CS4 - Identifying Clothing Patterns

 Objectives :

  • Recognize various clothing patterns 
Activities :
  1. Brainstorming on patterns: stripes, polka-dot, floral,
  2. Practice identifying and explaining patterns to customers 
  3. Compare the fabrics and the patterns 
Final task :
You are shopping for a piece of clothing for a summer dress. Choose fabrics and patterns. Explain your choice. 

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1) Vocabulary





2) Conversation Between Two Friends Shopping for Fabric for a Picnic Dress

Setting: A vibrant fabric store filled with colorful rolls of fabric, patterns, and textures. The friends, Sarah and Emily, are excitedly browsing through the aisles.


Sarah: Hey Emily! I’m so excited about making that picnic dress for our outing next weekend. Have you thought about what kind of fabric we should use?

Emily: Absolutely! I was thinking we could go with something light and breathable since it’s going to be warm outside. What do you think about cotton versus polyester?

Sarah: That’s a great point! Cotton is super breathable and comfortable, which is perfect for a picnic. It also has that nice natural feel to it. On the other hand, polyester is more durable and wrinkle-resistant, which might be handy if we’re sitting on grass or having snacks.

Emily: True! But I really love the softness of cotton against my skin. Plus, if we spill anything while eating, cotton can absorb it better than polyester.

Sarah: Right! And cotton fabrics tend to come in such beautiful prints too. Speaking of prints, do you have any specific patterns in mind? I’ve seen some cute polka dots and florals lately!

Emily: I’m leaning towards floral patterns; they just scream “picnic” to me! They’re cheerful and fun. But polka dots have that classic vibe that could also work well.

Sarah: Polka dots would definitely give it a vintage look! But floral patterns can be so vibrant and lively—perfect for a sunny day outdoors. What about stripes? They can be stylish too!

Emily: Stripes are nice but might not capture that playful picnic spirit as much as florals or polka dots would. However, if we find the right color combination in stripes, it could still work.

Sarah: Good point! Let’s check out some floral fabrics first then. We can always circle back to polka dots or stripes if we don’t find anything we love.

(They walk over to the floral section.)

Emily: Wow, look at this one! It has such bright colors—pinks, yellows, and greens—it feels so summery!

Sarah: Oh wow! That’s gorgeous! And it looks like it’s 100% cotton too. This would definitely keep us cool during the picnic.

Emily: Yes! And imagine how cute this would look with a simple A-line dress pattern. We could accessorize with some sandals and a sun hat!

Sarah: Exactly! Plus, since it’s cotton, it’ll be easy to sew as well. Do you think we should grab some extra fabric just in case?

Emily: Definitely! It’s always good to have a little extra for mistakes or adjustments later on.

(They decide on the floral fabric and head towards the cutting counter.)



3) Compare the fabrics and the patterns 

  • Fabric Choice: Cotton vs Polyester

    • Cotton is preferred for breathability and comfort, especially suitable for warm weather.
    • Polyester offers durability and wrinkle resistance, but may not provide the same comfort level as cotton.
  • Pattern Selection: Floral vs Polka-Dot vs Striped

    • Floral patterns evoke a cheerful picnic vibe, making them an excellent choice.
    • Polka dots offer a classic aesthetic, while stripes can be stylish but may not capture the playful essence of a picnic dress as effectively.

Ultimately, Sarah and Emily decided on a vibrant floral cotton fabric, ensuring both style and comfort for their upcoming picnic.


4) Picnic outfits