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.