Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Form 5 Subjects (CSEC) - Technical and Vocational > Clothing and Textiles

This course is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills to make informed decisions about clothing and sewn products, enabling them to produce these items and utilize these skills for employment or leisure. The syllabus is divided into three main sections:

Section One: Textiles

• Module 1: Fibres: This module covers the definition and classification of textile fibres based on their sources (natural: plant - cotton, linen; animal - silk, wool; man-made: regenerated - viscose rayon, acetate; synthetic - nylon, polyester, acrylic; elastomers). Students will learn about fibre production processes and properties, as well as methods for fibre identification (microscopic, burning, chemical solubility tests). Fabric identification through visual and tactile methods is also included.
• Module 2: Fabrics and Fabric Finishes: This module explores yarn types (2, 3, and 4 ply; simple; complex) and fabric construction methods (weaving: plain, twill, satin, pile; knitting; bonding; felting). Students will learn to identify fabrics made using different construction methods and understand terms related to fabric construction (warp, weft, selvedge, bias, etc.). Fabric finishes (mercerisation, stain-resistant, crease-resistant, etc.) and their uses are also covered. The module also includes the study of fibre and yarn combinations (mixtures, blends, core spun), reasons for combining them (economic, aesthetic, performance), and methods of applying designs to fabrics (dyeing, batik, printing, embroidery, painting). Students will gain practical experience in creating simple designs on fabrics using various methods and incorporating indigenous materials (shell, straw, leather, etc.) to create textile products like jewelry, accessories, and wall hangings.
• Module 3: Care and Maintenance of Textile Products: This module focuses on laundry aids and equipment (washing machines, detergents, bleaches, etc.), factors influencing their selection, and their uses. Students will learn about laundering processes (sorting, pre-treatment, washing, drying, ironing, dry cleaning), methods for storing garments and household articles, and the benefits of repairing and recycling textile products. Construction of recycled garments and household articles is also included.

Section Two: Psychosocial Aspects of Dress

• Module 4: Consumer Aspects: This module covers guidelines for selecting appropriate fabrics for garments and household articles based on cost, design, fibre properties, care, and end-use. Students will learn about notions (thread, binding, elastic, etc.) and their selection based on texture, cost, and color. Elements of design (color, line, shape, texture) and principles of design (rhythm, proportion, balance, emphasis, harmony) are also explored as they relate to clothing and household articles. Factors to consider when selecting clothing (age, occasion, figure type) and interpreting care labels are also included.
• Module 5: Clothing and Culture: This module explores terms related to fashion (dress, style, fad, vogue, silhouette, couture) and discusses the dress of Caribbean people in relation to their cultural influences (African, European, Chinese, Indian). Reasons for wearing clothes (protection, occupation, identification, cultural expression) and clothing used in ceremonial rites and festivals are also examined.
• Module 6: Career Opportunities: This module identifies careers in the garment and clothing industries (fashion designer, tailor, pattern maker, etc.) and describes the duties of employees in these industries. Special skills required for specific occupations and essential operations within the garment industry (equipment maintenance, pattern making, sewing, marketing, etc.) are also discussed.

Section Three: Construction Techniques

• Module 7: Sewing Equipment: This module covers the selection, care, and use of sewing tools and machines (domestic and industrial). Factors affecting the choice of sewing machines, parts of a sewing machine, and maintenance procedures are also discussed. Pressing equipment and tools (irons, ironing boards, seam rolls, etc.), their care, and their use, including the difference between pressing and ironing, are also covered.
• Module 8: Basic Pattern Drafting: This module focuses on techniques for taking accurate body measurements, equipment used in pattern drafting, and drafting simple patterns (bodice, skirt, sleeves, pockets). Drafting shaped facings and simple collars (convertible, mandarin, peter pan) and adapting basic block patterns to create different styles are also included. Adapting skirt patterns to shorts is also covered.
• Module 9: Commercial Patterns: This module covers factors determining the selection of commercial patterns, advantages and disadvantages of using them, and interpreting pattern symbols. Making basic alterations and adaptations to commercial patterns for individual use is also included.
• Module 10: Basic Construction Processes: This module explores the classification and construction of stitches (temporary, permanent, decorative), seam construction and finishing (open, French, double stitched), and methods for controlling fullness (gathering, pleats, darts, tucks). Applying different methods for finishing raw edges (bindings, piping, casing), preparing and applying facings, constructing openings (continuous, placket, faced, bound), and attaching fastenings (buttons, zippers, hooks and eyes) are also covered.
• Module 11: Special Techniques in Garment Construction: This module covers waist finishes (elasticised, faced, straight), constructing and applying pockets (patch, inseam), constructing and inserting sleeves (kimono, set-in, puff), and constructing and attaching collars. Selecting and using appropriate support fabrics (interfacings, linings, shoulder pads) and guidelines for handling fabrics requiring special treatment (knit, plaids, stripes) are also included.
• Module 12: Simple Soft Furnishings: This module defines and identifies soft furnishings (drapes, curtains, cushions, etc.), factors influencing their choice, and estimating fabric amounts for different items. Choosing suitable fabrics and notions, and constructing simple soft furnishings (scatter cushions, place mats, drapes, etc.) are also covered.