Sylva Institute of Technology delivers TEVETA-aligned, competency-based technical and vocational education at Showgrounds, Republic of Zambia.
Fashion Design and Textiles
Sylvia Institute of Technology
Fashion Design and Textiles
The FDT-04 Fashion Design and Textiles programme leads students from the fundamentals of garment construction all the way through pattern drafting, fabric knowledge, fashion illustration, and entrepreneurship. Grounded in Zambian fashion culture — from chitenge garments to school uniforms and formal wear — students gain TEVETA National Craft Certificate-level skills.
Programme Objectives
- Master garment construction terminology and techniques
- Apply workplace health and safety in the sewing room
- Construct seams, facings, collars, pockets, and fasteners
- Draft basic skirt, bodice, and sleeve blocks
- Apply fashion illustration and design principles
- Understand fabric types and entrepreneurship in fashion
Career Outcomes
- Fashion Designer
- Tailor / Dressmaker
- Garment Production Supervisor
- Fashion Entrepreneur
Key Skills
- Garment Construction
- Pattern Drafting
- Hand & Machine Stitches
- Fashion Illustration
- Fabric Selection
Certification: Sylva Institute Certificate — TEVETA National Craft Certificate level
Entry Requirements: Basic literacy recommended
Programme Structure — 14 Modules
Duration: 4 Months. Tuition: K4,500 + K100 application fee. Award: Sylva Institute Certificate.
Module 1: Introduction to Garment Construction & Industry TerminologyWeek 1
Phase: Foundation | Duration: Week 1
Module 2: Workplace Health & Safety in the Sewing RoomWeek 2
Module 3: Identification & Correct Use of Tools and EquipmentWeek 2-3
Module 4: Hand Stitches: Basting, Running, Hemming, Overcast & Back StitchWeek 3-4
Module 5: Decorative Stitches: Chain Stitch, Feather Stitch & Buttonhole StitchWeek 5
Module 6: Constructing Seams: Plain, French, Flat-Fell, Lapped & WeltWeek 6
Module 7: Seam Finishes: Pinked, Zigzag, Overlock & BoundWeek 7
Module 8: Constructing Facings, Collars, Pockets & FastenersWeek 8-9
Module 9: Basic Skirt Block Drafting — Measurements & ConstructionWeek 10
Module 10: Basic Bodice Block Drafting — Darts, Armscye & NecklineWeek 11
Module 11: Basic Sleeve Block Drafting — Cap Shaping & FittingWeek 12
Module 12: Introduction to Fashion Illustration & Design PrinciplesWeek 13
Module 13: Fabric Types, Properties & Selection for GarmentsWeek 14
Module 14: Entrepreneurship & Self-Employment in Fashion and TextilesWeek 15-16
References & Resources
- Zambia Occupational Health and Safety Act No. 36 of 2010
- YouTube: Introduction to Fashion Design — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6KmCDMkKDqU
Sylvia Institute of Technology
FDT-04 ProgrammeThe FDT-04 Fashion Design and Textiles programme leads students from the fundamentals of garment construction all the way through pattern drafting, fabric knowledge, fashion illustration, and entrepreneurship. Grounded in Zambian fashion culture — from chitenge garments to school uniforms and formal wear — students gain TEVETA National Craft Certificate-level skills.
Assessment & Certification
Sylva Institute Certificate — TEVETA National Craft Certificate level
This FDT-04 programme follows TEVETA competency-based training (CBT) standards. Assessment includes practical demonstrations, workplace tasks, and module evaluations across 14 modules over 4 Months.
Alignment: TEVETA-aligned National Craft Certificate level