Asthetic Processes

• Tie-dye


  Fabric is knotted or tied in different ways and dipped into dye to produce a unique pattern.
• Batik


  Hot wax is applied to fabric to prevent dye going under it. Makes unique patterns.
• Block Printing


  A traditional method of printing. Blocks are carved with a design and stamped onto the fabric.
• Patchwork


  Different patches of various fabrics are sewn together to produce a new design or fabric sheet.
• Silk Screen Printing


  A fine mesh fabric (originally silk) is stretched over a wooden frame. The fabric is covered in a paste and laid face down. The printing ink is placed on the underside of the frame and a squeegee is used to drag the ink across the screen. The squeegee forces the ink through the fabric to leave a design.
• Pleats


  Formed by folding the fabric back on itself and sewing it into place. Narrows the original width of the material quite significantly, while adding shape or body.
• Darts


  Used to shape the fabric, improving the fit. Made by creating folds in the fabric that taper to a point. These folds are often sewn in to the bust and the back of the bodices and waistlines.
• Gathers


  Formed by sewing along the edge of the fabric with two parallel rows of long stitches. The thread ends are pulled to create gathers. Narrows the width of the material and gives fullness to the garment. Often used as a decorative feature.
• Elasticated Cuffs 


  Can be used on the sleeves or the bottom of trousers to tighten the garment in that area.
• Facing


  The facing is stitched in place, the seam is then clipped before the facing is turned to the inside.
• Basic Double-Folded Hem


  The facing is stitched in place, the seam is then clipped before the facing is turned to the inside.
• Piping


  Piping can be used as a decorative edging which is straight stitched on to a garment or product