ICSE Class 10 Fashion Designing Syllabus 2026-27
ICSE Class 10 Syllabus |
ICSE Class 10 Fashion Designing is one of the most hands on subjects on the board, pairing a theory paper on tools, patterns and stitches with a needlework heavy internal assessment that culminates in finished garments judged by an external examiner. This guide lays out the full syllabus for the current session, the practical assignment structure, the marking rubric and a set of preparation tips, along with a quick reference glossary of terms that come up again and again in both theory and practical work.
The page is reviewed regularly against the official CISCE curriculum, so it can be used as a dependable single reference while planning study and stitching practice.
Quick Overview: Exam Structure
The ICSE Class 10 Fashion Designing examination carries a total of 200 marks, split evenly between theory and a practical heavy internal assessment.
Component | Marks and Details |
Theory (written paper, 2 hours) | 100 marks |
Internal Assessment | 100 marks, five practicals plus finished work |
Total | 200 marks |
Part 1: Theory Syllabus (100 Marks)
The theory paper is organised around four broad areas, moving from tools and equipment through to pattern making, construction and decorative design.
Unit 1: Tools and Equipment
The choice, purchase, use and care of tools and equipment used in dressmaking, including the sewing machine. Expect questions on naming machine parts, the correct threading order, and how different tools such as dressmaking shears, embroidery scissors and pinking shears are used and maintained.
Unit 2: Patterns and Garment Making
The choice and use of traditional, drafted or commercial patterns for simple under and outer garments, covering the full process end to end.
● Figure measurements and awareness of common figure problems.
● Simple pattern adaptation for different figure types.
● Layout and cutting out, including grain line, selvage, fold line and notch.
● Fitting and the correct sequence of assembling a garment.
● Pressing methods, including when to press a seam open versus to one side.
Unit 3: Stitches and Processes
The stitches and processes used in constructing simple under and outer garments, including hand stitches, machine seams, darts, pleats, gathering, shirring, smocking and ruffles. Seam allowance is typically 1.5 cm unless a question states otherwise, and different seam types, such as a French seam for sheer fabric or a flat-fell seam for durability, are chosen for different fabrics and uses.
Unit 4: Decorative Stitchery and Design
The use and making of simple or traditional designs and decorative stitchery in constructing and decorating garments and articles. This includes distinguishing structural design, built into the garment itself, from surface design, applied on top, and knowing how line, colour and texture affect the overall look of a piece. Traditional Indian embroidery styles worth knowing include Kantha from West Bengal, Chikankari from Uttar Pradesh, Phulkari from Punjab, Kashmiri embroidery, and mirror work from Gujarat and Rajasthan.
Part 2: Internal Assessment (100 Marks)
Candidates complete a minimum of five practical oriented assignments through the year, in addition to a separate Finished Work submission assessed by the external examiner.
Suggested assignment areas
● Needlework tools and processes: measuring and marking devices, sewing on buttons, hooks, eyes and zippers, and practice in seams, darts, pleats, gathering, shirring and smocking.
● Parts of a dress: necklines and collars, sleeves and cuffs, waistlines and skirts, pockets, and visible or invisible zippers.
● Garment making: dresses, blouses, skirts, salwar and kameez.
● Sewing for the home: curtains, bedspreads and other furnishings.
● Sewing children's clothes.
Finished Work
In addition to the five course work assignments, candidates must produce either two complete dresses or combinations, or a set of four finished needlework pieces, specifically for assessment by the external examiner.
Marking and evaluation
Assignments are assessed independently by the subject teacher and an external examiner, each contributing 50 marks, against five criteria, Planning, Efficiency, Manipulation, Quality Produced and Appearance or Arrangement, each scored up to 4 marks at the top grade.
Evaluator | Marks |
Subject Teacher (Internal Examiner) | 50 |
External Examiner | 50 |
Total | 100 |
How to Prepare for ICSE Class 10 Fashion Designing
● For tools and equipment, build a table of tool, purpose and care so it can be revised quickly, and learn the sewing machine's threading order by heart, since it is a frequent question.
● For patterns and garment making, memorise the standard sequence, measure, draft or select pattern, layout, cut, fit, assemble, press, and practise drawing labelled diagrams of layout terms like grain line and notch.
● For stitches and processes, know each hand stitch by name and diagram, and be precise about when each seam type or technique is used rather than just what it is.
● For decorative stitchery, prepare sketches of at least six decorative stitches and short notes on three or four traditional embroidery styles with their state of origin.
● Use exact technical vocabulary in the theory paper, saying seam allowance rather than extra cloth, since precise terminology is rewarded.
● For the five practical assignments, start early, keep a dated process journal with photographs at each stage, and press work after every seam, since neatness feeds directly into the Appearance criterion.
● For Finished Work, choose a design within your skill level rather than an overly ambitious one, use fabric with a clear grain line, finish every raw edge neatly, and press thoroughly before submission.
Quick Reference: Key Terms to Know
Term | Meaning |
Seam allowance | Extra fabric between the stitching line and cut edge, usually 1.5 cm |
Grain line | Direction of threads in fabric, always aligned with pattern arrows |
Selvage | Finished edge of a fabric roll that does not fray |
Dart | A stitched fold of fabric that adds shape to a flat piece |
Pleat | A fold of fabric stitched at one end to add fullness |
Gathering | Drawing up fabric onto a shorter length using two rows of long stitching |
Shirring | Multiple rows of gathering using elastic thread |
Smocking | Decorative gathering sewn in geometric patterns |
Interfacing | A stiff fabric layer added for body, used in collars and cuffs |
Bias cut | Cutting fabric at 45 degrees to the grain for stretch and drape |
Why Trust This Syllabus Guide
This page is compiled and maintained by the Future Topper editorial team and reviewed by Nimish Chhabra, co-founder of Future Topper, an ICSE and ISC study material platform built specifically around board-aligned, syllabus-mapped content for Indian students. The structure and topics listed here are mapped against the official CISCE curriculum for Fashion Designing, and the page is checked periodically to reflect any changes the council issues.
For the legally binding version of the syllabus, always cross check the latest circular published directly by CISCE at cisce.org. This page is intended as a study companion, not a replacement for the official document.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many marks is the Fashion Designing exam in total?
200 marks in total, 100 for the written theory paper and 100 for internal assessment, which includes both practical assignments and finished work.
How long is the theory paper?
2 hours for 100 marks.
How many practical assignments must be submitted in Class 10?
Five practical oriented assignments as prescribed by the teacher, in addition to Finished Work.
What exactly is Finished Work, and is it separate from the five assignments?
Yes, it is separate. Finished Work means either two complete dresses or combinations, or a set of four finished needlework pieces, produced specifically for the external examiner.
Who evaluates the internal assessment?
Both the subject teacher (50 marks) and an external examiner (50 marks), who assess independently. The external examiner may be from the same school but must not teach Fashion Designing to that class.
Is there a separate practical exam conducted directly by CISCE?
No. The entire internal assessment is conducted and evaluated at the school level.
What is the difference between a French seam and a plain seam?
A plain seam joins two fabric pieces with the raw edges finished separately. A French seam encloses the raw edges inside two rows of stitching, and is typically used for sheer or delicate fabrics.
Are smocking and shirring tested in the theory paper as well as practicals?
Yes. Smocking, shirring, gathering and ruffles are explicitly listed under stitches and processes, and can be examined both in theory and in the practical assignments.