ICSE Class 10 Fashion Designing Syllabus 2026-27

ICSE Class 10 — Fashion Designing

Board: CISCE | Examination Year: 2028 Structure: Theory — 100 Marks | Internal Assessment — 100 Marks

 Exam Structure at a Glance

PART 1: THEORY — 100 Marks

1. The choice, purchase, use and care of tools and equipment, including sewing machines, for dressmaking.

2. The choice and use of traditional, drafted or commercial patterns for making simple under and outer garments. This should include knowledge of:

• Figure measurements

• Awareness of figure problems

• Simple adaptation of patterns

• Layouts and cutting out

• Fitting

• The sequence or processes in assembling garments

• Methods of pressing

3. The stitches and processes used in the making of simple under and outer garments.

4. The use and making of simple or traditional designs and decorative stitchery in the construction and decoration of garments and articles.

PART 2: INTERNAL ASSESSMENT — 100 Marks

Assessed internally by the school.

Minimum Number of Assignments:

• Class X — Five practical oriented assignments as prescribed by the teacher

  
  

Suggested Assignments:

(i) Needlework tools and processes:

• Measuring and marking devices

• Use of scissors, needle and thread

• Sewing buttons, hooks and eyes, zippers

• Use of the sewing machine

• Practice in various stitches, making seams, darts, pleats, gathering, shirring, smocking, ruffles, etc.

  
  

(ii) The parts of a dress:

• Necklines and collars

• Sleeves and cuffs

• Waistline and skirts

• Pockets; inside and outside

• Buttons and button holes

• Visible and invisible zippers

  
  

(iii) Making dresses, blouses, skirts, salwar, kamiz, etc.

(iv) Sewing for the home: curtains, bedspreads, and furnishings.

(v) Sewing of children's clothes.

Finished Work:

In addition to the course work, the candidates will have to produce two dresses or combinations or a set consisting of four pieces of finished needlework for the assessment by the External Examiner.

Evaluation

The Internal Examiner and the External Examiner will assess the assignments independently.

The External Examiner may be a teacher nominated by the Head of the school, who could be from the faculty, but not teaching the subject in the section/class. (Example given: a teacher of Class VIII may be deputed as External Examiner for Class X Fashion Designing Projects.)

Total marks out of 100 are to be sent to CISCE by the Head of the school via the CAREERS portal.

Internal Assessment Marking Criteria (Grade-Based)

Preparation Tips — Theory (100 Marks)

Unit 1: Tools and Equipment

• Make a table: Tool | Purpose | How to care for it — revise it regularly

• Learn sewing machine parts by name — threading order is a common question

• Know the difference between dressmaking shears, embroidery scissors, and pinking shears

• Practice describing "care" steps: oiling, cleaning, blade sharpening

Unit 2: Patterns and Garment Making

• Memorise standard body measurement points (bust, waist, hip, nape to waist, etc.)

• Understand figure types: petite, tall, plus-size — and how to adapt patterns for each

• Know layout terms: grain line, selvage, fold line, notch — draw diagrams to remember

• Practice the correct sequence: measure → draft/select pattern → layout → cut → fit → assemble → press

• Learn pressing rules: when to press seams open vs. to one side; fabric-specific temperatures

Unit 3: Stitches and Processes

• Know each hand stitch by name, diagram, and use case

• Learn seam allowance basics — standard is 1.5 cm unless stated otherwise

• Understand when to use each seam type: French seam for sheer fabrics, flat-fell for durability

• Darts: always know how to mark, stitch, and press a dart correctly

Unit 4: Decorative Stitchery and Design

• Be able to sketch and name at least 6 decorative stitches

• Know 3–4 traditional Indian embroidery styles with their states of origin

• Learn the difference between structural design (built into garment) and surface design (applied on top)

• Study elements of design: line creates shape; colour creates mood; texture affects drape

  
  

General Theory Tips

• Draw neat, labelled diagrams wherever possible — they earn extra marks

• Use technical vocabulary: say "seam allowance," not "extra cloth"

• Revise by making flashcards for each stitch name + diagram

• Practise past papers and time yourself strictly

• For definition questions: always include what it is + how it is done + when it is used

  
  

Preparation Tips — Internal Assessment (100 Marks)

For Your 5 Practical Assignments

• Start early — each assignment takes real time to complete neatly

• Keep a process journal with photographs at each stage

• Always press your work after each seam — neatness matters for the Appearance criterion

• Label your work samples clearly: name, class, assignment number

• Ask your teacher for feedback after each assignment and improve for the next

  
  

For Your Finished Work (2 dresses or 4 pieces)

• Choose designs you are confident executing — do not over-reach with complex patterns

• Use quality fabric with clear grain lines — it affects the final look dramatically

• Finish all raw edges neatly (overlocking, French seams, or binding)

• Press thoroughly before submission — a well-pressed garment always scores higher

• Ensure fit is good — try on or use a dress form if available

  
  

How to Score Grade I

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. How many marks is the Fashion Designing exam in total? 200 marks total — 100 for Theory (written paper) and 100 for Internal Assessment (practicals + finished work).

Q2. Is the theory exam 2 hours or 3 hours? The theory paper is 2 hours for 100 marks, as stated in the CISCE syllabus.

Q3. How many practical assignments do I need to submit in Class X? Five practical-oriented assignments as prescribed by your teacher, plus your Finished Work (2 dresses/combinations OR a set of 4 finished needlework pieces).

Q4. Who evaluates my internal assessment? Both your subject teacher (Internal Examiner — 50 marks) and an External Examiner nominated by the Head of School (50 marks). They assess independently.

Q5. Can the External Examiner be from the same school? Yes. The External Examiner can be from the same school but must not be teaching Fashion Designing to your class. For example, a Class VIII teacher could be the External Examiner for Class X.

Q6. What is Finished Work? Is it different from the 5 assignments? Yes — Finished Work is completely separate. You must produce either 2 completed dresses/combinations OR a set of 4 finished needlework pieces, specifically for the External Examiner.

Q7. What happens if I score Grade V in a practical? Grade V = 0 marks on that criterion. Focus on criteria where you are stronger. Never leave a practical incomplete — even a partial attempt scores more than nothing.

Q8. Is smocking/shirring tested in theory too? Yes. Unit 3 explicitly lists smocking, shirring, gathering, and ruffles as part of stitches and processes — both practically and theoretically.

Q9. Are the suggested assignments compulsory? No — they are suggested. Your teacher may prescribe different assignments. Always do exactly what your teacher assigns.

Q10. Is there a separate practical exam conducted by CISCE? No. The internal assessment is conducted and evaluated entirely at the school level.

Q11. What traditional Indian embroidery styles should I know? The syllabus refers to "traditional designs and decorative stitchery." Study at least: Kantha (West Bengal), Chikankari (UP), Phulkari (Punjab), Kashmiri embroidery, and mirror work (Gujarat/Rajasthan).

Q12. What is the difference between a French seam and a plain seam? A plain seam joins two fabric pieces with raw edges finished separately. A French seam encloses the raw edges inside two rows of stitching — used for sheer or delicate fabrics where raw edges would show through.

Q13. What does "pressing" mean and why is it important? Pressing means using an iron to shape or set stitched areas as you sew — it is different from ironing (back-and-forth movement). It is tested in Unit 2 and directly affects the Appearance grade in practicals.

Q14. How should I prepare for the theory paper? Study all 4 units, draw labelled diagrams for tools and stitches, revise terminology, and practise writing step-by-step processes. Time yourself on past papers.

Quick Reference — Key Terms to Know