Lesson 1Steam, press, and iron best practices for different fabrics and trimsThis teaches how heat, water, and pressing change fibres without harm. You learn right heat for each fabric, tools for pressing, and safe steps for trims, foam, plastics, and fixes between shows.
Fiber-specific temperature and steam guidelinesUsing press cloths, shoes, and protective coversPressing sequins, foils, and heat-sensitive trimsShaping garments with steam without shine marksQuick between-show touch-ups under time pressureLesson 2Conservation-minded decisions: when to refrain from cleaning and when to consult professionalsThis teaches you to see when cleaning might harm more than help. You learn to check fibre strength, colours, and make, decide to stop, and know when to call experts.
Risk assessment before any cleaning attemptRed flags that signal stop and reassessCommunicating limits to designers and directorsWhen and how to contact textile conservatorsDocumenting decisions and treatment historiesLesson 3Behavior of embellished garments: sequins, beads, embroidery, applique, and glued trimsLearn how shiny bits, beads, stitching, patches, and stuck trims change how clothes act when worn or cleaned. We look at thread pull, bead weight, glues, and back fabrics to pick safe cleaning, pressing, and fix ways for fancy clothes.
Assessing bead, sequin, and embroidery attachmentDetecting weak threads, backing, and nettingCleaning strategies for glued and fused trimsPressing embellished areas without crushingReinforcing stress points before heavy useLesson 4Wig and hairpiece maintenance: synthetic vs human-hair care, de-tangling, washing, disinfecting, styling, and storageBuild safe ways to care for fake and real hair wigs in long shows. We cover untangling, washing, cleaning germs, setting styles, and storage that keeps lace edges, knotted hair, and shapes good over many performances.
Identifying fiber type and cap constructionDetangling tools and sectioning strategiesShampooing, conditioning, and disinfecting wigsRoller sets, hot tools, and style preservationLabeling, blocking, and ventilated lace storageLesson 5Fiber identification and properties: cotton, linen, wool, silk, rayon, acetate, polyester, nylonGet good at spotting common costume fibres and how they work on stage. We cover soaking water, heat hold, stretch, and colour take for natural, remade, and man-made fibres to guide cleaning, pressing, and lasting choices.
Visual and burn tests for fiber identificationMoisture, heat, and abrasion behavior by fiberBlends and how dominant fibers affect careFiber choices for sweat-heavy performance useLabeling garments with fiber and care notesLesson 6Vintage and fragile textile handling: age-related weaknesses, pH, and avoidance of mechanical stressHandle old and weak cloths without new harm. You learn to spot age problems, handle acid levels, avoid pulling stress, and make supports for wearing, moving, and short storage.
Identifying fiber embrittlement and weak areasSafe lifting, folding, and padded hangingManaging pH in storage and cleaning productsMinimizing friction, strain, and distortionSupports for dressing actors in fragile piecesLesson 7Wet-cleaning vs dry-cleaning decision matrix: solubility, shrinkage, structure, and label interpretationUse a clear way to pick wet or dry cleaning. We check fibre mix, build, dissolving risk, shrink chance, and label truth, then make charts for theatre time and money needs.
Reading and questioning care labels criticallyTesting for dye bleed and finish sensitivityEvaluating shrinkage and distortion risksWhen spot-cleaning replaces full cleaningBuilding a show-specific cleaning matrixLesson 8Research-backed care protocols for antique/vintage garments to apply in a regional theater settingLearn real ways from studies to care for old clothes in local theatres. We change museum rules for small money, focus on soft cleaning, steadying, and safe short show use.
Assessing condition and previous alterationsDry surface cleaning and gentle wet methodsStabilizing seams, linings, and fragile closuresAdapting museum standards to stage demandsDocumentation and labeling for loaned piecesLesson 9Washing machine, dryer, and hand-wash methods tailored to theater workloadsMaster fast washing plans for theatre work. We compare machines, dryers, hand wash, load plans, soaps, bags, and tags to avoid mix-ups between shows.
Sorting by fiber, color, and constructionChoosing detergents, boosters, and softenersMachine cycles, spin speeds, and load sizingHand-wash setups for delicate costume piecesDryer settings, air-drying racks, and taggingLesson 10Immediate emergency treatments: onsite spot-cleaning, absorbents, stain sticks, and rapid drying methodsFocus on quick, safe fixes when spills happen in show. Practice sorting, soaking up, spot kits, and fast dry that stop harm without spreading or hurting cloth.
Triage: when to treat, defer, or replace itemsBlotting, absorbent powders, and moisture controlUsing stain sticks and pens safely on costumesPortable spot-cleaning kits for backstage useRapid drying with fans, cool air, and barriersLesson 11Footwear, hat, and accessory care: construction, cleaning, reshaping, and sole repairsLearn to keep shoes, hats, bits that finish looks. Cover build basics, cleaning, reshaping, smell control, simple sole and trim fixes to stay safe and show-ready.
Identifying construction and weak stress pointsCleaning leather, fabric, and synthetic uppersReshaping hats, brims, and structured crownsOdor control and interior lining hygieneBasic sole, heel, and trim repair methodsLesson 12Stain chemistry and removal techniques: sweat, makeup, grease, dye transfer, and enzymatic treatmentsLearn how stains stick to fibres and safe removal on show time. Compare solvents, soaps, enzymes, make step plans that save colours, finishes, delicate bits.
Classifying stains by composition and behaviorTesting colorfastness before any treatmentSolvent, surfactant, and detergent stain actionsUsing enzymatic products on protein-based stainsLocalized stain removal vs full-garment cleaning
