Introduction

This text was written to provide students and teacher candidates with an introductory understanding of the skills associated with teaching apparel production. The book is broken into units and chapters that focus on essential skills for constructing garments and, more specifically, teaching others how to construct apparel and apparel-related products.

Readers are invited to explore this text in any order, as it is not necessary to read each unit or chapter in sequence. Embedded within each chapter are key concepts related to the topic, pedagogical tips and tricks, a variety of resources, and references. Specific topics are addressed in the following units:

• Unit 1: Understanding Yourself and Your Students 
• Unit 2: Getting Prepared
• Unit 3: Pattern Instruction Sheet, Cutting, and Marking
• Unit 4: Sewing Supplies and Pressing Equipment 
• Unit 5: Hand Sewing
• Unit 6: Fasteners
• Unit 7: Seams
• Unit 8: Apparel Construction
• Unit 9: Finishing Touches
• Unit 10: Sample Projects
• Unit 11: Resources

Are you looking for ideas of projects to sew? Check out Unit 10: Sample Projects.

Are you wanting to find a variety of resources related to family and consumer sciences? Explore a plethora of resources located in Unit 11: Resources.

Would you like to print this book but still want access to the digital resources? Use the QR Codes embedded in the text to access these resources, even from the printed version of the book.

Whether new to sewing or teaching how to sew, readers are sure to gain important concepts and techniques by implementing the research-based strategies presented in this text. This author hopes that the exploration of this text enhances each reader’s understanding of apparel production and the skills needed to facilitate sewing laboratory experiences.