FCS 207 – Apparel Construction I Syllabus

Winter 2018

Instructor: Julann Blake

Contact: blakej@byui.edu
Text (Req’d): The Complete Photo Guide to Sewing
FCS 207 Apparel Construction I Packet
Resource: sewcreatelive.blogspot.com (step-by-step instructions for projects)

Course Description, Goals and Objectives

The major goal of this course is to help students acquire the knowledge, skill, and experience
necessary to construct basic sewn (wearable) garments using proper techniques. On completion
of this course the student should be able to:
1) Demonstrate proper construction techniques
2) Follow instructions both written and oral
3) Use correct terminology in relationship to sewing construction
4) Derive solutions to construction problems
5) Recognize high and poor quality in clothing construction
6) Build confidence in ability to construct pleasing & wearable apparel

Grading
Of course it goes without saying that each student wants to get the best grade possible. I will do
my best to fulfill that desire by helping you learn the material and develop the skills that will lead
to a good grade. Please note, however, that I will also try to follow this counsel from Elder Dallin
H. Oaks: “A teacher who rewards an average performance with a mark of distinction is false to
the trust of his or her students.” I will do my best to help you do well and to clearly and lovingly
help you understand where you need to improve.
Grades will be based on the following percentage scale with 1,078 total points possible:
A ≥ 94% B+ ≥ 87% C+ ≥ 77% D+ ≥ 67%
A- ≥ 90% B ≥ 84% C ≥ 74% D ≥ 64%
B- ≥ 80% C- ≥ 70% D- ≥ 60%

Weekly Preparation (Approximate points+) No late assignments accepted!

Reading Quizzes………………………………………………………………………………………….130 points
These will be short in class or online quizzes on reading assignments.
Short Video Assignments (SVAs)…………………………………………………………..……..105 points
Much instruction will be given outside of class in the form of tutorial videos. Most of them
correspond with your portfolio sample techniques. Although they are only three points
each, they prepare you for class.

Portfolio Sample Techniques…………………………………………………………………….175 points

These portfolio sample techniques go along with the SVAs and contribute 5 more points
each to the portfolio binder you are building..
Portfolio Binder ............................................................................................ 20 points
This is the complete collection of the portfolio samples techniques created throughout
the entire semester. Binder will be turned in at the end of the semester for a final grade
based on neatness, completeness and organization. This portfolio will serve as a
reference to help you with your future sewing projects.
Serger Form ................................................................................................... 20 points
For this assignment you will fill out this form as you watch an instructional video on how
to use a serger. At the end of this assignment you are required to thread a serger four
times in the presence of a lab assistant and get their signature.
On Task …………………………………………………………………………….10 pts each/total 70 points
Having each of your projects cut out and ready to sew will help the class stay on task
throughout the semester.
Participation at Fashion Show………………………………………………………………………20 points
Each student will participate in the fashion show at the end of the semester, modeling
one of the sewn projects.
Attendance and Time Commitment ...............................................................................
Attendance is extremely important. You have three absences (this includes sick days) and
then there is a 1/3 drop in grade for every day after missed. Six absences results in a failed
grade. Roll will be taken at the beginning of each class. If you are more than 10 minutes
late it is considered an absence! If you need to be excused early please ask prior to class
beginning.
Your weekly time commitment for this class will be between four to six hours outside class
time to stay on task. This may vary depending on prior experience and quality you wish
to produce.
*Sewing Machine License: Must be completed the first week of class to
have permission to sew on the machines.
*I must see you sew on your projects in class in order to receive a grade.
* If you are absent it is very difficult to give one on one time in the next
class to catch you up on what you missed. Make arrangements with a
neighbor to take notes, and help you or go to the lab.
Projects and Final Exam (435 points)
Pillowcase...................................................................................................... 65 points
• Required Techniques: Plain Seam, Serger Seam Finish, Clean Finished Hem
• Other Requirements: 7/8 yard of cotton or cotton/polyester fabric, thread to match fabric
background, 1/2 yard of contrasting fabric for hem, 5-6” contrasting fabric for trim

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 Pants ............................................................................................................. 85 points
• Required Techniques: Elastic Waist Casing, Plain Seam, Serger Seam Finish, Double Fold Hem
• Other Requirements: fabric yardage listed on the back of pattern envelope, thread to match
fabric color

Shirt .............................................................................................................135 points

• Required Techniques: Front Facing with Interfacing, Topstitching or Understitching, Buttons &
Buttonholes, Set-in Sleeves, Fitting Darts, Collar. Men’s shirt requires a sample of a vertical
darts.
• Other Requirements: amount of fabric specified on the pattern envelope, buttons, thread and
listed notions, interfacing for facing front and collar

Skirt ..............................................................................................................115 points

• Required Techniques: Straight Grain Waistband with Interfacing, Zipper, Appropriate Hem
• Other Requirements: skirt pattern with waistband, yoke or facing, amount of fabric specified
on the pattern envelope, skirt or pants slide hook, or small hook and eye, interfacing for
waistband, zipper to match fabric and length specified on the envelope

Final Exam………………………………………………………………………………………………………………35 points

Lab Information
All sewing items, classroom equipment and personal items should be returned to their proper
place before leaving the classroom. Keeping the sewing machines, sergers, cutting room, and lab
clean is YOUR responsibility and helps keep a safe lab environment. Be familiar with lab and
cutting room rules. Irons in cutting lab need to be turned off and unplugged when not used.
Clarke 322 & 320 are available to you whenever a class is not in session. There will be lab
monitors available each night beginning at 5:00 p.m. and on Saturday. Only students currently
enrolled in a sewing class or an FCS major or minor can sew in the sewing labs. Check the
available times below:
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
7 – 8 am 7 – 7:45 am 7 – 8 am 7 – 7:45 am Open all day 10 am – 8 pm
3:30 – 7 pm 4:45 – 10 pm 3:30 – 10 pm 4:45 – 10 pm Closes at 8 pm

Equipment and Supplies

Be sure to put your name on all of your items. The office has an engraver for your use.
• Fabric Shears
• Paper Scissors * • Straight Pins glass head pins or (size
• Machine needles (size 80 Universal, #28—1 ¾” long, no silver pins)
Schmetz) • Pin Cushion
• Hand Needles (size 8 or 9) • Pocket folder
• 6" Seam Gauge • 1 1/2" Binder
• 60" Measuring Tape • 1 Composition Book (note taking)
• Seam Ripper • Double-sided tape
• Tailors Chalk/ Marking pencil & Pins
• Tracing paper/tracing wheel * *Optional

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 FCS 207 – Apparel Construction I Syllabus
Winter 2018

Fabric Requirements
Purchase only fabric that is closely woven, medium weight and cotton or cotton blend fiber content. Do
not purchase fabrics that are knits, plaids, stripes or napped for your projects. These fabrics require
techniques which will not be taught in this class. Avoiding fabrics which are flocked, loosely woven or
slippery will attribute to completing your various projects successfully.
On the end of the fabric bolt you will find information very helpful regarding care instructions, price,
fabric width, and special finishes that may have been applied to the fabric during the fabrication process.
The care instructions may be a number in a triangle such as 1, 2, or 3. Care labels are available upon
request from the clerk when you purchase your fabric. (Take a picture of it with your phone)

Store Information
• Rexburg: Walmart, Porters, Shogun Fabrics (Teton City)
• Idaho Falls: Hobby Lobby, Jo-Ann Fabrics, Walmart, Porters
• Online: Burdastyle.com/patterns, Sewcoolinschool.com, Simplicity.com, Mccall.com, fabric.com

Class Policies
1) Late work policy:
a) Projects (pillowcase, pants, shirt, but not the skirt) may be handed in up to one week past the
original due date, but will have a five point deduction per day. You may not work on past due
projects in class after the due date. No incomplete projects accepted. If you hand in your
project to the office it is your responsibility to have the secretary sign and date when it was
turned in.
b) No late work will be accepted for any of the “weekly prep” assignments which include: SVAs,
quizzes, portfolio sample techniques, or on task assignments. If you are going to be gone you
have to make arrangements with me before your absence.
c) The portfolio cards can be resubmitted one time for corrections (cards must first be
submitted on time according to due date in I-Learn).
d) If you miss an assignment because of a medical emergency or family tragedy, contact me and I
will work with you. Trips home are not excuses for late work unless emergencies exist. If you
have a university-excused activity on the due date of an assignment, please see me before that
date so that we can make alternative arrangements. Note that these excused absences do not
excuse you from making up the work that was missed.
2) This class will adhere to the university’s policy on electronic devices in the classroom, which states
that “as general policy, electronic devices [should] be turned off during class time. These devices
include laptop computers, cell phones and all other electronic devices.” Specifically no ear buds
with music. You may use devices when the instructor says it is alright to do so (watching tutorial
videos to help with your work).
3) Children in the classroom. Children are not allowed to be present in BYU-Idaho classes due to
space restrictions, fire code compliance, and the need to limit distractions. Students have the
responsibility to arrange for childcare away from classroom and study areas so as to preserve and
enhance learning opportunities for all students. In one-time emergency situations, the teacher of a
 class may allow a student to bring a child to class based on terms set by the teacher. Teachers are
neither required nor encouraged to consent to a student’s request to bring a child to class, but
should use discretion based on the best interest of all students in the class.
4) You are required to be in class on the last day of class and for the final. Please do not make your
travel arrangements prior to the last day of class and then ask to be excused.
5) If you have a diagnosed disability, or believe you have a disability that may require reasonable
accommodation on the part of BYU-Idaho, please call 1-800-we-care to make an appointment with
Red Taylor, Director at the center for students with disabilities. “In compliance with the applicable
disability law, qualified students with a disability may be entitled to ‘reasonable accommodation.’ It
is the student's responsibility to disclose to the SSD office any special needs he/she may have and
to provide the appropriate documentation of the disability. The SSD office is located inside the
Learning Assistance Center, McKay Library 1st floor.”