Children's Wear Designs & Fabric Types PDF

I. DESIGNS FOR CHILDREN’S WEAR Different Designs for Children’s Wear Sewing children’s wear is somehow as elaborate as sewing clothes for adults nowadays. Trending designs used in adult clothing are likewise used in children’s wear, hence making children’s clothes in line with curren...

I. DESIGNS FOR CHILDREN’S WEAR Different Designs for Children’s Wear Sewing children’s wear is somehow as elaborate as sewing clothes for adults nowadays. Trending designs used in adult clothing are likewise used in children’s wear, hence making children’s clothes in line with current fashion. Following are some of the common designs used in children’s wear. Shirtdress A dress with a collar and buttons in the style of a shirt, typically cut without a seam at the waist. A-line A dress, skirt, or coat with a triangular silhouette, narrow and fitted at the top and widening out from the bust or waist in a straight line to the hem. Empire A style in clothing in which the dress has a fitted bodice ending just below the bust, giving a high-waisted appearance, and a gathered skirt which is long and loosely fitting but skims the body rather than being supported by voluminous petticoats Blouson A garment (such as a dress) having a close waistband with blousing of material over it. Shift A dress in which the cloth falls straight from the shoulders and has darts around the bust. It frequently features a high scoop or boat neck. Princess A close-fitting dress made with waist and skirt in one. Sheath A fitted, straight cut dress, often nipped at the waistline with no waist seam. Tent A dress that hangs loose from shoulder to below the hips and does not have a waistline. High Waist A silhouette of a garment sitting higher up between under the bust and the waist. Drop Waist Also known as the flapper dress, is characterized by its low waistband which usually falls more in line with the hips than at the natural level of the waist. This style of dress gives the illusion of lengthening the body and tends to have a width at the hips. Tunic A loose-fitting shirt that looks sort of like a long shirt or a short dress. Asymmetrical  It has two sides of a different length. Sometimes the dress is longer at the back than the front, or shorter on one side. You can also find asymmetrical dresses that are sleeveless on one side and with a long sleeve on the other side. II. CHARACTERISTICS OF A WELL-FITTED CHILDREN’S WEAR Characteristics of a Well-fitted Children’s Wear 1. Proper length 2. Adequate width 3. Appropriate sizing 4. Adjustable features 5. Comfortable fabrics 6. Safety considerations 7. Ease of dressing 8. Room for growth 9. Appropriate design 10. Functional and practical 11. Durability Special sewing hints for children’s dress: 1. For durability, substitute machine for hand stitches wherever it is practical and not unsightly to do so baste down facings. 2. For extra strength, stitch areas of strain, such as armholes, twice. 3. For ease in handling really small garments, attach the sleeves before closing the underarm seam. 4. For ease of care, choose fabric that are washable; also check the care requirements of white or pastel colors. Although cottons and synthetic blends are usually the first choices for children’s garments, washable wools are also suitable. 5. To please the child, pick bright colors and lively prints. Large designs can be overwhelming. 6. For convenience, always provide a pocket or two. Children like places to keep small possessions. 7. A good safety precaution is to have reflective tape strips to outer garments, especially if they are dark in color. 8. To make handed-down garment different for the younger brother or sister, add a special appliqué, pockets or monogram. Also consider changing the garment style; could a dress with sleeves be made into a pinafore for the new owner? When selecting clothing for young children, toddlers’ and preschoolers always consider the physical characteristics and the comfort they give to the children. A. Toddlers 1. Look for soft, unstructured styles that allow maximum freedom of movement, such as one-piece garments that fall from the shoulder. These are also practical because toddlers wear diapers and have not developed a waistline. 2. Leg openings with snaps on toddlers’ pants help make changing diapers easier. 3. For necklines, select collarless styles or flat collars, such as Peter pan and convertible collars. 4. Avoid collars that may bind or restrict movement, such as a high button collar. 5. When toddlers are first learning to dress, pull-on garments with large neck and armhole openings are the easiest to manipulate. Because the toddler is always on the move. 6. Design features should be functional as well as decorative. For example, shoulder straps should crisscross in the back to prevent them from sliding off shoulders. 7. Shoulder tabs on shirts are another way to secure straps. B. Pre-schooler 1. Look for styles that allow preschoolers to move and jump about freely. 2. Pockets are important features because preschoolers need places for the treasures they collect. 3. Shoulder tabs on shirts are still valuable. 4. When selecting a garment with long sleeves, avoid buttoned cuffs that restrict movement. 5. Jumpsuits are practical garments for preschoolers because they allow mobility and will maintain a neat appearance. 6. Preschoolers can also wear pants and skirts with elasticized waists because their waistlines have become more defined. SPECIAL FEATURES A. Growth features - are important because children grow rapidly. Children tend to grow faster in height than in width; therefore, the length of waist, arms, and legs will change more quickly than the width of shoulders, chest, and hips. Select clothing that allows for growth. Look for features such as one-piece garments without a waistline; raglan, kimono, or sleeveless designs; adjustable shoulder straps; and elasticized waistlines. Two-piece outfits and wrap styles will also allow room for growth. To promote self-dressing and prevent bathroom accidents, closures should be on the front of garments so children can see the fasteners and manipulate them easily. Select or adapt closures that are easy for young children to manipulate. Zippers can be easy for a child to operate if a charm or string is added to the pull tab. Buttons that are large or have a shank are easier to grasp. Many types of decorative buttons are available to add interest to children’s clothing. Avoid buttons with irregular edges as these are more difficult than smooth, round buttons to manipulate. Hook and loop fastener tape is easy to manipulate and can be used in place of buttons or snaps. It is available by the centimeter or inch, in pre-cut shapes, and in a variety of colors. Gripper snaps are easier to manipulate than regular snaps. Safety features should also be considered when selecting clothing for children. Avoid styles with long, flowing skirts; tie belts; drawstrings; or very full sleeves that may cause children to trip or get tangled III. TYPES OF FABRICS SUITED FOR CHILDREN’S DRESSES Types of Fabric 1. Seersucker. A thin, all-cotton fabric, commonly striped, used to make clothing for spring and summer wear, suits, slacks, and children’s clothing. 2. Cotton. A soft, staple fiber and brings comfort to children because it is breathable. 3. Rayon. Usually colorful and comfortable to wear e.g. blouses, dresses, jackets, lingerie, linings, scarves, suits, ties, hats, socks), 4. Pique. A medium weight, cotton-blend fabric which is characterized by raised parallel cords or fine ribbing that resembles a check. It is used to make vests, coats, the collars of polo shirts, fitted blouses and children’s clothes. 5. Linen. A textile made from the fibers of the flax plant. It is labor-intensive to make, but its garments are valued for exceptional coolness and freshness in hot weather. It is also very absorbent, but wrinkles easily unless blended with manufactured fibers. 6. Organza. A thin, plain-weave, sheer fabric is traditionally made from silk, the continuous filament of silkworms. Nowadays, though much organza’s are woven with synthetic filament fibers such as polyester or nylon, the most luxurious organza’s are still woven in silk. 7. Silk. A natural protein fiber, some forms of which can be woven into textiles. Silk is smooth, glossy and beautiful. It is also strong and vulnerable to fading and stains. 8. Tulle and Netting. A lightweight, very fine netting, which is often starched. It can be made of various fibers, including silk, nylon and rayon. Tulle is most used for veils, gowns (particularly wedding gowns) and ballet tutus. 9. Challis. A type of plain-weave fabric, usually made from cotton, wool or rayon, often printed with a design, often floral. Used to make dresses, skirts and other articles of clothing.  10. Chiffon. A lightweight, plain-woven, sheer fabric. Chiffon can be dyed to almost any shade desired, however, if made from polyester, it is difficult to dye. Chiffon is most commonly used in evening wear, especially as an overlay, giving an elegant and floating appearance to the gown. It is also a popular fabric used in blouses, ribbons, scarves and lingerie. Like other crepe fabrics, chiffon can be difficult to work with because of its light and slippery textures. It should only be hand-washed. IV. TYPES OF SLEEVES Kinds of Sleeves: Kind of sleeve Description Image 1. Kimono Sleeves a type of sleeves cut together with the bodice. There is no seam joining at the armhole. 2. Raglan Sleeves patterned and cut that extends to the shoulder neck junctions and cancels the armhole seams. 3. Set – in Sleeves the foundation of all types of sleeves and usually cut to fit the armhole to the desired length. 4. PuF Sleeves Comes in three variations: a) full at the top and bottom, b) full at the top fitted at the bottom, and c) fitted at the top full at the bottom. 5. Butterfly Sleeves a type of sleeve that flares out over shoulder resembling like wings of the butterfly. 6. Angel Sleeves either gathered or plain at the shoulder tip and tapers down to the arm.  7. Bell Sleeves usually fitted at the shoulder and slightly tapers out like a bell at the bottom. Can be worn short or long in length. V. TYPES OF COLLARS Types of Collars Kind of Collars Description Image 1. Sailor Collar A flat collar comes of several shapes in front and almost cover the back of the wearer. 2. Peter Pan Collar A flat, round-cornered collar, named after the collar of the costume worn in 1905 by actress Maude Adams in her role as Peter Pan and particularly associated with little girls' dresses. 3. Convertible Collar A collar designed to be worn with the neck button either fastened or unfastened. 4. Bertha Collar A wide, flat, round collar, often of lace or sheer fabric, worn with a low neckline in the Victorian era and resurrected in the 1940s VI. TYPES OF SKIRTS  VII. TYPES OF POCKETS Pockets in garments are functional or decorative openings or compartments sewn into clothing. They are designed to hold small items or simply add style to the garment. Pockets are versatile and come in various types, shapes, and sizes, depending on their purpose and the design of the clothing. Patch pockets are flat pockets sewn to the exterior of a garment. They are typically unfitted, and can come in a range of shapes and sizes. Many garments are made with patch pockets, since they are cheap and relatively easy to install when compared to other pocket designs. It is also possible to add patch pockets to an existing garment, should the need arise. Since patch pockets are external, they are also potentially endlessly configurable, which can be rather convenient. Seam pocket is sewn on the inside of a garment with its pocket opening sewn outside of the garments. Welt Pocket is a small, flat pocket that is commonly used on the exterior and interior breast on a man's suit jacket, back of men's trousers and men's suit jacket. Functionality of Pockets: Practical Use: To store items like keys, phones, wallets, or handkerchiefs. Aesthetic Purpose: Enhance the garment’s design and style. Specialized Needs: In uniforms or workwear, pockets may serve specific roles, such as holding tools or instruments. Materials and Tools Needed: 1. Pattern paper 2. Fabric for the pocket and base material (size of 1 whole sheet of paper/2pcs). 3. Scissors 4. Ruler 5. Measuring tape. 6. Fabric chalk or marking tool. 7. Sewing machine 8. Needle and thread for hand sewing. 9. Pins Patch pocket procedure: 1. Determine the Pocket Size Decide on the dimensions of your pocket (e.g., width × height). For our activity, we will use 5”x5”. Add a seam allowance, 1” at the top (typically ½ inch or 1.2 cm) to the remaining sides. For a finished pocket of 5" × 5", cut a rectangle of 6" × 6 ½ ". 2. Cut the Fabric Use chalk or a marking pen to draw the pocket outline with seam allowances on your fabric. Cut the rectangle carefully with fabric scissors. 3. Prepare the Pocket Hem Fold the top edge of the rectangle down by ½ inch (1.2 cm) and press it flat with an iron. Fold it down again by another ½ inch to enclose the raw edge, and press. Sew along the folded edge to create a clean hem for the top of the pocket. 4. Fold and Press the Edges Fold in the remaining three edges by ½ inch (1.2 cm) (or your chosen seam allowance) to the wrong side of the fabric. Baste the folds 5. Position the Pocket Decide where the pocket will be placed on your sample fabric. Use chalk or pins to mark the placement. 6. Attach the Pocket Pin or clip the pocket in place, ensuring it aligns with your placement marks. Sew around the sides and bottom edges of the pocket using a straight stitch, keeping close to the folded edge (about 1/8 inch or 3 mm from the edge). Reinforce the top corners with a backstitch or a small triangle stitch to secure the pocket. 7. Finish and Inspect Remove any chalk marks or loose threads. Press the pocket with an iron for a professional finish. VIII. TYPES OF FACING AND INTERFACING Facing is used to finish the edges of a garment, providing a clean, professional look and often reinforcing the fabric. It is usually sewn to the edge and turned to the inside of the garment. Types of Facing: 1. Shaped Facing: o Cut to match the exact shape of the garment edge. o Common for necklines, armholes, or special design features. o Provides a seamless, precise finish. 2. Bias Facing: o Made from bias-cut fabric strips. o Flexible and used for curved edges like necklines or armholes. o Lightweight and adds minimal bulk. 3. Extended Facing: o Created as an extension of the garment fabric itself (not a separate piece). o Folded back to finish the edge, often used for button plackets or jacket fronts.  4. All-in-One Facing: o Combines multiple facings into a single piece (e.g., neckline and armholes together). o Common in sleeveless tops or dresses. Interfacing Interfacing is used to reinforce, stabilize, or add structure to a specific area of a garment, such as collars, cuffs, waistbands, and button plackets. Types of Interfacing: 1. Fusible Interfacing: o Has an adhesive backing that bonds to fabric when ironed. o Easy to use and available in various weights. 2. Sew-in Interfacing: o Stitched into place rather than fused. o Ideal for delicate fabrics or when a softer, less rigid finish is needed. 3. Knit Interfacing: o Stretchable and designed for knit fabrics. o Preserves the elasticity of the garment. 4. Woven Interfacing: o Has a woven fabric base. o Adds structure while maintaining the garment's drape. 5. Non-Woven Interfacing: o Made from compressed fibers. o Does not fray and is versatile but can be stiFer than woven types. 6. Specialty Interfacing: o Includes options like waterproof, heat-resistant, or ultra-lightweight interfacings for specific applications.  o Choosing Between Facing and Interfacing Use facing for aesthetic purposes, such as cleanly finishing visible edges. Use interfacing to provide structure and support to functional areas. In many cases, both are used together, e.g., applying interfacing to a facing for extra stability. IX. ACCESSORIES AND ACCENTS FOR CHILDREN’S WEAR Accessories Definition: Accessories are additional items that complement or complete an outfit. They are typically separate from the garment itself and can be removed or changed. Purpose: Functional, decorative, or both. Accessories enhance the outfit or serve a practical need. Examples in Children's Wear: 1. Functional Accessories: Hats, scarves, gloves, belts, shoes, socks, backpacks, or lunchboxes. 2. Decorative Accessories: Hairbands, bows, bracelets, watches, or costume jewelry. Accents Definition: Accents are design elements or details that are part of the garment itself. They are integrated into the construction or embellishment of the clothing.  Purpose: Primarily decorative, accents enhance the aesthetic appeal of the garment. Examples in Children's Wear: 1. Fabric Details: Contrasting trims, piping, ruFles, or pleats. 2. Embellishments: Embroidery, appliqués, sequins, patches, or decorative buttons. 3. Prints and Patterns: Fun or thematic designs like animal motifs, florals, or cartoons. Accessories are articles that make the outfit perfect and beautiful. In putting or choosing accessories for dresses, always consider the art principles and elements of design. Choose accessories that will equate and go with the age of children. The following are the accessories used in dresses 1. Bands – strips of fabric, ribbon or bias applied to edges or set into garments to finish or decorate 2. Bracelet – ornamental chain for wrist and arm 3. Brooch - a large ornamental pin placed in front or shoulder arm 4. Handkerchief – a piece of cloth cotton, linen or silk usually square and decorated with lace and embroidery. 5. Hat – a shaped head covering, having crown and brim. 6. Hosiery – consist of hose and stockings. 7. Shoes – high-heeled or flat-closed footwear fitted for comfort, freedom and style. Trimmings are the ornamental addition to the bare fabrics or a finished garment. This is also used to enhance or emphasize the beauty of the apparel. Common Trimmings Used in Dresses 1. Appliqué – a separate design for petals, leaves or figures which is cut and applied to another surface 2. Binding – a bias strip used to decorate an edge 3. Buttons – pieces of bones, metals, glasses of various shapes having shank or holes 4. Collar – bands attached over necklines, sometimes they are cut as part of the front bodice 5. Embroidery – an ornamental needlework consisting of designs, work on fabric by hand or machine 6. Lace – open work fabric made with bobbins, needles or hook and can be hand or machine made 7. Pocket – a piece of fabric applied to a garment to form a container 8. Ribbons – a narrow fabric of silk or velvet used for trimming  9. Ruffles –strips of cloth gathered together or pleated as a trimming to finish edges X. PROJECT PLAN FOR CHILDREN’S WEAR Project Plan for Children’s Wear Construction of sleeping garment is just like cooking a recipe for a party that requires careful planning. In every task or project, you have, it should be accompanied with a project plan. This serves as a guide in making any kind of project. It contains the materials and tools to be used, design, and procedure in making the project and the criteria for evaluating the finish output coupled with a rubric designed by the teacher and students. Components of a Project Plan 1.Project Plan No. – it reflects the number of projects made by the student 2.Date Begun – date when the construction of the project starts 3.Date Finished – the exact date when the project will be done. 4.Name of the Project – a specific description of the job. 5.Objectives - states the purpose why a project should be done. 6.Word Study – it unlocks the terms used operationally and conceptually. 7.Tools and Equipment – are list of tools and equipment in the accomplishment of the job. 8.Materials and Supplies Needed – it is the itemized list of tools and supplies needed to produce a project. a. Quantity suggest the amount needed b. Unit is the unit of measure of the quantity c. Description is the features and characteristics of the materials and supply needed d. Unit Cost is the selling price per quantity and unit of the materials e. Total Cost is the total amount needed per quantity of supply and material needed, f. Total is the over-all total cost of all the supplies and materials to be used. 9.Design Specifications – is the photographic representation of the project in two to five views; front, back, right, left and top views. 10.Procedure – is the chronological step or operations involved to accomplish the project. divided into two stages: a. Preparation stage – depicts the preparation to be done before the actual execution or performance of the operations. b. Performance stage – the actual procedures involve in the actual making of the project where all tools, supplies, materials and equipment intended to make the project are ready. 11.Evaluation – the process of assessing the finished project using the identified criteria during planning and evaluating using the prepared scoring rubrics. XI. BODY MEASUREMENTS FOR CHILDREN’S WEAR