Year 10 Revision
Modelling Colour and
Decoration
Modelling
Modelling is an important part of the design
development of your project because it
allows you to test and evaluate your design
ideas.
Modelling can include;
Making test
pieces/fabric samples
Scaled down versions
of the end product
Prototypes of actual
product
Small test pieces of
fabric are best when
you are experimenting
and practising
techniques. This can
be done to help
deciding colour
combinations, surface
decoration and
manipulation of fabrics.
Printing
STENCILLING
Card is used with
a design cut out
of it. Colour is
applied with
sponges or
brushes.
BLOCK PRINTING
Use a wooden block with a design
relief, which stands out off it.
SCREEN PRINTING OR SILKSCREEN PRINTING
Uses a stencil under a nylon screen.
Dye is pushed through using a
squeegee.
Use a different screen and stencil for
each colour.
ENGRAVED
ROLLER
PRINTING
Uses several
metal rollers with a
design engraved on
them.
The dye is pushed
through a fine
mesh on each
roller.
Uses a separate
roller for each
colour used.
Printing
Printing is used to
add colour and
pattern to fabrics.
COMPUTER TRANSFER PRINTING
Uses an image created on a computer
then printed onto transfer paper
Transfers the design by applying heat
from an iron to the back of the paper.
HEAT TRANSFER PRINTING
Uses a design printed onto
sublimation paper.
Transfers the design to fabric using
heat.
DIGITAL PRINTING
The whole design and printing process is carried out
by computer. Can create complex patterns quickly.
Dyeing
These two
techniques can
be used in the
classroom or
industry.
PIGMENT
DYEING
Uses a binding
agent and
pigment that are
mixed and
applied to fabric.
It is used in
screen printing.
It is a common method of applying colour to
fabrics. The resulting colours depend on:
•The type of fibre.
•The type of product being dyed.
•When the dye is applied.
NATURAL / VEGETABLE DYEING
Uses colourings extracted from natural
products. Salt is used as a mordant
(fixative). This is needed to ‘stick’ the dye to
the fabric.
Surface
Decoration
Adding surface
decoration can enhance
appearance, add texture
and create interest.
Embellishment –
small components
added to product.
Using small
mirrors for
decoration is
called ‘Shisha’
work.
Applique – fabric
shapes are sewn onto
a background fabric
with either straight or
zigzag stitch.
Interfacing is
commonly used to
back the fabric for
strength.
3D Paints – leave a
raised effect on
design.
Embroidery
Surface
Decoration
Can be done by machine or hand. Also,
can use a large selection of threads a
needles. Designs can be drawn onto
fabric with a fabric marker. When
finished the fabric is washed.
Patchwork – small
samples are sewn
together. Can be used to
combine textures and
create different patterns.
Shibori- a
japanese technique
of using steam to
manipulate fabric.
CAD Embriodery
An embroidery machine is used.
Involves creating a design on the
machine or by using a ICT
connected to machine.
Fabrics
Designers must choose fabrics that have
properties suitable for the functions of the end
product. Modelling allows you to practise
working with these fabrics and experiment with
different options and combinations.
Combining
Techniques
Combining methods of
applying colour with
surface decoration or
manipulation can produce
interesting effects.
Produce small test pieces
to see if your ideas work
before applying them to
larger pieces of work.
Take photos of;
•Things that inspire you
•Similar products to annotate for
research
•People using your product to help with
designing
•The different stages of the development
•Your end product for evaluation and
analysis purposes
Spreadsheets
Excel enables data to
be organised into a
grid. You can then
carry out calculations.
These spreadsheets
are used for
costing/comparing
products and
analysing fabrics or
products.
YOU CAN USE A SCANNER TO SCAN IN
IMAGES AND FABRICS SO THAT YOU
CAN MANIPULATE THEM USING A CAD
OR GRAPHICS PROGRAMME.
Cameras and Scanners
Modelling using ICT
You can use ICT to evaluate and analyse
your designs before you start actually
modelling. This saves time, money and is
more accurate. Software can be used to
draft patterns, create repeating patterns.
Also, can change the scale. .
Toiles
A toile is a prototype garment. It’s usually made from
a cheap fabric like calico. Several toiles are often
made before the actual garment is constructed.
Toiles are useful as;
Producing small scale models
Show how product will look once (for example 50%) can be useful
finished.
as this is cheaper. Also you can
Helps to show problem areas
practise the skills needed to
before production begins.
make the product.
Allows you to estimate costs.
Helps you to evaluate if the number
of pattern pieces can be reduced to
make manufacture less expensive.
In industry toiles are used for all textile
products and are an essential part of the
design process. Once the toile is made
and the designer is happy with it, a
sample garment can be made. The
process of making a toile allows the
designer to identify the most efficient
methods and procedures for
manufacture.
Construction Techniques
Machine Stitching
Machine stitching is used for permanent joining
and finishing. Many sewing machines come with
a set of basic stitches. These are:
STRAIGHT STITCH- a basic straight stitch.
SINGLE STEP ZIG ZAG- a basic neatening
seam.
DOUBLE ZIG ZAG- for either finishing a seam
or stitching jersey (knitted) fabrics together.
CHAINSTITCH- for stitching jersey (knitted)
fabrics.
OVERLOCK- a combination of several
stitches used for neatening the edge of a
seam or garment.
Overlock with safety stitch- combines an overlock
with a chain or straight stitch so that seams can
be stitched and finished at the same time.
Seam Finishes
Seam finishes are used
to;
•Give a neat finish
•Prevent fraying
Construction Techniques
Types of Seams