Textile materials and techniques
Textile materials and techniques
Textile Materials
Natural Fibres
- Cotton: A soft, fluffy staple fibre that grows in a boll, or protective capsule around the seeds of cotton plants.
- Wool: Derived from sheep and other animals; it is flexible, resistant to tearing and tends to be cooler in summer and warmer in winter.
- Silk: A natural protein fibre that can be knitted or woven into textiles; it’s known for its shine and softness.
- Linen: High-strength fibre from the flax plant; it’s absorbent and dries quicker than cotton.
Synthetic Fibres
- Nylon: A type of polyamide that was originally designed as a synthetic replacement for silk; known for its strength and elasticity.
- Polyester: It’s durable, resistant to shrinking and stretching, easily dyed, and affordable.
- Acrylic: Lightweight, soft, and warm, with a feel and appearance similar to wool.
Mixed Fibres (blends)
- Polyester/Cotton blends: Combines the strength of polyester with the comfort of cotton.
- Wool/Silk blends: Provides the insulation of wool and the strength and lustre of silk.
Textile Techniques
Weaving
- Plain weave: Also known as tabby weave, this is the simplest type of weaving.
- Twill weave: A patterned weave, characterised by its diagonal lines.
- Satin weave: Characterised by its lustrous, shiny surface.
Knitting
- Garter stitch: Every row is knit on the front and back, giving a ridged texture.
- Stockinette stitch: Composed of alternating rows of knit and purl stitches, creating a smooth surface.
Dyeing and Printing
- Batik: A method of dyeing textiles by using wax to prevent the dye from reaching certain parts of the fabric.
- Tie-dye: A dyeing technique in which parts of the fabric are tightly bound with thread or rubber bands to form a resist before dyeing.
- Screen printing: An image is transferred to a fine mesh screen and ink is forced through the screen onto the fabric.
Surface Embellishment
- Beading: Sewing beads onto fabric for decoration.
- Embroidery: Creating designs and pictures by hand or machine stitching strands of thread onto a layer of fabric.
- Appliqué: A technique where fabric shapes are sewn onto a foundation fabric to create designs.