CSTC — Fashion Design and Textile Technology — Trade Test Level 3
About This Course
Course purpose
This CSTC course provides a structured pathway in Fashion Design and Textile Technology — Trade Test Level 3 through instructor-led teaching, demonstrations, pattern/design exercises, supervised construction, quality inspection and a learner evidence portfolio. Advanced level: integrate design research, pattern engineering, grading, production control, quality/sustainability and documented commercial decisions.
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
- Design research and collection development: Customer research, design concepts, range planning, technical packs, fabric sourcing, ethical references and revision control.
- Advanced pattern engineering and grading: Pattern balance, complex shapes, grade rules, size ranges, fit models, measurement tolerances and repeatability.
- Industrial construction and textile performance: Industrial methods, seam strength, specialty fabrics, fabric tests, finishing, durability and defect analysis.
- Production systems, quality and sustainability: Production control, batch traceability, waste reduction, supplier transparency, preventive maintenance and audits.
- Enterprise, costing and capstone collection: BOM, labour/overhead assumptions, sourcing, pricing, customer specifications, production schedules and technical presentation.
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 — Design research and collection development
Unit overview
This unit develops competence in Design research and collection development: Customer research, design concepts, range planning, technical packs, fabric sourcing, ethical references and revision control.
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: Advanced level: integrate design research, pattern engineering, grading, production control, quality/sustainability and documented commercial decisions.
Learning sequence
- Research and define a design concept
- Collection planning and technical packs
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.
Research and define a design concept
Collection planning and technical packs
02 — Advanced pattern engineering and grading
Unit overview
This unit develops competence in Advanced pattern engineering and grading: Pattern balance, complex shapes, grade rules, size ranges, fit models, measurement tolerances and repeatability.
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: Advanced level: integrate design research, pattern engineering, grading, production control, quality/sustainability and documented commercial decisions.
Learning sequence
- Advanced pattern development and fit balance
- Grading and size-range consistency
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 — Industrial construction and textile performance
Unit overview
This unit develops competence in Industrial construction and textile performance: Industrial methods, seam strength, specialty fabrics, fabric tests, finishing, durability and defect analysis.
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: Advanced level: integrate design research, pattern engineering, grading, production control, quality/sustainability and documented commercial decisions.
Learning sequence
- Industrial construction methods and efficiency
- Textile tests and performance decisions
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 — Production systems, quality and sustainability
Unit overview
This unit develops competence in Production systems, quality and sustainability: Production control, batch traceability, waste reduction, supplier transparency, preventive maintenance and audits.
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: Advanced level: integrate design research, pattern engineering, grading, production control, quality/sustainability and documented commercial decisions.
Learning sequence
- Production control and quality systems
- Sustainable and responsible textile practice
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 — Enterprise, costing and capstone collection
Unit overview
This unit develops competence in Enterprise, costing and capstone collection: BOM, labour/overhead assumptions, sourcing, pricing, customer specifications, production schedules and technical presentation.
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: Advanced level: integrate design research, pattern engineering, grading, production control, quality/sustainability and documented commercial decisions.
Learning sequence
- Enterprise and garment costing
- Capstone design-to-product review
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.
Design Development and Technical Specifications
Pattern Engineering and Complex Construction
Production Management and Quality Assurance
Enterprise, Pricing and Customer Handover
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