Embroidery
Embroidery Embroidery has been used on textile products for thousands of years. It is a way of adding interest and emphasising details. Although many people still embroider by hand, machine embroidery has overtaken it in popularity. Most domestic machines have a range of decorative stitches, with some computerised machines offering the opportunity to design your own. Computerised machines also offer the opportunity to embellish textile products with motifs and logos. Free machine embroidery can be done on an ordinary domestic sewing machine. Fabric needs to be stretched over an embroidery hoop; a specialist foot needs to be attached to the machine and the feed dropped, allowing the hoop to be moved freely whilst the fabric is stitched in random patterns. This method is especially effective when used with vanishing muslin; a web of stitches needs to be created on the muslin, once the muslin is removed by soaking in water, it leaves a mesh of stitches. This can be applied to other textiles products and further embellished with beads or sequins.
Appliqué is the process where one fabric shape is applied to another piece of fabric and stitched around the edge to secure it. A variety of textures and colours can be used to create effective and interesting designs. This process is widely seen throughout textiles. Traditionally interfacing is used to stabilise the top layer of fabric prior to stitching; these days bondaweb is used to fix the shape in place eliminating the need for pinning. Shapes can be cut on the laser cutter which offers other possibilities for finishing the edge of the appliqué shape.
Reverse appliqué (sometimes referred to as cut work or Mola) are variations on the appliqué process.
Beading is the application of beads, sequins, rhinestones or pearls on to fabrics either to create patterns on their own or to further embellish other techniques. Beadwork can be used to outline a design, fill an area or just dotted over a large area.
Patchwork has its origins hundreds of years ago when people patched together old clothing and left over pieces of fabrics to make quilts for bedding – early recycling! It has been a popular pastime ever since. Intricate and detailed designs can be created from all sorts of textures, colours and patterns by piecing them together. Although it is mostly seen on soft furnishing products it is from time to time seen on fashionable clothing.
Jean Paul Gaultier
– patchwork tunic
Mathew Williamson – patchwork skirt and clutch bag
Some of the most effective and visually appealing designs are those that bring together a number of decorative processes on one product. Do not think of each technique in isolation – be imaginative and experiment!
EXAMINATION TIP: Know what products decorative processes can be used on. Be able to write notes and sketches on how to apply these processes to fabrics. Some of these processes require a high level of skill; consider using them on the product.
Appliqué is the process where one fabric shape is applied to another piece of fabric and stitched around the edge to secure it. A variety of textures and colours can be used to create effective and interesting designs. This process is widely seen throughout textiles. Traditionally interfacing is used to stabilise the top layer of fabric prior to stitching; these days bondaweb is used to fix the shape in place eliminating the need for pinning. Shapes can be cut on the laser cutter which offers other possibilities for finishing the edge of the appliqué shape.
Reverse appliqué (sometimes referred to as cut work or Mola) are variations on the appliqué process.
Beading is the application of beads, sequins, rhinestones or pearls on to fabrics either to create patterns on their own or to further embellish other techniques. Beadwork can be used to outline a design, fill an area or just dotted over a large area.
Patchwork has its origins hundreds of years ago when people patched together old clothing and left over pieces of fabrics to make quilts for bedding – early recycling! It has been a popular pastime ever since. Intricate and detailed designs can be created from all sorts of textures, colours and patterns by piecing them together. Although it is mostly seen on soft furnishing products it is from time to time seen on fashionable clothing.
Jean Paul Gaultier
– patchwork tunic
Mathew Williamson – patchwork skirt and clutch bag
Some of the most effective and visually appealing designs are those that bring together a number of decorative processes on one product. Do not think of each technique in isolation – be imaginative and experiment!
EXAMINATION TIP: Know what products decorative processes can be used on. Be able to write notes and sketches on how to apply these processes to fabrics. Some of these processes require a high level of skill; consider using them on the product.
