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Design
Fabric colouration and decoration: Beading, sequining and metal thread embroidery
In the Design area of study you will investigate different methods of fabric colouration and decoration. This tutorial focuses on beading and sequins. You may find this useful if you are considering using these techniques on a textile item.
Outcomes
This material addresses aspects of the following syllabus
outcomes:
H1.2 The student designs a textile item/s that
demonstrates an understanding of functional and aesthetic
requirements.
H6.1 The student analyses the influence of historical,
cultural and contemporary developments on textiles.
Source: Board of Studies NSW, Stage 6 Textiles and
Design Syllabus, Preliminary and HSC Courses
(2007)
Beading and sequining
Beading and sequining add texture and a feeling of luxury to apparel and non-apparel. Beading and sequining should be designed, planned and worked on a garment before it is made up. The purpose of the item wil determine the choice of bead. Extra fabric should be allowed when cutting out in case there is some shrinkage. It is important to line all pieces of beading as this will prevent the threads getting caught.
When designing beading think of each bead as a single unit in the design. The design can then be created much like a mosaic. Beading should enhance the fabric or item not overwhelm it.
Some beading techniques are:
- sewing down a single bead
- sewing a continuous line of beads
- stitiching one bead on top of another
- attaching a bead with its hole facing upwards
- couching between beads in a continuous line.
Activity
- Develop your beading skills by preparing small samples
or a larger sample which could be adapted to make a simple
evening bag.
A simple line drawing can be a good starting point. See the beading sample and the evening bag below.
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| Beading | |
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| Evening Bag |
- What restrictions does beading, sequining and gold
thread embroidery place on a garment?
- Why is this type of fabric decoration not used more frequently?
Metal thread embroidery
Metal thread embroidery is used extensively in Indian textiles and on contemporary apparel, non-apparel and even furnishings. Traditional embroidery stitches are appropriate.
Gold thread embroidery
For more information on gold thread embroidery see the tutorial on Indian textiles.
Answers
- Beading, sequining and gold thread embroidery influence
the washability, durability and flexibility of a garment.
- This type of fabric decoration is not widely used as it is labour intensive, restricts the use of the garment and increases production costs.
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