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.

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.

Smocking. In this kind of manipulation, the artist stitches together fabrics by creating areas that release a sculptural effect. The effect can lead to raised squares, pinwheel, tubes and other shapes that one will manage to make. You can as well adapt complex patterns and grids that will define where to place the stitches and put the materials together. Look for a material that is not too stiff or thick such as cotton, silk or linens.

Learn how to use patchwork. Patchwork provides a similar effect to the applique but relies on a different approach. In this case, the artist uses pieces of patches and sew them together to have one uniform fabric. Ensure that the patches have colors that correspond with each other to get a beautiful effect.

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.




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