Fabric Surface Techniques Notes
Subject Overview
Fabric Surface Techniques surveys methods of surface ornamentation beyond weaving and printing — patchwork, applique, quilting and layering — teaching students to select the right technique, material and costing for a given end product. Students conduct market surveys of domestic and international trends, explore patchwork applique, innovative embroidery, quilting, faggoting and drawn threadwork, and develop fabric swatches and a finished end product (home furnishing, apparel or accessory) from a chosen technique. This is a 2-credit core practical paper.
Subject at a glance
2
Units
11
Topics
2
Credits
2
Infographics
Unit-wise Syllabus
2 units — click WhatsApp below to get the full notes for each
Unit 1: Surface ornamentation techniques
- Market survey of current domestic and international trends
- exploring patchwork applique
- innovative embroidery
- quilting
- faggoting
- layering and drawn threadwork
- development of fabric swatches for each technique explored
Patchwork and appliqué
Pieced and layered fabric
Quilting
Stitching through layers
Faggoting
Decorative open seams
Drawn threadwork
Pulled threads form patterns
Layering
Sheer over solid fabrics
Study guide
This unit begins with a market survey of current domestic and international trends and explores patchwork applique, innovative embroidery, quilting, faggoting, layering and drawn threadwork, producing fabric swatches for each. Collect trend images to guide your experiments.
Unit 2: End product development
- Selecting an appropriate ornamentation technique for a specific end product
- understanding required materials/equipment/time/costing
- developing a home furnishing
- apparel or accessory end product
- 1Choose the product
Home, apparel or accessory
- 2Pick the technique
- 3List materials and equipment
- 4Estimate time and cost
- 5Make and finish the product
Study guide
You choose an appropriate technique for a specific end product, work out materials, equipment, time and costing and develop a home furnishing, apparel or accessory product. Cost your product honestly, including time.
Why Fabric Surface Techniques Matters
Surface ornamentation adds value to plain fabric, and craft-based surface techniques are popular in boutique, export and handmade markets.
How to Prepare for Fabric Surface Techniques
- Make a swatch for every technique with notes on time and materials.
- Choose a technique suited to your end product.
- Photograph your finished product for your portfolio.
Fabric Surface Techniques: Frequently Asked Questions
What is quilting?
Quilting joins layers of fabric with stitching, often with padding in between, to create texture, warmth and decorative patterns.