Lesson 1Steam, press, and iron best practices for different fabrics and trimsThis part shows how heat, water, and pressure can shape fibres without spoiling them. You'll learn right temperatures for each fabric, pressing tools, and safe steps for trims, foam, plastics, and keeping quick-change costumes ready 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 part teaches you to spot when cleaning might do more harm than good. You'll learn to check fibre strength, colours, and make, decide when to stop, and know when and how to call in 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 3Behaviour of embellished garments: sequins, beads, embroidery, applique, and glued trimsLearn how fancy bits change how clothes act when worn and cleaned. We look at thread pull, bead weight, glues, and back fabrics so you pick safe cleaning, ironing, and fixing for decorated pieces.
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 habits for fake and real hair wigs in long-running shows. We cover untangling, washing, cleaning germs, setting, and storage that keeps lace fronts, knotted hairs, and styles good through 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 5Fibre identification and properties: cotton, linen, wool, silk, rayon, acetate, polyester, nylonGet good at spotting common costume fibres and how they behave on stage. We cover soaking up, heat handling, stretch, and colour holding for natural, remade, and man-made fibres to guide cleaning, ironing, 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 delicate fabrics without making new problems. You'll learn to spot age issues, 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, shrinking, and label truth, then make charts that fit theatre times and money.
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 hands-on ways backed by studies to care for old garments in local theatres. We adjust museum rules to fit budgets, stressing gentle cleaning, steadying, and safe short use on stage.
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 washing flows that suit theatre pressure. We compare machines, dryers, hand wash, plan loads, soaps, bags, and make labels to avoid mixing 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 methodsDeal with quick fixes when spills happen during shows. Practice sorting, soaking up, carry kits, and fast drying that stops stains spreading or fabrics spoiling.
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, and extras that finish looks. We cover builds, cleaning, reshaping, smell control, and easy sole and trim fixes to stay stage-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 treatmentsSee how stains stick to fibres and safe removal on tight schedules. We match solvents, soaps, enzymes, and step-by-step ways that save colours, finishes, and fine trims.
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
