS
• TOPIC - COMMON SUSTAINABLE STANDARDS AND CERTIFICATIONS FOR TEXTILE PRODUCTS

SKILLS

Utilize videos, written & teacher instructions

• Learn the parts of a sewing machine & surgers
• How to use a sewing machine
• Demonstrations/hands on sewing, knitting, weaving, crocheting, quilting, embroidery. Learn intermediate sewing skills: sew a simple garment
• Sew simple blouse/shirt with set-in sleeves & collar
• Learn tailoring techniques
• 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

OPPORTUNITIES FOR POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION COLLEGES, UNIVERSITIES, TRADE SCHOOLS
Learn about the colleges, universities, trade schools that offer degrees and certifications in textile-related areas.

Visit Textile Education Programs