Project Overview

FORM × FABRIC is an independent material and pattern development study investigating how fabric properties influence silhouette, structure and movement.

Through hands-on experimentation, the project explores the relationship between textile characteristics, pattern manipulation and garment construction, examining how contrasting materials respond to three-dimensional shaping.

Research & Material Selection

The study focuses on three contrasting fabric qualities:

MELTON WOOL — STRUCTURE

A dense, compact wool selected for its shape retention, defined folds and ability to support architectural volume.

COTTON POPLIN — PATTERN DEVELOPMENT

A lightweight woven cotton used for toile construction, testing pattern manipulation, volume and controlled shaping before development in the selected final fabrics.

VISCOSE CREPE — DRAPE

A fluid fabric selected to investigate softness, movement and the influence of gravity on silhouette.

Development Process

01 / MATERIAL INVESTIGATION

Examining fabric weight, surface characteristics, drape and structural behaviour to understand how material selection influences design possibilities.

02 / PATTERN EXPERIMENTATION

Developing three-dimensional forms through experimental pattern cutting, manipulation and toile construction.

03 / FORM & SILHOUETTE

Investigating the relationship between fabric, body and volume, contrasting structured silhouettes with softer, fluid constructions.

04 / EVALUATION

Assessing material performance and identifying opportunities for refinement through adjustments to pattern, construction and fabric selection.

Reflection

FORM × FABRIC explores material as an active component of garment development, rather than simply a surface applied to a design.

Through experimentation with contrasting fabric properties, the project strengthened my understanding of how material behaviour informs pattern construction, silhouette development and technical decision-making.