CSTC — Fashion Design and Textile Technology — Trade Test Level 1
About This Course
Course purpose
This CSTC course provides a structured pathway in Fashion Design and Textile Technology — Trade Test Level 1 through instructor-led teaching, demonstrations, pattern/design exercises, supervised construction, quality inspection and a learner evidence portfolio. Foundation level: develop safe tool habits, basic technical vocabulary, accurate measurements and repeatable construction through demonstrations.
Intended learners
CSTC learners following the fashion/textile trade-test pathway. Complete workshop induction, follow machine and cutting-tool procedures, respect fitting/privacy requirements and seek trainer advice when specifications or measurements are unclear.
Learning outcomes
- Interpret design briefs and textile properties
- Take and apply measurements accurately
- Prepare patterns and construct garments with suitable techniques
- Inspect fit, finish, function and material quality
- Document materials, costing and improvement evidence
- Communicate product decisions and reflect on improvements using clear records.
Curriculum structure
- Workshop safety, tools and textile basics: Machine safety, needles, irons, cutting tools, fibre/fabric identification, grain, posture and workspace care.
- Measurements and introductory patterns: Body measurements, charts, ease, pattern symbols, notches, grainline, seam allowance and safe cutting.
- Machine sewing and construction basics: Machine setup, threading, test seams, stitch length, straight/curved seams, hems, seam finishing and pressing.
- Simple garment assembly and fit: Construction sequence, matching pieces, simple closures, fit checks, finishing, common defects and correction.
- Design portfolio and practical assessment: Design brief, sketch, material list, safe assembly, quality checks, product presentation and reflection.
Delivery and assessment
Measurement/pattern task, stitch and construction samples, finished product, quality/fit report, costing or production record and portfolio review.
- Diagnostic checks on measurement, textile knowledge and workshop safety.
- Formative exercises, pattern tasks and practical observation after each unit.
- Integrated project with design/pattern, construction, fit/quality checks, costing or production records and handover.
- Formal trade-test/certification decisions must use authorised criteria; this course alone is not a formal TEVETA award.
Resources
Sewing machines and accessories, cutting tools, measuring tapes, pattern paper, fabric swatches, thread, iron/pressing board, dress forms, technical sketches, specification sheets and quality checklists.
Safety and professional practice
Use sewing machines, irons, needles and cutting tools only after induction. Isolate equipment before adjustment/cleaning, keep the cutting area clear, and report damaged guards, cords or tools. Protect client measurements and personal information, use fabric responsibly and keep the work area orderly.
Results and progression
Course participation, practical competence and formal examination results are separate records. Results remain Pending / not supplied until an authorised result is received.
Curriculum alignment notice
Content provenance: CSTC-developed instructional material, not a verbatim copy or claim of TEVETA endorsement. Before formal assessment, instructors must map outcomes, techniques, practical tasks, assessment and weighting to the current TEVETA-approved curriculum/chart and centre requirements.
Curriculum
01 — Workshop safety, tools and textile basics
Unit overview
This unit develops competence in Workshop safety, tools and textile basics: Machine safety, needles, irons, cutting tools, fibre/fabric identification, grain, posture and workspace care.
Expected competence
- Interpret the brief and relevant textile/design concepts.
- Use measurements, tools and construction techniques appropriately.
- Check product quality against specifications.
- Document defects, corrections and evidence.
Level expectation: Foundation level: develop safe tool habits, basic technical vocabulary, accurate measurements and repeatable construction through demonstrations.
Learning sequence
- Safe sewing-room practice and tool identification
- Fibres, fabrics, grain and care labels
Practical activity
The instructor briefs learners, demonstrates the technique, supplies approved patterns/materials and observes the process. Learners should inspect work at intermediate stages rather than wait until the final product to identify defects.
Evidence
- Design brief, sketch or specification.
- Measurement/pattern sheet and sample/product.
- Quality inspection, defect/correction record.
- Portfolio reflection and instructor feedback.
Resources: Sewing machines and accessories, cutting tools, measuring tapes, pattern paper, fabric swatches, thread, iron/pressing board, dress forms, technical sketches, specification sheets and quality checklists.
Safe sewing-room practice and tool identification
Fibres, fabrics, grain and care labels
02 — Measurements and introductory patterns
Unit overview
This unit develops competence in Measurements and introductory patterns: Body measurements, charts, ease, pattern symbols, notches, grainline, seam allowance and safe cutting.
Expected competence
- Interpret the brief and relevant textile/design concepts.
- Use measurements, tools and construction techniques appropriately.
- Check product quality against specifications.
- Document defects, corrections and evidence.
Level expectation: Foundation level: develop safe tool habits, basic technical vocabulary, accurate measurements and repeatable construction through demonstrations.
Learning sequence
- Taking measurements and recording sizes
- Pattern layout and fabric cutting
Practical activity
The instructor briefs learners, demonstrates the technique, supplies approved patterns/materials and observes the process. Learners should inspect work at intermediate stages rather than wait until the final product to identify defects.
Evidence
- Design brief, sketch or specification.
- Measurement/pattern sheet and sample/product.
- Quality inspection, defect/correction record.
- Portfolio reflection and instructor feedback.
Resources: Sewing machines and accessories, cutting tools, measuring tapes, pattern paper, fabric swatches, thread, iron/pressing board, dress forms, technical sketches, specification sheets and quality checklists.
03 — Machine sewing and construction basics
Unit overview
This unit develops competence in Machine sewing and construction basics: Machine setup, threading, test seams, stitch length, straight/curved seams, hems, seam finishing and pressing.
Expected competence
- Interpret the brief and relevant textile/design concepts.
- Use measurements, tools and construction techniques appropriately.
- Check product quality against specifications.
- Document defects, corrections and evidence.
Level expectation: Foundation level: develop safe tool habits, basic technical vocabulary, accurate measurements and repeatable construction through demonstrations.
Learning sequence
- Machine setup and stitch control
- Seams, hems and pressing
Practical activity
The instructor briefs learners, demonstrates the technique, supplies approved patterns/materials and observes the process. Learners should inspect work at intermediate stages rather than wait until the final product to identify defects.
Evidence
- Design brief, sketch or specification.
- Measurement/pattern sheet and sample/product.
- Quality inspection, defect/correction record.
- Portfolio reflection and instructor feedback.
Resources: Sewing machines and accessories, cutting tools, measuring tapes, pattern paper, fabric swatches, thread, iron/pressing board, dress forms, technical sketches, specification sheets and quality checklists.
04 — Simple garment assembly and fit
Unit overview
This unit develops competence in Simple garment assembly and fit: Construction sequence, matching pieces, simple closures, fit checks, finishing, common defects and correction.
Expected competence
- Interpret the brief and relevant textile/design concepts.
- Use measurements, tools and construction techniques appropriately.
- Check product quality against specifications.
- Document defects, corrections and evidence.
Level expectation: Foundation level: develop safe tool habits, basic technical vocabulary, accurate measurements and repeatable construction through demonstrations.
Learning sequence
- Assemble a simple garment
- Fit, finish and defect correction
Practical activity
The instructor briefs learners, demonstrates the technique, supplies approved patterns/materials and observes the process. Learners should inspect work at intermediate stages rather than wait until the final product to identify defects.
Evidence
- Design brief, sketch or specification.
- Measurement/pattern sheet and sample/product.
- Quality inspection, defect/correction record.
- Portfolio reflection and instructor feedback.
Resources: Sewing machines and accessories, cutting tools, measuring tapes, pattern paper, fabric swatches, thread, iron/pressing board, dress forms, technical sketches, specification sheets and quality checklists.
05 — Design portfolio and practical assessment
Unit overview
This unit develops competence in Design portfolio and practical assessment: Design brief, sketch, material list, safe assembly, quality checks, product presentation and reflection.
Expected competence
- Interpret the brief and relevant textile/design concepts.
- Use measurements, tools and construction techniques appropriately.
- Check product quality against specifications.
- Document defects, corrections and evidence.
Level expectation: Foundation level: develop safe tool habits, basic technical vocabulary, accurate measurements and repeatable construction through demonstrations.
Learning sequence
- Sketch a design and plan materials
- Practical project, quality and portfolio
Practical activity
The instructor briefs learners, demonstrates the technique, supplies approved patterns/materials and observes the process. Learners should inspect work at intermediate stages rather than wait until the final product to identify defects.
Evidence
- Design brief, sketch or specification.
- Measurement/pattern sheet and sample/product.
- Quality inspection, defect/correction record.
- Portfolio reflection and instructor feedback.
Resources: Sewing machines and accessories, cutting tools, measuring tapes, pattern paper, fabric swatches, thread, iron/pressing board, dress forms, technical sketches, specification sheets and quality checklists.
Textiles, Tools and Workshop Safety
Measurements and Basic Patterns
Machine Stitching and Garment Assembly
Simple Garment Project and Quality Checks
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