Stock forms, types and sizes (AQA GCSE Design and Technology): Revision Notes

Stock forms, types and sizes

Understanding the different forms, types, and sizes of textile-based materials is essential for effective design and manufacturing. Commercial suppliers offer materials in standardised formats to help minimise waste and improve cost-effectiveness when planning textile projects.

Available forms of textile materials

Fabric rolls and sheets

Commercial textiles are typically available in standard forms that make them more cost-effective by reducing waste during the design planning process. Fabric rolls are the most common format, usually available in standard widths such as 0.9 metres and 1.5 metres. However, many other widths are available depending on the specific manufacturer and intended use.

When working with fabric rolls, designers need to understand the width of the material they're using to plan their designs effectively. The lengths of fabric available depend on production runs but also conform to standard sizing conventions to ensure consistency across the industry.

Threads and fibres

Threads consist of long fibres that are specifically designed for sewing garments and textile products. Common thread materials include cotton, nylon, silk, polyester, rayon, and wool. Each type of thread has different properties that make it suitable for specific applications and fabric types.

Yarns and their packaging

Yarns are created by interlinking threads through a spinning process that creates a twisting pattern. This twisting makes the yarn stronger than individual threads while maintaining the flexibility needed for textile manufacturing. Yarns are used primarily for weaving or knitting processes to create textile fabrics.

Yarns are available in several different packaging formats, each suited to different uses and storage requirements. The main packaging types include hanks, skeins, balls, and reels. Yarns are typically available in single-ply (1 ply) or double-ply (2 ply) formats, where the ply number indicates how many individual threads have been twisted together to create the final yarn.

Available sizes and measurements

Understanding fabric measurements

Fabrics are measured using several different systems that help manufacturers and designers specify exactly what they need for their projects.

Weight measurement refers to the thickness of yarn used in the fabric, ranging from super fine yarns to bulky varieties. The specific weight of yarn used will directly affect the final characteristics of the fabric, including how many stitches can be achieved in weaving or knitting, and indicating properties like strength, thickness, and warmth.

Pattern repeat measurement tells you the number of centimetres before a decorative pattern begins to repeat itself. Understanding pattern repeat is crucial when calculating fabric requirements, as large distances between pattern repeats can make it more difficult to match patterns across seams and joins.

Thread count indicates the number of individual threads present in a given area of fabric, which directly relates to how tightly the fabric has been woven. Higher thread counts generally indicate finer, more tightly woven fabrics.

Standard components and fasteners

Mechanical fasteners

Several types of mechanical fasteners are commonly used in textile applications, each with specific advantages for different situations.

Zips feature interlocking parts on a flexible strip that open and close using a sliding fastener mechanism. They are available in many different sizes and colours, making them versatile for various applications. Zips can be designed for different situations, including fixed applications (like cushions), concealed fastening (in jackets), and two-way opening systems (for bags and luggage).

Buttons are small circular fasteners that are sewn directly onto the material and work by fitting through a corresponding buttonhole. They provide a traditional and reliable fastening method that works well for many garment types.

Toggles function similarly to buttons but are designed to be pushed through a loop on the side of the garment rather than through a cut hole. This makes them particularly useful for thicker fabrics or casual wear items.

Modern fastening systems

Press studs (also called poppers) consist of interlocking disc components where one disc has a projection that snaps securely into a corresponding hole in the other disc. These fasteners can be made from metal or plastic materials depending on the application requirements.

VELCRO® represents a hook-and-loop fastening system made from two strips of material. One strip contains tiny hooks while the corresponding strip has loops that catch and hold the hooks when pressed together. This system can be easily fastened and unfastened repeatedly, making it particularly useful for children's clothing and applications requiring frequent opening.

Additional standard components

The textile industry uses many other standard components including ribbons, braids, buckles, eyelets (metal rings for reinforcing holes), drawstrings, elastic materials, and decorative elements like beads and sequins. Each component serves specific functional or aesthetic purposes in textile design and construction.