2026/27 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

DESN1185 Fundamentals of Fabric Manufacturing

20 Credits Class Size: 45

Module manager: Dr. Lindsey Waterton Taylor
Email: l.w.taylor@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2026/27

Module replaces

TEXT1345

This module is not approved as a discovery module

Module summary

This module will introduce you to the principles and processes used in the manufacture of knitted and woven textiles. You’ll gain a broad understanding of the relationship between fabric characteristics and the various manufacturing parameters. In addition, you’ll learn about some of the key commercial criteria: factors that determine the cost of fabrics and the sustainability impact of knitting and weaving.

Objectives

This module aims to introduce students to knitted and woven textiles through the investigation of yarn to fabric production processes and methods associated to commercial manufacturing.

The objectives of the module are to:
1) Introduce the formation process for basic woven and knitted structures using manual and digital methods.
2) Introduce technologies and tools used in the manufacturing of woven and knitted textiles.
3) Support students in developing a technical language for the manufacturing of woven and knitted textiles for a commercial setting.
4) Provide opportunities for students to develop key skills in woven and textile structures, their inherent characteristics, and approaches to adapting these through appropriate fibre-yarn choices.
5) Provide opportunities for students to evaluate, analyse, understand key factors in woven and knitted constructions, yarn choices together with their manufacturing parameters, machine principles and commercial sustainability approaches.

To achieve objective 1, 3, 4 and 5 various learning activities and laboratory demonstrations with hands on opportunities will be provided. Theory will be covered in a series of lectures for objectives 1, 2, 3, 4. Implementation of seminars adapted to pre-delivered lectures containing various activities will enable the student to achieve all objectives.

Learning outcomes


1. Describe the formation processes for basic woven and knitted structures and the technologies and tools used in their manufacturing.
2. Recognise the properties and structures of knitted and woven textiles and explain, supported by basic technical language, the relationship between their main fabric architecture and variables associated to yarn choice and manufacturing process.
3. Describe the impact of choices in the manufacturing of knitted and woven textiles on their sustainability, including life cycle and commercial criteria.

On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
4. Identify and make direct use of relevant research resources and approaches to address a clearly set problem in the context of simple knitted and woven fabric manufacture.
5. Evidence the use of dialogic reflection in their learning journey in the context of simple knitted and woven fabric manufacture.
6. Apply effective written/visual/other communication skills to present ideas

Teaching Methods

Delivery type Number Length hours Student hours
Supervision 1 0.5 0.5
Lectures 3 1 3
Seminars 9 1 9
Practicals 8 2 16
Fieldwork 1 3 3
Practical 1 3 3
Private study hours 165.5
Total Contact hours 34.5
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) 200

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

1) The seminars (and associated activity) provide opportunity for formative verbal feedback and student engagement monitoring.
2) The technical portfolio is reviewed and feedback provided prior to the final submission.
3) The in-laboratory demonstrations and engagement with experimental work also provide a monitoring engagement tool and opportunity for verbal formative feedback

Methods of Assessment

Coursework
Assessment type Notes % of formal assessment
Coursework Technical portfolio 100
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) 100

The coursework is available for a resit. The technical portfolio resit submission may differ in the exact details of the elements provided. The commentary and reflection elements of the portfolio will ensure that the same LOs than those that apply to the original submission remain and are fully assessed.

Reading List

Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list

Last updated: 30/04/2026

Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team