Components Components

Components Components are the bits and pieces that you add to your fabric to make a textile product. They are usually pre-manufactured, but they can be home-made. Components are used to: Aid construction (e.g. threads) Add strength (e.g. interfacing) Embellish/decorate (e.g. beads, lace) Insulate (e.g. wadding) Add shape (e.g. shoulder pads) Fasten (zips, buttons etc – see the PowerPoint)

Components Sewing threads: Examples of threads: These are used to: Hold fabric pieces together Add fastenings Neaten fabric edges Add decoration Examples of threads: Cotton threads Polyester thread Metallic thread Silk thread Stranded embroidery threads Novelty threads (multicloured, invisible, smart) Wool threads for knitted products

Components Beads and sequins: Examples of beads/sequins: These are used to: Decorate with colour Decorate with texture Add weight to a product Examples of beads/sequins: Plastic Glass Wood Diamante Metal Pearl Semi-precious stones

Components Ribbons, bindings, Uses cords and braids: These are used to: Add decorative edges/features Be used as ties and fastenings To neaten raw edges of fabric Uses Ribbons are of different weights, colours and patterns, they can be decorative/functional. Bias binding stretches when stitched and is used to neaten edges. Braids can have fringes, beads, feathers and embroidery added for decoration. Cord can be put into fabric cases as piped edging.

Components Interfacings: Examples of interfacings: These are extra layers of fabric hidden inside a product. These can be used to: Aid sewing Add strength Stabilize fabric Give shape and structure Be used as bonding glue Make fabric more rigid Examples of interfacings: Non-woven sew in interfacing Non-woven iron on interfacing Paper backed iron on bonding glue (Bondaweb) Interfacings are used in things like COLLARS and CUFFS to make them stiffer, thicker and more likely to keep their shape. Interfacings are also used behind machine embroidery especially on things like t-shirt fabrics to stabilize them and stop them stretching.

Key facts to remember The exam: Components - fastenings Key words: Zip Buttons Velcro Buckle Toggle Press stud Eyelet Drawstring Hook and eye Key facts to remember A component is something that you add to fabric in order to make a textile product. A fastening is a type of component that is used to close all or part of a textiles product. Zips come in many different weights and can be made of different materials. Fastenings can be chosen for function or fashion in a textiles product. The exam: You need to be able to name a fastening if it is shown in a picture, or suggest an appropriate fastening for a product.