Fashion Design & Technology

What To Know

• To compete successfully in this event, you should understand or be prepared to learn:

• How to sew garments by hand and/or machineLearn basic to intermediate sewing skills, including hemming, seams, and applying notions (zippers, buttons, snaps).

• How to design and draw fashion conceptsBe able to sketch garment ideas and understand visual layout for fashion design.

• How to create garment patterns from scratchTeams must create original, full-sized patterns (vellum paper only — no store-bought patterns).

• Basic textile knowledgeKnow different fabrics and what works best for comfort, structure, and aesthetic.

• Understanding of wearable technologyWhile not required to be functional, your design should reflect a thoughtful integration of tech — such as smart fabric ideas, LED enhancements, or innovative features.

• Team collaboration and project planningYour team must divide responsibilities, meet deadlines, and work together throughout all phases: research, sketching, sewing, and presenting.

What To Submit (Preliminary Round)

Wearable Garment Prototype(s)Must match the annual theme and be presentation-quality. Pack with the other materials in a plastic container (max 32 quarts).

Full-sized Original PatternsCreated by the team, made of vellum. No commercial or downloaded patterns.

Documentation Portfolio (in this order):

• Title page (event title, chapter ID, city/state, year)

• Table of contents (1 page)

• Literature research summary (max 2 pages)

• Theme interpretation (max 2 pages)

• Garment explanation (materials, construction, techniques — max 2 pages)

• Hand-drawn design sketches (max 5 pages)

• Computer-drawn final designs (max 5 pages)

• References/resources (max 5 pages)

All submitted materials must fit in one plastic container — no hangers, mannequins, or extra garments beyond the required prototype(s).

Semifinal Presentation/Interview

Model(s) must be TSA student members wearing your team-designed garment.

Time limit: 10 minutes total

• 2 minutes – set-up

• 3 minutes – presentation

• 3 minutes – interview/Q&A

• 2 minutes – clean-up

Team members explain the design process, use of textiles, creativity, theme interpretation, and teamwork.

Helpful Terminology

Useful (Free + Beginner-Friendly) Tools & Apps