Year 11 Textiles and Design: Elements, Principles, Techniques & Fabric Properties

Line and Direction

Creates outlines, divides space, and leads the eye. Vertical lines elongate; horizontal lines widen; diagonal lines add movement.

Shape and Size

Shape refers to the two-dimensional form (e.g., geometric, organic). Size refers to how large or small an element is in relation to others.

Texture

Describes how a surface feels or looks (e.g., smooth, rough, shiny). Affects visual interest and physical comfort.

Hue

The name of the colour (e.g., red, blue).

Value

Lightness or darkness of a colour.

Intensity

Brightness or dullness.

Proportion

Size relationships between parts of a design. E.g., balanced waistline to hem in a dress.

Balance

Even distribution of visual weight: Symmetrical: Mirror image (formal); Asymmetrical: Informal but still balanced.

Rhythm

Repetition or flow that leads the eye. Achieved through lines, colour patterns, or motifs.

Emphasis

A focal point or area that draws attention, such as a bold motif or bright colour.

Contrast

Differences in colour, texture, or line that create visual interest.

Harmony

Similarities in elements that make the design cohesive.

Unity

All parts of the design work together as a whole.

Functional Design

Prioritises usefulness and practicality. E.g., school uniform (apparel), flame-retardant curtain (furnishing), dance costume.

Aesthetic Design

Focuses on visual appeal. E.g., a dress with hand-beaded embellishment or printed textile art wall hanging.

Woven

Interlacing of warp (vertical) and weft (horizontal) yarns.

Selvedge

Neatly finished edge, parallel to the warp.

Plain Weave

Balanced and durable (e.g., poplin).

Twill Weave

Diagonal weave, strong (e.g., denim).

Satin Weave

Glossy surface, soft drape.

Knitted

Yarns looped together; stretches more than woven.

Courses

Rows of loops in knitted fabrics.

Wales

Columns of loops in knitted fabrics.

Non-Woven

Made from fibres bonded with heat, adhesive or entanglement.

Felt

Pressed wool, no grain.

Lustre

The amount of light reflected from the fabric surface.

Drape

How a fabric hangs or flows when suspended.

Strength

Ability of a fabric to resist force without breaking.

Abrasion resistance

Ability to withstand rubbing or friction.

Resistance to biological attack

Resistance to insects (e.g. moths) and microorganisms (e.g. mould).

Absorbency

Ability to take in moisture.

Elasticity

Ability to stretch and return to original shape.

Thermal properties

Ability to retain or release heat.

Dimensional Stability

Ability to retain shape and size after laundering and use.

Shrink Resistance

Ability to maintain size after washing.

Colour Fastness

Resistance to fading or bleeding during washing, sunlight or rubbing.

Sunlight Resistance

Ability to retain colour and strength when exposed to sunlight.

Chemical Resistance

Ability to withstand cleaning agents and body oils.

Monomers

Join to form polymers.

Crystalline areas

Strong, less absorbent.

Amorphous areas

Soft, absorbent.

Cross-sectional shape

Influences lustre and texture.

Natural Fibres

Fibres derived from plants or animals.

Cotton

Absorbent, breathable.

Wool

Warm, elastic.

Viscose rayon

Soft, absorbent, drapes well.

Polyester

Durable, strong, resistant to wrinkling.

Nylon

Elastic, strong, lightweight.

Elastomeric

High stretch.

Spun Staple Yarns

Yarns made from short fibres.