Sewing Technology

ITI Sewing Technology Trade Syllabus 

The ITI "Sewing 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 operating sewing machines, stitching garments, and performing basic repairs and alterations to meet industry standards. The syllabus integrates theoretical knowledge, practical sewing skills, and employability training to prepare students for roles such as sewing machine operators, tailors, or garment production assistants in the textile industry, garment factories, or as self-employed professionals.

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 sewing techniques, garment construction, and machine maintenance to produce quality apparel and meet market demands.

Detailed Syllabus Breakdown

1. Trade Theory (Theoretical Knowledge)

Covers foundational concepts in sewing and garment making.

• Semester 1
  
  • Introduction to Sewing Technology
    
    • Overview of the sewing and garment industry.
    • Role and responsibilities of a sewing professional.
    • Types of fabrics: cotton, silk, wool, synthetic – properties and uses.
  • Sewing Tools and Equipment
    
    • Sewing machines: types (manual, electric, industrial), parts, and functions.
    • Tools: needles, threads, scissors, measuring tape, pins.
    • Maintenance: oiling, cleaning, troubleshooting sewing machines.
  • Basic Stitching Techniques
    
    • Hand sewing: running stitch, backstitch, hemming.
    • Machine sewing: straight stitch, zigzag, overlock.
    • Seams and finishes: plain seam, French seam, edge finishing.
  • Measurement and Pattern Making
    
    • Body measurements: bust, waist, hip, length.
    • Drafting basic patterns: bodice, skirt, sleeve.
    • Fabric cutting: layout, marking, allowances.
  • Safety and Hygiene
    
    • Workplace safety: handling needles, machines, electrical equipment.
    • Personal hygiene: clean hands, work attire.
    • Ergonomics: correct posture while sewing.
• Semester 2
  
  • Advanced Sewing Techniques
    
    • Stitching garments: shirts, trousers, dresses, kurtas.
    • Attaching components: collars, cuffs, pockets, zippers.
    • Alterations and repairs: resizing, patching, darning.
  • Garment Construction
    
    • Construction of children’s wear, women’s wear, men’s wear.
    • Finishing techniques: hemming, binding, buttonholes.
    • Quality control: checking stitches, fit, and finish.
  • Textile Knowledge
    
    • Fabric preparation: washing, ironing, shrinking.
    • Fabric defects: stains, tears, weaving faults.
    • Selection of threads and needles for different fabrics.
  • Sewing Machine Operations
    
    • Operating industrial sewing machines: speed control, threading.
    • Special attachments: buttonholer, zipper foot, embroidery foot.
    • Preventive maintenance and minor repairs of machines.
  • Professional Skills
    
    • Time management: completing orders efficiently.
    • Entrepreneurship: starting a tailoring unit or boutique.
    • Market trends: demand for custom garments, ready-made apparel.

2. Trade Practical (Hands-On Skills)

Focuses on practical sewing and garment-making skills.

• Semester 1
  
  • Basic Sewing Practice
    
    • Practicing hand stitches: running, backstitch, hemming on fabric.
    • Operating a sewing machine: straight and zigzag stitches.
    • Sewing basic seams: plain, flat, and edge finishes.
  • Pattern and Cutting
    
    • Taking body measurements accurately.
    • Drafting and cutting patterns for simple garments (e.g., apron, top).
    • Stitching a basic garment: apron or pillow cover.
  • Machine Handling
    
    • Threading and setting up a sewing machine.
    • Adjusting tension and stitch length for different fabrics.
    • Cleaning and oiling a sewing machine.
  • Project Work
    
    • Stitching a simple garment (e.g., skirt or shirt) from start to finish.
    • Documenting the process with measurements and patterns.
• Semester 2
  
  • Advanced Sewing
    
    • Stitching complete garments: shirt, trouser, dress.
    • Attaching collars, cuffs, and zippers to garments.
    • Performing alterations: shortening, resizing garments.
  • Garment Finishing
    
    • Making buttonholes and attaching buttons.
    • Hemming and binding edges of garments.
    • Checking quality: stitches, alignment, fit.
  • Industrial Machine Practice
    
    • Operating an industrial sewing machine for bulk stitching.
    • Using special attachments: buttonholer, zipper foot.
    • Repairing minor machine faults (e.g., needle breakage, thread jam).
  • Project Work
    
    • Constructing a full garment set (e.g., kurta-pajama or dress).
    • Presenting a report on production process and quality checks.

3. Workshop Calculation and Science

Provides mathematical and scientific support for sewing tasks.

• Semester 1
  
  • Arithmetic: calculating fabric requirements, seam allowances.
  • Measurements: converting inches to centimeters, yardage estimation.
  • Geometry: drafting patterns, calculating angles for cuts.
• Semester 2
  
  • Calculations: cost estimation for garments, production time.
  • Science: fabric shrinkage, thread tension physics.
  • Logic: optimizing fabric layout to minimize waste.

4. Engineering Drawing

Focuses on technical drawing for garment patterns.

• Semester 1: Sketching basic patterns (bodice, sleeve, skirt).
• Semester 2: Preparing detailed garment construction diagrams.

5. Employability Skills

Enhances job readiness and soft skills.

• Semester 1
  
  • Communication skills: interacting with clients, suppliers.
  • Time management: meeting stitching deadlines.
  • Basic IT skills: recording orders, measurements.
• Semester 2
  
  • Entrepreneurship: planning a small tailoring business.
  • Teamwork: collaborating in production units.
  • Interview preparation: roles in garment industry.

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 sewing proficiency, garment quality, theoretical knowledge, and project work.

Career Opportunities

• Employment: Sewing machine operator, tailor, production assistant in garment factories, textile units, or fashion houses.
• Self-Employment: Starting a tailoring shop or boutique.
• Further Studies: Diploma in Fashion Designing, Garment Technology, or Textile 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) website (dgt.gov.in) or consult your local ITI.