Shape & Form Textiles (AQA GCSE Design & Technology): Revision Note

Textile fabrics can be sewn by hand or using a sewing machine

Sewing machines require thread mounted onto the machine on a bobbin

• The thread is fed through the machine's needle, which is sat just inside the presser foot of the machine

• The fabric layers are fed under the presser foot and the needle

  • The needle oscillates up and down, sewing the fabric together quickly

  • A foot pedal allows the maker to determine the speed of the machine

Sewing by hand allows for a wide range of different stitches, from running stitch and cross stitch and beyond

• It involves the use of a needle and thread

• Hand stitching is much slower but allows for a high level of precision and control

Pleating is the process of folding a fabric before sewing the folds in place, and is commonly used to shape garments like skirts

Gathering is the process of sewing two parallel lines to the top and bottom of a piece of fabric

• The thread is then pulled gently to create a ruffle, which makes garments look full 

Quilting is the process of stitching through three layers of fabric:

• A top layer

• A central wadding layer

• A backing fabric

This creates a thick/padded or decorative outcome

Stitching is carried out in straight lines or decorative patterns, and can be done by hand or using a quilting machine

Piping is the process of adding cords to fabrics to give them structure and strength at the edges

Fabric is folded over a cord along an edge, and sewn/stitched to close the cord using a straight stitch, either by hand or using a sewing machine