SMCC > Collections > Textiles > Information Sheet > Points to note when studying textiles

Points to note when studying textiles

Facts

What date was it made?

Where was it made?

Do you know who designed it?

Fibres

What fibre/fabric is the garment made from?

What colour is the garment? Is the fabric patterned?

If it is, is it printed or is the pattern woven into the fabric?

Do a colour drawing of a section including colour pattern and texture.

Construction/decoration

Look at the seams, where are they?

Is the garment hand stitched/machine stitched?

What fastenings does it have?

What decoration and trimmings are there? Make sketches.

What are they made of?

Shape

What type of garment is it, eg dress, bodice, skirt, overalls, driving suit, etc?

Make quick sketches of the garment. (Showing front, back and side views if possible). Are there any darts, pleats or gathers? Mark them on your sketches.

Is it belted?

Would the garment need any special underwear to be worn under it?

The social context

On what sort of occasion do you think the garment would have been worn? Why do you think this?

Would the wearer have needed help to put on this garment?

Is the garment suitable for the purpose it was made (eg the sportswear, occupational dress)?