Sunday, March 31, 2019

Various Techniques Used By Fabric Manipulation Textile Artists

By Jason Butler


Fashion is one of the most lucrative ventures to adopt. It has a diverse selection of fabric manipulation techniques which makes it easy to compete in a tight market. However, it is upon the artist to learn these techniques to stand in a competitive position. The following are six methods used by fabric manipulation textile artists to think through.

Consider the applique method. The artist has to sew different types of fabrics on one underlying material. One can stitch the fabrics using hands or sewing machine based on the size of material that one is dealing with and convenience. There are different types of stitches that one can use. This includes the buttonhole, satin and zigzag. Use colors that correspond with each other to create an aesthetic appeal.

Consider the smoking technique. This is an ancient method that dates back to the Anglo- Saxon era. It produces a sculptural effect on a cloth by using different patterns such as square, pinwheel, and tubes. A professional designer can adopt more complex patterns or grids which can use different materials and stitches. Look for a material that is not too stiff such as silk, linen, and cotton.

Decide on using the patchwork. Patchworks have a similar approach like the appliques but rely on various patches that one should sew together. Choose fabrics that have contrasting colors to create a uniform design. You can also refer to the technique as piece work. You should adopt a stitching technique that is not conspicuous enough to create a bigger impression compared with the colors used in the patchwork.

Embroidery. In this method, the artist uses different stitches to have a unique texture. Some of the embroidery techniques include Kantha embroidery, Chikankary, shadow, and sashiko. As a beginner, you have to look for the simplest methods that suit your knowledge and the kind of machines you have. Some of the natural techniques that a beginner can use include the bullion stitch, French knots, and knot stitches.

Learn how to pleat. Pleating is a common cloth manipulation technique that consists of folding a textile on itself. It creates an impression that can run through the whole material or to a certain point of the cloth. The artist can decide to press the pleats with iron to create an elegant impression or leave the creases to create a softer and more natural effect. One can use three types of pleating methods which include machine, hand and pattern pleating.

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.

An artist can adopt as many techniques as he or she can. However, one has to learn a particular method before proceeding to the other to get enough experience and use the method effectively. Look for relevant and reliable sources that you can use to learn these techniques. The best sources include apprenticeship and videos since they have a visual and verbal approach.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment