Course Syllabus

Note: This course code has changed from FCS 290 to APD 290. You may occasionally see references to the old course code or title.

Overview

This course covers the principles and applications of pattern design, using Gerber AccuMark CAD Pattern Design. Principles of flat pattern design techniques are now transferred to application on CAD systems used in the garment industry.

This is a two-credit hour class.


Requirements

Prerequisites

You must have completed the following prerequisites before enrolling in this course:

  1. FCS207 - Apparel Construction I 
  2. FCS245 - Pattern Making

Concurrent registration in either of these classes is not permitted.

FCS 307 is also a required class, but you may take it concurrently with this class. 

Required Resources

  • You are not required to purchase a textbook.
  • You must have a computer to complete assignments in this course. An iPad or tablet or phone will not have enough computing power to work with the required AccuMark program. You will want to use a PC. If you use a Mac, you will need to purchase additional software to support the Gerber software which requires Windows 10 or 11. 

The end-of-semester Recreate Project has several requirements. 

  • You will need to print the patterns you create. It is worth finding out now if your local print shop can print in a large format and how much they charge. Otherwise, you will need to print on regular-sized paper and carefully tape together the patterns you print out. 
  • You will need to purchase fabric and notions. Depending upon your project, this may cost $20–$100. 
  • You will also need your personal sloper pieces from either FCS 245 or FCS 345.
  • You will need a way to regularly save your pattern pieces. You can use your computer storage or a thumb drive
  • You must have regular access to a sewing machine and sewing tools during W09–W12. 

Software

  • You will use the Gerber AccuMark system software extensively throughout this course. You will not purchase it, rather you will access it by logging into the BYU-Idaho network. As stated above, you must have a computer. A tablet or phone is not powerful enough for this software.
  • Microsoft Word software: If you do not already have access to this software, a free download for PC or Mac is available through the University Store. See How Can I Get Microsoft Office for Free?

IMPORTANT!

This course requires basic to intermediate technical computer skills. You must know how to copy and paste, download documents, take screenshots, and insert photos and screenshots into assignment documents. If any of these activities are unfamiliar, you are advised to find a family member or friend who can teach you these skills, and mentor you throughout the semester. Another suggestion is to take a computer basics course before enrolling in this class.

You will also be required to create a video to document your final project at the end of the semester. This isn't a fancy video with special effects. The video must show the viewer the original garment and what you have sewn. You must appear in the video.

Making and uploading a video can be a bit of a challenge. If you anticipate needing help, you would be wise to recruit someone to help you now.

 


Structure

Course Outcomes (CO)

  1. Successfully use the Gerber AccuMark CAD Pattern Design program to create original patterns.
  2. Use correct terminology in relationship to CAD flat pattern work.
  3. Derive solutions to problems in CAD pattern design by recreating a garment from the industry using a personal sloper from previous classes.
  4. Present garment to public audience.

Major Assignments

The table below is meant to help you see the relevance of each major assignment as it pertains to the course outcomes (CO).

Major Assignment Description CO#
Weekly Assignments Use AccuMark to accurately modify and create pattern pieces. 1, 2
Recreate Assignment Recreate a garment: pattern each piece, problem-solve, and sew the garment to fit. 3, 4
Final Exam Use AccuMark to accurately modify and create pattern pieces. 1, 2

Weekly Patterns

The table below displays typical weekly activities, due dates, and activity descriptions. 

Due Date* Learning Model Activity Title Description
Midweek Prepare Study Study provided resources.
Midweek

Prove

Teach One Another

Assignment

Complete 1 patterning assignment using AccuMark.

Opportunities to teach one another are available as students are encouraged to work together to compete their assignments.

End of Week

Prove

Teach One Another

Assignment

Complete 1-2 additional patterning assignments using AccuMark.

Opportunities to teach one another are available as students are encouraged to work together to compete their assignments.

End of Week Teach One Another Discussion

Participate in optional Q & A discussion. Ask and answer questions.

End of Week Prove Quiz Complete short quiz. 

*Set your time zone within user preferences so the dates and times for course activities will display correctly for your time zone.

Learning Model

In APD 290, students are given the opportunity to learn to use the Gerber AccuMark system, a fashion industry professional design tool. Students are introduced to the system, and then are given specific projects each week to complete. Skills learned in Weeks 02–08 prepare students for the final Recreate project (see more detail below).

  • Prepare: A typical week asks students to prepare by studying a PowerPoint while watching a video. The video provides a demonstration of some of the concepts and skills. Students apply these concepts to the weekly assignments.
  • Teach One Another: Each students is encouraged (but not required) to work with another student to complete each assignment. Two heads are better than one when trying to learn AccuMark! Additionally, an optional weekly discussion board is provided to allow students to ask and answer questions.
  • Ponder/Prove: Short quizzes as well as the weekly application assignments allow each student to evaluate what they have learned.

NOTE: The course is not an independent study course. Students must progress together throughout the course.

You are encouraged to learn by study and also by faith (D&C 88:118). The three processes of the Learning Model will help you deepen your learning experience.


Drawing of a pink and blue denim jacketRecreate Project

Each student will choose a commercially-made jacket and recreate it. Each student will use AccuMark to create each pattern piece, print the pieces, cut the fabric, and sew the garment to fit (using personal sloper pieces). Finally, students will create a presentation and video to show the original jacket, model the recreated jacket, and discuss the production process. 


Expectations

Time Commitment

The BYU-Idaho standard for the student workload in courses is about 3-4 hours per week per credit hour. This means a two–credit course requires approximately 6-8 hours of work per week. Set time aside in your daily schedule to work on the course projects. For this class, you may find that some projects require more time. You would be wise to set aside extra time for the Recreate Project during W09-W12.

Additionally, you are expected to spend at least one hour per week working in the AccuMark system. 

Group Work

Students are encouraged, but not required, to work in pairs on their AccuMark assignments. Doing this will help students learn the system more quickly than if they try to do everything on their own. 

The Recreate Project encourages students to work in pairs to act as consultants for each other's projects. 

Feedback

You can expect to receive grades and feedback within seven days of the due date for most assignments. The final Recreate project may take more time.

Technical Support

If you experience any technical difficulties with I-Learn, please first contact the BYU-Idaho Support Center.

The Support Center cannot help you with AccuMark. Review the online help information from AccuMark and work with your instructor.


Deadlines

Because I-Learn does not scale times to match your local time zone, please note that times are set at 11:59 PM Mountain Time (USA). You will need to be sure your I-Learn profile is set to your local time zone and check your Calendar to see when assignments are due for you. There are usually two deadlines to meet per week.

If you are in the Mountain Time Zone, these dates and times are:

  • Midweek: Wednesday at 11:59 PM (mountain time)
  • End-of-Week: Saturday at 11:59 PM (mountain time)

If you are not in the Mountain Time Zone, these due dates will be adjusted to your time zone if you have updated your Canvas Profile and set your time zone. Once this is done, you may use the Calendar and your To-Do list to see the exact due dates and times for your location.

The Recreate project is due at the end of Week 12. See Calendar for exact time in your time zone.

Late Work

Closed factory

When you work in the fashion industry, you are expected to meet deadlines. As a sign of professionalism and respect, students must learn to complete and submit work on time. Late assignments are not accepted. You will receive a zero for late assignments. Why? Your employer or client expects work to be done on time, every time. If you are late, you could be holding up not just your client, but a factory in China or Bangladesh! 

The deadlines will be strictly enforced.

In addition, you must complete every assignment because each assignment builds upon another. 

In case of a family emergency, the instructor must be notified by email or instant message that there is a situation before the deadline. In this case, an additional 48 hours may be allowed for submission (subject to instructor approval), but the final work is subject to a deduction of up to 50%. If you don't do as well as you liked on an assignment that has been submitted on time, you can re-submit that assignment for up to 50% increase in points. This means that an assignment with a 10 point deduction can be re-submitted for a possible increase of 5 points. However, the assignment must be resubmitted within 2 weeks of the original due date. (The instructor usually needs a week to grade the assignment, so you would have an additional week to resubmit.) This resubmission policy does not apply to all parts of the Recreate Project.

Keep in mind that this class is helping you develop job and industry skills. Not turning your work is like not showing up for your fashion show!

Retries

Quizzes allow for two attempts.

As explained above, assignments that were submitted on time may be resubmitted for up to 50% increase in points. 

Extra Credit

Extra credit is not permitted in this course.

Grading Scale

Letter Grade Percentage Range
A 94–100%
A- 90–93%
B+ 87–89%
B 84–86%
B- 80–83%
C+ 77–79%
C 74–76%
C- 70–73%
D+ 67–69%
D 64–66%
D- 60–63%
F Below 60%

Use of Gerber AccuMark System

  1. You will only have access to the system during the semester that you take this class. Your access will be terminated once the class is over.
  2. You may only use the system when working on class-related projects, specifically projects for this class. 
  3. You may not use the system for any project outside of this class. 
  4. You may not allow others to use your login to access the system.
  5. Violations of rule 3 and 4 are serious. If Lectura (the company that owns Gerber AccuMark) discovers that you (or someone using your account) are working on a project outside of the assigned class projects, there will be consequences. 
    • Violations of the rules will result in fines, reported to be $400,000 per pattern piece. 5 piece pattern: $2 million fine. No kidding. 
    • Your instructor will not help you. BYU-Idaho will not help you. Church lawyers will not help you. You will be completely on your own to defend yourself against violations.
    • The BYU-Idaho Fashion Department will likely lose their AccuMark license and the ability to provide this software to students. APD 290 will stop being offered. 

University Policies

Students with Disabilities

Brigham Young University-Idaho is committed to providing a working and learning atmosphere that accommodates qualified persons with disabilities. If you have a disability and require accommodations, please contact the Disability Services Office at 1-208-496-9210 or visit their website and follow the Steps for Receiving Accommodations. Reasonable academic accommodations are reviewed for all students who have qualified documented disabilities. Services are coordinated with students and instructors by the Disability Services Office.

This course contains visual elements and requires students to use Gerber AccuMark design software. If you have a disability that prevents you from accessing this software, please contact Disability Services.

This course requires synchronous meetings. If you are currently registered with the Disability Services Office and need an interpreter or transcriber for these meetings, please contact the deaf and hard of hearing coordinator at 1-208-496-9219.

Other University Policies

Student Honor and Other Policies

Please read through the document called University Policies. It gives important information about the following topics:

  • Student Honor
    • Academic Honesty
    • Student Conduct
      • Sexual Harassment
  • Student with Disabilities
  • Complaints and Grievances
  • Copyright Notice

Go to the Student Resources module to review further resources and information.

Course Summary:

Date Details Due