1. Fabric Specification
Fabric Specification

2. What is a fabric specification?
This is a detailed list of all the fabric requirements of a particular product.
It is a list of criteria that the fabric for that particular product must meet.
It is often the manufacturer and not the designer that writes the fabric specification in order to give the information to the designer so that the designer can make the right choice of fabric.
Fabric specification for a child’s party dress:
Must be burgundy
Must have sheen/lustre (be shiny)
Should be machine washable
Should be easy to iron
Must be comfortable to wear
Must be lightweight
Must not be see-through
Will be woven so that it keeps shape
Should not stain easily
Should not snag easily
Must be good quality
Must be easy to sew on a machine
Simply put, a fabric specification is a list of all the things that the fabric has to do, to be and to have... so think about these things before your write one.

3. What do I need to think about?
Fabric Specification
What do I need to think about?
Think about the following before writing a fabric specification:
Where/how the product will be used?
Who will be using it?
What colour does the fabric need to be?
What weight should the fabric be?
What is the best fabric construction method for the fabric?
What sheen should it be?
Drape – does it need to hang beautifully?
Does it need to stretch?
Does it have to be warm / cool / waterproof / windproof etc?
Should it be absorbent, or fast drying?
Any other properties that it needs – fireproof, impact proof, etc ?
Will it be worn everyday?
How comfortable does it have to be?
Does it need to be strong and hardwearing?
Does it need to be colourfast?
Aftercare – does it need to be washed regularly?
Does it need to be ironed (or crease resistant)?
Will it be dry-clean only?
What about stain-resistance?
Environmental considerations – does the fabric need to be organic, Fairtrade or sustainable?
Cost – what should the fabric cost?
Safety – does it need to be fireproof?
Does the fabric need to be easy to sew on a sewing machine?

4. Key facts to remember The exam: Fabric Specification
As a designer, you need to find the best fabric match for the product that you are designing.
The best way to do this is to think about what the product will be used for and who will be using it.
Remember, your fabric specification should say everything the fabric has to have, to do and to be.
It may be the manufacturer or the customer who has the final say in the fabric choice.
The exam:
You should be prepared to write a short specification in an exam for a given product, and give reasons for your choice of criteria.