Fashion Design Technology

ITI Fashion Design & Technology Trade Syllabus (English)

The ITI "Fashion Design & Technology" trade is a one-year vocational training program under the Craftsman Training Scheme (CTS), governed by the National Council for Vocational Training (NCVT). This course equips trainees with skills in fashion sketching, pattern drafting, garment construction, textile selection, and surface ornamentation to meet the demands of the fashion and apparel industry. The syllabus integrates theoretical knowledge, practical design techniques, and employability skills to prepare students for roles such as fashion designers, pattern makers, garment technicians, or merchandisers in fashion houses, garment manufacturing units, boutiques, or as self-employed professionals in fashion design and tailoring services.

Course Overview

• Duration: 1 year (2 semesters, each 6 months)
• NSQF Level: Level 4
• Eligibility: Minimum 10th grade pass (or equivalent)
• Objective: To train individuals in fashion design principles, garment production techniques, and textile technology to create aesthetically pleasing, functional, and marketable apparel.

Detailed Syllabus Breakdown (English)

1. Trade Theory (Theoretical Knowledge)

Covers foundational concepts in fashion design, textiles, and garment production.

• Semester 1
  
  • Introduction to Fashion Design
    
    • Overview of fashion industry: history, trends, career opportunities.
    • Role of a fashion designer: sketching, designing, production coordination.
    • Fashion terminology: silhouette, draping, haute couture, prêt-à-porter.
  • Textiles and Fabrics
    
    • Types of fabrics: natural (cotton, silk, wool), synthetic (polyester, nylon).
    • Fabric properties: weave, texture, weight, stretch, shrinkage.
    • Textile sourcing: understanding fabric markets, quality assessment.
  • Design Elements and Principles
    
    • Elements: line, shape, color, texture, pattern.
    • Principles: balance, proportion, emphasis, harmony, rhythm.
    • Color theory: color wheel, color combinations, psychological impact.
  • Tools and Equipment
    
    • Designing tools: sketch pads, pencils, CAD software basics.
    • Sewing tools: needles, threads, measuring tapes, scissors, seam rippers.
    • Machinery: domestic/industrial sewing machines, overlock, embroidery machines.
  • Safety and Maintenance
    
    • Workplace safety: handling needles, machines, chemicals (dyes).
    • Personal hygiene: maintaining clean workstations, fabric storage.
    • Machine maintenance: oiling, cleaning, troubleshooting minor issues.
  • Basic Pattern Making
    
    • Body measurements: taking accurate measurements, size charts.
    • Pattern drafting: basic blocks (bodice, sleeve, skirt, trouser).
    • Pattern grading: scaling patterns for different sizes.
• Semester 2
  
  • Advanced Design Techniques
    
    • Fashion illustration: sketching figures, rendering fabrics, detailing garments.
    • Draping: creating designs directly on dress forms.
    • Trend analysis: forecasting styles, studying market demands.
  • Garment Construction
    
    • Sewing techniques: seams (plain, French), hems, darts, pleats, zippers.
    • Garment types: casual, formal, ethnic, children’s wear, sportswear.
    • Finishing: pressing, edge finishing, buttonholes, linings.
  • Surface Ornamentation
    
    • Embroidery: hand (chain, satin, cross), machine embroidery basics.
    • Applique and patchwork: techniques, applications in fashion.
    • Printing and dyeing: block, screen, tie-dye methods.
  • Textile Processing
    
    • Dyeing: natural vs. synthetic dyes, color fastness.
    • Printing: digital, sublimation, resist printing techniques.
    • Fabric testing: checking tensile strength, color bleeding, shrinkage.
  • Fashion Merchandising
    
    • Market research: understanding consumer preferences, retail trends.
    • Costing: calculating fabric, labor, overheads for garments.
    • Branding: creating labels, packaging, marketing strategies.
  • Professional Skills
    
    • Entrepreneurship: starting a boutique or design label.
    • Portfolio development: compiling sketches, designs, finished garments.
    • Industry trends: sustainable fashion, smart textiles, automation.

2. Trade Practical (Hands-On Skills)

Focuses on practical fashion design, pattern-making, and garment construction.

• Semester 1
  
  • Fashion Sketching
    
    • Sketching human figures: proportions, poses, croquis creation.
    • Rendering fabrics: illustrating textures (silk, denim, lace).
    • Designing outfits: creating sketches for casual, formal wear.
  • Textile Handling
    
    • Identifying fabrics: sorting cotton, silk, polyester, blends.
    • Fabric testing: checking shrinkage, stretch, weave patterns.
    • Fabric cutting: laying patterns, minimizing wastage.
  • Sewing Basics
    
    • Operating sewing machines: threading, adjusting tension.
    • Practicing stitches: straight, zigzag, overlock, decorative.
    • Sewing samples: seams, hems, darts, pockets.
  • Pattern Drafting
    
    • Taking measurements: bust, waist, hip, shoulder, armhole.
    • Drafting basic blocks: bodice, sleeve, skirt, trouser.
    • Modifying patterns: adding darts, flares, gathers.
  • Safety Practices
    
    • Handling tools: using scissors, needles safely.
    • Machine safety: avoiding accidents, maintaining machines.
    • Organizing workspace: storing fabrics, tools neatly.
  • Project Work
    
    • Designing a basic garment: sketching, drafting pattern, sewing sample (e.g., skirt).
    • Documenting design process: measurements, fabric used, stitching details.
• Semester 2
  
  • Advanced Garment Construction
    
    • Sewing complex garments: dresses, blazers, ethnic wear (kurta, saree blouse).
    • Adding fittings: zippers, buttons, hooks, elastic bands.
    • Finishing garments: linings, interfacing, pressing for professional look.
  • Surface Ornamentation Practice
    
    • Hand embroidery: practicing chain, running, satin stitches.
    • Machine embroidery: creating designs on fabric samples.
    • Applique and dyeing: applying patches, experimenting with tie-dye.
  • Draping Techniques
    
    • Draping on dress forms: creating skirts, tops, gowns.
    • Converting drapes to patterns: marking, cutting fabric.
    • Experimenting with fabrics: muslin, chiffon, cotton for draping.
  • Fashion Illustration
    
    • Illustrating collections: designing themed outfits (e.g., festive, bridal).
    • Rendering details: buttons, pleats, embellishments in sketches.
    • Using CAD: basic digital sketching with software (optional).
  • Merchandising Practice
    
    • Creating cost sheets: calculating materials, labor for a garment.
    • Designing labels: making mock brand tags, care labels.
    • Preparing displays: arranging garments for mock retail setups.
  • Project Work
    
    • Designing a mini-collection: 3-5 garments with sketches, patterns, finished pieces.
    • Presenting a portfolio: including designs, fabric swatches, photos of garments.

3. Workshop Calculation and Science

Provides mathematical and scientific support for fashion design tasks.

• Semester 1
  
  • Arithmetic: calculating fabric yardage, seam allowances, costing.
  • Measurements: converting inches to centimeters, scaling patterns.
  • Science: basics of textile chemistry, dye absorption, fabric strength.
• Semester 2
  
  • Calculations: estimating production costs, pattern grading ratios.
  • Geometry: drafting curves, angles for collars, cuffs, necklines.
  • Science: fabric behavior (stretch, shrinkage), color fastness principles.

4. Engineering Drawing

Focuses on technical drawing for fashion patterns and designs.

• Semester 1: Sketching flat patterns, basic garment outlines (bodice, skirt).
• Semester 2: Drawing detailed patterns with notches, seam allowances, embellishment placements.

5. Employability Skills

Enhances job readiness and soft skills.

• Semester 1
  
  • Communication skills: presenting designs to clients, team coordination.
  • Time management: prioritizing sketching, sewing tasks.
  • Basic IT skills: using design software, inventory tracking.
• Semester 2
  
  • Entrepreneurship: planning a fashion startup or boutique.
  • Teamwork: collaborating with tailors, merchandisers, suppliers.
  • Problem-solving: addressing fitting issues, fabric defects.

Assessment and Certification

• Examinations: Conducted semester-wise with theoretical and practical components.
• Certification: Successful candidates receive the National Trade Certificate (NTC) from NCVT, recognized nationally and internationally.
• Evaluation: Based on design creativity, sewing accuracy, pattern-making skills, and project work.

Career Opportunities

• Employment: Fashion designer, pattern maker, garment technician, merchandiser in fashion houses, garment units, boutiques, or export firms.
• Self-Employment: Starting a boutique, tailoring shop, or freelance design service.
• Further Studies: Diploma in Fashion Design, Textile Technology, or B.Sc. in Fashion Design.

Note

• This syllabus aligns with the latest NCVT guidelines and may vary slightly based on institutional or state-specific requirements.
• For the most current version, refer to the Directorate General of Training (DGT) or consult your local ITI.