NCERT Textbook: Design for Fabric and Apparel | Home Science for Class 12 - Humanities/Arts PDF Download

 Page 1


Unit IV - Fabric And Apparel
153
FABRIC AND APPAREL 
UNIT IV
Chapters.indd   153 8/16/2022   12:28:32 PM
2024-25
Page 2


Unit IV - Fabric And Apparel
153
FABRIC AND APPAREL 
UNIT IV
Chapters.indd   153 8/16/2022   12:28:32 PM
2024-25
154
Human Ecology and Family Sciences – Part 2
Introduction
Textile materials are among the oldest materials known to the human 
world. Fabrics made from ??bres like cotton, wool, linen and silk have been 
used from pre-historic times for apparel and household articles, and also 
for ??shing and hunting nets, ropes, sails for ships, among others. To these 
lists of natural ??bres, the last century saw the addition of manufactured 
and synthetic ??bres. Textile materials have also provided a suitable 
medium for human creativity, producing items of arts and artifacts. These 
items are valued for their aesthetic appeal apart from their versatility of 
usage.
From your knowledge of Class XI, the various facets of Fabric and 
Apparel study you can recall:
z z Knowledge of basic textile materials and their properties, which make 
the selection suitable for the specific need and for their appropriate 
care and maintenance
z z Significance of clothing and apparel in terms of:
z z social, psychological and economic aspects
z z geographical, cultural and religious needs
z z age and physical growth of the person
z z purely aesthetic or decorative aspects
z z Appreciation of the rich heritage of Indian textiles and its importance 
to India’s economy.
Let us now see how individuals with appropriate education can make 
careers in these areas. From the vast range of possible options, we will 
discuss some selected areas which are promising avenues for career 
development and/or entrepreneurial ventures, which are therefore gaining 
importance in formal study. Foremost in this section are those related to 
Design. 
Design is a term commonly used to describe the appearance and 
appeal of any article. It may be used for the cut and style of a dress, or 
the colour and print of a fabric. However, it is not mere decoration. It is 
the planning and creation of an article for a specific purpose. You have 
learnt in the Class XI that the process of manufacturing and application of 
special treatments on all fibres have made it possible to have fabrics and 
materials suitable for specific use. This would be a good example of Textile 
Designing.
Chapters.indd   154 8/16/2022   12:28:32 PM
2024-25
Page 3


Unit IV - Fabric And Apparel
153
FABRIC AND APPAREL 
UNIT IV
Chapters.indd   153 8/16/2022   12:28:32 PM
2024-25
154
Human Ecology and Family Sciences – Part 2
Introduction
Textile materials are among the oldest materials known to the human 
world. Fabrics made from ??bres like cotton, wool, linen and silk have been 
used from pre-historic times for apparel and household articles, and also 
for ??shing and hunting nets, ropes, sails for ships, among others. To these 
lists of natural ??bres, the last century saw the addition of manufactured 
and synthetic ??bres. Textile materials have also provided a suitable 
medium for human creativity, producing items of arts and artifacts. These 
items are valued for their aesthetic appeal apart from their versatility of 
usage.
From your knowledge of Class XI, the various facets of Fabric and 
Apparel study you can recall:
z z Knowledge of basic textile materials and their properties, which make 
the selection suitable for the specific need and for their appropriate 
care and maintenance
z z Significance of clothing and apparel in terms of:
z z social, psychological and economic aspects
z z geographical, cultural and religious needs
z z age and physical growth of the person
z z purely aesthetic or decorative aspects
z z Appreciation of the rich heritage of Indian textiles and its importance 
to India’s economy.
Let us now see how individuals with appropriate education can make 
careers in these areas. From the vast range of possible options, we will 
discuss some selected areas which are promising avenues for career 
development and/or entrepreneurial ventures, which are therefore gaining 
importance in formal study. Foremost in this section are those related to 
Design. 
Design is a term commonly used to describe the appearance and 
appeal of any article. It may be used for the cut and style of a dress, or 
the colour and print of a fabric. However, it is not mere decoration. It is 
the planning and creation of an article for a specific purpose. You have 
learnt in the Class XI that the process of manufacturing and application of 
special treatments on all fibres have made it possible to have fabrics and 
materials suitable for specific use. This would be a good example of Textile 
Designing.
Chapters.indd   154 8/16/2022   12:28:32 PM
2024-25
Unit IV - Fabric And Apparel
155
Clothes are an important part of our life. They become part of our 
memories as we remember some of our special occasions by what we were 
wearing. Over a period of time we develop a special style. Very often we 
look for a designer who can provide us that consistent look and also adapt 
current trends. They are referred to as Fashion Designers. 
The areas that are discussed in this Unit are:
z z Design in Fabric and Apparel—Understanding the Fundamentals of 
Design
z z Fashion Design and Merchandising—The design industry is a 
vibrant, varied and dynamic creative sector that plays a powerful 
and important role in many areas of our lives. Fashion design as a 
subject can introduce and prepare students to know how the fashion 
business operates and what to expect while working in it.
z z Production and Quality Control in the Garment Industry—The 
Garment Industry of India is an important part of Indian economy. 
It provides an increasing avenue of jobs in view of the popularity and 
wider usage of technology in this field. 
z z Conservation of textile products, particularly in Museums which 
are resource centres for revival and preservation of heritage, for 
reproduction and development and for creating awareness. 
z z Care and Maintenance of Fabrics in Institutions—This provides 
opportunities for entrepreneurship and professional enterprises, 
be it services rendered at the domestic/household level through 
commercial laundries to special care of fabrics in institutions included 
in the hospital and hospitality sectors.
The subject of Fabric and Apparel has been part of all erstwhile Home 
Science courses. In different Universities and colleges, it is referred to by 
different nomenclatures like Textiles and Clothing or Clothing and Textiles, 
Textiles and Fashion Study or Fashion and Textile Science, Textile Science 
and Apparel Design. These courses are taught as after-school-courses, as 
degree programmes / diplomas in Home Science Colleges, Polytechnics 
teaching Textile Design and Fashion Design, and Art and Design 
Institutes. There is also in-house training in many institutes catering to 
special vocations and professions at all levels. Each of these institutes may 
focus on a specific aspect. Home Science Colleges which offer P.G. degrees 
attempt to give a more comprehensive knowledge covering all aspects.
Chapters.indd   155 8/16/2022   12:28:32 PM
2024-25
Page 4


Unit IV - Fabric And Apparel
153
FABRIC AND APPAREL 
UNIT IV
Chapters.indd   153 8/16/2022   12:28:32 PM
2024-25
154
Human Ecology and Family Sciences – Part 2
Introduction
Textile materials are among the oldest materials known to the human 
world. Fabrics made from ??bres like cotton, wool, linen and silk have been 
used from pre-historic times for apparel and household articles, and also 
for ??shing and hunting nets, ropes, sails for ships, among others. To these 
lists of natural ??bres, the last century saw the addition of manufactured 
and synthetic ??bres. Textile materials have also provided a suitable 
medium for human creativity, producing items of arts and artifacts. These 
items are valued for their aesthetic appeal apart from their versatility of 
usage.
From your knowledge of Class XI, the various facets of Fabric and 
Apparel study you can recall:
z z Knowledge of basic textile materials and their properties, which make 
the selection suitable for the specific need and for their appropriate 
care and maintenance
z z Significance of clothing and apparel in terms of:
z z social, psychological and economic aspects
z z geographical, cultural and religious needs
z z age and physical growth of the person
z z purely aesthetic or decorative aspects
z z Appreciation of the rich heritage of Indian textiles and its importance 
to India’s economy.
Let us now see how individuals with appropriate education can make 
careers in these areas. From the vast range of possible options, we will 
discuss some selected areas which are promising avenues for career 
development and/or entrepreneurial ventures, which are therefore gaining 
importance in formal study. Foremost in this section are those related to 
Design. 
Design is a term commonly used to describe the appearance and 
appeal of any article. It may be used for the cut and style of a dress, or 
the colour and print of a fabric. However, it is not mere decoration. It is 
the planning and creation of an article for a specific purpose. You have 
learnt in the Class XI that the process of manufacturing and application of 
special treatments on all fibres have made it possible to have fabrics and 
materials suitable for specific use. This would be a good example of Textile 
Designing.
Chapters.indd   154 8/16/2022   12:28:32 PM
2024-25
Unit IV - Fabric And Apparel
155
Clothes are an important part of our life. They become part of our 
memories as we remember some of our special occasions by what we were 
wearing. Over a period of time we develop a special style. Very often we 
look for a designer who can provide us that consistent look and also adapt 
current trends. They are referred to as Fashion Designers. 
The areas that are discussed in this Unit are:
z z Design in Fabric and Apparel—Understanding the Fundamentals of 
Design
z z Fashion Design and Merchandising—The design industry is a 
vibrant, varied and dynamic creative sector that plays a powerful 
and important role in many areas of our lives. Fashion design as a 
subject can introduce and prepare students to know how the fashion 
business operates and what to expect while working in it.
z z Production and Quality Control in the Garment Industry—The 
Garment Industry of India is an important part of Indian economy. 
It provides an increasing avenue of jobs in view of the popularity and 
wider usage of technology in this field. 
z z Conservation of textile products, particularly in Museums which 
are resource centres for revival and preservation of heritage, for 
reproduction and development and for creating awareness. 
z z Care and Maintenance of Fabrics in Institutions—This provides 
opportunities for entrepreneurship and professional enterprises, 
be it services rendered at the domestic/household level through 
commercial laundries to special care of fabrics in institutions included 
in the hospital and hospitality sectors.
The subject of Fabric and Apparel has been part of all erstwhile Home 
Science courses. In different Universities and colleges, it is referred to by 
different nomenclatures like Textiles and Clothing or Clothing and Textiles, 
Textiles and Fashion Study or Fashion and Textile Science, Textile Science 
and Apparel Design. These courses are taught as after-school-courses, as 
degree programmes / diplomas in Home Science Colleges, Polytechnics 
teaching Textile Design and Fashion Design, and Art and Design 
Institutes. There is also in-house training in many institutes catering to 
special vocations and professions at all levels. Each of these institutes may 
focus on a specific aspect. Home Science Colleges which offer P.G. degrees 
attempt to give a more comprehensive knowledge covering all aspects.
Chapters.indd   155 8/16/2022   12:28:32 PM
2024-25
156
Human Ecology and Family Sciences – Part 2
Note for the Teachers 
z z The schools should have a fabric library, which has additions regularly. 
The fabrics collected would be the common ones, purchased from the 
local market, so that the students identify with them.
z z Outside sources to be included are brochures, advertisement leaflets, 
pattern books and the latest information from internet.
z z Brain storming with students prior to activities would bring in better 
flow of ideas.
z z In practicals, demonstration by the teacher is very necessary.
z z If possible some field trips should be organised — exhibitions, artisans 
at work, museums, garment production unit (even if it is at small 
level). 
Chapters.indd   156 8/16/2022   12:28:32 PM
2024-25
Page 5


Unit IV - Fabric And Apparel
153
FABRIC AND APPAREL 
UNIT IV
Chapters.indd   153 8/16/2022   12:28:32 PM
2024-25
154
Human Ecology and Family Sciences – Part 2
Introduction
Textile materials are among the oldest materials known to the human 
world. Fabrics made from ??bres like cotton, wool, linen and silk have been 
used from pre-historic times for apparel and household articles, and also 
for ??shing and hunting nets, ropes, sails for ships, among others. To these 
lists of natural ??bres, the last century saw the addition of manufactured 
and synthetic ??bres. Textile materials have also provided a suitable 
medium for human creativity, producing items of arts and artifacts. These 
items are valued for their aesthetic appeal apart from their versatility of 
usage.
From your knowledge of Class XI, the various facets of Fabric and 
Apparel study you can recall:
z z Knowledge of basic textile materials and their properties, which make 
the selection suitable for the specific need and for their appropriate 
care and maintenance
z z Significance of clothing and apparel in terms of:
z z social, psychological and economic aspects
z z geographical, cultural and religious needs
z z age and physical growth of the person
z z purely aesthetic or decorative aspects
z z Appreciation of the rich heritage of Indian textiles and its importance 
to India’s economy.
Let us now see how individuals with appropriate education can make 
careers in these areas. From the vast range of possible options, we will 
discuss some selected areas which are promising avenues for career 
development and/or entrepreneurial ventures, which are therefore gaining 
importance in formal study. Foremost in this section are those related to 
Design. 
Design is a term commonly used to describe the appearance and 
appeal of any article. It may be used for the cut and style of a dress, or 
the colour and print of a fabric. However, it is not mere decoration. It is 
the planning and creation of an article for a specific purpose. You have 
learnt in the Class XI that the process of manufacturing and application of 
special treatments on all fibres have made it possible to have fabrics and 
materials suitable for specific use. This would be a good example of Textile 
Designing.
Chapters.indd   154 8/16/2022   12:28:32 PM
2024-25
Unit IV - Fabric And Apparel
155
Clothes are an important part of our life. They become part of our 
memories as we remember some of our special occasions by what we were 
wearing. Over a period of time we develop a special style. Very often we 
look for a designer who can provide us that consistent look and also adapt 
current trends. They are referred to as Fashion Designers. 
The areas that are discussed in this Unit are:
z z Design in Fabric and Apparel—Understanding the Fundamentals of 
Design
z z Fashion Design and Merchandising—The design industry is a 
vibrant, varied and dynamic creative sector that plays a powerful 
and important role in many areas of our lives. Fashion design as a 
subject can introduce and prepare students to know how the fashion 
business operates and what to expect while working in it.
z z Production and Quality Control in the Garment Industry—The 
Garment Industry of India is an important part of Indian economy. 
It provides an increasing avenue of jobs in view of the popularity and 
wider usage of technology in this field. 
z z Conservation of textile products, particularly in Museums which 
are resource centres for revival and preservation of heritage, for 
reproduction and development and for creating awareness. 
z z Care and Maintenance of Fabrics in Institutions—This provides 
opportunities for entrepreneurship and professional enterprises, 
be it services rendered at the domestic/household level through 
commercial laundries to special care of fabrics in institutions included 
in the hospital and hospitality sectors.
The subject of Fabric and Apparel has been part of all erstwhile Home 
Science courses. In different Universities and colleges, it is referred to by 
different nomenclatures like Textiles and Clothing or Clothing and Textiles, 
Textiles and Fashion Study or Fashion and Textile Science, Textile Science 
and Apparel Design. These courses are taught as after-school-courses, as 
degree programmes / diplomas in Home Science Colleges, Polytechnics 
teaching Textile Design and Fashion Design, and Art and Design 
Institutes. There is also in-house training in many institutes catering to 
special vocations and professions at all levels. Each of these institutes may 
focus on a specific aspect. Home Science Colleges which offer P.G. degrees 
attempt to give a more comprehensive knowledge covering all aspects.
Chapters.indd   155 8/16/2022   12:28:32 PM
2024-25
156
Human Ecology and Family Sciences – Part 2
Note for the Teachers 
z z The schools should have a fabric library, which has additions regularly. 
The fabrics collected would be the common ones, purchased from the 
local market, so that the students identify with them.
z z Outside sources to be included are brochures, advertisement leaflets, 
pattern books and the latest information from internet.
z z Brain storming with students prior to activities would bring in better 
flow of ideas.
z z In practicals, demonstration by the teacher is very necessary.
z z If possible some field trips should be organised — exhibitions, artisans 
at work, museums, garment production unit (even if it is at small 
level). 
Chapters.indd   156 8/16/2022   12:28:32 PM
2024-25
157
Learning Objectives
After completing this section the learner will be able to:
z z discuss the concepts of design 
z z recognise the elements that constitute design 
z z explain the application of design principles for fabric and apparel
z z discuss how a student can prepare for a career in the field.
Introduction
The word ‘design’ is a popular contemporary term which has different 
connotations and meanings assigned to it. Very often it is used for high 
fashion dress and its accessories. In fabrics it is associated with the colour 
scheme, or more specifically, the print on it. However, it does not give the 
complete picture. Design is not mere decoration. The most aesthetically 
pleasing object cannot be considered well designed if it is not functional or 
not appropriate to its usage. Design has several meanings. In the broadest 
sense, it can be described as harmony in form. The most important aspect 
of design, however, lies in the meaning and use of the designers’ creative 
urge and expression and therefore, the greatest harmony is achieved only 
when the aesthetic aspect of good design is truly integrated with the utility 
of the object which has been created. Thus, we can say that “Design is the 
Design for Fabric 
and Apparel
Chapter
8
Chapters.indd   157 8/16/2022   12:28:32 PM
2024-25