Design and Technology: Fashion and Textiles (WJEC)

Cotton

Derived from the cotton plant, soft, breathable, absorbent, hypoallergenic, used in t-shirts, underwear, bed linens.

Wool

Sourced from sheep, crimped, elastic, provides insulation, moisture-wicking, flame-resistant, used in sweaters, suits.

Silk

Produced by silkworms, smooth, strong, lustrous, used in high-end fashion, scarves, bedding.

Linen

Made from the flax plant, strong, absorbent, cool, used in summer clothing, tablecloths.

Polyester

Man-made fiber, durable, resistant to stretching, quick-drying, used in activewear, curtains.

Nylon

Synthetic fiber, strong, elastic, abrasion-resistant, used in hosiery, swimwear, tents.

Acrylic

Soft, lightweight, warm, resistant to moths, used in sweaters, blankets.

Elastane (Spandex)

Exceptional elasticity, stretches up to five times original length, used in activewear, swimwear.

Weaving

Interlacing two sets of yarns at right angles, includes plain, twill, satin weaves.

Knitting

Interlooping yarns to create fabric, categorized into weft and warp knitting.

Non-woven Fabrics

Made by bonding fibers without weaving or knitting, used in disposable products, geotextiles.

Strength

Ability to withstand force without breaking, ideal for outdoor and heavy-duty applications.

Durability

Resistance to wear and tear over time, maintains appearance and functionality.

Elasticity

Ability to return to original shape after stretching, provided by elastane and wool.

Absorbency

Ability to take in moisture, high in natural fibers like cotton and linen.

Texture

Surface feel of the fabric, affects tactile experience and visual appearance.

Color

Visual hue and saturation of the fabric, achieved through dyeing or printing.

Drape

How the fabric falls or hangs on the body, influences garment silhouette.

Finish

Treatments applied to fabric to enhance appearance and performance.

Insulation

Ability to retain heat, provided by wool and fleece fabrics.

Waterproofing

Ability to repel water, used in rainwear and outdoor gear.

Breathability

Ability to allow air and moisture vapor to pass through, enhances comfort.

Dyeing Methods

Involves adding color to fibers, yarns, or fabrics, includes batch, continuous, solution dyeing.

Printing Techniques

Applying color and patterns to fabric surfaces, includes screen, digital, heat transfer printing.

Fabric Finishes

Treatments like anti-static, flame-retardant, water-repellent, enhance fabric performance.

Embroidery

Decorating fabric with needle and thread to create intricate designs.

Applique

Sewing fabric pieces onto a larger piece for patterns.

Beading

Attaching beads to fabric for decorative purposes.

Research and Analysis

Identifying design project requirements and constraints.

Market Research

Investigating trends, preferences, and competitors.

Idea Development

Creating initial drawings and prototypes for designs.

Sketching

Creating visual concepts to explore styles.

Prototyping

Testing design ideas and construction methods.

CAD (Computer-Aided Design)

Creating detailed designs and technical drawings.

Technical Drawings

Detailed plans with measurements for production.

Pattern Making

Creating patterns for fabric cutting and fit.

Sustainable Materials

Materials like organic cotton and recycled fibers.

Fair Trade

Ensuring fair wages and working conditions.

Carbon Footprint

Total greenhouse gas emissions from production.

Mass Production

Large-scale production of identical items.

Batch Production

Producing limited items in batches for flexibility.

One-off Production

Creating a single, unique item.

Quality Control

Ensuring products meet specific quality standards.

Standards

Maintaining consistency and reliability in products.

Testing

Assessing products for performance and durability.

Inspections

Checking products at various production stages.

Sourcing

Procuring raw materials and components.

Logistics

Managing transportation and storage of goods.

Inventory Management

Tracking stock levels and supply for efficiency.

Bias

Diagonal fabric direction with more stretch.

Selvage

Tightly woven fabric edge to prevent unraveling.

Warp and Weft

Lengthwise threads woven by the weft.

Grainline

Direction parallel to selvage for fabric cutting.

Notions

Small items like buttons and zippers for sewing.