ICSE Class 9 Fashion Designing Syllabus 2026-27

Note: The Class IX examination is conducted by the school. The Class X ICSE Board Examination covers the entire Class IX and Class X syllabus combined. CISCE has not prescribed a fixed bifurcation of the syllabus between the two classes.

Aims

•        To provide candidates with the knowledge of various fibres and the fabrics.

•        To develop in candidates an interest in the various processes to make the best use of materials.

•        To provide candidates with the basic principles regarding the making of garments.

•        To develop in candidates a sense of appreciation and creative expression in the making of clothes.

Part 1: Theory (100 Marks | 2 Hours)

The Class IX theory paper covers three topics as prescribed in the official CISCE syllabus (pages 211-212).

Topic 1: Study of Natural and Synthetic Fibres

Natural and Synthetic Fibres: Origin, Properties, and Production

•        Natural fibres: origin (plant or animal), properties, and production

•        Cotton: origin (Gossypium plant), properties (absorbent, strong when wet, comfortable, washable, prone to creasing), production (ginning, spinning, weaving)

•        Wool: origin (sheep fleece), properties (warm, elastic, absorbent, felts when agitated in hot water), production (shearing, scouring, carding, spinning)

•        Silk: origin (Bombyx mori silkworm cocoon), properties (lustrous, strong, lightweight, drapes well), production (sericulture, reeling, spinning, weaving)

•        Linen: origin (flax plant stem), properties (strong, cool, crisp, less elastic than cotton), production (retting, scutching, hackling, spinning)

•        Synthetic (man-made) fibres: origin, properties, and production

•        Nylon: origin (polyamide polymer), properties (strong, elastic, resistant to abrasion, quick-drying, low moisture absorption), production (melt spinning)

•        Polyester: origin (polyester polymer), properties (strong, wrinkle-resistant, quick-drying, retains shape), production (melt or dry spinning)

•        Acrylic: origin (acrylonitrile polymer), properties (wool-like, lightweight, warm, colourfast, resists moths), production (dry or wet spinning)

•        Rayon/Viscose: origin (regenerated cellulose from wood pulp), properties (soft, absorbent, drapes well, not as strong as cotton when wet), production (viscose process)

Manufacture of Fibres into Fabrics

•        Spinning: twisting fibres into yarn

•        Weaving: interlacing two sets of yarn at right angles; basic weaves: plain weave, twill weave, satin weave

•        Knitting: interlocking loops of yarn; warp knitting and weft knitting

•        Non-woven fabrics: fibres bonded by heat, adhesive, or mechanical means (e.g., felt)

Fabric Finishes

•        Finishes that improve properties: mercerisation (increases lustre and strength of cotton), sanforisation (pre-shrinking), waterproofing, flame retardancy, crease resistance, permanent press

•        Finishes that improve appearance: bleaching, dyeing, printing, calendering (smoothing and glazing), embossing

•        Blended fabrics: mixing two or more fibre types to combine the best properties of each (e.g., polyester-cotton blend: durability + comfort; wool-nylon: warmth + strength)

Types of Fabrics, Choice, and Suitability for Dressmaking

•        Woven fabrics: firm, stable, suitable for structured garments (shirts, trousers, suits)

•        Knitted fabrics: stretchy, comfortable, suitable for sportswear, T-shirts, hosiery

•        Blended fabrics: versatile; choice depends on end use, care requirements, and cost

•        Reaction under normal use: behaviour in washing, drying, ironing, and wearing conditions for each fabric type

•        Suitability criteria: comfort, durability, ease of care, drape, appearance, and cost

Topic 2: Purchase of Fabrics and Supplementary Materials

Purchase of Fabrics

•        Approximate prices of different fabric types and how price relates to fibre content, weave, and finish

•        Estimation of fabric quantity: how to calculate the amount of fabric required for a given garment based on pattern requirements and fabric width

•        Points to consider when buying fabric: width of fabric, grain line, pattern repeat, shrinkage, colour fastness, ease of care

Selection and Use of Supplementary Materials

•        Sewing thread: types (cotton, polyester, silk), choice of thread according to fabric type and colour

•        Needles: hand-sewing needles (sizes and types); machine needles (types for different fabrics: universal, ballpoint, sharp)

•        Pins: types and correct use

•        Fasteners: buttons (types, sizes, sewing on flat and shank buttons), hooks and eyes, press studs/snap fasteners, zippers (types: open-ended, closed-ended, invisible)

•        Interfacing and interlining: purpose (adding body, shape, and support to garment sections), types (sew-in and fusible)

•        Trimmings and notions: lace, ribbon, elastic, bias binding, seam binding; purpose and correct use

•        Lining and underlining: purpose (covering raw edges, improving garment hang and wear comfort)

Topic 3: Choice of Clothes for an Individual

Factors Governing the Choice of Clothes

•        Figure types: understanding body proportions; standard figure types (pear, apple, hourglass, rectangle, inverted triangle) and clothing choices that flatter each

•        Style and fashion: classic vs. fashionable styles; choosing styles appropriate to personality and lifestyle

•        Occasion: casual wear, formal wear, workwear, sportswear, occasion wear; appropriate choice for each context

•        Colour: principles of colour (primary, secondary, tertiary colours; warm and cool colours); colour wheel; colour schemes (monochromatic, analogous, complementary); use of colour to flatter figure types and complexion

•        Fabrics: matching fabric type and weight to the garment style, occasion, and season

•        Climatic conditions: choice of lightweight, breathable fabrics (cotton, linen) for warm climates; heavier, insulating fabrics (wool, fleece) for cold climates

•        Age appropriateness: clothing suitable for different life stages: infants, children, adolescents, adults, and the elderly

•        Budget: making informed choices within financial constraints; value for money

Part 2: Internal Assessment (100 Marks)

The internal assessment is conducted by the school throughout the academic year. The teacher is free to assess practical work either on the basis of continuous assessment or on the basis of periodical tests.

Minimum Number of Assignments

Suggested Practical Assignments

(i) Needlework Tools and Processes

•        Measuring and marking devices: tape measure, seam gauge, ruler, tailor's chalk, tracing wheel and carbon paper, pattern notches

•        Use of scissors, needle, and thread: correct techniques; types of scissors (dressmaking shears, embroidery scissors, pinking shears)

•        Sewing buttons, hooks and eyes, zippers: correct attachment techniques

•        Use of the sewing machine: threading, tension adjustment, stitch length, sewing straight and curved seams, finishing edges

•        Practice in various stitches: tacking/basting, running stitch, back stitch, slip stitch, hemming stitch, blanket stitch, chain stitch, stem stitch; making seams (plain, French, lapped), darts, pleats, gathering, shirring, smocking, ruffles, etc.

(ii) The Parts of a Dress

•        Necklines and collars: types of necklines (round, V-neck, boat neck, square); types of collars (flat collar, stand collar, shirt collar, Mandarin collar); construction methods

•        Sleeves and cuffs: types of sleeves (set-in, raglan, kimono, puff sleeve); types of cuffs; construction methods

•        Waistline and skirts: waistbands, waist facings; types of skirts (A-line, straight, flared, pleated, tiered)

•        Pockets: inside (in-seam, welt) and outside (patch) pockets; construction methods

•        Buttons and buttonholes: hand-worked and machine buttonholes; placing and sewing on buttons

•        Visible and invisible zippers: insertion techniques

(iii) Making Dresses and Garments

•        Making complete dresses, blouses, skirts, salwar, kamiz, etc.

•        Applying knowledge of figure types, style, fabric choice, and construction techniques

(iv) Sewing for the Home

•        Making curtains, bedspreads, cushion covers, and furnishings

•        Applying knowledge of fabric selection, measurement, cutting, and construction for home textiles

(v) Sewing of Children's Clothes

•        Making simple children's garments: frocks, shirts, shorts, pyjamas

•        Understanding age-appropriate design, fabric choice, and construction for children's clothing

Finished Work

In addition to course work, candidates must produce for assessment by the External Examiner:

•        Two dresses or combinations, OR

•        A set consisting of four pieces of finished needlework

These finished pieces demonstrate the candidate's level of practical skill, creativity, and quality of workmanship accumulated over the academic year.

Evaluation and Award of Marks

Assignments and project work are evaluated independently by the Subject Teacher (Internal Examiner) and by an External Examiner nominated by the Head of School. The External Examiner may be a teacher from the school faculty who is not teaching the subject to the section or class being assessed.

The total marks obtained out of 100 are to be sent to CISCE by the Head of the school. The Head of the school is responsible for the online entry of marks on CISCE's CAREERS portal by the due date.

Internal Assessment in Fashion Designing: Guidelines for Marking with Grades

Preparation Tips for Students

For the Theory Paper

•        Topic 1 (Fibres and Fabrics) is foundational. Learn the origin, properties, production, and care requirements of each natural fibre (cotton, wool, silk, linen) and each synthetic fibre (nylon, polyester, acrylic, rayon) in detail.

•        Prepare a comparison table of natural vs. synthetic fibres covering: origin, key properties, care in washing, ironing temperature, and end uses. This is a frequently tested format.

•        Learn the three basic weaves (plain, twill, satin) and how each affects the drape, strength, and appearance of the fabric.

•        For Topic 2 (Purchase and Supplementary Materials), practise calculating fabric quantities for a given garment. Know the purpose and correct use of every supplementary material listed.

•        For Topic 3 (Choice of Clothes), understand how colour, figure type, occasion, and climate all interact in clothing selection. Practise answering scenario-based questions.

•        Solve previous years' ICSE Fashion Designing question papers to understand the question format and marks distribution.

For the Internal Assessment

•        Complete all five prescribed practical assignments on time and with consistently high quality.

•        Aim for Grade I or II: systematically plan your work, manage time well, display excellent manipulative skill, produce high-quality needlework, and present it with a fine aesthetic sense.

•        For your finished work, ensure the two dresses/combinations or four-piece set demonstrates a range of skills: seams, darts, collars, sleeves, fastenings, and decorative stitchery.

•        Practise machine sewing regularly: straight seams, curved seams, inserting zippers, making buttonholes, and attaching collars and cuffs.

•        Pay attention to finishing details: clean seams, even hemlines, neat fastenings, and pressed garments make a significant difference to the Grade I assessment.

Official Source and Further Reference

This document is based on the official CISCE syllabus for Fashion Designing (Subject Code 70), pages 211 to 213 of the CISCE Regulations and Syllabuses document. The complete and authoritative syllabus is published by the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) on their official website.