HSC Textiles and Design flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Design brief

A statement of the problem or need that defines purpose, target market and constraints, guiding all subsequent design decisions and forming the basis for the specification.

Design specification

A detailed list of measurable criteria such as dimensions, cost, performance and aesthetics that the final product must meet and against which it is evaluated.

Elements of design

The building blocks used in design: line, shape, form, colour, texture, space and value, combined to create visual effects and communicate intent.

Principles of design

Guidelines for arranging elements effectively, including balance, rhythm, proportion, emphasis, contrast and unity, used to judge whether a composition works.

Complementary colour scheme

A scheme using two hues opposite each other on the colour wheel, producing strong contrast and visual impact but requiring careful proportion to avoid clashing.

Anthropometric data

Measurements of the human body such as lengths, girths and reach, used to size garments and ensure fit, comfort and safe movement for the target user.

Target market

The specific group a product is designed for, defined by demographic, psychographic and geographic characteristics that shape design, price and marketing decisions.

Prototype evaluation

Testing a working model against specification criteria and user feedback to identify faults, then refining the design before final production.

Staple versus filament

Staple fibres are short lengths spun into yarn, while filament fibres are continuous strands; filament yarns are smoother and stronger, staple yarns give texture and warmth.

Yarn twist

The spiral arrangement of fibres in a yarn, measured by direction and level; higher twist increases strength and firmness but reduces softness and insulation.

Plain weave

The simplest woven structure where warp and weft alternate over and under, producing a strong, stable, firm fabric with little drape and moderate fraying.

Twill weave

A woven structure with diagonal lines formed by warp or weft floating over two or more threads, giving strength, drape and good soil resistance.

Weft knitting

A knitted structure formed by loops running across the fabric, giving stretch, softness and comfort, but prone to laddering and curling at edges.

Nonwoven fabric

Fabric made directly from fibres bonded by heat, chemical or mechanical means without weaving or knitting, offering low cost and no fraying but limited strength.

Moisture regain

The amount of moisture a fibre absorbs from the atmosphere at standard conditions, affecting comfort, drying time and static behaviour of the fabric.

Abrasion resistance

A fibre or fabric's ability to withstand rubbing and friction without wearing through, commonly tested on a Martindale machine and important for upholstery and workwear.

Pilling

The formation of small fibre balls on a fabric surface caused by rubbing of loose fibres, influenced by fibre length, yarn twist and fabric structure.

Elastane fibre

A synthetic fibre with very high extensibility that can stretch repeatedly and recover its shape, used in small percentages to give garments comfort and fit.

Colourfastness

The resistance of a dyed fabric to colour loss or transfer during washing, light exposure, rubbing or perspiration, assessed against standard grey scales.

Textile industry sector

The part of the industry converting fibre to yarn and fabric through spinning, weaving, knitting and finishing before clothing manufacture begins.

Cut-make-trim

The production stage where fabric is cut, sewn and finished into garments; often outsourced overseas where labour costs are lower than in Australia.

Allied industries

Supporting businesses that supply the textile, clothing and footwear sectors, including machinery, dyes and chemicals, design services, education, logistics and retail.

Small-to-medium enterprise

A business with relatively few employees and limited turnover, typical of many Australian design and niche manufacturing firms competing on quality and flexibility.

Mandatory care labelling

Australian requirement that clothing and textiles carry instructions for washing, drying, ironing and bleaching so consumers can care for items correctly.

Country-of-origin labelling

Rules requiring products to state where they were made or grown, allowing consumers to identify Australian-made goods and supporting local manufacturing.

Ethical sourcing

Ensuring materials and labour in the supply chain meet standards for fair wages, safe conditions and environmental responsibility, increasingly demanded by consumers.

Computer-aided design

Software used to draft patterns, grade sizes, create textile prints and visualise products, improving accuracy and speed in product development.

Major Textiles Project

A substantial designed and made textile item supported by a documented report showing research, development, justification of decisions and critical evaluation.

Materials list justification

A documented explanation of each fibre, fabric, thread and component chosen, linked to the performance requirements and specification of the project item.

Technique justification

An explanation of why a particular construction, decoration or finishing method was selected, supported by samples, testing or comparison with alternatives.

Critical evaluation

An assessment of the finished item against the specification, identifying strengths, limitations, user feedback and specific improvements for future development.

Project documentation

The written and visual record of the design process, including research, samples, photographs, decisions and testing, presented coherently with the made item.