Decoration and enhancement Chapter 5.2 Decoration and enhancement

Contents Learning objectives Appliqué and new technology Decoration and enhancement Patchwork Embroidery Embroidery and CAD Appliqué Appliqué and new technology Embellishment Ethical textiles Fabric manipulation Summary Key terms AQA GCSE Design and Technology: textiles technology

Learning objectives To develop knowledge and understanding of: surface decoration techniques what the different techniques are how you can manipulate fabrics applying chosen and relevant techniques to your coursework. AQA GCSE Design and Technology: textiles technology

Decoration and enhancement Surface decoration is a method of applying stitching and creating patterns with the addition of beading or the use of other decorative processes. Surface decoration enhances the surface of a fabric Surface decoration also add value to a garment or textile product In the haute couture industry, specialist workers called ateliers use their expertise to apply designs to expensive garments. The garments require many hours of labour and sell for thousands of pounds. AQA GCSE Design and Technology: textiles technology

Decoration and enhancement In haute couture specialists will apply decorative techniques to garments AQA GCSE Design and Technology: textiles technology

Patchwork Patchwork is a traditional method of applying colour to fabrics. This process uses small pieces of fabric that are joined together to create a pattern. This method of applying colour means that you can use small pieces of fabric. Patchwork is known as one of the earliest methods of recycling fabrics. ‘Make do and mend’. Patchwork was used as a method for decorating and repairing clothes AQA GCSE Design and Technology: textiles technology

Experimenting with techniques Here the student is experimenting with a variety of techniques including patchwork. Each samples includes annotated notes AQA GCSE Design and Technology: textiles technology

Experimenting with decorative techniques This work shows how the student has experimented with a variety of surface decoration and embellishments techniques AQA GCSE Design and Technology: textiles technology

Inspiration for techniques Inspiration for the types of stitches and techniques to use can be taken from mood board research AQA GCSE Design and Technology: textiles technology

Hand embroidery Hand embroidery techniques are developed using a range of decorative stitches. For hand embroidery you will the following: embroidery thread embroidery needles an embroidery hoop suitable fabric embroidery scissors tailor’s chalk for outlining your design on fabric AQA GCSE Design and Technology: textiles technology

Hand embroidery AQA GCSE Design and Technology: textiles technology

Types of hand stitches AQA GCSE Design and Technology: textiles technology

Machine techniques You can use the following machines for machine embroidery: Standard sewing machine: this has a limited range of stitches that can be used to create a range of different, patterned fabrics. You can apply patterns to ribbons and fabric strips, which can then be applied to other products. Computerised sewing machine: these have a wider range of stitch variation, and often have additional features CAD/CAM embroidery or CNC machine: these come with the widest range of stitches. They also can be linked directly to special digitising software and a computer. The software allows you convert drawings and images into stitches AQA GCSE Design and Technology: textiles technology

Machine techniques Free machine embroidery is a technique where the dog feed is lowered, enabling the user to create patterns on any aspect of the fabric. AQA GCSE Design and Technology: textiles technology

Computerised embroidery Examples of the patterns that can be created on a CAD computerised embroidery machine AQA GCSE Design and Technology: textiles technology

Machine embroidery and CAD Embroidery using CAD Computerised embroidery is done using a specific type of computerised sewing machine. Designs created using this type of machine can be done in one of two ways: Method 1: The design can be done on the machine itself using the machine’s built-in memory and design aids. Method 2: The design can be created on the sewing machine’s software on a computer. The design can then be exported to the embroidery machine using a special card or using a direct link between the computer and the sewing machine’s memory AQA GCSE Design and Technology: textiles technology

Machine embroidery and CAD Embroidery using CAD/CAM – picture stitching Picture stitching embroidery utilises the CAD/CAM embroidery machine’s ability to multi-stitch. Picture stitching can be used to create textile images that could be displayed on a wall or an open area. You can also use picture stitching to create small images that can be developed and made into larger pictures or used as a decorative technique. This process is also suitable for costumes and theatre images or backdrops AQA GCSE Design and Technology: textiles technology

Sewing and embroidery machines Standard sewing machines can be used to do freehand machine embroidery Computerised embroidery sewing machines can be used for complex patterns and decoration In industry embroidery is carried out on large-scale embroidery machines, connected to each other via a computer. Designs can be produced at very fast speed AQA GCSE Design and Technology: textiles technology

Appliqué and new technology Appliqué and modern CAD/CAM machines New, computerised machines can also be used to create appliqué designs Designs for the appliqué can be created in the embroidery design software The machine is then used to help you create a step-by-step appliqué The use of computerised embroidery machines means that designs are more accurately placed and the finishing is of a high quality AQA GCSE Design and Technology: textiles technology

Appliqué and new technology Industrial processes and practices for appliqué To ensure that accuracy and consistency is maintained, the appliqué shapes are cut out using special die-cutting equipment. This speeds up the manufacturing. AQA GCSE Design and Technology: textiles technology

Appliqué This is the process of layering shapes of one fabric onto the surface or background of another fabric. It is a popular way of adding surface decoration. The pattern pieces that make up the appliqué are usually backed with interfacing or interlining to give them strength and stability. Designs are applied to the fabric using a fine zigzag or satin stitch, which overlaps the fabric, neatening the edge AQA GCSE Design and Technology: textiles technology

Combining techniques Here the finished work combines the techniques of felting (fabric manipulation) and appliqué Here the finished work includes the techniques of quilting, appliqué and embellishment and patchwork AQA GCSE Design and Technology: textiles technology

Embellishment Embellishment is also known as surface decoration This is the process of applying textured decoration onto fabrics The designer may apply several techniques Processes where beading, sequins or textured stitches are applied to add decoration are known as embellishment A popular embellishment technique is called ‘shisha’ work Small mirrors are embroidered onto fabrics to reflect other materials and catch the light This is a popular form of decoration on Indian costume AQA GCSE Design and Technology: textiles technology

Embellishment Shisha work is a popular method of applying embellishment to fabrics AQA GCSE Design and Technology: textiles technology

Ethical textiles Many ethical textiles companies now work in areas in countries such as Malaysia, India and Africa, for example People Tree. They work with locals to maintain traditional textile techniques and to keep them alive for the next generation. Companies such as Bishopton Trading, Wool and the Gang and People Tree work with local partners, helping the locals they work with to earn a living wage and enhance other aspects of their lives through education. Many of goods produced have special swing tags attached that tell the story of the techniques and explain how the proceeds from the sale of the goods will be used to benefit the community. Many textiles techniques used have never been written down but passed on from mother to daughter or father to son. Companies are now recording the processes and placing them online through video-sharing websites such as YouTube or as podcasts on iTunes AQA GCSE Design and Technology: textiles technology

Fabric manipulation Fabrics can be manipulated using a range of techniques Once manipulated the designs can be used as decoration or design features Distressed effects can be achieved by stitching and cutting techniques Quilting involves sandwiching fabrics between wadding material and then sewing through the materials creating a 3D fabric Darts are used for shaping garments but can also be used for creating unusual shapes that can be applied to cushions and other products AQA GCSE Design and Technology: textiles technology

Fabric manipulation Here the finished work incorporates a range of fabric manipulation techniques AQA GCSE Design and Technology: textiles technology

Distressed effects Distressed effects are popular on products such as denim jeans They are applied commercially using processes such as stonewashing or sandblasting These, although popular, are linked to environmental concerns about their use Distressed effects that can be tried in the classroom are shredding, fraying or even using sandpaper AQA GCSE Design and Technology: textiles technology

Quilting Quilting is a traditional and old method of applying texture and colour by stitching through layers of fabrics There are many methods of quilting from all over the world The surface texture in the fabric is achieved by layers of fabric combined with layers of wadding or stuffing This process gives interesting 3D surface textures Quilting can be combined with other techniques of surface decoration to give unusual effects Quilting can be done by both men and women It is also used by many to recycle fabrics Elaborate quilts are often handed down as family heirlooms. AQA GCSE Design and Technology: textiles technology

Quilting Quilting is a traditional method of decorating or enhancing textile product AQA GCSE Design and Technology: textiles technology

Summary A wide variety of decorative effects can be used on garments, accessories or textile products. Designers are increasingly using computers in developing designs and new techniques. It is important to trial or model the techniques to understand how they can be applied to your work Decoration can include both hand and machine processes AQA GCSE Design and Technology: textiles technology

Key terms Surface decoration – a method of applying stitching and creating patterns with the addition of beading or other decorative processes Embroidery – a pattern being sewn into fabric using either hand or machine stitches. Hand embroidery – the method of adding surface decoration to fabrics by hand. Intricate stitches are used to create designs. AQA GCSE Design and Technology: textiles technology

Key terms Machine embroidery – the method of adding surface decoration to fabrics using a sewing machine. There are two main methods of creating designs –freehand or using computer digitizing software Appliqué – a surface decoration technique, where a design is created by cutting out shapes and then stitching them to a backing fabric to create a design AQA GCSE Design and Technology: textiles technology