47 fabric manipulation & other techniques to make fabric with texture & patterns
47 fabric manipulation & other techniques to make fabric with texture & patterns
I used to love crafts and painting when I was young. Then my attention turned to fabric and there was no looking back. For me nothing beats fabric and sewing in exploring creativity.
Sewing allows me to play with colour and do all the things I love and more; maybe more than what I could do when I was painting.What better way than sewing and embroidery and different easy to do fabric manipulation and other techniques to make the pretty textures on fabric – it is beautiful, economical and ticks all my creative boxes .
It is possible to add texture to fabric in a million ways – ok not so much – but more than you can count – I am listing the basic techniques which you can expand and combine, mix and match – whatever you want to do in whichever way
How to make fabric with texture
Table of Contents
1 Applique
2 Patchwork
3 Embroidery
4 Beading/ Beadwork
5 Macrame
6 Fabric trims
7 Couching
8 Fabric painting
9 Fabric Patches
10 Printing on Fabric
11 Reverse Applique
12 Monogramming
13 Felting
14 Fabric Flowers
15 Fabric bows
16 Faggotting
17 Insertion
18 Piping
19 Tucks
20 Sewing Machine Embroidery
21 Rhinestones
22 Sequins work
23 Gold work and zari work
24 Ruffles
25 Decorative Edge Finishes
26 Decorative Hem finishes
27 Using roulette loops
28 Bobbin work
29 Ruching
30 Dyeing
31 Stamping
32 Smocking
33 Shirring
34 Fabric origami
35 Ribbon embroidery
36 YoYos
37 Decorative pleats
38 Tassels
39 Mirror work
40 Shrinking fabric
41 Adding textured fabric as accent features
42 Distressed fabric
43.Embossing
44.Open work
45 Stencilling
46 Stitch and Slash technique
47 Scallops
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1 Applique
Applique is the method of sewing pieces of fabric onto other fabric bases in beautiful designs. You can stitch the applique pieces by hand as well as by sewing machine
Checkout the tutorial on how to do Applique – infact 12 different ways to do applique for more details
2 Patchwork
Patchwork is the method of sewing small pieces of fabric (patches) of different patterns and colours together to make a big fabric piece . This technique is also called piece work ; You can make stunning garments and accessories with patchwork fabric.
3 Embroidery
This is the technique of decorating fabric with beautiful stitches made with embroidery thread or yarn. Hand embroidery techniques like Kantha embroidery, Sashiko Embroidery, Shadow embroidery, Chikankary embroidery all create unparalleled texture. If you are a beginner to embroidery checkout the post on how to embroiderfor more details. Do you know that there are more than 60 different embroidery techniques in existence ( probably much more which I donot know about) and the different filling stitchesyou can make in hand embroidery to add texture. Check it out. Thebullion stitch and french knots and other knot stitches are also great for texture. Then there are the 12 types of 3D flowers you can make with embroidery.
4 Beading/ Beadwork
Beads add glitter, texture and beauty to fabric. You can sew / glue beads to fabric . Checkout this post on the basic beading stitches you can use to sew the beads
5 Macrame
This is a technique of using knotting to make fabric with special macrame cords. You can use macrame to decorate your fabric or make the whole fabric with macrame.
6 Fabric trims
You can sew the different types of fabric trims like ribbons , braids to the fabric to add texture to fabric.
Checkout the different types of trims availableand 20 different types of lace and lace trims and15 different types of ribbons and the tutorial for sewing the trims.
You can make your own fringe trims by following this tutorial here
7 Couching
This technique uses cords, threads and other materials which are then stitched on to the fabric surface. The thread is laid on the surface of the fabric in a pattern and it is sewn with small stitches by hand or by sewing machine. Checkout the post on 4 ways to do couching for more details
8 Fabric painting
Fabric painting uses a specially formulated paint to make designs on fabric. You can use the fabric paint to add dimensional effect to the fabric as well
Checkout some important tips for doing fabric painting here as well as the 10 fabric painting techniques even a beginner can do
9 Fabric Patches
Fabric patches are pieces of fabric embellished with embroidery, sequins , beads, fabric paint etc which are attached to fabric surfaces with glue or sewing or heat activated iron on adhesives; These are great for mending holes on clothes as well as decorating them.Checkout the 10 ways of making fabric clothing patches and the 8 different ways to attach them on to clothes
10 Printing on Fabric
Printing on fabric is a great way to add designs on your clothes. You can add any designs to the the fabric without any sewing involved using your inkjet printer at home. Commercially there are many techniques for printing on fabric .Checkout the post on inkjet fabric printingthat you can do on your own
Checkout the post on Fabric Block printing – A DIY guide for tutorial to do block printing at home
11 Reverse Applique
This technique involves adding a layer of fabric underneath the base fabric and cutting away a portion of the base fabric in the shape of the design so that the fabric underneath is revealed. You can add multiple layers of fabric underneath for a beautiful effect.
12 Monogramming
This involves embroidering the initials of a person’s name in a particular way and is a very popular technique of embellishing clothes and accessories to customise and personalise them. Checkout the post on thedifferent ways to create and add monograms to fabric, tips on embroidering lettersand Monogramming rules for more details. Checkout this tutorial ondesigning your own letters for embroidery
13 Felting
Felting is a process by which wool fibers are agitated ( by hand or by machine) to make fabric. Needle felting and wet felting are the two methods used to make the felted fabric. Felted fabric looks beautiful and can be used to make and decorate garments and accessories
14 Fabric Flowers
You can make beautiful flowers using fabric pieces to decorate your garments. The fabric scraps you have at hand if you have been sewing for some time can be transformed into beautiful almost real looking fabric flowers very easily
15 Fabric bows
Fabric bows the same way as fabric flowers add to the beauty of clothes.Checkout the 7 different ways to make bows with ribbons and also as many as 8 ways to make fabric bows
16 Faggotting
This is a technique for adding ribbons and lace trims to the fabric with pretty embroidery stitches. Hemmed edges of fabric panels are together or to trims with criss crossed stitches.
17 Insertion
You can add lace between fabric panels ; checkout this post ondifferent methods for lace insertion . Lace will add a transparency and texture to smooth fabric and will transform the look of ordinary fabric surface.You can join fabric pieces together decoratively with insertion stitches – checkout the two ways of doing insertion stitches here
18 Piping
Piping is a technique of adding a special type of trim which is made by inserting a cord inside a bias fabric strip.The piping is added to the seam as a decorative trim. Check out the post on making and sewing piping.
19 Tucks
Tucks are folds in fabric which are sewn in place. Pintucks are my favourite. As the name suggests these are tiny folds which are sewn in place close to the fold. They contain the fullness of fabric as well as add texture .Pintucks are made using pintuck foot and double needle stitching
20 Sewing Machine Embroidery
You can use embroidery sewing machines to make incredible designs on your fabric. Free motion embroidery involves making embroidery designs using your regular sewing machine with a darning foot and hooped fabric. This easy to do embroidery can make some amazing embroidery patterns and great texture as well. Checkout the post on free motion embroidery for more details
21 Rhinestones
Rhinestones are flatbacked beads which can be sewn or glued on to fabric to add sparkle to garments and accessories. Checkout the post on different ways to add rhinestones to fabric
22 Sequins work
You can add a lot of sparkle and texture by adding sequins to fabric ( sew them or glue them) – Checkout the 10 different ways of attaching sequins to fabric
23 Gold work and zari work
Gold work uses metal threads in gold and silver colour to make embroidery patterns on fabric. This is a beautiful embroidery technique. Zardosi work uses a special type of gold string to work the embroidery designs. The needle and thread is inserted through the hole in the zardosi strings and the work is completed like this.Checkout the post on Zardosi embroidery work and the 10 basic embroidery stitches used and 12 types of metallic threads you can use for metallic embroidery
24 Ruffles
Ruffles are pleated or gathered fabric or trims used to decorate garments and accessories. Checkout this post on gathering fabric for more details
25 Decorative Edge Finishes
Edge finishes need not be boring. You can finish the fabric edges with embroidery loops or buttonhole stitches ; For more edge finishing techniques checkout this post.
26 Decorative Hem finishes
You can add beauty and texture to the hem of your garment in many ways. Checkout this post on the different types of hand hemming stitchesfor tutorials on this.
27 Using roulette loops
Roulette loops are very thin fabric tubes made with fabric strips. You can easily make the roulette loops yourselfand use it to decorate fabric
28 Bobbin work
This is a technique of doing embroidery with thick threads in the bobbin. The work will appear on the underside of the fabric facing the needle. This is a wonderful way to add texture to fabric. Checkout the post on bobbin work for more details
29 Ruching
Ruching is basically gathering fabric so that there are patterned fold in the fabric; It is also called puffing in heirloom embroidery. Ruching is usually done along the bodice of dresses and sleeves along the center line which is ruched creating attractive folds on either side of the center stitching line. You can ruche fabric by sewing the fabric with elastic . This is usually done with thin, sheer and transparent fabric as an overlay or a drapable cloth. Checkout the detailed tutorial forruching fabric here.
30 Dyeing
Dyeing involves adding colour to the fabric by way of soaking it in a solution of dye. You can dye a fabric fully or partially ; Batik, tie and dye, shibori dyeing are all variations of dyeing fabric to bring about beautiful patterns on fabric surface
31 Stamping
This is a variation of diy block printing – you stamp on fabric surface with fabric laden stamps – you can diy stamps or buy from stores. Fabric paint ink pads are also available.
32 Smocking
Smocking involves stitching together gathered folds of fabric with pretty embroidery stitches in a definite pattern. Smocking is a means of controlling fullness as well as adding beautiful embroidery to the fabric.Checkout the post on smocking
33 Shirring
This is technique of gathering fabric by using elastic thread in the bobbin. Shirring in parallel lines can produce beautiful texture to the fabric. Checkout thetutorial on the best way to do shirring .
34 Fabric origami
Fabric origami is making origami ornaments by folding fabric pieces in definite folding patterns. You can use this to decorate fabric
35 Ribbon embroidery
Ribbon embroidery is embroidery done with soft silk ribbons. You can make beautiful floral designs with ribbon embroidery. Checkout thedifferent types of ribbonsyou can use as well as the post on the basic stitches used in the ribbon embroidery as well as 10 easy diy ribbon embroidered flowers ( tutorials) .
36 YoYos
A fabric yoyo is a gathered circle of fabric piece with small running stitches. The resultant fabric yoyos which resemble flowers are great for decorating fabrics
37 Decorative pleats
Pleats like box pleats, inverted pleats are all great ways of making the fabric look beautiful. Checkout the different types of pleats in the post here
38 Tassels
Tassels are loose threads gathered together at one end ; They are great for embellishing the hems of scarves and shawls ; Adding them to the end of drawstrings are common as well.Checkout thedifferent ways of making tassels on this post. The post on 8 ways to make bead tassels and other edge beading also is related
39 Mirror work
Attaching mirrors on fabric can make your fabric sparkle . Checkout the post on different ways to attach the mirror on to fabric.
40 Shrinking fabric
Shrinking different layers of fabric differently will produce texture on the face of the fabric. This technique is better detailed here
41 Adding textured fabric as accent features
When you have a garment with a smooth surface you can add texture to it by adding fabric pieces with texture like denim, pleather,leather, canvas, embroidered fabric to make yokes, collars or top hem of pockets, sleeve cuffs etc.
42 Distressed fabric
Weathering or distressing fabric is a technique of making the fabric look old by using various methods like using a pumice stone or wire brush to wear the thread or using paint to make it look used. Checkout the 15 ways to distress fabric as well as the correctway to rip fabric while leaving horizontal thread intact
43.Embossing
This refers to making an impression of images or designs on the surface of a fabric with the help of heat and pressure. This is also called Blind Printing, and Relief Printing. A raised or lowered imprint of the design is made with stamps and application of heat. Checkout the post ondoing embossing on velvet by yourself .
44.Open work
Drawn thread embroidery involves pulling out thread from the fabric and knotting the thread left in bundles or using decorative stitches over the drawn thread. This creates an open work with great texture on the fabric . Checkout the tutorial for drawn thread embroidery for more details. Cutwork,Hardanger embroidery,Borderie Anglaise are all open work which creates similar texture.
45 Stencilling
Stencilling creates patterns and designs on fabric surface with the help of thin cut out stencils made of metal, plastic, paper or wood. The holes in the stencil forms the designs on the fabric. Checkout the post on making your own stencils for more details
46 Stitch and Slash technique
Slashing fabric layers which are stitched together in parallel diagonal rows creates a beautiful visual and textural effect on the surface of the fabric which is unparalleled. No photo can reproduce the same impact you get when you see and feel the faux chenille fabric you have made with simple plain fabric pieces. Checkout thetutorial to make the faux chenille fabric and experience it yourself .
47 Scallops
Scallops are dome shaped stitching that is usually done along the fabric edge. You can make scallops by hand stitching with fine embroidery stitches or machine stitch the scallops with a facing or with decorative stitches in your sewing achine. Checkout the 5 ways to make scalloped edges.
Fabric texture is an important element of fashion. It can even affect your mood – the way your fabric looks and feels is intricately involved with our emotional wellbeing as well – I donot say this , but the learned scientists says so. Who am I to argue?.
I can simply go on creating these beautiful textures with the fabric manipulation and other techniques outlined here – what do you do other than this for fabric texture?
Related posts
17 Different types of Skirts
12 Different types of pants
50 Different types of collars
45 Different types of dresses
40 Different types of sleeves
48
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Comments9
Irene
AUGUST 18, 2017 AT 2:12 PM
Please i will love to join your online tutorials. Please give me the opportunity to join.
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Sarina
AUGUST 19, 2017 AT 6:49 AM
🙂 thanks
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Maryam
JULY 29, 2017 AT 6:44 PM
This tutorial is the best. They are some designs i do see on clothes but had no idea how it was done..
Thank you for this tutorial, it really helped a lot
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Sarina
JULY 29, 2017 AT 6:49 PM
Thank you
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sana siddiq
JULY 25, 2017 AT 7:04 PM
I want to join at ur online class mam
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Sarina
JULY 28, 2017 AT 11:46 AM
Thanks for your confidence 🙂 but I have no class
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Hilary temple
JULY 11, 2017 AT 7:05 PM
Clear layout
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Susie
JUNE 12, 2017 AT 1:07 PM
Great line up. We will be linking to this amazing article on our website.
Keep up the good writing.
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Sarina
JUNE 23, 2017 AT 12:44 PM
Thank you so much for the encouragement
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