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Print Design

In the third semester, an introduction to basic print design provides a grammar of different repeats such as straight, half drop, three-point, mirror, ogee and non-directional. Emphasis is placed on hands-on learning where the motif is evolved from a source of inspiration and translated into different printing repeats. In the fourth semester students are introduced to print design for the textile industry, keeping in mind technical aspects of industrial printing such as repeat and colour limitations. In the third year the complexity of print design courses increases as students learn to work with coordinates, larger scales of repeats, and develop an under – standing of how to design a product acknowledging market demands. Digital technology has a significant impact on print practice and figures prominently in strategies of practical application of theory. Students work with Adobe Design Suite to design and create artworks, which are ready for manual printing, rotary/flatbed machine printing, and digital printing. The objective is for students to achieve confidence when designing materials for display and print.

Weaving

This course focuses on the basic principles of fabric construction. In the third and fourth semesters, students are introduced to loom functionality, starting from warping, heddling, reeding, and weaving. The recognition of diverse thread counts and basic to advanced weave structures are taught through graphs and wrappings. In the fifth semester, students work with existing woven fabric collected from the market and analyse weave structures. This fabric analysis helps construct variations of the weave patterns. Woven fabric samples are produced for either apparel or upholstery, ready to be adapted for industrial use. They apply acquired skills and further develop their weaving portfolio, with emphasis on colour and construction. Products are made according to market specifications. Digital technology has a significant impact on practice and is seen prominently in strategies of practical application of theory. Students work with Adobe Design Suite to design and create artworks with technical specifications. The objective is for students to achieve confidence when designing woven materials for home and apparel.

Design Intervention

This course aims to revive and create awareness for an existing or a dying craft. The objective of the course is to teach students to meet challenges involving the making and marketing of a craft. Emphasis is placed upon making the product functional and maintaining quality without taking away the identity of the indigenous craft. Students learn to respect and value tradition along with humility towards the craftsperson. Diversity of product range, which is marketable and economically feasible, is emphasized. The course is supported by research and documentation of the chosen traditional craft, for example ralli, namdas, susi, khes, pattu weaving, mud resist block printing and regional embroideries. Linkage with craft organizations is maintained to ensure sustainability.

Digital technology has a significant impact on print practice and figure prominently in strate-gies of practical application of theory. Students work with Adobe Design Suite to design and create artworks that will be mapped as their designs on various products

Drawing

Drawing is an essential component of the textile design programme as it supports all the elements of design. In the third semester, students are trained in observation, proportion, perspective, and nature-drawing in pencil and watercolor. The fourth semester course focuses on detailed and realistic replications rendered in pencil, pen, ink, water colour, and various other mediums and techniques. Fifth semester onwards, drawing is incorporated in all studio courses. Here, the emphasis is on numerous rendering techniques such as cut colour, dry brush and simplification of compositions through different mediums (acrylics, poster colour, and oil and chalk pastels). Combining these mediums in one composition helps explore its diverse possibilities. Further, as the course advances, students turn to conceptual thinking and mind-challenging exercises, along with realistic still-life.

Introduction to Merchandising

This course is a survey of the field of merchandising and the principles of retailing. It provides students with a basic understanding of marketing, merchandising, sourcing, production, and related functions within the framework of textile and fashion apparel industries.

Craft Documentation

Craft Documentation has been introduced in an effort to document the existing crafts of Pakistan. It requires research in the craftsperson’s environment. Students carry out field research in urban and rural sectors and then record the origin, system, and status of the craft through written and visual tools (such as notes, drawings, photographs and film). This compilation adds to the department’s resources and can be disseminated to collectors, institutions, students, and NGOs in a book form or as craft maps.

History of Textiles

History of Textiles is focused towards the knowledge of our rich cultural heritage, and regional and global contemporary textiles. This course encourages research on different textiles, supported by audio and visual aids. Dialogue and research are encouraged and information is gained through books, magazines, dissertations and other resource material.

Electives

Apparel Design

This course comprises a skill and design-oriented path and answers the continual demand from the fashion industry for trained talent to design garments. The course creates an interface between the student and the apparel, textile, and craft industry, which revitalises the latter and in turn benefits the designers by incorporating indigenous methods of weaving, printing, and ornamentation in apparels. This includes composing of mood boards, research boards and trend pages. The second stage of this course deals with the understanding of garment construction, finishing and placements.

Recycled Textiles

This course teaches recycling and reprocessing of used or leftover textile materials. Research in recycled textiles is conducted in a local context. Through this students are expected to gain new insight in innovation, creativity, experimentation, and contemporary demands on the craft and industrial sector. Various techniques of off-loom weaving are introduced to achieve desired results.

Fabric Manipulation

Fabric Manipulation invites students to be as experimental as possible with a variety of fabrics. The focus is on sampling, material manipulation, and experiencing how different textiles and fibres interact with their environment. Students explore useful ways of identifying creative applications for fabric by creating 2-D and 3-D surfaces using techniques like folding, pleating, burning, cutting, and many others to reshape the surface of fabrics.

Fiber Arts

The Fibre Arts course takes a conceptual approach to 2-D and 3-D forms. It utilises materials such as fabric, yarn, and natural/synthetic fibres and prioritises aesthetic value over utility. Students study techniques complementing textile fibres such as stitching, weaving, and dyeing, or by any other non-conventional method. Study of works from contemporary national and international artists and designers is an import-ant part of this course.

Workshops

Dyeing

Students are familiarized with both natural and chemical dyes through lectures and hands-on practice. Emphasis is laid on colour matching and fastness.

Natural Dyes

This workshop focuses on the knowledge of traditional methods of dyeing. Students are introduced to the indigenous roots and herbs that are locally available. Preparation of the dye bath in the traditional manner is demonstrated and a sample book, showcasing a variety of dyes, is compiled. A complete colour range is developed in cotton, silk and wool threads.

Chemical Dyes

Students are also introduced to different types of chemical dyes and their properties. Various techniques of tie-and-dye such as chunri, and stitch and clamp resist, are explored, which are then made into fabric samples.

Methods of Printing

Block Printing

This workshop aims to teach the techniques associated with the preparation of colours used in block printing. Students are taught the technicalities, preparation of the printing table, and the actual printing process. Visits to block printing studios and workshops are facilitated to see the crafts persons at work.

Screen Printing

Students are introduced to various techniques of screen printing. An understanding is developed of the procedures involved such as the making and stretching of frames, exposing of negatives, colour-mixing, and the actual printing process. Field trips to various screen printing units are arranged. Experimental printing is encouraged to keep the students updated with new trends and processes.

Ornamentation

This workshop entails a compilation of different ornamentation techniques in the form of a sample book. It includes the derivation of different stitches from traditional textiles, as well as finishing and edging details. Students are introduced to a variety of decorative materials such as beads, tassels, sequins, and metal thread used in combination with basic stitches and their variations. Students are also required to make a product that incorporates the techniques mentioned above. Visiting the local market is important for sourcing raw material as well as embroidery studios for an in-depth understanding.

Basketry

The art of basketry is the oldest off-loom textile technique. Students are encouraged to use indigenous palm leaves and reeds. Extensive sampling is carried out in two and three dimensional techniques for a variety of products. A master craftsperson is invited to demonstrate and teach the traditional basketry techniques.

Design Thesis

In the eighth semester students are required to undertake a final thesis project. Students have the option to design a collection/range of apparel, furnishing fabrics, home textile and textile craft. All designs are developed from a theme or source. Students must have the ability to meet the requirements for the composite mill in print, woven and apparel design, and for the craft sector. Thesis assessment is carried out by internal and external jurors at the end of the studio course. The evaluation criteria include the ability to develop design, composition, use of colour, level of skill, exploration of medium, and understanding of technical and production aspects.

Internship

During the summer break of the final year (between the seventh and eight semesters) students are required to go for a six-week intern-ship at textile mills, NGOs working with textile crafts, weaving units (mechanical and hand loom), or fashion and design houses. Through on-the-job training, students gain valuable insight in both theory and practice. Career options are explored in fields of employment related to their course of study. This is mandatory for all students in order to fulfill the graduation requirement.

Study Visits

Local, provincial, national and International study trips are undertaken to promote better understanding of techniques and environments of traditional and contemporary textiles. These trips are self-financed or enabled by sponsor-ships.