1. Components
Components

2. 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)

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.