26.3.19

Six Methods Used By Fabric Manipulation Textile Artists

By Jason Butler


As an aspiring fashion artist, you have to learn different ways to manipulate fabrics to meet a particular design. It is vital for an artist to learn these methods to have different creations that help one complete in a demanding market. Anyone who intends to learn different fabric manipulation methods should have enough time and tools to make this process a success. This article provides various techniques used by fabric manipulation textile artists.

Rely on the applique method. The applique technique requires the artist to use different patches on one cloth. The process is suitable for both hand and machine sewing depending on the number of spots that one has to make. It can fit different stitching methods such as the satin, buttonhole and zigzag. Make sure that the colors that you use are matching with each other to create an exceptional aesthetic appeal.

Use the smocking process. This is a traditional Anglo-Saxon method that artists have adapted to create a sculptural effect on a cloth surface. One can produce different results such as tubes, pinwheel, square or any other shape. Professional designers can use complex grids and patterns that indicate where one should place the stitches to put different materials. Consider a material that is not too thick and stiff such as linen, cotton or silk.

Patchwork. Patchwork involves using different patches with different patterns and colors to make one big piece. Piece work is another common name used to describe this kind of method. It is recommendable to maintain colors that match with each other to achieve a continuous material color. The difference between applique and patchwork is the use of an underlying material in applique which is different from the mosaic.

Decide to use embroidery. Embroidery relies on the creation of stitches to come up with an unparalleled surface. There are over different embroidery techniques to use, but the most suitable one include the sashiko, Chikankary, Kantha and shadow embroidery. Beginners can adopt simple methods such as the knot stitches, French knots and the bullion stitches that one can even handle by hand sewing.

Acquaint with pleating. Pleats are folds turned against a material. They create impressions that can move to a particular point of a material or through the whole surface. Artists can press the pleats to create a more distinct style or leave the creases to adopt a more natural appearance. One can develop pleats by hand, machine or use patterns based on experience and convenience.

Acquaint with the fabric painting process. In this technique, the artist uses special cloth paints to design fabric. Cotton stands to be the best material to use since it has tight weaves that allow the paint to stick on it. One should use quality paints, brushes, and design transfer materials to create a remarkable cloth painting.

There are quite a lot of other techniques that one can use other than the one highlighted above. As an aspiring designer, it is recommendable to learn one technique one by one to be sure about your suitability before you start learning the other. Look for reliable sources such as videos and even a professional that you can use to learn these techniques.




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