Introduction to Textiles

This course is brought to you by the Textile Hub, an innovative educational business dedicated to empowering individuals and businesses through a curated selection of short courses.

This 1-day course will cover fibres, yarns, fabric formation, colouration and finishing, and textile applications. It is aimed at those who are new to the sector, students and anyone wishing to brush up on their textile knowledge.

Presenter
Peter Heslop has accrued a wealth of textile knowledge and practical experience during his career in the industry. He has worked in the fibres, yarns and fabrics sectors both locally and overseas before moving into the education sector to manage a textile research and development centre at the Auckland University of Technology. He has a Master of Science degree in Textile Technology from the University of Bolton and is a Chartered Member of the Textile Institute. He has specialist knowledge of fibres, yarns, denim, outdoor fabrics and digital textile printing.

Content
This short course consists of 4 modules that cover fibres, yarns, fabric formation, colouration and finishing. Commercial applications for each of the mainstream fibres will also be discussed. The course is aimed at those who are new to the sector as well as students and anyone wishing to gain an understanding of textile processes and products. Enrolment numbers will be limited to allow time for questions and discussion on participant-specific topics.

Module 1 covers the classification of fibres into groups and sub-groups, fibre properties, consumption trends, and their suitability for textile applications by considering the strengths and weaknesses of the mainstream fibres.

Module 2 considers yarn formation methods, twisting and plying, yarn count systems, yarn properties, testing methods and commercial applications.

Module 3 looks at the three key fabric formation methods: knitting, non-wovens and weaving, and the variables within each of these categories. Fabric testing methods and their suitability for commercial applications will also be covered.

Module 4 covers the mainstream dye and ink types, their strengths and weaknesses, and how they are applied at the various stages of fabric production. Screen and digital textile printing, mainstream finishing processes and testing methods related to colouration will also be discussed.

Participant numbers will be limited in order to allow for a Q+A session on specific textile topics.

What to bring
Participants are welcome to bring their own refreshments and lunch or take advantage of the onsite cafe.

Outcomes
- Gain an understanding of fibres and their respective properties
- Learn about the various yarn types and their applications
- Understand the differences in fabric formation methods
- Learn about textile colouration and printing methods
- Be able to make informed decisions about material choices

Prerequisites
No previous textile experience or knowledge is required.

Certificates of attendance will be available to those who complete the course.

Contact: info@textilehub.co.nz