1. Strand 3
Chapter 27
Fabric embellishment

2. Fabric embellishment What you will learn
What is meant by fabric embellishment
Different techniques used for fabric embellishment

3. Fabric embellishment
Key skills

4. Fabric embellishment
Keywords

5. Fabric embellishment Let’s get ready!
Have you ever decorated any of your own clothes?
How did you do it?
Why did you do this?
What resources did you use?
Name some household items that you could embellish or decorate

6. Fabric embellishment What is fabric embellishment?
Fabric/textile embellishment: adding decorative detail or feature to improve appearance
Considered a relaxing and therapeutic leisure activity
Allows for development of creativity
Often used in upcycling so can contribute to sustainability

7. Fabric embellishment Embellishment techniques Technique Description
Example
Embroidery
Stitching pictures, scenes, or decorative features on textiles.
Appliqué
Stitching small pieces of fabric onto a larger piece to make a pattern or design.
Quilting
Sewing two or more layers of fabric together to make a thicker padded material.

8. Fabric embellishment Embellishment techniques Technique Description
Example
Patchwork
Sewing pieces of fabric together into a larger design.
Ruffles
A strip of fabric, lace or ribbon tightly gathered or pleated and applied to clothing or a household textile.
Beading
Stitching beads, sequins or rhinestones to fabric to
embellish the surface.

9. Fabric embellishment Embellishment techniques Technique Description
Example
Furrowing
Taking a large piece of fabric and hand gathering it into a small space, then stitching down all of the
valleys created.
Smocking
Gathering fabric so that it can stretch.
Pleating
A type of fold formed by doubling fabric back upon itself and securing it in place.

10. Fabric embellishment Embellishment techniques Technique Description
Example
Piping
A strip of folded fabric often folded over a cord to form a ‘pipe’.
Fabric origami
Fabric folding for decorative purposes.
Dyeing
Adding colour to fibres and fabric.

11. Fabric embellishment Embellishment techniques Technique Description
Example
Printing
Applying colour in a definite pattern or design.
Lace and braid
Sewing lace or braid onto plain fabrics for embellishment.

12. Fabric embellishment Embellishment items
Some items that serve a purpose can also be used as embellishment. Can you think of some examples?

13. Fabric embellishment Embroidery stitches Name Use Satin stitch
Fill in shapes
Long and short stitch
Fill in wide designs
Stem stitch
Outline
Chain stitch
Fill in design

14. Fabric embellishment
Dyeing

15. Fabric embellishment
Printing
See Group work page 310

16. Fabric embellishment Rapid recap
Explain what is meant by ‘fabric embellishment’.
Suggest four ways of embellishing fabric.
Outline two reasons why you might embellish an item of clothing.
Describe one method of embellishing a household item.
What type of needle is used for embroidery?
Identify two different embroidery stitches.
Which stitch would you choose to fill in a design?
Differentiate between dyeing and printing.
Explain the purpose of a mordant in fabric dyeing.
Identify two different methods of dyeing.

17. Fabric embellishment
Learning checklist

18. Fabric embellishment Tic-Tac-Toe
Investigate ‘slow fashion’. Report back to the class. (A4 poster, three slide PowerPoint or two-minute video)
Define embroidery and explain the uses of each embroidery stitch
Design a poster explaining upcycling
Create a matching game for your class to help other students learn the different stitches and techniques
Define fabric embellishment
Create a step by step video showing how to complete one of the embroidery stitches and or fabric embellishments
Create a revision guide for this chapter
Continue your sample folder from the last chapter. Include samples of your embroidery stitches and embellishment techniques
Complete the Tarsia quiz on this chapter