Inside Textiles: Science, Design & Innovation

The second session of four exploring different aspects of textiles.

KITE, 550 University Avenue - Basement Lecture Room (B-121)

Series Description:

Textiles are everywhere — in what we wear, in how we heal, and in the technologies shaping our future. This four-session series, Inside Textiles: Science, Design & Innovation, offers an accessible yet in-depth journey through the fascinating world of textile science & engineering, inviting designers, scientists, makers, and curious minds alike to discover the materials that shape our daily lives.

Across hands-on and interactive sessions, you’ll explore the building blocks of fibres and yarns and learn how fabric structures are engineered. You’ll dive into the surprisingly complex world of textile coloration and see how expert testing ensures quality and performance. Along the way, this series connects foundational knowledge to real-world applications spanning fashion, healthcare, sustainability, and the smart textiles of tomorrow.

Each session is designed as a stand-alone experience that provides valuable insights on its own, but together they build on one another — gradually deepening your understanding and skills. Content closely mirrors what is typically covered in undergraduate textile science courses, making this series both an accessible and essential foundation for anyone eager to understand the fabric of everyday life.

Every session includes a Q&A with the speaker and offers time for networking with fellow attendees. Attendees can enjoy tea, coffee, and light snacks throughout the events, creating a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere for learning and connection.

Participants who attend all four sessions will receive a Certificate of Completion, recognizing the comprehensive nature of this learning journey and your commitment to exploring textiles as both science and creative material.

Join us to bridge creativity and science, explore innovations, and unlock the potential woven into every fibre.

Session 2: Engineering Comfort: The Science of Fabric Structures

Event Description:
What makes one fabric drape beautifully while another feels structured and strong? This session takes participants into the world of fabric engineering with hands-on swatches to feel and compare. We’ll explore the properties of woven and knitted fabrics, how construction impacts stretch, durability, and comfort, and even uncover the real-world considerations of cost and longevity in bulk production.

Doors Open at 10:30am with a prompt start at 11am.

****Please note, if you sign up for the event and find later that you cannot attend, please let the organiser know the day before the event.