Year 9 Evaluation of an Existing Top or Dress

Choose a simple top or dress that is made from a woven fabric to evaluate. Do not use a t-shirt or any garment that is stretchy.

What to look for in evaluating your garment.

Style
· Sketch front and back views of garment; mark the position of seams, darts, fastenings, pockets etc. Use a solid line to show these positions and a dotted line to show any stitching which appears on the outside of the garment.
· Draw the shape of each individual section of fabric, as it would appear if the garment was unpicked and each section laid out flat. Mark the position of darts, pocket position, openings etc. Label each section.
· Make a detailed list of all the components required to make the garment e.g. buttons, zip, thread, etc.
Label
· Look at the label(s) inside the garment. Note the information found or draw the label. You should find the fibre content. You may also find, size of garment, brand name, care instructions, and country of origin.
Fabric
· Look carefully at the construction of the fabric. Does it look the same on both sides, is there a pattern woven in? Describe its appearance.
· Look carefully at the colour(s)/pattern/print. How do you think the colour was applied and at what stage e.g. dyeing of fibres/yarns/fabric/garment, dyeing and then printing fabric.
· Does the fabric crease?
· Does it wash well?
· Feel the fabric and try to describe how it feels and drapes.
Construction Processes
Turn the garment inside out.
· Look at the seams. Were they constructed by putting the right sides (RS) of the fabric together first? Have the seam allowances been pressed open or closed? Have the seam edges been neatened to prevent fraying? If they have, how has it been done? Draw a diagram to show the seam, label RS and WS of fabric and the width of the seam.
· Look at the hem. Draw diagrams to show the method of hem finish used. Label RS and WS of fabric and the width of the hem.
· Look at the other construction techniques used on your garment. Draw diagrams of each one with as much detail as possible e.g. waist finish of skirt or trousers, zip opening, neck finish, armhole finish etc.

Questions
· How has the garment been made to fit and flow around the body e.g. darts, shaped seams, gathering, pleats, tucks?
· Has a method of fastening been used? If there is draw a diagram of it and explain why it is suitable?
· Is the garment environmentally friendly? Can it be recycled? Is it biodegradable? Does it use renewable sources?