Constructed Textiles: An Overview

• Constructed textiles refer to textiles that are created by interlacing, knotting, binding, or stitching threads or yarns together, rather than printing or dyeing a flat cloth.
• Examples include fabrics like knits, weaves, braids, felts, laces, nets and non-woven fabrics.

Different Techniques of Constructed Textiles

Weaving

• Weaving is the process of creating fabric by intersecting the longitudinal threads, or warp, with the transverse threads, or weft.
• Looms are used to hold the warp threads in place while filling in the weft.
• Different patterns and textures can be achieved depending on the weaving technique used.

Knitting

• Knitting involves creating cloth by creating consecutive rows of loops, called stitches.
• Two primary types of knitting are weft knitting (most common and includes hand knitting) and warp knitting (used mainly in industrial knitting).
• The different types of stitches and their arrangements give a wide range of textures, patterns and designs in knit fabrics.

Felting

• Felting is a process wherein fibres are meshed together to form a cloth using heat, moisture and pressure.
• This technique produces a fabric that is dense, warm and quite insulating.

Factors Influencing the Characteristics of Constructed Textiles

• The type of yarns used (natural or synthetic) substantially impacts the feel, texture, weight and durability of the textile.
• Different construction techniques lead to textiles with different properties. For example, knitted textiles are more stretchy than woven ones.
• The finishing processes applied to the textile also greatly influence its final properties. This can include processes like brushing, bleaching, dyeing, or applying special treatments for additional characteristics such as waterproofing.

Considerations for Textile Designers

• Designers need to pay attention to the intended use of the textile product when choosing the construction technique and materials.
• It's also crucial to consider the environmental impact of the production methods and materials chosen.
• Cost-effectiveness and scalability for mass production are also significant factors, particularly in an industry context.

Careers in Constructed Textiles

• Professions in constructed textiles include designers, technical experts, pattern makers, textile artists and product developers, among others.
• Understanding the basics of how textiles are constructed can also be useful for roles in fashion buying, textile conservation, teaching, and other areas connected with fashion and textiles.