2.3. j components in fashion and textiles Flashcards
components
Components are an integral part of fashion and
textile products and serve many purposes:
* Functional – allowing a product to operate or
be used.
* Structural – hidden within the product. Without
it, the structural integrity of the product would
be compromised.
* Aesthetics - visually important, but not critical.
Components fall into the following categories:
Threads
Fastenings
Trims
threads
A variety of threads exist for different purposes –
to sew products together or for decoration; many
subtypes exist within these groups.
* Sewing threads
Polyester – a strong thread with some give in it –
this is the most common type of sewing thread
and will suit most projects. Cotton and silk threads
are available for use on each of these fabrics.
A thicker top stitching thread is used on the
outside of a product where the stitching becomes a style detail and needs to stand out.
* Embroidery threads
Specialist threads which are much glossier in
appearance are used for machine embroidery.
* Conductive threads
Capable of conducting electricity to power a LED
for example. Used when integrating electronic
devices into textiles.
fastenings
The following components allow products to be
fastened or opened and closed.
All are available as stock forms.
* Zips
Zip types include open ended, closed end, two-way
zips and concealed (invisible) zips. Zips should be
chosen according to the purpose of the product.
Weights vary from heavy duty metal or plastic to
very lightweight nylon zips. Zips should suit the
weight of the fabric.
* Buttons
Usually used as part of a fastening, but can also
be decorative. Buttons are available in different
materials – wood, nylon or metal as well as different
sizes, shapes, plain, patterned or engraved.
Individual buttons can be 3D printed.
* Buckles
Buckles can be plastic, wooden or metal and
interact with a strip of fabric to close two edges.
Mainly functional, but can add to the aesthetics of a product. Can be 3D printed.
* Velcro
A strong and secure fastening where two sides of
different textures interlock together. A versatile
fastening especially on children’s products.
* Eyelets Metallic or plastic rings inserted into textiles acting
as a fastening when ribbon is threaded through
them. Can also be decorative.
* Ties
Could be ribbon, tape or braid that is simply used to tie two pieces of fabric together.
* Press studs (also called poppers)
One side of a press stud simply clicks into the
other side – easy to use. Can be stitched in place or
embedded into the fabric. Can be plastic or metal.
trims
- Lace
This is usually a delicate edge trim used as
decoration. It can be straight edged or scalloped.
Available in different widths and weights. - Braids
Braids are woven patterned trims used as a
decorative border. Braids can be multi-coloured,
matt or shiny and in different widths. Ric rac braid is
a wavy braid used for decoration. - Ribbon
Ribbons can be decorative or used as a fastening.
Shiny ribbons can be double sided or single. They’re
available in a variety of colours and widths. - Tapes
Flat woven tapes are often used as support hidden in seams, particularly on stretch fabrics that are less stable. - Cords
Available in different thicknesses and colours.
They can be covered for use in piping or used as a fastening, for example in a drawstring closure. - Elastics
Available in various weights, widths and extensibility. Used on waistbands, cuffs, underwear and
swimwear to improve fit. - Boning
Metal or plastic strips inserted into seams to give
structure to a product. - Beads, sequins, diamantés
Available in various shapes, colours and sizes, and can be matt or glossy. They all add a decorative
feature to any textile product. Diamantés are fake
diamonds. - LEDs – Light emitting diodes
Small lights that can be integrated into textile
fabrics. An electrical charge from a battery travels
along a conductive thread to light the LED.
