![ crosswise - at right angle to the lengthwise threads; perpendicular to the selvage (weft
threads)
bias - diagonal angle; runs at a 45-degree angle to the selvage edge; provides stretch
KNIT
knitting- yarns are fashioned by needles into a series of interlocking loops to make a
fabric
knits provide stretch
knits don't need a seam or edge finish; will not fray
ball point needle is recommended for sewing on knits
single knit fabric curls to the right side when stretched
interlock knit is thicker than single knits and when stretched they don't curl
NON-WOVEN/ FELTING
made when fibers are pressed together using heat and moisture
examples include: felt and non-woven interfacing
NAP
short fibers that create texture on fabric
use a nap layout
treat the same way as a one-way directional fabric
Yarn:
Yarn is a long continuous length of interlocked fibres, suitable for use in the production of
textiles, sewing, crocheting, knitting, weaving, embroidery and ropemaking. Thread is a type
of yarn intended for sewing by hand or machine. Modern manufactured sewing threads may
be finished with wax or other lubricants to withstand the stresses involved in sewing.
Embroidery threads are yarns specifically designed for hand or machine embroidery.
A continuous strand of textile fibers created when a cluster of individual fibers are
twisted together. These long yarns are used to create fabrics, either by knitting or
weaving.
Spun yarn is made by twisting or otherwise
bonding staple fibers together to make a cohesive
thread.[2] Twisting fibers into yarn in the process
called spinning can be dated back to the Upper
Paleolithic[3], and yarn spinning was one of the
very first processes to be industrialized. Spun
yarns may contain a single type of fiber, or be a
blend of various types. Combining synthetic fibers
(which can have high strength, lustre, and fire
retardant qualities) with natural fibers (which have
good water absorbency and skin comforting qualities) is very common. The most widely
used blends are cotton-polyester and wool-acrylic fiber blends. Blends of different natural
fibers are common too, especially with more expensive fibers such as angora and cashmere.
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![Lec: 10 Week: 10
Curtain and Drapery
Sometimes known as a drape, mainly in the United States) is a piece of cloth intended to
block or obscure light, or drafts, or water in the case of a shower curtain. Curtains hung over
a doorway are known as portières. Curtains are often hung on the inside of a building's
window to block the travel of light, for instance at night to aid sleeping, or to stop light from
escaping outside the building (stopping people outside from being able to see inside, often
for privacy reasons). In this application they are also known as "draperies." Curtains come in
a variety of shapes, materials, sizes, colors and patterns, and they often have their own
sections within department stores, while some shops are completely dedicated to selling
curtains.
Curtains vary according to cleanability, ultraviolet light deterioration, oil and dust retention,
noise absorption, fire resistance, and life span. Curtain may be moved by hand, with cords,
by press-button pads or remote-controlled computers. Measuring the curtain size needed for
each window varies greatly according to the type of curtain needed, window size, and type
and weight of curtain.
An adaptation of the curtain may be a blind or, in warmer countries, wooden Window shutter
that are fixed to the outside of the building to provide privacy and still keep the building cool
inside. Curtains are a form of window treatment, and complete the overall appearance of the
house. Window treatment helps control the ambiance and flow of natural light into the room.
The effect of drapery or curtains, is best seen in daylight, and with proper indoor light
positioning, it can look attractive even at night.[1]
Light control and insulation
Curtains can be made from varying thicknesses of fabric, each with a differing degree of light
absorption and heat insulating qualities. For maximum temperature control, the curtain gap to
the window should be small, with minimum convection drafts below or above the curtain.
Various architectural structures around the curtain can minimize these air drafts, but usually
they are just used for decoration and make rooms feel more cozy.
A sheer or net curtain is one that is made from translucent fabric, such as a loosely woven
polyester voile or a cotton lace. Sheer curtains allow a majority of light to be transmitted
through the fabric, with the fabric weave providing a basic level of UV protection while
retaining maximum visibility through the curtain. Sheer curtains are sometimes referred to as
privacy curtains in reference to their screening abilities; during the day most sheer fabrics
will allow people inside the home to see the outside view whilst preventing people outside
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![the home from seeing directly into the home. Due to the loose weave in sheer fabrics, these
types of curtains offer very little in the way of heat insulation.
Uncoated fabrics provide the next level of heat insulation and light absorption. Uncoated
fabrics constitute the vast majority of fabrics used in curtains, and are composed of a tightly
woven fabric, most typically a cotton/polyester blend, which is mostly opaque when viewed
in ambient light. Uncoated fabrics provide a reasonable level of heat insulation due to the
tight weave of the fabric, however the fabric itself is typically not thick enough to completely
absorb strong light sources. As a result, when curtains made from uncoated fabrics are closed
in an attempt to block out direct sunlight, light will still be visible through the curtain.
Coated fabrics consist of a standard uncoated fabric with an opaque rubber backing applied
to the rear of the fabric to provide improved light absorption. To create a coated fabric a
liquefied rubber polymer is applied in a single coat to an uncoated fabric and subsequently
fused dry by means of a heated roller, in much the same way that a laser printer applies toner
to a sheet of paper before fusing it dry. A fabric that has been through the coating process
once is considered a 1 pass coated fabric, anecdotally referred to as dim-out or blackout
because of the fabric's ability to absorb approximately 50-70% of a direct light source. To
improve the light absorption of a fabric it is possible to re-coat a fabric up to a maximum of 3
pass coated, which is considered sufficient to block out 100% of a direct light source, hence
such fabrics are referred to as blockout coated.
Maximum light absorption and heat insulation in a curtain is created through a lined curtain,
which typically consists of an uncoated fabric at the front to provide the look and feel of the
curtain, with a separate coated fabric attached at the rear to provide the insulative qualities.
The coated fabric is typically referred to as a lining, which simply refers to a coated fabric
that does not have any particular color or pattern.[citation needed]
Curtains may be held back with tie-backs or may be closed and opened with sticks called
draw-pulls or curtain rods which are attached either to the runner or to the first hook. On
some curtain rails/poles, there is pulley system for opening and closing called corded
curtain tracks. The knobs at the end of these cords are called cord pulls or acorns.
A curtain hook stopper is a device used to stop the curtain from falling of the end of the
curtain rail.
Commercial curtains
For curtains used in theaters, see Theater drapes and stage curtains.
With the increase in single family homes during the last century, the curtain and drapery
industries have witnessed simultaneous growth in the demand for their products. Commercial
interests also grew during that time as many companies tried to supply institutions, hotels,
etc.Commercial sized curtains are commonly used in restaurants, cinemas, and theatre stages.
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![Lec: 13
Week: 13
Windows Types
Window
A window is a transparent opening in a wall or door that allows the passage of light and, if
not closed or sealed, air and sound. Windows are usually glazed or covered in some other
transparent or translucent material like a float glass. Windows are held in place by frames,
which prevent them from collapsing in. Many glazed windows may be opened, to allow
ventilation, or closed, to exclude inclement weather.
History
Primitive windows were just holes in a wall. Later, windows were covered with animal hide,
cloth, or wood. Shutters that could be opened and closed came next. Over time, windows
were built that both protected the inhabitants from the elements and transmitted light:
mullioned glass windows, which joined multiple small pieces of glass with leading, paper
windows, flattened pieces of translucent animal horn, and plates of thinly sliced marble. The
Romans were the first to use glass for windows. In Alexandria ca. 100 AD, cast glass
windows, albeit with poor optical properties, began to appear. Mullioned glass windows were
the windows of choice among European well-to-do, whereas paper windows were
economical and widely used in ancient China, Korea and Japan. In England, glass became
common in the windows of ordinary homes only in the early 17th century whereas windows
made up of panes of flattened animal horn[citation needed] were used as early as the 14th
century in Northern Britain. Modern-style floor-to-ceiling windows became possible only
after the industrial glass making process was perfected.
Technical terms
In insulated glass production, the term "lite", or "light", refers to a glass pane, several of
which may be used to construct the final window product. For example, a sash unit,
consisting of at least one sliding glass component, is typically composed of two lites, while a
fixed window is composed of one lite. The terms "single-light", "double-light" etc refer to the
number of these glass panes in a window.
The lites in a window sash are divided horizontally and vertically by narrow strips of wood
or metal called muntins. More substantial load bearing or structural vertical dividers are
called mullions, with the corresponding horizontal dividers referred to as transoms.
In the United States, the term replacement window means a framed window designed to slip
inside the original window frame from the inside after the old sashes are removed. In Europe,
however, it usually means a complete window including a replacement outer frame.
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![Window blinds have varying thermal effects: they can block unwanted heat of the summer
sun and they can keep in heat in cold weather. But in both of these applications, they also
reduce light to varying degrees, depending on the design. Many kinds of blinds attempt
varying balances of privacy and shade. Blinds can be made of a number of different materials
and manufactured in a number of different ways. This usually determines the name by which
the blind is commonly known.
Fabric
Blinds made of fabric can either roll up around a metal batten (roller blinds), fold up thanks
to a thin cord and small horizontal slats (Roman blind), folding blinds with no horizontal
slats create a less structured look (Austrian blinds).
Wood
Wood blinds on an outside window.
Wooden blinds are generally known as Venetian blinds. A number of horizontal wooden slats
are joined together by corded pulleys which can either gather all the slats at the top of the
window to reveal the view or simply angle the slats
while allowing some light to travel through the
blind yet retaining some level of privacy. Wooden
blinds come in a number of finishes (determined by the
type of wood used, which ranges from painted to
most types of solid oak varieties) and sizes
(determined by the width of each slat which is
usually available in one of three widths - 25 mm, 35
mm or 50 mm). Wooden Venetian blinds are also
available as vertical blinds. These are usually made up of wider slats and operate in virtually
the same way as their horizontal counterparts (i.e. instead of being drawn upwards to reveal
the window, the draw to one side gathering in a vertical bunch).
Pinoleum blinds are made up of small wooden twigs laid horizontally which are joined
together by vertical threading. The resulting weave is, as a result, only flexible vertically and
can be drawn upwards once manufactured as a roller blind or in a similar fashion to a
Venetian blind. Conservatory blinds are often made with Pinoleum.[citation needed]
Drawings in ancient Egyptian tombs of reed blinds have been reported[who?] and a common
window blind during the 1800’s is said to have been the home-made roller shade, a shade
that has been underestimated.
Faux wood
Faux wood blinds are an alternative to real wood blinds. Made of a composite of man-made
materials and natural wood particles, faux wood is also a less expensive choice than natural
wood. These blinds have become more popular as the products have matured, becoming
cheaper and more versatile at the same time offering more of a natural wood look. Current
faux wood blinds are more warp resistant than ever before, have UV ratings as high as 500
and come in many colors that would be hard to find in natural wood blinds. Because of their
resistance to warping, faux wood window blinds are a great choice for areas of extreme
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Soft-furnishing-By-Architect-A.F.M.Mohiuddin-Akhand.doc
- 1. Department of INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE Semester: 5th Module Name: SOFT FURNISHING Module Code: IAR 2309 1
- 2. Module Summary: Session: Summer 2012 Year of Study: 3RD YEAR Course Title: BA (Hons) in IA Semester: 5th Module Title: Soft Furnishing Module Code: CMN-301 Total Credit: 1.5 Total Week:15 Class/Wk: 1 nos Total hr/sem: 22.5hr Theory Credit: 1.5 Practical Credit: 0 Total no of class:15 Class hr /Wk: 1.5 hr Lec: 1.5hr Prac: 0 hr Lec: 22.5hr Prac:0hr Self study:0hr Module Leader: AR. A.F.M.Mohiuddin Akhand Team: 1. Ar. Bikash Saud Ansary 2. Ar. Rubana Sadia Alam 2
- 3. Module Outline-Lesson /Topic Schedule Week Lecture/Topic Schedule Attendance Remarks Lecturer ML 01 Introduction about subjects & its objectives. Soft flooring 02 Carpets and Rugs Types of Rugs 03 Types of Carpets according to construction method 04 Fibers and Fabric 05 Woven Fabric 06 Assignment brief on Carpet & Rug, Class test- 01 07 Textiles: Types of fabric according to Construction 08 List of Fabrics Mid-Term Exam 09 Use of Fabrics in interior decor 10 Curtain and Drapery 11 Curtain Fabrics Assignment on Fabrics Types of Curtain Fabric 12 Curtain Rods and Tracks 13 Windows types 14 Window treatment 15 3
- 4. Window Blinds and Upholstery LESSON PLAN Course :B A (Hons.) in Interior Architecture Module Title :Soft Furnishing Module Code :CMN 301 Year of Study :Third Semester : 5th Contact Hours :Lecture ( 1.5 hours/Week) 1.5 hours X 15 classes = 22.5 Hours lecture. Assessment Method : Theory exam 60% (Mid term 20% & Final 40%)+ Assignment 20%+Class test 10%+ Class Attendance 10%= 100% Credits : 1.5 Week : 15 Introduction --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --- The knowledge essential to underpinning understanding of the basic types of material common to the broad area of three-dimensional design is provided in this module. Technological change increasingly affects the processes involved in design and production. The module encourages the development of a positive view of technologically driven change in light of the creative and practical opportunities it presents. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --- Aims and Objectives -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --- By the end of the module, students will be able to demonstrate: Analyze the creative and functional characteristics of materials. Demonstrate the creative and functional use of materials Evaluate and analyze the results of using materials -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Assessment -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Marks Distribution: A. Class attendance: 05 Class Test: 05 Assignment: 10 Mid term: 20 40 B. Class Attendance: 05 Class Test: 05 Assignments / Reports: 10 Theory final exam: 40 60 4
- 5. Total 100 Week 1 Lesson Plan Title: Introduction to Soft Furnishing ,Floor Covering lecture on: ◊ History of soft furnishing ◊ Purpose and its objectives ◊ Different use in interiors ◊ Resilient Flooring ◊ Semi Soft Flooring Resources requirement by teaching staff: Marker, Board, Duster. Students must have: Sketch book, Note book, Pen/Pencil. Learning Outcomes: After completing this lesson the student should be able to know the concept of soft furnishing, and the brief history & purpose of using soft finishing materials. Week 2 Lesson Plan Title: Carpets and Rugs Types of Rugs lecture on: ◊ Different Types of Carpeting according to their origin ◊ Wall to wall carpeting ◊ Room sized carpets ◊ Comparative characteristics ◊ Historical background ◊ Types of rugs Resources requirement by teaching staff: Marker, Board, Duster. Students must have: Sketch book, Note book, Pen/Pencil. Learning Outcomes: After completing this lesson the student should be able to know different types of floor coverings that use in different spaces. Week 3 Lesson Plan Title: Types of Carpets according to construction method lecture on: ◊ Wilton carpet ◊ Tufted carpet ◊ Area carpets & chenille carpet Resources requirement by teaching staff: Marker, Board, Duster, Projector. Students must have: Sketch book, Note book, Pen/Pencil. Learning Outcomes: After completing this lesson the student should be able to know using & choosing right floor coverings for different types of interior. 5
- 6. Week 4 Lesson Plan Title Fibers and Fabric lecture on: ◊ Rug and carpet glossary ◊ Fibers ◊ Construction ◊ Hand-woven rugs ◊ Carpet & Rug fibers ◊ Carpet Textures Resources requirement by teaching staff: Marker, Board, Duster. Students must have: Sketch book, Note book, Pen/Pencil. Learning Outcomes: After completing this lesson the student should be able to know the concept of floor furnishing, and the purpose of using carpet & rugs in interior. Week 5 Lesson Plan Title: Woven Fabric lecture on: ◊ Visual presentation on soft floor covering ◊ Types of weaves Resources requirement by teaching staff: Marker, Board, Duster, Multi-media. Students must have: Sketch book, Note book, Pen/Pencil. Learning Outcomes: Students will learn & experience practical examples done here & in abroad. Week 6 Lesson Plan Title: Assignment on Carpet & Rug lecture on: ◊ Handout on assignment ◊ Preliminary assessment Brief Date Submission Date Grade Week 6 Week 8 10 Resources requirement by teaching staff: Marker, Board, Duster, Projector. Students must have: Sketch book, Note book, Pen/Pencil. Learning Outcomes: After completing this assignment the student should be able to know & introduced with different types of carpets & rugs and their sources. Week 7 Lesson Plan Title: Textiles: Types of fabric according to Construction lecture on: ◊ Selecting textiles ◊ Fabric types and construction ◊ Color Class Test1(5%of total) 6
- 7. Resources requirement by teaching staff: Marker, Board, Duster. Students must have: Sketch book, Note book, Pen/Pencil. Learning Outcomes: After completing this lesson the student should be able to know the concept of textile furnishing, and the purpose of using textiles in interior. Week 08 Lesson Plan Title: List of Fabrics and use of Fabrics in interior decor lecture on: ◊ Others factor for selecting fabrics ◊ Textiles in general use in interiors ◊ Fabrics types and construction Submission of previous assignment Resources requirement by teaching staff: Marker, Board, Duster. Students must have: Sketch book, Note book, Pen/Pencil. Learning Outcomes: After completing this lesson the student should be able to know the concept of textile furnishing, and the purpose of using textiles in interior. Week 09 Lesson Plan Title: Curtain and Drapery lecture on: ◊ Evolution of Curtain hanging and drapery Submission of Assignment-01 Resources requirement by teaching staff: Marker, Board, Duster, Multi-media. Students must have: Sketch book, Note book, Pen/Pencil. Learning Outcomes: Students will learn & experience practical examples done here & in abroad. Week 10 Lesson Plan Title: Curtain Fabrics lecture on: ◊ Fabrics types and construction ◊ Fibers ◊ Fin Resources requirement by teaching staff: Marker, Board, Duster. Students must have: Sketch book, Note book, Pen/Pencil. Learning Outcomes: After completing this lesson the student should be able to know the concept of textile furnishing, and the purpose of using textiles in interior. Week 11 Lesson Plan Title: Assignment on Fabrics Types of Curtain Fabric lecture on: ◊ Handout on assignment ◊ Continuous assessment Brief Date Submission Date Grade Week 11 Week 18 10 7
- 8. Resources requirement by teaching staff: Marker, Board, Duster. Students must have: Sketch book, Note book, Pen/Pencil. Learning Outcomes: After completing this assignment the student should be able to know textiles in general use in interiors and their sources. Week 12 Lesson Plan Title: Types of Curtain Rods and Tracks lecture on: ◊ Purpose of Curtain Rods and Tracks ◊ Types of Curtain Rods and Tracks ◊ Different types of Curtain Rods and Tracks Resources requirement by teaching staff: Marker, Board, Duster. Students must have: Sketch book, Note book, Pen/Pencil. Learning Outcomes: After completing this lesson the student should be able to know the concept and the purpose of window treatment. Week 13 Lesson Plan Title: Windows lecture on: ◊ Windows types ◊ Window treatment ◊ Blinds Resources requirement by teaching staff: Marker, Board, Duster. Students must have: Sketch book, Note book, Pen/Pencil. Learning Outcomes: After completing this lesson the student should be able to know the concept and the purpose of window treatment. Week 14 Lesson Plan Title: Window treatment lecture on: ◊ Importance of drapery◊ Pelmet and Valance ◊ Shirrs and Pleats ◊ Purpose of drapery ◊ Pelmet and Valance Class Test2(5%of total) Resources requirement by teaching staff: Marker, Board, Duster, Multi-media. Students must have: Sketch book, Note book, Pen/Pencil. Learning Outcomes: After completing this lesson the student should be able to know the concept and use of curtain/drapery. Week 15 Lesson Plan Title: Window Blinds lecture on: ◊ Types of window blinds 8
- 9. Upholstery ◊ Purpose of upholstery ◊ Structure of upholstery ◊ Layers of upholstery◊ Covering materials ◊ Requirements of upholstery ◊ Estimation of the covering material ◊ Submission of previous assignment worked on Fabrics Resources requirement by teaching staff: Marker, Board, Duster. Students must have: Sketch book, Note book, Pen/Pencil. Learning Outcomes: After completing this lesson the student should be able to know the concept and use of curtain/drapery. Reference Books: # An Introduction to Interior Design by Ahmed Abdullah Kasu # Interior Design by John F Pile # Interior Decorating by Albert Kornfeld 9
- 11. Lec:01 Week :01 Introduction What is soft furnishing? Soft furnishing is the art and science of beautifying a space to enhance both the aesthetic and functional uses of that space. Interior decoration would not be complete without soft furnishing as the space would be hard and noisy (bet you didn’t know that fabrics absorb noise and make it easy for us to live in our homes) Soft furnishing does for a house what clothes do for our bodies. It adds colour, texture, softness and elegance (read style) to our individual spaces, helping to cover the design and building flaws as well as enhancing the unique features of the structure as well. Put differently, soft furnishing refers to every decoration in our homes that has some sort of fabric in it. Yes, you guessed it, fabric is a huge part of soft furnishing and fabric in this sense goes beyond the traditional ones used to make curtains, cushions, valances, tie-backs, sofas etc to include and embrace rugs, paintings, mattresses, canvass, table clothes&napkins, vinyl, etc. Additionally, there are smaller items called passementere, which are the trims and braids that decorate the fabrics we use on the drapes, blinds, curtains, cushions, sofas (leather and fabric), beds and throws. All of these and more make up soft furnishing. So, tell me where your home will be soft furnishing? In spite of the huge investment in constructing a house, marbling the floor, putting P.O.P, screeding, painting the house, etc, the house is incomplete without soft furnishing. So, it is correct to say that soft furnishing completes a home. Our homes reflect our personalities, taste and lifestyle and nothing does this more effectively than soft furnishing that is why two siblings born to the same family grow up and have two differently styled homes even if the structures were identical. Soft furnishings come in a variety of styles. It is not a one-style-fits-all affair. So, you have to be careful and dream a little when making choices. Apart from the obvious which is that soft furnishing should be pleasing to the eye (ever seen anything soft that ain’t good to look at?) it should also be functional, it should add character 11
- 12. and mood to any space where it has been installed but as a rule, do ensure that the soft furnishing does not overpower nor become the focal point of the room (or the architect will not like you very much for distorting his design elements) Soft furnishing should always enhance not distract nor reduce a space in any way. What you need is a comfortable home that offers a relaxed and peaceful setting irrespective of the styling -a haven you can return to after the day’s hustle and bustle and that is precisely what you are paying for and that is what you should get. Soft Flooring Soft flooring options include linoleum, vinyl, cork, and rubber. As a group, these materials provide a soft and comfortable surface that is easy on your back and legs. The variety of colors, textures, motifs, and patterns are limited only by your imagination (except for cork). As an affordable option, it can fit into any kitchen style. Basically there are two soft flooring types, resilient and non-resilient. Resilient retains the ability to recover its shape or bounce and non-resilient are hard floors. Hard floors are difficult to stand on for extended periods of time and almost always lead to items breaking if by chance something is dropped. Almost any material can be used as flooring in your home today. In days of yesteryear, the favorite material was linoleum. It was very durable. The product’s popularity dropped off in the 1970’s when vinyl gained in reputation. However, linoleum is making a comeback due in part to being a “green” product. The primary materials used in the manufacturer of linoleum are linseed oil, fabric backing, and cork or wood dust. This old favorite is being produced in an ever expanding array of colors and patterns. It may cost slightly more than vinyl, but does not tear as easily and produces little “out gassing” or evaporation. As a side benefit as the linseed oil evaporates, it is oxidizing and releasing a bacterial growth retardant. As the linseed oil is released the flooring gets harder with age. This is what led to the popularity of vinyl. After many years of durable service, the linoleum floor would turn hard and crack. Linoleum has a much longer life expectancy than vinyl, but does require maintenance. Vinyl flooring: Vinyl is known as resilient flooring, as it has a soft flexible surface. It is delivered in sheets (rolls) usually 12 ft wide. However I have found 6 ft, 14 ft and 15 ft 6 inches wide. 12
- 13. Vinyl is also available in 12 x 12 tiles with and without self-adhesive backing. Sheet vinyl with felt backing is glued to the entire floor surface. PVC backed sheeting is glued around the edges, stapled around the edges OR free floating. VINYL - Synthetic flooring made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), the more PVC, the more flexibility and the higher the price · waterproof · resists water, oil, and most chemicals · use cushioned vinyl for extra heat and sound insulation · floor paints and colored pigments available · hard finished with coats of epoxy or acrylic resins · varieties of colors, patterns, and simulated wood and stone effects · matte, gloss, and textured finishes · tiles and sheets are available in a variety of sizes and widths · non-biodegradable · requires no sealing, but easily damaged by cigarettes, heels and heavy objects pulled across surface Without a doubt, the free floating vinyl is the soft flooring we like the best and is the easiest to install. Remove the shoe molding, lay the flooring within ¼ inch of the walls, put the shoe molding back on. We installed this type of flooring in one of the rental houses and have had no problems for over three years since. If it does get damaged, it will be easy to replace, no scraping. The damaged piece can be used as a pattern for the new floor. Cork flooring: Cork is available in a variety of brown colors, gives slightly, has noise reducing properties. It is available in sheets, tiles or planks with a variety of installation methods. CORK - natural product--grown for commercial use, cork bark is ground and combined with resins and baked · quiet, soft, comfortable underfoot · anti-static and non-slip · sealing is recommended for water and stain resistance, but can be left untreated and then polished · open texture · natural shades in pale to dark browns, charcoal, green, and blue · tiles are the standard format, but sheets are available · use floor grade tiles (not wall grade)--the thicker the tile, the more suitable · composite formats available in tile, plank, and tongue and groove Bamboo flooring: Bamboo is a member of the grass family and is more durable than oak 13
- 14. or maple. It does not accept any stain, so all the products you see will be yellow brown or caramel brown. It is made by laminating three layers or more of grass under high pressure to create planks. Three layers of acrylic urethane make the surface durable and resistant to water, mildew and insect damage. It is a very durable product. Soft flooring has a life expectancy of 6 to 50 years Linoleum Flooring Linoleum flooring is a cheap and environmental solution for kitchens, entryways or playrooms. New linoleum choices include more vibrant colors and a special protective layer, allowing an easier maintenance and higher resilience to stains and to color fading. Genuine linoleum, not to be confused with vinyl, is a classic, invented nearly 150 years ago and still completely relevant today. Environmentally preferred linoleum is made from natural, raw materials. Linseed oil, which comes from the flax plant, is the primary ingredient. (In Latin, linum is the word for linseed and oleum means oil.) Other ingredients include wood or cork powder, resins and ground limestone. Mineral pigments provide the rich colors. The ingredients are mixed together, then rolled out between two cylinders (a process called "calendaring") onto a jute backing. The linoleum is then cured in ovens for 14 to 21 days. Some manufacturers bond a high performance coating to the surface to improve the floor’s ability to resist stains and scratches, and to make cleaning easier. The resulting floor is then rolled on cores, ready for installation. Sheet linoleum is available in many thicknesses. 2.5 mm is suitable for residential use. It is sold in a two-meter (or 6' 7") width size. LINOLEUM - Natural materials baked as a mixture of Linseed Oil and Natural Pine Resin with a filler of cork dust, powdered limestone, or wood flour, backed with jute or burlap · Streaked, Marbled, Striated, Mottled, Flecked 14
- 15. · anti-microbial surface · polished, matte finish · tile and sheet Availability Linoleum flooring is sold in tile and sheet (2m / 6' 7" width). A 0,1’/2.5mm thickness is suitable for residential uses. Uses & Rooms and moisture Linoleum is a good choice for kitchens, playrooms or entryways. Pay attention to the manufacturers' recommendations regarding the use of linoleum in bathrooms. They differ. Linoleum prices $3 to $4 per square foot installed are common. Linoleum, Odors & Asthma and Respiratory Allergies Linoleum is often recommended for people suffering from allergies, namely asthma and other respiratory ailments. It doesn’t trap dirt or moisture the way carpet does, and its bactericidal qualities make it a prime choice for hospitals and day-care centers. However, new installed linoleum also releases a characteristic though harmless odor, which some people dislike. The odor lasts – with a decreasing intensity - some few months. Linoleum advantages Linoleum in an environmentally-friendly option, with a long lifespan (30-40 years), easy to clean, resistant to scratches and stains when applied with a protective layer. And it is also inexpensive, and with vibrant colors and designs in their more recent presentations. Linoleum drawbacks Linoleum is damageable if exposed to persisting moisture or water, or to improper maintenance. Though resistant to scratches, stains and moisture, linoleum is not as ‘solid’ and resistant as a good ceramic or stone tile. Linoleum is porous, and its appearance and durability depends on regular maintenance, namely if it hasn't a manufacturer's protective layer. Acrylic sealing, and polishing once a year is crucial to keep non-protected linoleum with good appearance. 15
- 16. Linoleum odor, though limited to a few months after installation, is also a drawback. Durability & Polishing and Life Expectancy Linoleum can last more than 40 years if installed and maintained properly. Without protection layer, it will demand regular polishing, stripping and reapplying of polish. Polishing will extend linoleum color and durability, namely when applied in high traffic rooms. the lifespan of the polish layer is however rather limited. You may be forced to polish linoleum more than one time a year in high traffic rooms. Before applying the new polish layer, strip the old one. Linoleum lifespan and warranties Warranties from 5 to 25 years are common. A lifespan of 30 and more years is also common. Linoleum maintenance Linoleum maintenance is rather simple, apart from polishing. It should be mopped when needed with a neutral pH. Do not use non-recommended household cleaners. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations. Installation Installing linoleum tiles is easy You just have to spread latex adhesive on the floor, snug the linoleum tiles against each other, and flatten the tile with a roller. But installing sheet linoleum is a rather different matter. It requires experience, skills to cut and handle, and also specific tools. In that case, professional installation is highly recommended. Since linoleum tends to grow in width and shrink in length with wear, only a professional knows how to compensate these linoleum's properties. Pay also attention to seams: to keep out moisture and dirt, linoleum seams should be sealed. Marmoleum Marmoleum is all natural linoleum and comes in a rainbow of beautiful colors. Unlike typical vinyl floors, Marmoleum has no foul odors that off-gas into your environment. It is Asthma & Allergy Friendly© certified safe for you and your family Marmoleum is safe, durable, easy to clean and will make your room come alive with color. Great for residential and commerical applications. It's natural and sustainable: Healthy indoor environment. Marmoleum is made with natural ingredients without any harmful VOC's or other toxic 16
- 17. chemicals. The sheet goods are installed with solvent free adhesives and Marmoleum Click is installed without any adhesive. Rubber flooring: Stylish, ultra modern and eye-catching, rubber flooring benefits from not only looking good but is also a practical choice and easy to clean.Rubber floor tiles and rubber sheet flooring offer the consumer a wide range of colours. Rubber floor tiles and sheet rubber flooring especially some of the hardest wearing flooring finishes available. Rubber flooring is also resistant to fading, cigarette burns and damage and virtually impossible to wear through but at the same time provide an unequalled level of softness and impact absorbency. RUBBER: Synthetic conglomerate made of made of clay, silica, pigment and rubber · hard-wearing, resistant to water and burns · extremely resilient · soft, warm, and quiet · individual tiles or rolls · thickness and backings can vary · wide choice of colors, patterns, and textures · textured surface is non-slip · matte or polished finish--polished finish extends life of surface Advantages · available in tiles and sheets · durable and hard-wearing--can last for generations with proper care · low maintenance · can create a neutral background or stylized motifs · forgiving to some dropped items · tile installation can be handled by the DIY'er · subfloor needs to be sound, but does not need to be reinforced to handle these lightweight materials 17
- 18. Disadvantages · easily damaged by solvents · prevent water from getting into seams and rotting the sub floor · cracks and chips are not easily repaired · unsealed materials may stain · sheet installation is better left to the pros Carpet tiles - Lower Life Cycle Costs - Vinyl backed carpet tile products last longer then any other carpet products. Receive optimal performance from carpet tiles supported with vinyl backing. - Save Costly Replacements - If a carpet tile gets worn, soiled or permanently damaged, just replace or swap it with one from a less visible area. - Faster Installation - Save approximately 20% of installation time with carpet tiles vs. broadloom carpet. - Unlimited Underfloor Access - Access underfloor power, data and telephone wiring without cutting or patching carpet. No need for a costly carpet replacement crew. - Minimize Disruption During Installation - Save office downtime during installation or repairs. Renovation of occupied space can be reduced by approximately 50%. There is no need for the breaking down of systems, furniture or rewiring of the office. - Easier Handling of Carpet - With greater mobility and efficiency, carpet tile is simply more convenient to handle than 12-foot rolls. Enjoy the benefits when climbing stairs and turning corners. - Improved Acoustics/Energy Conservation - Receive better sound absorption and insulation with vinyl backed tiles compared to traditional carpet backings. - Greater Interior Design Flexibility - Enjoy a custom-look with carpet tile patterns without the custom price. By incorporating a contrasting color as a border or employing angled tile patterns, achieve a designer look for less! - Lower Replacement Costs - Save on your next installation because tile removal requires less labor than traditional carpet installations. - Movable Floor System - Benefit from the mobility of carpet tile if your business relocates. Take your investment with you! 18
- 19. Semi Soft Flooring WOOD : Natural material (soft and hard) with varied grains and colors even among the same species. Ash, Beech, Maple (Soft and Hard), Oak (Red and White), Cherry, Birch, Elm, Pine, Chestnut, Walnut, Sycamore, and Bamboo · sheets, strips, boards, mosaic tiles, blocks, parquet, and tongue and groove · can be installed in a variety of patterns · sealed, bleached, stained, painted, stenciled · sealing protects the surface from water, dirt and chemicals · most common synthetic sealants are polyurethane, acrylic, and acrylic resin (which needs to be waxed) · most common natural sealants are oil or wax · prior to installation, wood should be stored in or adjacent to the area where it will be laid so it can adjust to the humidity and temperature of the area. · installation on concrete requires an underlayment of a damp-proof skin or can be set as a floated floor Advantages · semi-soft floor surface that is comfortable to walk and stand on · more forgiving to dropped items · easily repaired and refinished · vacuum or sweep the floor and avoid cleaning with water Disadvantages · dents and scratches easily · surface needs to be refinished occasionally due to daily wear and tear · standing water profoundly damages the wood Costs $ varied prices (veneered is less expensive than solid) $ budget for professional installation Lec: 02 Week: 02 Carpets and Rugs Definition of Carpet 19
- 20. A carpet is a textile floor covering consisting of an upper layer of "pile" attached to a backing. The pile is generally either made from wool or a manmade fibre such as polypropylene, and usually consists of twisted tufts which are often heat-treated to maintain their structure. Etymology The term "carpet" derives from Old Italian carpita, "carpire" meaning to pluck. Sometimes the term "carpet" is used interchangeably with the term "rug". Only with the opening of trade routes in the 17th century were significant numbers of Persian rugs introduced to Western Europe. Historically the word was also used for table and wall coverings, as carpets were not commonly used on the floor in European interiors until the 18th century. Types of Carpets and their Manufacturing Process Carpets differ in a variety of ways- their styles, the methods adopted for their manufacturing, the finishes given to them and the different applications they are put to. When it comes to carpet manufacturing, different techniques are adopted. The methods of carpet making vary from region to region. They are handwoven as well as manufactured through machines. Both of them have their own distinct characteristics. Carpets are sometimes decorated through embroidery or other crafts giving them grace and elegance. Machine made carpets are very good in their finish and have very smooth surface. Woven Carpets These type of carpets are woven on big looms, more or less like any other fabric is woven. They may have cut and uncut piles and loops. Various colorful yarns are used for making a variety of patterns and designs on the carpets. As too much of labor and toil is required for making these woven carpets, they are generally very expensive. Loop Pile Carpet In such a carpet, the pile forms a loop. When the yarn is threaded through the backing and then sewn back through, a loop of yarn is formed. Continuous rows of loops produce a wide variety of textures from thick and nubbly to smooth and plain. The twist and the density of the yarn determine the quality of a loop pile carpet. Cut Pile Carpet A cut pile carpet is made by cutting off loop tops for creating pile which stands upright with an even surface. It turns out to be very soft and creates a smooth, comfortable and luxurious feel. Like other carpets, it is also constructed in loops but the loops are then cut into pile manually or with the help of machines. Carpet with high density pile are far more better than carpets having low density pile. 20
- 21. Cut Loop Pile Carpets These carpets have the features of both, the cut pile carpet and the loop pile carpet. They are manufactured with the combination of looped yarn and cut yarn. Some of the loops are tufted higher than the others. While shearing the carpets, the higher loops are cut whereas the lower loops remain untouched. The cut pile thus formed looks darker than the loops, creating interesting patterns giving a rich visual experience by reflecting light in varied manners. Sculptured effects can be produced by giving a variety of pile heights to it. Knotted Pile Weave Carpets These carpets are also referred to as pile weave rugs or pile weave carpets. They are manufactured with knots on them. For making such a carpet, each pile is knotted manually to the wrap threads according to the predetermined design. Knot is created in every row after which one or more strands of weft are passed through a complete set of warp strands. In the mid of every row with knots, one or more wefts are placed to secure the knots. This is done with the help of such simple tools as knife, hook, pair of scissors and a heavy comb, made of wood and metal. These equipment are used to beat the knots and weft in a row. After knotting whole of the carpet, the pile is shorn to the desired length. The carpet is finally washed or treated with chemicals according to the required finish. A pile weave rug has around 25 to over 1,000 knots per square inch. More number of knots per square inch means better quality of carpet. The knots also differ from region to region. Some of the prevalent knots are Persian Knots, Turkish Knots, Spanish Knots, double Knots, Tibetan Knots and others. Needlefelt Carpets Needlefelt Carpets are the modern carpets made with the help of advanced techniques. They are made by electrostatic attraction of individual synthetic fibers resulting in extremely durable carpets. In this process the fibers are compressed on to a backing of textile or other materials like foam etc. with the help of needles. A binding agent is used to make the fibers attach to the backing more durably. Although fibers can be bound or felted without a backing too but the backing is used to give extra protection. To make the binding strong and lasting, the needled substrate is subsequently subjected to further thermal or chemical treatment. Other Carpets and Rugs A flatweave carpet is created by interlocking warp (vertical) and weft (horizontal) threads. Types of oriental flatwoven carpet include kilim, soumak, plain weave, and tapestry weave. Types of European flatwoven carpets include Venetian, Dutch, damask, list, haircloth, and ingrain (aka double cloth, two-ply, triple cloth, or three-ply). A hooked rug is a simple type of rug handmade by pulling strips of cloth such as wool or cotton through the meshes of a sturdy fabric such as burlap. This type of rug is now generally made as a handicraft.There are certain other carpets which are neither woven nor felted. Embroidered Carpets These carpets are made through stitches applied on to a cloth, often linen, as a base. They are not formed on a loom. A great craftsmanship is required to execute the details and 21
- 22. sometimes, it almost takes a year to weave a single carpet with rich embroidery. Two types of stitches are generally used to make embroidered carpets- the tent stitch and the cross stitch. The designs and patterns of the embroidered carpets vary with region, history and cultural traditions. The most popular carpets include Persian embroidered carpets, Kashmir embroidered carpets and Turkish embroidered carpets. They are the most prized home decor items. Braided Rugs These rugs come with unique weaving texture. The braids are arranged and combined in such a manner that it looks like as if the braids of yarn have been woven together. They are mostly used for indoor accents or as outdoor mats. Yarn used in such types of rugs may vary from jute, sisal and coir to wool, cotton or synthetic fibers. While selecting the fibers, characteristics such as moisture resistance, stains resistance, strength against abrasion, environmental concerns, and price are considered. 22
- 23. Types of Rugs There are three main categories of rugs which correspond to increasing technical development as well as the evolution of rugs from personal to commercial production. One is not better than another, but each category is marked by distinct artistic differences and unique charm. By examining trends and variability in color, space, design, and proportion, we are able to trace the full spectrum of antique rugs ranging from raw and emotional to polished and exacting. In doing so, we discover why there is an antique rug to suit nearly any taste. NomadicRugs Nomadic carpets were woven from memory and were originally made for personal use rather than for sale. They had both a practical use (e.g., grain bags or ground coverings) and ceremonial use (e.g., horse trappings). These carpets were woven with traditional and sacred patterns handed down through generations, tracing the culture of the makers through the designs and techniques employed. Nomadic rugs tend to feature simpler, more powerful designs, open fields, and primary colors. Asymmetry and idiosyncratic design elements make up a lot of the charm we find in these rugs. The use of more primitive looms and thicker strands of wool results in a coarser weave, which also leads to more geometric designs. Nomadic rugs often contain some inaccuracies or mistakes, but these tend to give character to the rug and connect us to the individual who created it. Examples of Nomadic rug types include Bakhtiari, Qashqai, Kurdish, Afshar, Tekke, Ersari, Yomut, Chodor, and Shahsevan. VillageRugs Village rugs were largely woven by women working at home in their spare time to create rugs for sale. They tend to be marked by bright colors and a high degree of creativity, combining tribal influences with greater sophistication in trying to satisfy the market. Often village rug makers would take a traditional or popular design and rework it in a creative and unique way, leading to significant variability and a large number of unique carpets. These rugs were either woven from memory or with the aid of a drawing. Some of their appeal comes from their inexact nature relative to workshop rugs. They tend to feature more repeating patterns and are less conservative as village weavers were always on the lookout for new ideas. Village rugs are highlighted by strong colors and bold angularity, which retains a homemade individuality and a more primitive, coarser element relative to workshop rugs. 23
- 24. Examples of Village rug types include Kazak, Karabagh, Shirvan, Kuba, Bergama, Ladik, Mudjur, Melas, Bidjar, and Karadja. WorkshopRugs Workshop rugs mark the advent of standardized production of rugs for commerce. These rugs were woven in an organized setting, with weavers being paid a wage to render predetermined designs. Weavers worked from a visual guide, or "cartoon" following knot for knot in a specialized pattern. These guides, combined with larger and more sophisticated looms, allowed for a finer weave and more complex designs. Workshop rugs are typified by minute ornamentation often covering the entire field, a sophisticated color palette, intricate patterns, classical themes, and faultless workmanship. Examples of Workshop rug types include Tabriz, Sarouk, Oushak, Kirman, Kashan, and Heriz. Machine Made or Hand Made Oriental Rugs - An authentic oriental rug is a handmade carpet that is either knotted with pile or woven without pile. Oriental-design rugs made by machine or any method other than hand knotting or hand weaving are not considered authentic oriental rugs. These rugs normally come from a broad geographical region extending from China and Vietnam in the east to Turkey and Iran in the west and the Caucasus in the north to India in the south. People from different cultures, countries, racial groups and religious faiths are involved in the production of oriental rugs. Oriental rugs are organized by origin: Persian rugs, Anatolian rugs, Kurdish rugs, Caucasian rugs, Central Asian rugs, Turkestan rugs, Chinese rugs, and Tibetan rugs. Braided Rugs - Braided rugs are made by using three or more strips of fabric, usually wool, folding the raw edges to the middle and braiding them together. For an oval rug the center braid should be one inch longer than the width-length in feet. example 2' x 4' rug center strip would be 2'2" long. The center braid is laced together and new strips are sewn on to make the braid longer as lacing continues. Hooking / Hooked Rugs - Traditional rug hooking is a craft where rugs are made by pulling loops of yarn or fabric through a stiff woven base such as burlap, linen, rug warp or monks cloth. The loops are pulled through the backing material by using a crochet-type hook mounted in a handle (usually wood) for leverage. 24
- 25. Rag Rugs - Rag rugs were commonly made in households up to the middle of the 20th century by using odd scraps of fabric on a background of old sacking. Needlepunch / Needlepoint Rugs - Using either yarn or strips of cloth, you work with the punch tool from the back side of the pattern. The Monk’s cloth backing is tightly stretched on to a frame. Every time you punch the needle down through the backing, it makes a long thread on the right side of the rug. Then, as you lift the needle, it automatically makes it into a loop. These loops pack together to create a rug so solid that chewing dogs and clawing cats are its only enemy. As long as you use the tool correctly, it will automatically make all the loops the same length. Sometimes referred to as "speed hooking", this method of rug hooking is loved for its ease and speed. One student described it as "instant gratification with wool. Prodded Rugs - Proddy rugs are made, as the name implies, by prodding or poking strips of fabric through burlap or linen from the back side. Rag rugs made this way have many names; clippies, proddies, stobbies, pricked, and in Scotland they are called clootie mats. They were often made for more utilitarian use such as by the backdoor; their pile hiding dirt well. Hand Tufted Rugs -Hand-tufted rugs use high quality wool so the finished product looks and wears much like a hand-knotted rug. Unlike a hand-knotted rug, a hand-tufted rug is created without tying knots. Making a hand-tufted area rug takes a fraction of the time to make, therefore greatly reducing the cost. As a result, hand-tufted rugs are very affordable area rugs. These wool rugs are made with a tool called a "tufting gun." Loops of wool are pushed through a backing that has been imprinted with the overall design. When the rug maker is through with this process another foundation, called a scrim is applied with latex glue. When this dries, the final protective cloth backing is applied. The last step is to shear the rug so that all of the loops on the top of the rug are cut, which in turn creates the pile. Hand-tufted rugs can withstand high traffic, and will begin to wear out after 12 to 20 years of use. High traffic areas include hallways, family room and entryway. Medium traffic areas include the dining room and home office. Low traffic areas include bedrooms and formal living room. 25
- 26. Lec:03 Week: 03 Types of Carpets according to Construction Axminster Carpet: An Axminster Carpet has always been synonymous with both a quality and luxury form of flooring. Today most carpet is manufactured utilizing the tufted method (cheaper faster method of production), however for discerning consumers who require both quality, durability and luxury an Axminster carpet is still the carpet of choice that fulfills these criteria. Unlike tufted carpet an Axminster carpet is woven. Each individual yarn colour that goes to make up the carpet pattern (in many cases modern Axminster Carpets are often plain requiring only one yarn colour) is selected by a gripper and woven with the weft. After the required yarn colour has been woven into the backing it is cut automatically to the required pile height and then reinserted when this colour is next required. The fact that the individual pieces of yarn or tufts of carpet are woven with the weft, demonstrates that an Axminster carpet provides quality, longevity and durability (better hold than carpet placed on pre-made backing) as well as a luxurious feel underfoot. The quality of an Axminster and the fact that a maximum of 12 colours can be used in a roll of carpet ensure that it is often the flooring of choice for prestigious buildings such as Royal residences, where durability and an element of luxury are simultaneously required. Wilton Carpet – cut or loop pile: 26
- 27. Wilton carpet, like Axminster carpet, is woven. However the difference between the two methods is the way in which the carpet is woven. Whereas the Axminster yarn is woven into each weft and then cut to the required pile height and then reinserted when that colour is needed again – the Wilton carpet yarn is a continuous strand woven all the way through. Wilton carpets at Axminster Carpets Ltd, are produced on state of the art Wilton looms that use a maximum of five colours. However the Wilton looms at Axminster Carpets are more diverse; producing cut or loop pile textured carpet. It is the preferred flooring for many contract installations and most transport applications as it is hugely stable and extremely hard wearing. Axminster Carpets Ltd currently manufactures Wilton carpet for the majority of UK rail companies and many global airlines including British Airways and Virgin . Tufted Carpet: Tufted carpet is the more economical of the four carpet producing methods. Unlike Axminster and Wilton carpet, a tufted carpet is produced by adding yarn onto a pre-existing backing using a special adhesive. This method is an extremely fast (one roll of Axminster might take 8 hours to make whereas one roll of tufted takes approx 1 hr) way of manufacturing carpet. Whilst it is true that a tufted carpet is not a woven carpet, here at Axminster Carpets Ltd we produce all our own yarn Homespun ensuring that only the finest and most durable quality yarn is used. Because we produce our own yarn we have complete control over the whole carpet manufacturing process. We are the only UK company to do this and one of only a few worldwide, that adhere to this rigorous quality standard. This ensures that when you buy a tufted carpet from Axminster Carpets Ltd you are buying a carpet of the highest quality. 27
- 29. Lec: 04 Week: 04 Fibres Fiber is a hairlike strand of material. It is a substance that is extremely long in relation to its width, at least 100 times longer than it is wide. A fiber is the smallest visible unit of any textile product. Fibers are flexible and may be spun into yarn and made into fabrics. Fibers naturally occur in both plants and animals. More than half of the fibers produced are natural fibers. Natural fibers include cotton, hair, fur, silk, and wool. Other fibers are manufactured. There are two types of manufactured fibers: regenerated fibers and synthetic fibers. Regenerated fibers are made from natural materials by processing these materials to form a fiber structure. Also called cellulosics, regenerated fibers are derived from the cellulose in cotton and wood pulp. Rayon and acetate are two common regenerated fibers. Synthetic fibers are made entirely from chemicals. Synthetic fibers are usually stronger than either natural or regenerated fibers. Synthetic fibers and the regenerated acetate fiber are thermoplastic; they are softened by heat. Therefore manufacturers can shape these fibers at high temperatures, adding such features as pleats and creases. Synthetic fibers will melt if touched with too hot an iron. The most widely used kinds of synthetic fibers are nylon (polyamide), polyester, acrylic, and olefin. Fibres are the basis for all textiles. You need to know the difference between natural and synthetic fibres, how each fibre is used, and which fibres can be combined together. Types of fibre Textile materials are made in three stages: 1. Spinning fibres into yarns 2. Weaving or knitting yarns to make fabrics 3. Finishing fabrics to make them more useful 29
- 30. Image shows 5 stages. 1. A picture of a sheep, silkworm, oil drum (source of fibre); 2. This is spun into a roll of yarn; 3. This is woven or knitted into raw fabric; 4. The finish is applied; 5. This made into finished product. There are two types of textile fibres: 1. Natural fibres and 2. Synthetic or man-made fibres. Synthetic fibres are continuous filament fibres, while natural fibres are usually short staple fibres. The exception to this rule is silk - a natural fibre whose continuous filaments are up to one kilometre in length! Where fibres come from:- Natural fibres come from plants and animals: cotton from the cotton plant, linen from the flax plant, wool from sheep, silk from silkworms. 30
- 31. Synthetic fibres are manufactured using plant materials and minerals: viscose comes from pine trees or petrochemicals, while acrylic, nylon and polyester come from oil and coal. Natural fibres 1. Natural fibres from plants: Cotton is used for making jeans, t-shirts and towels. It is cool to wear, has a soft handle, a good drape, and is durable. It can be washed and ironed, but it creases easily, is very absorbent and dries slowly. Linen is used for summer clothing, tea towels and tablecloths. It is fresh and cool to wear, has a stiffer handle, and a good drape. It is durable, but can be washed and ironed. It creases badly and is very absorbent, but is also fast drying. 2. Natural fibres from animals: Wool is used for jumpers, suits and blankets. It is warm to wear, absorbent, dries slowly, is breathable, repels rain and can be soft or coarse to handle. It has a good drape, and is not durable; however, creases tend to drop out. If it is not dry-cleaned it may shrink. Silk is used for evening wear and ties. It is warm to wear, absorbent, has a soft handle and a good lustre and drape. It is durable and creases drop out. It needs to be dry cleaned. Listed below are a summary of the properties and end-uses of natural fibres. Cotton Cotton Cool to wear Very absorbent, dries slowly 31
- 32. Soft handle Good drape Durable Creases easily Wash and iron Linen Linen Fresh and cool to wear Very absorbent, fast drying Stiffer handle Good drape Durable Creases badly Wash and iron Wool 32
- 33. Wool Warm to wear Absorbent, dries slowly Breathable, repels rain Soft or coarse handle Can shrink, dry clean Good drape Not durable Creases drop out Silk Silk Warm to wear Absorbent Soft handle Good lustre and drape Durable Creases drop out Dry clean Synthetic fibres The main synthetic fibres are: Viscose is used for shirts, dresses and linings. It has a soft handle, a good drape and can be washed and ironed. However it has low warmth, and is absorbent and slow- drying. Viscose is not durable and creases easily. 33
- 34. Acrylic is used for jumpers, fleece jackets and blankets. It is warm to wear, non- absorbent, and fast-drying, with a soft handle like wool, and a good drape. It is easy to care for, durable and crease-resistant. Polyester is used for raincoats, fleece jackets, children's nightwear, medical textiles and working clothes. It has a soft handle, a good drape, is very durable, crease- resistant, easy-care, non-absorbent, and fast drying. It can be recycled, but has low warmth. Nylon (Tactel) is used for active sportswear, fleece jackets, socks and seat belts. It has a soft handle, a good drape, is non-absorbent, fast drying, very durable, crease- resistant and easy-care. However it has low warmth. Listed below are the properties and end-uses of synthetic fibres. Viscose Viscose Low warmth Absorbent, dries slowly Soft handle Good drape Not durable Creases easily Wash and iron Acrylic 34
- 35. Acrylic Warm to wear Non-absorbent, fast drying Stiffer handle like wool Good drape Durable Crease resistant Easy care Nylon Nylon Warm to wear Absorbent, dries slowly Breathable, repels rain Soft or coarse handle Can shrink, dry clean Good drape 35
- 36. Durable Creases drop out Polyester Polyester Low warmth Non-absorbent, fast drying Soft handle Good drape Very durable Creases resistant Easy care Can be recycled Modern fibres Microfibres: Polyester or nylon microfibres are 60-100 times finer than a human hair (the diagram below shows what they look like up close): Microfibres can be blended with other synthetic or natural fibres. Microfibres are used for outdoor-pursuits clothing and active sportswear. Thermoplastic polyester or nylon microfibres can be heat-treated to give them coils, crimps and loops, which makes these textured yarns stretchy and warm. They are used for underwear, sportswear, knitwear and carpets. 36
- 37. Image shows a close-up of some microfibres. Fibre blends Blending different fibres together produces yarns that have the combined properties of each component fibre. Using fibre blends improves the appearance, performance, comfort and aftercare of fabric. Blending can also reduce the cost of an expensive fibre. A shirt made from polyester / cotton blend is more easy-care and crease-resistant than a shirt made from 100 per cent cotton. Cotton / Lycra blend jeans are more comfortable, stretchy and fit better than cotton jeans. Acrylic / wool blend trousers are less expensive than 100 per cent wool trousers. Some modern microfibres Elastane (Lycra). This is always used in a blend with other fibres. It is used to make sportswear, body-hugging clothes and bandages. It has good handle and drape, is durable, crease-resistant, stretchy (more comfortable) and is easy-care. It has low warmth and is absorbent. Tencel. This is a 'natural' microfibre made from cellulose derived from wood-pulp. It is used for shirts and jeans. It has soft handle, good drape, is breathable, durable, crease-resistant, easy-care and biodegradable. It is absorbent and has low warmth. 37
- 38. Fibers & Fabrics Fiber (American English) or Fibre (International English) are hair-like materials (they look like threads) that form the building blocks from which yarn and fabric are made. In order to determine a fabric's appearance, how it would wear and its care, it is important to understand the characteristics of the fibers from which the fabric is made. There are basically two groups of fibers: - Natural fibers, consisting of animal and plant fibers - Man-made or manufactured/synthetic fibers Animal Fibres Angora There are two types of Angora: - Mohair (made from the Angora Goat) - Angora Rabbit Hair (made from the Angora Rabbit) Typically when we talk about Angora, we refer to Angora Rabbit Hair, while the fibers from the Angora Goat are more commonly known as Mohair. There are 4 different angora rabbit breeds, namely, English, French, Satin and Giant. Angora wool harvested from these rabbits are lightweight, silky, fine, and very soft. It is 7 times warmer than wool, and is ideal for baby clothes, winter underwear, sweaters and mittens. As only a small amount of wool can be harvested from these adorable creatures, angora is often combined with other fibers to minimize the high cost of this luxurious fiber. Camel Family (Alpaca/Llama/Camel/Vicuna) Yarns made from the fibers of these animals are very soft, lustrous, lightweight and warm. Alpaca is often used for the manufacture of warm, luxurious apparel. The down hairs of the Llama will produce a soft yarn also suitable for the manufacture of apparel. Camel hair is from the extremely soft and fine fur from the undercoat of the camel. Camel's hair can be used alone but is most often combined with fine wool for overcoating, topcoating, 38
- 39. sportswear and sports hosiery. Vicuna is the world´s most valuable fiber. Vicuna is small and wild and belongs to the Camel family. It yields the finest animal fiber in the world. This fiber is rare and very expensive. Cashmere Cashmere, also known as the fiber of kings, is produced from the fine, soft undercoat of hair of the Kashmir goat. Sixty percent of the world's supply of cashmere is produced in China, Mongolia and Tibet, and the remainder from Turkey, Afghanistan, Iraq, Iran, Kashmere, Australia and New Zealand. Cashmere yarn is extremely soft, lightweight, yet very warm. It is very luxurious and possesses excellent drape. As each Kashmir goat is capable of producing an average of only 4-6 ounces of underdown per year, Cashmere is hence very expensive. Mohair Made from the hairs of the Angora goat, mohair is durable, warm, extremely lightweight, and lustrous with a soft hand. It is the most resilient natural textile fiber, and is often combined with other fibers in the production of apparel and home fashion items. The finest grade of mohair is Kid Mohair, obtained from the first shearing of a young angora goat. Kid Mohair possesses the unique feature of natural wicking properties that takes perspiration away from the skin, preventing bacterial build up and odor. Wool Wool is a natural fiber made from the fleece of sheep. Talk about wool and it conjures up a picture of cozy warmth. However, wool is not uniform among all sheep. Sheep live in a wide variety of climates and conditions, and develop their wool to suit the conditions under which they live or are bred. Today there are different grades of wool for different uses. There are coarse wools for carpets, soft fine wools for undergarments, highly crimped wools for bulky woolen yarns, wools with very long fibers for strong fine worsted yarns - a wide range from which the textile manufacturers can choose for a specific product. The most valuable of wools is Merino wool. Merino wool is a very long staple, extremely fine wool from the Merino sheep. Merino wool, particularly when twisted into a worsted yarn, is smooth to the skin. The fine fibres are soft, and the long staple gives fewer ends, reducing any irritation from loose ends. 39
- 40. Wool is popular in the manufacture of clothing and home furnishings as it is warm, resists wrinkle, is lightweight and durable, absorbs moisture, is flame resistant, and has a natural stretch and elasticity. Silk Silk is a natural protein fibre containing about 70-75% of actual fibre fibroin secreted from two salivary glands in the head of the silkworm larva, and about 25-30% sericin, a gum which cements the two filaments together. Silk of the finest quality is obtained from the unwound filament of the silkworm cocoon. To obtain lower grades of silk, broken or waste filaments and damaged cocoons are retained, treated to remove the sericin, and combed. This is then processed into yarn, marketed as spun silk, which is inferior in character to the reeled product and much cheaper. Low grade silk is made from damaged cocoons that were spoiled by emerging moths used for breeding stock. Filaments from the coarse outer portion of the cocoon, which is removed by brushing before reeling, and the inner portion of the cocoon, which remains after reeling the raw silk, are mixed with silk from damaged cocoons to make low grade silk. Silk has a high natural lustre and sheen of a white or cream color. It has a reputation as a luxurious and sensuous fabric, retains its shape, drapes well, caresses the figure, and shimmers with a luster all its own. Silk is naturally hypoallergenic, yet is still breathable; it absorbs moisture and reduces humidity, which makes it cool in the summer and warm in the winter. While silk is one of the strongest fiber at 2.6 to 4.8 grams per denier, it can be weakened by perspiration, deodorants and sunlight. Silk is absorbent so it dyes easily, but some dye colors tend to bleed and fade in water and during stain removal procedures. Sunlight will fade silk items and turn white silk garments yellow. Plant Fibres Cotton Cotton is a soft fiber that grows around the seeds of the cotton plant. Cool, soft and comfortable, cotton is presently the world's most used fiber. Every part of the cotton plant is useful and we see its application in industries such as apparel, home furnishings, medical and surgical, automobile, etc. Grades of cotton range from low, medium to high quality grades like Egyptian cotton, Pima, Supima, American Egyptian and Sea Island cotton. Today, organic cotton is also available where the cotton plant is grown without the use of commercial pesticides and fertilizers. Cotton fabrics have a pleasant matte luster, a soft drape and a smooth hand. They are very comfortable to wear due to their soft hand and other characteristics. Cotton fabrics have 40
- 41. excellent absorbing capabilities. Cotton garments absorb perspiration, thus keeping the person more comfortable. "Absorbent" cotton will retain 24-27 times its own weight in water and is stronger when wet than dry. This fiber absorbs and releases perspiration quickly, thus allowing the fabric to "breathe". Cotton can stand high temperatures and takes dyes easily. Chlorine bleach can be used to restore white garments to a clear white but this bleach may yellow chemically finished cottons or remove color in dyed cottons. Boiling and sterilizing temperatures can also be used on cotton without disintegration. Cotton can also be ironed at relatively high temperatures, stands up to abrasion and wears well. Cotton products can typically be machine washed and dried. Colored cotton garments retain their color longer if they are washed in warm or cool water. Sunlight does harm cotton by causing it to oxidize and turn yellow. Fabrics that are 100% cotton do shrink if they have not been treated with a durable-press or a shrinkage-resistant finish. More information regarding cotton may be found at www.cotton.org Organic Cotton Organic Cotton is cotton that is grown using methods and materials that have a low impact on the environment. Organic production systems replenish and maintain soil fertility, reduce the use of toxic and persistent pesticides and fertilizers, and build biologically diverse agriculture. Third-party certification organizations verify that organic producers use only methods and materials allowed in organic production. Linen Linen is a plant fiber made from the stalk of the flax plant. It is one of the earliest fibers to be made into string and cloth and is the strongest of the vegetable fibers, with 2 to 3 times the strength of cotton. Like cotton, linen takes to dyes easily and can be boiled without damaging the fiber. Fabrics made from linen are comfortable, highly absorbent, and has a natural luster and crisp hand. Linen wrinkles easily but also presses easily. It has poor elasticity and does not spring back readily like wool. Rayon While rayon is man-made, it is not considered a synthetic fiber, but a manufactured regenerated cellulosic fiber. Made from cellulose, rayon is a very versatile fiber and exhibits the same comfort properties as other natural fibers. It can imitate the feel and texture of silk, wool cotton and linen. The fibers are easily dyed in a wide range of colors. Rayon drapes well, has a soft, silky hand, and has a smooth, napped, or bulky surface. Rayon is highly absorbent but does not insulate body heat, hence making rayon garments ideal for 41
- 42. use in hot and humid climates. The durability and appearance retention of regular rayon are low and will wrinkle easily and may stretch when wet and shrink when washed. Rayon also has the lowest elastic recovery of any fiber. Ramie Ramie, also known as China grass, is one of the oldest and strongest natural plant fibers principally used in fabric production. Similar to linen, it is natural white in color, has a high luster and an unusual resistance to bacteria and molds. It is very absorbent (more absorbent than linen) and is even stronger when wet. It is, however, stiff and brittle and not as durable as other fibers, and is best in blends with other fibers such as cotton or wool. Hemp Hemp is a bast fiber plant similar to flax, kenaf, jute and ramie. It possesses properties similar to other bast fibers (flax, kenaf, jute and ramie) and excels in fiber length, strength, durability, absorbency, antimildew and antimicrobial properties. The highest quality hemp comes from the "true" hemp plant called Cannabis Sativa. Sisal hemp and Manila hemp (also known as Abaca) are lower quality hemp fibers. Hemp can have a rather harsh hand. Therefore, it is best utilized in blends with other fibers (i.e. cotton, silk, wool, polyester). The finest hemp for fabric is produced in Italy. Hemp fabric is like linen in both hand and appearance. Hemp fabric withstands water better than any other textile product. It wrinkles easily and should not be creased excessively to avoid wear and breakage of the fibers. Jute Jute is a long, soft, shiny vegetable fiber that can be spun into coarse, strong threads. Jute is commonly used in the production of bags, sacks, canvas, rope, jute yarn, twine and backings for carpet. Manufactured/Synthetic Fibers Acrylic Fiber Acrylic fiber is a synthetic polymer fiber that contains at least 85% acrylonitrile. Soft, lightweight, springy and warm, acrylic is comfortable to wear and resembles wool, yet is easy to care and is machine washable. Fabrics made from acrylic are generally non- allergenic, resilient, durable, have outstanding wickability, and are resistant to moths, oils, chemicals and sunlight degradation.Acrylic fibers may frequently be found in combination with other natural fibers. 42
- 43. Polyamide (Nylon) Nylon was historically developed as a synthetic substitute for silk. It is lightweight, drapes well, has low absorbency and dries quickly, and is resistant to dirt, chemicals and perspiration. One of the strongest man-made fiber, the use of nylon can be found in apparel, home furnishings and outdoor equipment that take a lot of hard wear, like stockings, swimwear, activewear, upholstery, tents and life vests. Polyester Polyester is a strong fiber that is resistant to crease, stretching and shrinkage, hence the ability to hold its shape well. Touted the best 'wash-and-wear' fiber, polyester is easy to care for and is washable, hence its wide usage in essentially every form of apparel and home furnishings. Blends of polyester with natural fibers such as cotton, rayon, or wool extend the durability of these blended fabrics. Microfiber Microfiber is a manufactured fiber with strands thinner than one denier. This is finer than the most delicate silk! Microfibers are not really fibers per se, but refer to ultrafine fibers. Microfibers available today include polyester microfibers, nylon microfiber, rayon microfiber and acrylic microfiber. Fabrics made with microfiber are extremely soft and drapeable, and insulates well against rain, wind and cold. Olefin (also known as Polyolefin or Polypropylene) Olefin is probably one of the less known manufactured fiber in the apparel industry. Strong, lightweight, comfortable. quick drying and resistant to stains, soil, chemicals, mildew, weather, sunlight and abrasion, olefin has been used almost exclusively in the home furnishings area and the high performance activewear market, for such items as backpacking, canoeing, and mountain climbing apparel since its development in 1961. More recently, we are seeing a higher usage of olefin in activewear, sportswear, socks, thermal underwear and lining fabrics. 43
- 44. Lec: 05 Week: 05 Woven Fabrics Knowing the type of fabric you are using is important! (You can tell because I put an exclamation point). The weight, stretch, as well as, other important fabric qualities will affect the look of your finished project. In the next few weeks, I’ll be taking you through the ins and outs of fabrics. Today, we look at woven fabrics. When you think woven fabrics think of looms. Woven fabrics are produced on looms. Understanding the creation of woven fabrics helps us to understand their nature. A woven fabric is created when you have warp yarns and filling yarns. Weaving (what you do on a loom) is interlacing these two yarns. There are three basic types of weaves, and regardless of the complexity of the weave they still fall under these three classifications. They are: plain weave, satin weave, and twill weave. PlainWeave Plain weave is used for about 80 percent of woven fabrics and is the simplest weave. In a plain weave, the fill yarn goes under one warp yarn, over one, under one, and repeat.. That is a plain weave. Examples of plain weave fabrics are broadcloth, calico and muslin. SatinWeave Satin weave is a little more complicated. You can recognize this weave because the face of the fabrics is almost entirely made up of filling yarns or warp yarns. In satin weave, the fill yarn goes under four pieces of warp and over one, then under four and over one. This way most of the warp is showing and not much of the fill yarn is showing. This method gives satin smoothness on the fabric right side. Examples of satin weave fabrics are baronet satin, crepe-back satin and duchesse. TwillWeave Twill weave occurs when more warp yarns pass over more filling yarns than they pass under. Think of jeans. If you look closely at your jeans you will see diagonal lines running down the material. This is created when fill yarn goes under one warp over, one warp, under two warp, then repeat. This type of twill is called 2/1 because you go under 2 warp yarns and only over one. Examples of twill weave fabrics are herringbone twill, broken twill and corkscrew weave. 44
- 45. Most woven fabrics have the same properties. They are not stretchy, unless you use spandex filled yarn and even then you will have to use some sort of fit lines (fit lines are darts, gathers, pleats, pin tucks or any other form of dart or dart manipulation that is used to make the fabric fit the body). Another tell-tale sign of a woven is that they require closures. Woven fabric usually requires a zipper, buttons, eyehooks etc. Woven fabrics require that you make an opening bigger than your size to fit yourself inside the garment, and then button or zip yourself in. 45
- 46. Lec: 06 Week: 06 Assignment on Carpet & Rug and Class Test-01 : Assignment on Carpet & Rug lecture on: ◊ Handout on assignment ◊ Preliminary assessment ◊ Class Test Brief Date Submission Date Grade Week 6 Week 9 10 46
- 47. Lec: 07 Week: 07 Types of Fabric according to construction Fabric Construction: FABRIC CONSTRUCTION fibers are created into yarns yarns are then woven or knit into fabrics fabrics are used to create projects BLENDED YARNS, THREADS, AND FABRICS blends were created to utilize the positive characteristics of each fiber different fibers that have been combined into one fabric, usually one natural and one synthetic EXAMPLE: polyester/cotton blend- the original cotton characteristics are improved and the fabric becomes more wrinkle resistant, stronger, and mildew resistant WOVENS a woven fabric consists of warp and weft yarns weaving occurs when two or more yarns are woven together at right angles to make a fabric strong and easy to sew on suggested for beginners to use GRAIN (LINE) selvage - parallel to lengthwise grain; the tightly woven edges of the fabric lengthwise - parallel to the selvage; stronger threads (warp threads) 47
- 48. crosswise - at right angle to the lengthwise threads; perpendicular to the selvage (weft threads) bias - diagonal angle; runs at a 45-degree angle to the selvage edge; provides stretch KNIT knitting- yarns are fashioned by needles into a series of interlocking loops to make a fabric knits provide stretch knits don't need a seam or edge finish; will not fray ball point needle is recommended for sewing on knits single knit fabric curls to the right side when stretched interlock knit is thicker than single knits and when stretched they don't curl NON-WOVEN/ FELTING made when fibers are pressed together using heat and moisture examples include: felt and non-woven interfacing NAP short fibers that create texture on fabric use a nap layout treat the same way as a one-way directional fabric Yarn: Yarn is a long continuous length of interlocked fibres, suitable for use in the production of textiles, sewing, crocheting, knitting, weaving, embroidery and ropemaking. Thread is a type of yarn intended for sewing by hand or machine. Modern manufactured sewing threads may be finished with wax or other lubricants to withstand the stresses involved in sewing. Embroidery threads are yarns specifically designed for hand or machine embroidery. A continuous strand of textile fibers created when a cluster of individual fibers are twisted together. These long yarns are used to create fabrics, either by knitting or weaving. Spun yarn is made by twisting or otherwise bonding staple fibers together to make a cohesive thread.[2] Twisting fibers into yarn in the process called spinning can be dated back to the Upper Paleolithic[3], and yarn spinning was one of the very first processes to be industrialized. Spun yarns may contain a single type of fiber, or be a blend of various types. Combining synthetic fibers (which can have high strength, lustre, and fire retardant qualities) with natural fibers (which have good water absorbency and skin comforting qualities) is very common. The most widely used blends are cotton-polyester and wool-acrylic fiber blends. Blends of different natural fibers are common too, especially with more expensive fibers such as angora and cashmere. 48
- 49. Yarns are made up of a number of plies, each ply being a single spun yarn. These single plies of yarn are twisted together (plied) in the opposite direction to make a thicker yarn. Depending on the direction of this final twist, the yarn will be known as s-twist or z-twist. For a single ply, the direction of the final twist is the same as its original twist. Filament yarn consists of filament fibers (very long continuous fibers) either twisted together or only grouped together. Thicker monofilaments are typically used for industrial purposes rather than fabric production or decoration. Silk is a natural filament, and synthetic filament yarns are used to produce silk-like effects. Texturized yarns are made by a process of air texturizing (sometimes referred to as taslanizing), which combines multiple filament yarns into a yarn with some of the characteristics of spun yarns. Types of Yarn: Monofilament: this means a single strand of material, all of the same substance. The most familiar monofilament yarns are those extruded from a plastic (like a much-used fishing lines) and those made by slitting flat plastic sheet. Horsehair can be considered a natural monofilament yarn. Multifilaments: several monofilament yarns twisted or plied together make a single multifilament yarn. Multifilaments may be alone or may be spun with other synthetic or natural fibers. Spun Yarns: Using a traditional technique, a continuous strand is made from the short natural fibers such as cotton and wool. Hand spinning is the ancient way of making such yarns. Spinning machines that took over this function were among the first important inventions of the Industrial Revolution. Synthetic multifilaments cut into short lengths have been blended with natural fibers in an attempt to combine the best qualities of both fiber types. Twisted Yarn: Spun yarn may be twisted, which increases the strength of the yarn. The tightness of the twist influences the fabric’s texture and appearance. Plied Yarns: Several yarn strands wound together increase thickness and strength and produce varied textures and appearance. Multiple strands may be plied together,. Using strands of more than one colour creates special visual effects. Slub Yarn: Irregular in diameter, slub yarn may be produced either by spinning yarns that have not been combed or by mechanically introducing delilberate irregularities. It gives fabric a special texture. 49
- 50. Stretch Yarns: these return to their original length after stretching. They may be constructed with the fiber wrapped around a stretchable core (of latex or similar material) or may be the result of new processes in which synthetic fibers are crimped, giving them a springy, coil form. Fabrics made from stretch yarns, used widely in apparel, are useful in certain upholstery applications. 50
- 51. Lec:08 Week: 08 List of Fabrics Acrylic A manufactured fiber, its major properties include a soft, wool-like hand, machine washable and dryable and excellent color retention. Antique Satin A reversible satin-weave fabric with satin floats on the technical face and surface slubs on the technical back created by using slub-filling yarns. It is usually used with the technical back as the right side for drapery fabrics and often made of a blend of fibers. a fabric. Bamboo Fabric Bamboo fabric is a natural textile made from the pulp of the bamboo grass. Bamboo fabric has been growing in popularity because it has many unique properties and is more sustainable than most textile fibers. Bamboo fabric is light and strong, has excellent wicking properties, and is to some extent antibacterial. Bark Cloth A textured woven, usually printed cotton fabric that was popular in the 30s-40s and 50s as an interiors fabric. The prints were often large vines, leaves and florals. Batik A method of dyeing fabric where some areas are covered with wax or pastes made of glues or starches to make designs by keeping dyes from penetrating in pattern areas. Multicolored and blended effects are obtained by repeating the dyeing process several times, with the initial pattern of wax boiled off and another design applied before dyeing again in a new color. Batiste A lightweight, plain weave fabric, semi-sheer and usually made of cotton or cotton blends. Appropriate for heirloom sewing, baby clothes and lingerie. Bedford Cord A cord cotton-like fabric with raised ridges in the lengthwise direction. Since the fabric has a high strength and a high durability, it is often used for upholstery and work clothes. Bengaline A fabric with a crosswise rib made from textile fibers (as rayon, nylon, cotton, or wool) often in combination. Boiled Wool Felted knitted wool, it offers the flexibility of a knit with great warmth. Create your own by washing double the needed amount of 100% wool jersey in hot water and drying in a hot dryer. Expect 50% shrinkage. Appropriate for jackets, vests and stuffed animals. Boucle 51
- 52. A knit or woven fabric with small curls or loops that create a nubby surface. The fabric has a looped, knotted surface and is often used in sweater looks, vests and coats. Broadcloth A plain weave tightly woven fabric that is usually made from 100% cotton or a cotton blend. Most common uses are quilting and shirt-making. Brocade A heavy jacquard-type fabric with an all-over raised pattern or floral design. Appropriate for upholstery, draperies, handbags and eveningwear. Burlap A loosely constructed, heavy weight, plain weave fabric. It has a rough hand. Appropriate for draperies and decorative items. Burn-out Velvet Created from two different fibers, the velvet is removed with chemicals in a pattern leaving the backing fabric intact. Appropriate for more unconstructed and loosely fit garments. Calico A tightly-woven cotton type fabric with an all-over print, usually a small floral pattern on a contrasting background color. Common end-uses include dresses, aprons, and quilts. Cambric A fine thin white linen fabric. Canvas A strong, durable, closely woven cotton fabric. Cashmere A natural fiber obtained from the soft fleecy undergrowth of the Kashmir goat. Most commonly used in sweaters, shawls, suits, coats, and dresses. A luxury fiber with a very soft hand. Challis A lightweight, soft plain weave fabric with a slightly brushed surface. The fabric is often printed, usually in a floral pattern. Challis is most often seen in fabrics made of cotton, wool, or rayon. Chambray A plain woven fabric that can be made from cotton, silk, or manufactured fibers, but is most commonly cotton. It incorporates a colored warp (often blue) and white filling yarns. Chantilly lace This lace has a net background, and the pattern is created by embroidering with thread and ribbon to create floral designs. The pattern has areas of design that are very dense, and the pattern is often outlined with heavier cords or threads. Charm Quilt A quilt made of many, many small patches (traditionally 2" or so) where each piece is a different fabric. The pattern is usually a one-patch design and often involves swaps and trades with friends to gather many fabrics. Charmuese 52
- 53. A luxurious, supple silky fabric with a shiny satin face and a dull back. Generally either silk, rayon ,or polyester. Suitable for blouses, fuller pants and lingerie. Cheesecloth A lightweight, sheer, plain-woven fabric with a very soft texture. It may be natural colored, bleached, or dyed. It usually has a very low count. If dyed, it may be called bunting and could be used for flags or banners. Chiffon Lightweight, extremely sheer and airy fabric, containing highly twisted fibers. Suitable for full pants, loose tops or dresses. Chintz A plain-weave fabric, which has been glazed to produce a polished look. Fabric must be dry-cleaned as the glazing will wash off with machine laundering. Suitable for drapes and lining. . Corduroy A fabric, usually made of cotton or a cotton blend, utilizing a cut-pile weave construction. The ''wale'' indicates the number of cords in one inch. Suitable for jackets, pants and skirts. Cotton a white vegetable fiber grown in warmer climates in many parts of the world, has been used to produce many types of fabric for hundreds of years. Cotton fabric feels good against the skin regardless of the temperature or the humidity and is therefore in great demand by the consumer. Crepe Used to describe all kinds of fabrics--wool, cotton, silk, rayon, synthetics and blends- that have a crinkle, crimped or grained surface. Crepe Charmeuse A smooth, soft luster fabric of grenadine silk warp and filling, with latter given crepe twist. It has the body and drape of satin and is used for dresses and eveningwear. Crepe de Chine Silk crepe de chine has a slightly crinkly surface create with highly twisted fibers. It comes in three weights: 2 ply, appropriate for blouses and lingerie; 3 ply, appropriate for dresses, fuller pants and dresses; and 4 ply, most luxurious and best for trousers and jackets. Crepe-back Satin A satin fabric in which highly twisted yarns are used in the filling direction. The floating yarns are made with low twist and may be of either high or low luster. If the crepe effect is the right side of the fabric, the fabric is called satin-back crepe. Crewel A true crewel fabric is embroidered with crewel yarn (a loosely twisted, two-ply wool) on a plain weave fabric. Traditional crewel fabrics are hand-woven and embroidered in India. The design motif for crewel work is typically outlines of flowers, vines, and leaves, in one or many colors. Modern weaving technology and inventive designers create traditional "crewel" looks with weave effects alone, without the use of embroidery. 53
- 54. Damask A glossy jacquard-type fabric, the patterns are flat and reversible. Unlike jacquards, the fabric is all one color. Suitable for draperies, curtains bed and table linens. Denim A twill weave cotton fabric made with different colored yarns in the warp and the weft. Due to the twill construction, one color predominates on the fabric surface. Suitable for pants, jackets and skirts. Pre-wash and dry 100% cotton denim at least twice to eliminate shrinkage and color bleeding Dotted Swiss A lightweight, sheer cotton or cotton blend fabric with a small dot flock-like pattern either printed on the surface of the fabric, or woven into the fabric. End-uses for this fabric include blouses, dresses, baby clothes, and curtains. Double Cloth A fabric construction, in which two fabrics are woven on the loom at the same time, one on top of the other. In the weaving process, the two layers of woven fabric are held together using binder threads. The woven patterns in each layer of fabric can be similar or completely different. Double Knit A weft knit fabric in which two layers of loops are formed that cannot be separated. A double knit machine, which has two complete sets of needles, is required for this construction. Drill Strong, medium- to heavyweight, warp-faced, twill-weave fabric. It is usually a 2/1 left-handed twill and piece dyed. Duck A tightly woven, heavy, plain-weave, bottom-weight fabric with a hard, durable finish. The fabric is usually made of cotton, and is widely used in men's and women's slacks, and children's playclothes. Dupioni Silk A crisp fabric with irregular slubs. It is perfect for tailored slimmer silhouettes like flat-front trousers, jackets and fitted blouses and dresses. Silk Dupioni can be machine washed in the gentle cycle and drip-dried. . Felt A non-woven fabric made from wool, hair, or fur, and sometimes in combination with certain manufactured fibers, where the fibers are locked together in a process utilizing heat, moisture, and pressure to form a compact material. Ideal for most craft projects. Flannel Usually a 100% cotton fabric that has been brushed on one or both sides for softness. Typically used for shirts and sleepwear. Flax The plant from which cellulosic linen fiber is obtained. Linen is used in apparel, accessories, draperies, upholstery, tablecloths, and towels. Fleece Synthetic knit fabric that stretches across the grain. Suitable for vests, jackets and tops. 54
- 55. Foulard A lightweight twill-weave fabric, made from filament yarns like silk, acetate, polyester, with a small all-over print pattern on a solid background. The fabric is often used in men's ties. Friezé A strong, durable, heavy-warp yarn pile fabric. The pile is made by the over-wire method to create a closed-loop pile. Gauze A sheer, open-weave fabric usually cotton or silk. It is suitable for blouses, dresses and curtains. Georgette A drapey woven fabric created from highly twisted yarns creating a pebbly texture. It is semi-sheer and suitable for blouses, full pants and flowing dresses. Gingham A medium weight, plain weave fabric with a plaid or check pattern. End-uses include dresses, shirts, and curtains. Gossamer Very soft, gauzelike veiling originally of silk. Grois Point A fabric which features large points of yarn on the surface of the fabric. Grosgrain A tightly woven, firm, warp-faced fabric with heavy, round filling ribs created by a high-warp count and coarse filling yarns. Grosgrain can be woven as a narrow-ribbon or a fullwidth fabric. Habutai A soft, lightweight silk fabric, is heavier than China silk. Heather A yarn that is spun using pre-dyed fibers. These fibers are blended together to give a particular look. (For example, black and white may be blended together to create a grey heathered yarn.) The term, heather, may also be used to describe the fabric made from heathered yarns. Herringbone A variation on the twill weave construction in which the twill is reversed, or broken, at regular intervals, producing a zig-zag effect. Homespun Refers to a coarse, plain weave fabric with a hand-woven look. Houndstooth Check A variation on the twill weave construction in which a broken check effect is produced by a variation in the pattern of interlacing yarns, utilizing at least two different colored yarns. Ikat A fabric, usually handwoven which has been tie-dyed in the yarns prior to weaving. The pattern can range from simple little dots to intricate double ikats. Interlining 55
- 56. An insulation, padding, or stiffening fabric, either sewn to the wrong side of the lining or the inner side of the outer shell fabric. The interlining is used primarily to provide warmth in coats, jackets, and outerwear. Irish Poplin There are two types of Irish poplin: (1) Originally a fabric constructed with silk warp and wool filling in plain weave with fine rib. (2) Fine linen or cotton shirting Jersey Fabric Usually thinner or lighter-weight than Interlock knit with less stretch. It’s appropriate for tops and fuller dresses. Jute A bast fiber, chiefly from India, used primarily for gunny sacks, bags, cordage, and binding threads in carpets and rugs. Kapok A short, lightweight, cotton-like, vegetable fiber found in the seed pods of the Bombocaceae tree. Because of its brittle quality, it is generally not spun. However, its buoyancy and moisture resistance makes it ideal for use in cushions, mattresses, and life jackets. Khaki A tan or dusty colored warp face twill, softer and finer than drill. Name derived from East India word meaning "earth color." Fabric made of cotton, linen, wool, worsted, or manmade fibers and blends. Knit Fabrics Fabrics made from only one set of yarns, all running in the same direction. Some knits have their yarns running along the length of the fabric, while others have their yarns running across the width of the fabric. Knit fabrics are held together by looping the yarns around each other. Knitting creates ridges in the resulting fabric. Wales are the ridges that run lengthwise in the fabric; courses run crosswise. Knit-de-knit A type of yarn texturizing in which a crimped yarn is made by knitting the yarn into a fabric, and then heat-setting the fabric. The yarn is then unraveled from the fabric and used in this permanently crinkled form. La Coste A double-knit fabric made with a combination of knit and tuck stitches to create a mesh-like appearance. It is often a cotton or cotton/polyester blend. Lace An openwork fabric with yarns that are twisted around each other to form complex patterns or figures. Lace may be hand or machine made by a variety of fabrication methods including weaving, knitting, crocheting, and knotting. Lamé A woven fabric using flat silver or gold metal threads to create either the design or the background in the fabric. Leather Animal skin dressed for use in clothing. Leatherette A Simulated leather. Linen 56
- 57. A natural plant fiber, linen fibers are stronger and more lustrous than cotton. Depending on the weight, it’s appropriate for anything from heirloom sewing and blouses to slacks and jackets. Lawn A light, fine cloth made using carded or combed, linen or cotton yarns. The fabric has a crease-resistant, crisp finish. Linen lawn is synonymous with handkerchief linen. Cotton lawn is a similar type of fabric, which can be white, solid colored, or printed. Loden cloth A heavily fulled or felted fabric originating in Austrian Tyrol. Wool may be blended with camel hair or alpaca. Thick, soft, waterproof without chemical treatment. Sometimes given fine nap. Used for coats, sportswear. Lycra A DuPont trademark for its spandex fiber. Any time you see this fiber listed on a label, expect comfort, movement, and shape retention that won't wash away. Madras A lightweight plain weave cotton fabric with a striped, plaid, or checked pattern. A true madras will bleed when washed. This type of fabric is usually imported from India. End-uses are men's and women's shirts and dresses. Marabou A thrown silk usually dyed in the gum or a fabric made of this silk. Matelassé A medium to heavyweight luxury fabric made in a double cloth construction to create a blistered or quilted surface. Common end-uses are upholstery, draperies, and evening dresses. Melton A heavyweight, dense, compacted, and tightly woven wool or wool blend fabric used mainly for coats. Merino A type of wool that originates from pure-bred Merino sheep. The best Merino wool comes from Italy. Mesh A type of fabric characterized by its net-like open appearance, and the spaces between the yarns. Mesh is available in a variety of constructions including wovens, knits, laces, or crocheted fabrics. Microfibers An extremely fine synthetic fiber that can be woven into textiles with the texture and drape of natural-fiber cloth but with enhanced washability, breathability, and water repellancy. Mohair Hair fibers from the Angora goat. End-uses include sweaters, coats, suits, and scarves. Moiree A corded fabric, usually made from silk or one of the manufactured fibers, which has a distinctive water-marked wavy pattern on the face of the fabric. Moleskin 57
- 58. It resists wrinkling and has a beautiful sueded look on the face. The reverse has a satiny look and feel. Generally, will contain 2-4% spandex. Great for pants, jackets and heavy shirts. Monk's Cloth A heavy weight cotton fabric utilizing the basket weave variation of the plain weave. Used for draperies and slip covers, monk's cloth is an example of 4 x 4 basket weave. It has poor dimensional stability and tends to snag. Muslin An inexpensive, medium weight, plain weave, low count (less than 160 threads per square inch) cotton sheeting fabric. In its unfinished form, it is commonly used in fashion design to make trial garments for preliminary fit. Net Refers to any open-construction fabric whether it is created by weaving, knitting, knotting, or another method. Nylon Produced in 1938, the first completely synthetic fiber developed. Known for its high strength and excellent resilience, nylon has superior abrasion resistance and high flexibility. Oilcloth sheetings or printcloth that are printed, bleached, or dyed, and given a special linseed oil and pigment preparation. Used for table coverings, waterproof outerwear; now largely replaced by plastic-coated and vinyl materials. Oilskin A Cotton linen, silk, or manmade material treated with linseed oil varnish for waterproofing. Used for rainwear. Organdy A stiffened, sheer, lightweight plain weave fabric, usually cotton or polyester. Organza A crisp, sheer, lightweight plain weave fabric, with a medium to high yarn count, made of silk, rayon, nylon, or polyester. Ottoman A heavy, plain weave fabric with wide, flat crosswise ribs that are larger and higher than in faille. It sometimes comes with alternating narrow and wide ribs. When made of narrow ribs only, it is called soleil. Warp may be silk or manmade fiber; filling may be cotton, silk, wool, or manmade fiber. Used for dress coats, suits, and trimmings. Oxford A fine, soft, lightweight woven cotton or blended with manufactured fibers in a 2 x 1 basket weave variation of the plain weave construction. The fabric is used primarily in shirtings. Paisley A tear-drop shaped, fancy printed pattern, used in dresses, blouses, and men's ties. Panné Satin Lightweight silk or manmade fiber satin fabric with very high luster achieved with aid of heavy roll pressure. Crushes easily. Used for eveningwear. Panné Velvet 58
- 59. A lustrous, lightweight velvet fabric, in which the pile has been flattened in one direction. Has good stretch across the grain. Appropriate for tops and dresses. Peau de Soie A heavy twill weave drapeable satin fabric, made of silk or a manufactured fiber, and used for bridal gowns and eveningwear. Pima Cotton A type of cotton plant developed in the Southwestern USA from a cross between Egyptian and Uplands cotton which is longer in fiber length and more lustrous than most American cottons. It is used to weave some of the popular quilting fabrics which have a silk-like hand. Piqué A medium-weight cotton or cotton blend fabric with a pebbly weave that looks almost like a check. Suitable for vests, jackets and fitted blouses. Also used in children’s clothes. Plissé A lightweight, plain weave, fabric, made from cotton, rayon, or acetate, and characterized by a puckered striped effect, usually in the warp direction. The crinkled effect is created through the application of a caustic soda solution, which shrinks the fabric in the areas of the fabric where it is applied. Plissé is similar in appearance to seersucker. End-uses include dresses, shirtings, pajamas, and bedspreads. Polyester A manufactured fiber introduced in the early 1950s, and is second only to cotton in worldwide use. Polyester has high strength (although somewhat lower than nylon), excellent resiliency, and high abrasion resistance. Low absorbency allows the fiber to dry quickly. Poplin A fabric made using a rib variation of the plain weave. The construction is characterized by having a slight ridge effect in one direction, usually the filling. Poplin used to be associated with casual clothing, but as the "world of work" has become more relaxed, this fabric has developed into a staple of men's wardrobes, being used frequently in casual trousers. Ramie A bast fiber, similar to flax, taken from the stalk of a plant grown in China. Raschel Knit A warp knitted fabric in which the resulting knit fabric resembles hand crocheted fabrics, lace fabrics, and nettings. Raschel warp knits contain inlaid connecting yarns in addition to columns of knit stitches. Rayon A natural fiber created from wood pulp, it usually has good drape and a soft hand. It’s appropriate for tops, shirts, skirts and dresses. Rib Knit This knit has tremendous stretch across the grain a 1 x 1 rib has one rib up and one down. A 2 x 1 rib has two ribs up and one down, similar to a Poor Boy Knit. Rip-stop Nylon A lightweight, wind resistant, and water resistant fabric. Appropriate for outdoor wear and equipment as well as outdoor flags. Sailcloth 59
- 60. Any heavy, plain-weave canvas fabric, usually made of cotton, linen, polyester, jute, nylon, etc. that is used for sails and apparel. Sateen Fabric A fabric made from yarns with low luster, such as cotton or other staple length fibers. The fabric has a soft, smooth hand and a gentle, subtle luster. Sateen fabrics are often used for draperies and upholstery. Satin With a lustrous, shiny surface, drapability depends on fiber content. Silk and rayon satins have the best stitch results. Seersucker A fabric with a woven pucker, this fabric is traditionally cotton, but can be polyester. Suitable for shirts, casual slacks and children’s clothing. Sequined Ornamented with a small plate of shining metal or plastic. Shantung A medium-weight, plain weave fabric, characterized by a ribbed effect, resulting from slubbed yarns used in the warp or filling direction. End-uses include dresses and suits. Sheer Any very light-weight fabric (e.g., chiffon, georgette, voile, sheer crepe). Usually has an open weave. Sheers mostly feel cool. Silk A natural filament fiber produced by the silkworm in the construction of its cocoon. Most silk is collected from cultivated worms; Tussah silk, or wild silk, is a thicker, shorter fiber produced by worms in their natural habitat. All silk comes from Asia, primarily China. Silk Shantung Similar to Dupioni silk, Shantung has a more refined appearance with smaller slubs. It’s appropriate for tailored pants fuller skirts and gowns. Sisal A strong bast fiber that originates from the leaves of the Agave plant, which is found in the West Indies, Central America, and Africa. End-uses include cordage and twine. Slinky Knit It drapes well, never wrinkles and washes beautifully. It’s the perfect travel fabric with four-way stretch for ultimate comfort. Suitable for almost any wardrobe item. Spandex A manufactured elastomeric fiber that can be repeatedly stretched over 500% without breaking, and will still recover to its original length. Suede Leather with a napped surface. Surah A light weight, lustrous twill weave constructed fabric with a silk-like hand. Surah is the fabric of ties, dresses, and furnishings. It is available in silk, polyester, and rayon. Taffeta With a crisp hand, taffeta is typically used for formal wear like gowns and fuller skirts. Underlining prevents some of the wrinkling it has a tendency to have. Tapestry 60
- 61. A heavy, often hand-woven, ribbed fabric, featuring an elaborate design depicting a historical or current pictorial display. The weft-faced fabric design is made by using colored filling yarns, only in areas where needed, that are worked back and forth over spun warp yarns, which are visible on the back. End-uses include wall hangings and upholstery. Tarpaulin A waterproofed canvas sometimes made of nylon or other manmade fiber. Tencel Created from wood pulp, Tencel is very soft with great drape. It’s usually a medium weight fabric that suitable for pants, skirts and jackets. Terry Cloth Unclipped, looped pile, 100% cotton terry cloth is highly absorbent. French Terry has a looped reverse and a knit-like face. Tulle A lightweight, extremely fine, machine-made netting, it is softer to the touch than netting. Appropriate for veils and costumes. Tweed A medium to heavy weight, fluffy, woolen, twill weave fabric containing colored slubbed yarns. Common end-uses include coats and suits. Twill A fabric that shows a distinct diagonal wale on the face (e.g., denim, gabardine, tricotine). Ultrasuede An imitation suede fabric composed of polyester microfibers combined with polyurethane foam in a non-woven structure. Hand and appearance resemble sheep suede. Velour Usually with a knitted back, velour resembles velvet, but has some stretch. Appropriate for tops and sportswear like pants and jackets. Velvet With a longer pile, velvet is the most luxurious fabric. Stretch velvet has some lycra, It can be machine washed and will not create a shine in the seat or elbows. Appropriate for tops, skirts and fuller pants. Velveteen A cotton or cotton blend fabric with a short, dense pile. It lacks the sheen and drape of velvet. It is perfect for drapes and home décor items as well as pants, jackets and skirts. Viscose The most common type of rayon. It is produced in much greater quantity than cuprammonium rayon, the other commercial type. Voile A crisp, lightweight, plain weave cotton-like fabric, similar in appearance to organdy and organza. It is appropriate for curtains as well as blouses and dresses. Waffle Cloth Similar to piqué in texture. Waffle cloth has a honeycomb weave made on dobby loom. Usually of cotton. 61
- 62. Wool Wool is naturally stain and wrinkle resistant. It can absorb up to 40% of it’s weight in moisture without feeling damp. Wool comes in many forms including crepe, challis, gabardine, merino, melton, jersey and worsted wool suitings. Wool Crepe A lightweight worsted fabric with a more or less crinkly appearance, obtained by using warp yarns that are tightly twisted in alternate directions. The term is often applied to lightweight worsted fabrics for women's wear that have little or no crepe 62
- 63. Lec:09 Week: 09 Use of Fabric in Interior Décor There are three basic aspects that determine the appearance and suitability of fabrics for interior use. Fibre content, weave and pattern. Fabrics are usually natural or man-made. The important natural fabrics are cotton, wool, linen, and silk. Although, for a long time now silk has been considered the most elegant and popular of all natural fibres. It is not long-lasting under direct sunlight and heat. In general, silk requires more care than most other fabrics. Wool can be made into extremely strong and beautiful fabrics. Therefore, it is very much in demand for modern interiors. Both cotton and linen are made from vegetable fibres and they are both durable along with being pliable, unless cotton and linen are interwoven with other fibres. However, they are not as strong as wool or man-made fibres and that is why there use tends to be restricted to light-duty interior purposes. Because of its utility, fabric can be used to make accessories that will create freshness and newness to any boring interior space. With thousands of patterns and colours available; there is sure to be a fabric to fit in with every interior decoration. In rooms fabric is usually found on sofas and chairs. Therefore, the fabrics on these pieces need to be selected very carefully. As these items are major investments for many people, it is wise for them to use neutral solid fabrics or textures. In this way, furniture pieces will go further with many of the colour trends, and will not become quickly old-fashioned in a room. A very simple place to use fabric in the home is throw pillows. These small jewels can be placed on sofas, chairs, beds, benches and even on the floor to add variety and colour to a space, inexpensively. Throw pillows make it very easy to bring pattern and colour trends into a room. Because they are so reasonably priced, they can easily be replaced like whenever the homeowners get bored of the interior. In many interior designs, adding fabric to the windows is a great way to add that finishing touch to a space. A simple fabric panel can create a feeling of warmth in any room. Windows can also be used to decorate a room with colours by using curtains.. In this way, people can highlight the colour palette in a space and make a room look professionally designed. The bedroom is a perfect place to use several fabrics. Quilts, comforters or bedspread, bed skirt, pillows, sheets and decorative pillows provide several opportunities to bring in patterns and colours into the room. 63
- 64. Fabric can also be used in some extraordinary ways to add attraction to a room. A fabric lampshade can add a little bloom of colour to a dark corner. Lampshades can create a cosy reading space in the bedroom. Picture frames can be decorated with fabric. Wall hangings, placemats, table runners, etc can also be decorated with fabrics. Other fabric accessories bring the warmth of fabric into a room. Woven Fabric Fabrics composed of two sets of yarns. One set of yarns, the warp, runs along the length of the fabric. The other set of yarns, the fill or weft, is perpendicular to the warp. Woven fabrics are held together by weaving the warp and the fill yarns over and under each other. 64
- 65. Lec: 10 Week: 10 Curtain and Drapery Sometimes known as a drape, mainly in the United States) is a piece of cloth intended to block or obscure light, or drafts, or water in the case of a shower curtain. Curtains hung over a doorway are known as portières. Curtains are often hung on the inside of a building's window to block the travel of light, for instance at night to aid sleeping, or to stop light from escaping outside the building (stopping people outside from being able to see inside, often for privacy reasons). In this application they are also known as "draperies." Curtains come in a variety of shapes, materials, sizes, colors and patterns, and they often have their own sections within department stores, while some shops are completely dedicated to selling curtains. Curtains vary according to cleanability, ultraviolet light deterioration, oil and dust retention, noise absorption, fire resistance, and life span. Curtain may be moved by hand, with cords, by press-button pads or remote-controlled computers. Measuring the curtain size needed for each window varies greatly according to the type of curtain needed, window size, and type and weight of curtain. An adaptation of the curtain may be a blind or, in warmer countries, wooden Window shutter that are fixed to the outside of the building to provide privacy and still keep the building cool inside. Curtains are a form of window treatment, and complete the overall appearance of the house. Window treatment helps control the ambiance and flow of natural light into the room. The effect of drapery or curtains, is best seen in daylight, and with proper indoor light positioning, it can look attractive even at night.[1] Light control and insulation Curtains can be made from varying thicknesses of fabric, each with a differing degree of light absorption and heat insulating qualities. For maximum temperature control, the curtain gap to the window should be small, with minimum convection drafts below or above the curtain. Various architectural structures around the curtain can minimize these air drafts, but usually they are just used for decoration and make rooms feel more cozy. A sheer or net curtain is one that is made from translucent fabric, such as a loosely woven polyester voile or a cotton lace. Sheer curtains allow a majority of light to be transmitted through the fabric, with the fabric weave providing a basic level of UV protection while retaining maximum visibility through the curtain. Sheer curtains are sometimes referred to as privacy curtains in reference to their screening abilities; during the day most sheer fabrics will allow people inside the home to see the outside view whilst preventing people outside 65
- 66. the home from seeing directly into the home. Due to the loose weave in sheer fabrics, these types of curtains offer very little in the way of heat insulation. Uncoated fabrics provide the next level of heat insulation and light absorption. Uncoated fabrics constitute the vast majority of fabrics used in curtains, and are composed of a tightly woven fabric, most typically a cotton/polyester blend, which is mostly opaque when viewed in ambient light. Uncoated fabrics provide a reasonable level of heat insulation due to the tight weave of the fabric, however the fabric itself is typically not thick enough to completely absorb strong light sources. As a result, when curtains made from uncoated fabrics are closed in an attempt to block out direct sunlight, light will still be visible through the curtain. Coated fabrics consist of a standard uncoated fabric with an opaque rubber backing applied to the rear of the fabric to provide improved light absorption. To create a coated fabric a liquefied rubber polymer is applied in a single coat to an uncoated fabric and subsequently fused dry by means of a heated roller, in much the same way that a laser printer applies toner to a sheet of paper before fusing it dry. A fabric that has been through the coating process once is considered a 1 pass coated fabric, anecdotally referred to as dim-out or blackout because of the fabric's ability to absorb approximately 50-70% of a direct light source. To improve the light absorption of a fabric it is possible to re-coat a fabric up to a maximum of 3 pass coated, which is considered sufficient to block out 100% of a direct light source, hence such fabrics are referred to as blockout coated. Maximum light absorption and heat insulation in a curtain is created through a lined curtain, which typically consists of an uncoated fabric at the front to provide the look and feel of the curtain, with a separate coated fabric attached at the rear to provide the insulative qualities. The coated fabric is typically referred to as a lining, which simply refers to a coated fabric that does not have any particular color or pattern.[citation needed] Curtains may be held back with tie-backs or may be closed and opened with sticks called draw-pulls or curtain rods which are attached either to the runner or to the first hook. On some curtain rails/poles, there is pulley system for opening and closing called corded curtain tracks. The knobs at the end of these cords are called cord pulls or acorns. A curtain hook stopper is a device used to stop the curtain from falling of the end of the curtain rail. Commercial curtains For curtains used in theaters, see Theater drapes and stage curtains. With the increase in single family homes during the last century, the curtain and drapery industries have witnessed simultaneous growth in the demand for their products. Commercial interests also grew during that time as many companies tried to supply institutions, hotels, etc.Commercial sized curtains are commonly used in restaurants, cinemas, and theatre stages. 66
- 67. Lec: 11 Week: 11 Curtain Fabrics Chintz Fabric Brightly designed floral prints sometimes with a glaze finish on the surface. Usually printed on a pale background such as white or cream. The glazed finish will not tolerate washing. Cotton Fabric It is made from the fibers of the seed pod of the cotton plant. In unbleached cotton fabrics you will see the black seeds in the weave. This is not a fault, so if you don't like the look choose the bleached version or a dyed color. Calico Fabric Calico fabric is a cheap cotton, the only problem is it can be very stiff so doesn't drape to well. You can get part bleached calico fabric that drapes better Damask Fabric Damask is a reversable fabric with a pattern in the weave. Usually in one or two colors and a variety of designs. Gingham fabric Gingham fabric is a lightweight check fabric with two colors. It's made either with cotton or a mix of polyester and cotton. It's great for kitchen or bathroom curtains as will tolerate steam and being washed. Jacquard Fabric Jacquard fabrics can be plain or multi colored. The design is woven into the weave of the fabric. This style of fabric used to made by hand until Circa 1801 when Joseph Marie Jacquard invented a loom attachment that now bears his name. This means it is made by machine and costs considerably less. Silk fabric Silk is woven from the cocoon of the silk worm. The silk fiber is vey strong and can be dyed with very bright colors. Toile Fabrics Called toile de jouy to give its full name. It is a detailed printed design depicting 18th century scenes. Its name came from a small french village called "Joy en Josas" It is best used flat to cover cornices/pelmets and cushions 67
- 68. Velvet Fabric Velvet fabric is made by weaving two layers of fabric together. This process creates the pile effect. You can make your curtains with the pile up or down to the touch. You are more likely to see any flaws with the pile down but get a more of a sheen. With the pile up you tend not see as many flaws but dont get as much of a sheen to the fabric. Wool Wool from a sheep is a good fabric to make into curtains. It has a soft touch and drapes really well. It doesn't hold static electricity so it doesn't attract dirt or dust like other fabrics. This fabric dyes well and comes in many colors. Crypton Fabric So what is crypton fabric well simply it's a super fabric that is used in hotels restuarants and many homes. It is totally waterproof, stain resistant and mildew resistant. It goes through a special manufacturing process that gives it these special qualities. It is also used for outdoor curtains, garden furniture cushions and pet beds. CurtainFabrics Today many people are now choosing to make their own curtains or at least select curtain fabric and then have them tailored by a professional. The reasons behind this are complex but one of the major benefits is certainly that by selecting your own fabric you have the opportunity to create an individual window dressing that nobody else will have in their home. What follows are five popular materials used in the production of curtain fabrics. 68
- 69. Silk has to be one of the most luxuriant fabrics used in the manufacturing of curtains. Often woven into different patterns and styles it can be perfect for creating dressier, formal windows. It can be used either in full length panel curtains, roman shades or even balloon shades. A definite disadvantage of silk has to be the price, unless you can find a cheap dealer, it is likely that it will be expensive. Another disadvantage is that if the curtains are unlined, silk has the tendency to rot in direct sunlight. Cotton is a much cheaper option and is an extremely versatile fabric. Cotton can also be weaved in different ways to achieve different effects, such as satin weave of plain weave. Cotton's versatility means that it can be used for plainer, simple looks as well as classy, sophisticated styles. Cotton is easy to clean although unless the curtains are lined can hang awkwardly. Linen has become one of the more popular types of curtain fabric in recent years. Linen can be woven into both light and heavy weaves meaning that a range of styles are available when using this material. In terms of price linen is relatively affordable in comparison to silk and wool. One downside would be the tendency of linen to wrinkle quite easily in humid environments and the fact that to clean linen curtains, dry cleaning services should be used. Wool has the obvious benefit that it insulates excellently. When woven into heavy fabrics it also hangs effortlessly providing an elegant look. Wool is easily dyed and in terms of cost varies immensely depending upon which type of wool it is. For example some sheep's wool is relatively cheap whereas wool from alpacas or llamas can work out rather expensive. Unfortunately wool is moisture absorbent and like linen is not the best option for humid rooms. Synthetics such as nylon or polyester should be considered due to the fact that they are extremely stable and easily cleaned. However the cheap, plastic feel puts many homeowners off. For curtain linings however, synthetics can be considered an excellent choice. Types of Curtain Fabric Curtains put the finishing touch on any room, and there are many fabric options ranging from heavy and formal to lightweight and sheer. The solution to dressing the windows in your home might come from combining a number of fabrics into one treatment. Light, medium, heavy and sheer curtain fabrics can stand alone or work together to make a statement. Lightweight Fabrics Cotton is readily available and fairly inexpensive, making it one of the most popular choices for curtain fabric. Cotton has durability and ease of care. Calico, often used in quilting, has a firm drape. Designers use it in curtains for kitchens and bedrooms. Muslin, another cotton fabric, has loosely woven fibers and a light, airy appearance that makes it look casual. 69
- 70. Designers use linen, another natural fiber, for classic curtains. Made from flax, linen pairs easily with other fabrics, such as cotton. Linen mix, a blend of linen and cotton and nylon, does not crease as easily. It is easier to handle and more durable than linen alone. Challis is one of the lightest, softest fabrics available. This fabric, usually made of cotton or rayon, has a slightly brushed surface and good drape. A washable version of this fabric might suit a child’s room. Medium-Weight Fabrics Brocade, a medium-weight fabric with a pattern woven directly into the material, has a distinctive texture. Usually made in rich colors, the fabric may be silk and have metallic threads. Damask is another medium-weight fabric made of silk, cotton, rayon polished linen or polyester. It features a noticeable pattern usually of the same color that is seen when light falls on the fabric. Although similar to brocade, the pattern is usually flatter. You may see this fabric used in living and bedroom with traditional décor. Denim adds a casual feel to a room. Denim comes in medium to heavy weights and makes a durable option for curtain fabric. Heavy-Weight Fabrics Heavy curtain fabrics have a more classic feel to them. Homemakers have used chenille since Victorian times to create heavy curtains. It has a soft, short texture. Velvet features a plush, short pile that forms an even uniform surface. Some velvet fabrics feature a burnout design. Designers tend to use velvet in the most formal curtains and valances. Tapestries, another heavy fabric used for curtains, has ornamental embroidery. It may feature scenes or flowers with colored and metallic thread adornment. Designers often choose this fabric for formal areas. Sheers Sheers are lightweight fabrics that you can see through. Designers often use lace, muslins, nets and voiles as sheers. Organdy, which is sheer and has a plain weave, has a stiffened drape. This crisp fabric 70
- 71. withstands multiple washes . Organza, another stiff, sheer fabric, has a frosty appearance, wiry texture, and a hard, crisp finish. Voile ranges from gauzy to ultra fine and gathers particularly well, making it appropriate for sheer curtains. 71
- 72. Sheer Curtain Fabric Sheer Curtain Fabric Sheer curtain fabric is a lightweight semi-transparent textile which is used for window coverings to provide some measure of privacy while still allowing light to enter a room. Shades of white, cream and ivory are the most popular colors for sheer drapery fabrics. Full length window treatments made of sheer drapery fabric add an elegant and sophisticated touch to living rooms and bedrooms. Sheer draperies can be designed to hang straight to the floor or can be draped as swag panels. Draperies made of sheer fabric are often used under full-length curtains of a heavier material which can be closed at night for complete privacy. Besides offering privacy, heavier curtains over sheer draperies help insulate a room against cold outside air. Fabrics like velvet and silk dupioni are well suited for curtains over sheer draperies.Shorter curtains made of sheer curtain fabric are well-suited for kitchens and bathrooms. Tiers and valances are popular looks for sheer curtains in shorter lengths. Short curtains made from sheer drapery fabric are often trimmed with lace or other decorative trims. Voile and batiste are two of the most popular types of sheer drapery fabrics. Both are lightweight fabrics with interesting textures. Voile has a very find weave and glowing surface, while batiste has a more visible weave and natural look. Mussola batiste is a finer type of batiste from Italy. Sheer draperies made of voile or batiste in shades of white and cream will add a timeless, elegant touch to any room. Voile Fabric Batiste Fabric Mussola Batiste Fabric 72
- 73. Lec: 12 Week: 12 Types of Curtain Rods and Tracks Metal curtain rods are a very contemporary and stylish curtain hanging system. They are made for eyelet/grommet curtains. The range of colors and finishes amazes even me sometimes. Chrome, nickel, gold, brass, pewter, wrought iron, the list seems endless. The finishes mirror, brushed satin, burnished and painted. Wrought iron curtain rods come in 2 varieties. 1. The imitation black painted kind. 2. The hand made genuine iron rods and poles. Obviously a more pricey product. These rods look fantastic in the right setting. Generally in an older Gothic type setting. Double curtain rods have longer brackets that hold 2 rods one in front of the other. This usually to allow for sheer curtains to the back and fabric curtains to the front. You can also use these to create a "Panel system" on your window. Swing arm curtain rods are great over dormer windows or where there is no room to stack your curtains off the window. They can be very successful over a doorway as well. Plastic curtain rails and tracks the budget choice. You can hang all but the heaviest curtains on these. Some you can bend fairly easy into bay windows. You also get a choice of corded or uncorded tracks. Metal curtain tracks and rails for the longer lasting high performance. You can hang very heavy curtains on these (short of stage curtains). Again you have the option of corded on some metal tracks. There are a few metal tracks that the DIY'er can fit in a bay themselves. Magnetic curtain rods Magnetic curtain rods, the easy answer to fitting curtains on a metal door or window frame. No drilling or fixing required. Panel blinds Panel blinds very contemporary very modern. These hold multiple flat curtain panels that slide to cover the window. Then slide open and stack on top of the other at the window edge. They are the curtain hanging system for the 21st century. When done in the right fabric they look like they have come straight of a "Bond set". Long curtain rods over 12 foot in length are not that common, but you can get them. There are 2 kinds that I reccomend 1. is the Silent Gliss metropole and 2. Any other rod or pole with passing brackets 73
- 74. Lec: 13 Week: 13 Windows Types Window A window is a transparent opening in a wall or door that allows the passage of light and, if not closed or sealed, air and sound. Windows are usually glazed or covered in some other transparent or translucent material like a float glass. Windows are held in place by frames, which prevent them from collapsing in. Many glazed windows may be opened, to allow ventilation, or closed, to exclude inclement weather. History Primitive windows were just holes in a wall. Later, windows were covered with animal hide, cloth, or wood. Shutters that could be opened and closed came next. Over time, windows were built that both protected the inhabitants from the elements and transmitted light: mullioned glass windows, which joined multiple small pieces of glass with leading, paper windows, flattened pieces of translucent animal horn, and plates of thinly sliced marble. The Romans were the first to use glass for windows. In Alexandria ca. 100 AD, cast glass windows, albeit with poor optical properties, began to appear. Mullioned glass windows were the windows of choice among European well-to-do, whereas paper windows were economical and widely used in ancient China, Korea and Japan. In England, glass became common in the windows of ordinary homes only in the early 17th century whereas windows made up of panes of flattened animal horn[citation needed] were used as early as the 14th century in Northern Britain. Modern-style floor-to-ceiling windows became possible only after the industrial glass making process was perfected. Technical terms In insulated glass production, the term "lite", or "light", refers to a glass pane, several of which may be used to construct the final window product. For example, a sash unit, consisting of at least one sliding glass component, is typically composed of two lites, while a fixed window is composed of one lite. The terms "single-light", "double-light" etc refer to the number of these glass panes in a window. The lites in a window sash are divided horizontally and vertically by narrow strips of wood or metal called muntins. More substantial load bearing or structural vertical dividers are called mullions, with the corresponding horizontal dividers referred to as transoms. In the United States, the term replacement window means a framed window designed to slip inside the original window frame from the inside after the old sashes are removed. In Europe, however, it usually means a complete window including a replacement outer frame. 74
- 75. The U.S., term new construction window means a window with a nailing fin designed to be inserted into a rough opening from the outside before applying siding and inside trim. A nailing fin is a projection on the outer frame of the window in the same plane as the glazing, which overlaps the prepared opening, and can thus be 'nailed' into place. In the UK and mainland Europe, windows in new-build houses are usually fixed with long screws into expanding plastic plugs in the brickwork. A gap of up to 13mm is left around all four sides, and filled with expanding polyurethane foam. This makes the window fixing weatherproof but allows for expansion due to heat. A beam over the top of a window is known as the lintel or transom. Types of Windows: Double-hung sash window This sash window is the traditional style of window in the USA, and many other places that were formerly colonized by the UK, with two parts (sashes) that overlap slightly and slide up and down inside the frame. The two parts are not necessarily the same size. Nowadays, most new double-hung sash windows use spring balances to support the sashes, but traditionally, counterweights held in boxes on either side of the window were used. These were and are attached to the sashes using pulleys of either braided cord or, later, purpose-made chain. Double-hung sash windows were traditionally often fitted with shutters. Sash windows may 75
- 76. be fitted with simplex hinges which allow the window to be locked into hinges on one side, while the rope on the other side is detached, allowing the window to be opened for escape or cleaning. These windows are basically stacked on top of each other and open by sliding in front of or behind each other. This is a very standard design. Single-hung sash window One sash is movable (usually the bottom one) and the other fixed. This is the earlier form of sliding sash window, and is also cheaper. Horizontal sliding sash window Has two or more sashes that overlap slightly but slide horizontally within the frame. In the UK, these are sometimes called Yorkshire sash windows, presumably because of their traditional use in that county. Casement window A window with a hinged sash that swings in or out like a door comprising either a side-hung, top-hung (also called "awning window"; see below), or occasionally bottom-hung sash or a combination of these types, sometimes with fixed panels on one or more sides of the sash. In the USA these are usually opened using a crank, but in parts of Europe they tend to use projection friction stays and espagnolette locking. Formerly, plain hinges were used with a casement stay. Handing applies to casement windows to determine direction of swing; a casement window may be left-handed, right-handed, or double. The casement window is the dominant type now found in the UK and parts of Europe. Awning window An awning window is a casement window that is hung horizontally, hinged on top, so that it swings outward like an awning. An awning window resembles a store or deck awning in that it cranks open from the bottom. Hopper window A hopper window is a bottom hung casement window that opens similar to a draw bridge typically opening to the outside. These windows are very similar to awnings, but they swing open from the top. Tilt and slide window A window (more usually a door-sized window) where the sash tilts inwards at the top and then slides horizontally behind the fixed pane. Tilt and turn window A window which can either tilt inwards at the top, or can open inwards hinged at the side. Transom window A window above a door; in an exterior door the transom window is often fixed, in an interior door it can open either by hinges at top or bottom, or rotate on hinges. It provided ventilation before forced air heating and cooling. A fan-shaped transom is known as a fanlight, especially in the British Isles. 76
- 77. Jalousie or louvered window Also known as a louvered window, the jalousie window consists of parallel slats of glass or acrylic that open and close like a Venetian blind, usually using a crank or a lever. They are used extensively in tropical architecture. A jalousie door is a door with a jalousie window. Jalousie windows are a series of louvers that overlap one another. These windows are very popular in the south as they allow for great ventilation, but not so good in the north because they’re just not airtight enough. Clerestory window A window set in a roof structure or high in a wall, used for daylighting. Skylight A flat or slope window used for daylighting, built into a roof structure that is out of reach. Roof window A roof window at the Musée du Louvre (Paris)A sloped window used for daylighting, built into a roof structure that is within reach. Roof lantern Cupola A roof lantern is a multi-paned glass structure, resembling a small building, built on a roof for day or moon light. Sometimes includes an additional clerestory. May also be called a cupola. Bay window A multi-panel window, with at least three panels set at different angles to create a protrusion from the wall line. A bay protrudes out from the wall plane. A compass or radial bay is very similar and sometimes called a bow, and is noted by smoother angles than the bay. Oriel window A window with many panels. It is most often seen in Tudor-style houses and monasteries. An oriel window projects from the wall and does not extend to the ground. Oriel windows originated as a form of porch. They are often supported by brackets or corbels. Buildings in the Gothic Revival style often have oriel windows. Oriel windows are much like bays and bows, but they’re supported by brackets or cantilevers and are usually much smaller. A very small oriel placed higher up is sometimes referred to as a garden window. Thermal window Thermal, or Diocletian, windows are large semicircular windows (or niches) which are usually divided into three lights (window compartments) by two vertical mullions. The central compartment is often wider than the two side lights on either side of it. Fixed window A window that cannot be opened, whose function is limited to allowing light to enter (Unlike an unfixed window, which can open and close). Clerestory windows are often fixed. Transom windows may be fixed or operable. 77
- 78. Picture window A very large fixed window in a wall, typically without glazing bars, or glazed with only perfunctory glazing bars near the edge of the window. Picture windows are intended to provide an unimpeded view, as if framing a picture. Multi-lit window A window glazed with small panes of glass separated by wooden or lead "glazing bars", or "muntins", arranged in a decorative "glazing pattern" often dictated by the architectural style at use. Due to the historic unavailability of large panes of glass, this was the prevailing style of window until the beginning of the twentieth century, and is traditionally still used today. Stained glass window A window composed of pieces of colored glass, transparent or opaque, frequently portraying persons or scenes. Typically the glass in these windows is separated by lead glazing bars. Stained glass windows were popular in Victorian houses and some Wrightian houses, and are especially common in churches. French window A French window, also known as a French door is really a type of door, but one which has one or more panes of glass set into the whole length of the door, meaning it also functions as a window. In Italy they are very common, usually overlooking a terrace, known as portafinestra (door-window). Rotating – Rotating windows have a center pivot and can open from either side or top and bottom. These windows aren’t very popular because they don’t easily allow for screens when in the open position, but they’re very easy to clean and a reflective coating can be applied to manipulate the sun’s heat. Windowscapes – Often seen on beach houses, windowscapes are entire walls made of windows. 78
- 79. Lec:14 Week: 14 Window Treatment Types of Valances Swag valances: These are created with swags, jabots, cascades, and horns. They are usually used in formal settings, but with more casual fabrics they can be used to create a lighter affect. Balloon valances: The simple ones are made from a tightly gathered fabric and they are stuffed up so that they balloon out; giving it a 3-dimensional look. The more elegant ballon valances are a shortened version of fabric shades, like the austrian valance, roman shade valance, or the butterfly valance. Cloud Valance: This is a graceful valance with billowing folds that pulls up into scallops on the bottom forming "clouds". The top of the valance is gathered to add fullness. Add style to the top of the valance with rod pocket, shirred, piping, stand-up ruffle or pencil pleated headings. Or trim the bottom with beaded fringes, tassels, or ruffles. Or for a more modern look try the Pleated Cloud Valance. Inverted box pleats between scallops accentuate the "clouds" that start out flat on top scrunched up only on the bottom. For trimming add bows or buttons in even rows to close the pleats. The Austrian Valance is the shortened version of the Austrian shade with the tightly shirred fabric scalloped across. 79
- 80. Trim the scallops with fringes or ruffles. For a drapery look add jabots between the scallops and cascades on the outer edges. A Butterfly Valance is very similar to a cloud valance with two "wings" on the side hence the name butterfly. The butterfly valance has just one scallop on the center bottom. The place where the scallop pulls upwards it is tied with a bow. On the two outer sides of the valance two "wings" float downward. Cornices: Any stiff valance is a window cornice. It can be made with wood or covered with fabric. When using a wooden cornice a soft valance is sometimes added below. Fabric cornices can be either smooth or padded; sometimes swags or shirred fabrics are added to it for a unique combo. Kingston and Empire Valances: This family of window valances are made with swags and horn railroaded one next to the other. There are a number of ways to design an empire or kingston swag valance to complement just about any design style. Board Mounted Swag: The board mounted swag like its name suggests is a swag thats mounted on a board. This swag is gently draped into approximately five to nine soft, graceful pleats. The amount of pleats used depends on the size of the swag. The top of the swag is straight (and does not dip downwards as some other swags might) so it covers the board completely. The board mounted swag comes in three different varieties. Since the top of the swag is horizontal and pleats go in a u-shape there is an area of fabric in the center that remains flat. The syle of the swag is determined largely by the width of the center area in relation to the width of the whole swag. The center area of the European Swag is half of the width of the swag creating a nice balanced look. The pleats of the Queen Anne Swag fill up almost the whole swag leaving a very small center area. 80
- 81. The Stacked Swag has a very wide center area leaving the pleats to be stacked on narrow pleat allowances; hence the name Stacked Swag. Shoji Screen Shoji screens originated from Japanese interior design. Traditionally it consisted of a frame, made from wood or bamboo, lined with a rice paper facing. The frame has lattice work which adds both beauty and support. This unique decor has been recreated with strong hardwood frames and the facings are made more durable with either laminated ricepaper, ricepaper inserted between two layers of plexiglass, or other durable materials. Shoji is used for room dividers, lighting, and other home decorations. However by using them as window treatments it reaches its potential at its fullest. The translucent facings are ideal for privacy while allowing light to enter. If full view is required it can be fully opened via hinges or tracks similar to shutters. But unlike shutters it has no frames around the window and is an extremely lightweight application. Shoji window treatments are perfect for specialty shaped windows like arches, oval, octagons etc. Since it is handcrafted it can be made into any shape while keeping it fully functional. Especially popular is the Shoji sliding doors and skylights. A unique aspect of shoji is the lattice work, or "kumiko" (in Japanese.) These geometric patterns add not only aesthetic value to the shoji but they also stabilize outer wood frame and keep the rice paper taut. Making it delicate and beautiful while keeping it light and strong. Shoji window coverings can be custom matched to any decor in the room; starting from lighting to doors to mirrors to room dividers and wall hangings. All of these things can be made from Shoji, too. Shutters 81
- 82. Historically, the shutter was not only used as a window treatment, but it served as the window itself. Before the invention of glass they were actually used as windows instead of glass to protect the house from unwanted elements like heat, wind, rain, snow, or pests and burglars. The shutter panel is constructed of four main parts; the louvers, the stiles, the rails, and the tilt bar. Each part has its specific role. Click here to see a detailed description. The panel is inserted into a matching frame connected with hinges. The fact that the frame (which becomes like part of the window) and the panel are made of the same materials (for ex. wood) is what gives it this architectural look. For larger windows numerous panels are used. They are divided evenly into two parts and open up in the center. Each group of panels are hinged one to another and fold in a fan style when opened. Where this hinged style is not practical, a sliding panel (which looks like a sliding door) is used. House shutters come in various designs. The more popular shutter designs are: Cottage Shutters also known as colonial shutters or traditional shutters, originate from the colonial times in the northeastern states. But this quaint style has rapidly spread to the rest of the country. Plantation Shutters where originally used in mansions on southern plantations. Now with Hunter Douglas Plantation Shutters you have the opportunity to bring in plantation shutters to any home. Cafe Shutters are these half-height shutters that only cover the lower half of the window. 82
- 83. Specialty Shaped Shutters Windows today come in many different shapes and it is hard to cover these windows properly, but shutters have specialized themselves with the characteristic of fitting into just about any shape window. Windows today come in many different shapes and it is hard to cover these windows properly, but shutters have specialized themselves with the characteristic of fitting into just about any shape window. There are a number of ways of covering specialty shape windows with shutters. The first way is the sunburst. This design starts with a small half or quarter circle in the center bottom or in the corner (depending on the shape of the window) and the louvers extrude from it towards the frame of the window. The louvers are narrower in the center and wider at the frame. These louvers can be opened and closed to control the sunlight, privacy, and view. This style however does not let the shutters open fully. This option is available for arch , eyebrow, palladian, cathedral, octagon , and triangle windows. Another way to cover a specialty shape window is simply building up the shutter with louvers across the width molded into the shape of the window. This style is used with all window shapes mentioned above. With these two styles the shutters are stationary and can not be opened, only the louvers can be controlled for light and privacy purposes,etc. To be able to open the shutters fully the panel needs to be connected to the frame with hinges on the side which is not possible by some of these shapes. For instance an arch, to open it fully is only possible if the arch window is connected to the window below. In this case it is necessary to create two shutter panels that have a regular shutter on the bottom and a half arch on the top (with either style mentioned above). So when it is closed it looks like a regular arch shutter above the window but it can be opened like a regular shutter. Another popular specialty shape shutter is the door shutter. Special shutter solutions can be made for sliding doors and french doors. A 83
- 84. Although interior shutters are usually made from wood, they can also be constructed from many types of material, including: faux wood vinyl fabric 84
- 85. Lec:15 Week: 15 Window Blinds A window blind is a specific type of window covering which is made with slats of fabric, wood, plastic or metal that adjust by rotating from an open position to a closed position by allowing slats to overlap. Metal window blinds are often used outside of the house or business to protect against theft, temperature, vision, bad weather and fire (in fire-prone areas). Often these blinds are machine-operated, rather than hand operated. The horizontal version uses a thin woven "ladder" system to suspend the slats and enable slats to be closed via a rotating drum to which each upper end of the woven ladder is wrapped and attached. A lift cord allows the blind to be pulled up and stack tightly to top of window when desired. The vertical version uses a generally wider slat and has the added feature of being able to pull a cord to stack the slats together either to one side or to separate in the center and stack on each end. This vertical blind allows rotation of slats by a rotating shaft in the upper head rail housing which runs through independent geared carriers that will convert twisting of tilt rail to a rotation of each individual slat in synchrony. The original vertical blinds were invented in Kansas City, Missouri, by Edward Bopp and Fredrick Bopp who held the original patent. The company name at the time was Sun Vertical. In the 1960s the patent and company was sold. The term window blinds is also sometimes used, somewhat inaccurately, to describe window coverings generically—in this context window blinds include almost every type of window covering, i.e. shutters, roller blinds, roman blinds and of course, vertical and horizontal blinds. In Britain awnings are also considered blinds. A blind limits observation and thus “blinds” the observer to the view. The main types are slat blinds which can be opened in two ways and solid blinds. Solid blinds can only be raised or lowered and are sometimes called shades. There are types of blinds, such as Holland blinds and woven-wood blinds, where there are small spaces between the slats. In others such as pleated shades there are no spaces because the slats are sewn inside fabric. 85
- 86. Window blinds reduce the heat from sunlight. Ancient Egyptian pharaohs had blinds made of reeds. The most inexpensive blinds in the 1800s were home-made roller blinds, made of cloth. Window blinds can be manually drawn using a cord, or automated through motorization. Controls for motorized blinds can be from a wall switch or keypad, remote control, or a personal computer, eliminating the need for cords and allowing control of otherwise inaccessible windows. A number of homes are integrating blind control with central CBUS solutions. This control provides ease of use, but is also effective to control blind operation to reduce heat loss during winter or heat effects during summer. Types of Blinds: Persian, or slat The most common window blinds are slat blinds, which consist of many horizontal slats, usually of metal or vinyl, connected with string in a way that they can be rotated to allow light to pass between the slats, rotated up to about 170 degrees to hide the light, or pulled up so that the entire window is clear. Vertical blinds consist of slats of stiffened fabric, plastic, or metal hanging by one end from a track; like the horizontal versions, the slats can be rotated 90 degrees to allow light to pass through or to fold up on one side of a door or window. Vertical blinds are very good at controlling how much natural or exterior light comes into a room, due to the ability of the slats to close tightly. Venetian A Venetian blind has horizontal slats, one above another. Venetian blinds are basic slatted blinds made of metal or plastic; wooden slats are sometimes used but these are now usually referred to as wood blinds or bamboo blinds. They are suspended by strips of cloth called tapes, or by cords, by which all slats in unison can be rotated through nearly 180 degrees. The slats can be rotated such that they overlap with one side facing inward and then in the opposite direction such that they overlap with the other side facing inward. Between those extremes, various degrees of separation may be effected between the slats by varying the rotation. There are also lift cords passing through slots in each slat. When these cords are pulled, the bottom of the blind moves upward causing the lowest slats to press the underside of the next highest slat as the blind is raised. A modern variation of the lift cords combines them with the rotational cords in slots on the two edges of each slat. This avoids the slots otherwise required to allow a slat to rotate despite a lift cord passing through it, thus decreasing the amount of light passing through a closed blind. Slat width can be between 16– 120 mm, with 25 mm being a common width. Related patents were taken out in England by Gowin Knight in 1760and Edward Beran on 11 December 1769, but Venetian blinds were known to the French long before then, the French 86
- 87. name for Venetian blinds being persiennes. In 1761 St. Peter's Church, Philadelphia had such blinds. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Venetian blinds were widely adopted in office buildings to regulate light and air. A large modern complex in the US that adopted Venetian blinds was Rockefeller Center’s RCA Building (better known as the Radio City building) in New York City, completed in the 1930s. One of the largest orders for Venetian blinds ever placed was to the Burlington Venetian Blind Co., of Burlington, Vt., which supplied blinds for the windows of the Empire State Building in New York City. Pleated blind Vertical Unlike horizontal blinds, vertical blinds are less likely to be damaged in strong winds and to hold dirt, but are more likely to break down. Generally they require less muscle strength, and are faster to operate. Stationary vertical blinds are hung in the doorways of some homes and businesses which generally leave the door open. Movement of the blind may signal a change in air flow, or someone entering the doorway. More commonly however, these vertical blinds are made of thick plastic. In the cold rooms of food businesses, this slows the heat leakage into the cold room. In warmer climates, vertical blinds discourage flies and some other insects from entering the building. Cellular blinds Cellular blinds also known as Honeycomb Blinds get their name from their shape which are made individual cells glued together. From the side, it has the look of a honeycomb. Cellular blinds are very energy efficient blinds. They get their energy efficiency from the pockets of air that the cells create. Cellular blinds come in light filtering fabrics as well as room darkening fabrics. There are several configurations these blinds come in: standard corded, continuous cord loop, top down/bottom up, and top down only. Cellular blinds are known as a softer alternative to Wood blinds (Venetian blinds). Others Other variety of window blinds include mini blinds (Venetian blinds with very narrow slats 1"(usually 25 mm wide), micro blinds 1/2"(usually 12 mm wide), louvers, jalousies, brise soleil, Holland blinds, pleated blinds, Roman shades, and roller shades. Materials A window blind is a means of screening a window, achieving similar results to those obtained by fitting curtains. Blinds are typically the same width and height as the window itself or slightly wider and taller - depending on whether they are fixed inside or outside the window's reveal (i.e. the wall recess within which the window itself is fixed). 87
- 88. Window blinds have varying thermal effects: they can block unwanted heat of the summer sun and they can keep in heat in cold weather. But in both of these applications, they also reduce light to varying degrees, depending on the design. Many kinds of blinds attempt varying balances of privacy and shade. Blinds can be made of a number of different materials and manufactured in a number of different ways. This usually determines the name by which the blind is commonly known. Fabric Blinds made of fabric can either roll up around a metal batten (roller blinds), fold up thanks to a thin cord and small horizontal slats (Roman blind), folding blinds with no horizontal slats create a less structured look (Austrian blinds). Wood Wood blinds on an outside window. Wooden blinds are generally known as Venetian blinds. A number of horizontal wooden slats are joined together by corded pulleys which can either gather all the slats at the top of the window to reveal the view or simply angle the slats while allowing some light to travel through the blind yet retaining some level of privacy. Wooden blinds come in a number of finishes (determined by the type of wood used, which ranges from painted to most types of solid oak varieties) and sizes (determined by the width of each slat which is usually available in one of three widths - 25 mm, 35 mm or 50 mm). Wooden Venetian blinds are also available as vertical blinds. These are usually made up of wider slats and operate in virtually the same way as their horizontal counterparts (i.e. instead of being drawn upwards to reveal the window, the draw to one side gathering in a vertical bunch). Pinoleum blinds are made up of small wooden twigs laid horizontally which are joined together by vertical threading. The resulting weave is, as a result, only flexible vertically and can be drawn upwards once manufactured as a roller blind or in a similar fashion to a Venetian blind. Conservatory blinds are often made with Pinoleum.[citation needed] Drawings in ancient Egyptian tombs of reed blinds have been reported[who?] and a common window blind during the 1800’s is said to have been the home-made roller shade, a shade that has been underestimated. Faux wood Faux wood blinds are an alternative to real wood blinds. Made of a composite of man-made materials and natural wood particles, faux wood is also a less expensive choice than natural wood. These blinds have become more popular as the products have matured, becoming cheaper and more versatile at the same time offering more of a natural wood look. Current faux wood blinds are more warp resistant than ever before, have UV ratings as high as 500 and come in many colors that would be hard to find in natural wood blinds. Because of their resistance to warping, faux wood window blinds are a great choice for areas of extreme 88
- 89. temperature swings. They are also the ideal choice for places with high moisture, such as bathrooms and kitchens, since they do not warp as easily as natural wood. Other materials Venetian blinds, both horizontal and vertical, are available in a number of man-made materials (either resembling wood or metal or simply plastic). These are better suited to areas where moisture or direct contact with water is likely to cause a problem, such as bathrooms and kitchens. These blinds are often available with micro slats (as small as 16 mm or less). The result of smaller slats is that more have to be used to obscure the window completely. Conservatory blinds (i.e. ceiling fixed via a number of horizontal pulleys) are often made of man-made materials. 89
- 90. Upholstery Upholstery is the work of providing furniture, especially seats, with padding, springs, webbing, and fabric or leather covers. The word upholstery comes from the Middle English words up and holden, meaning to hold up. The term is applied to domestic furniture and also to automobiles, airplanes and boats. A person who works with upholstery is called an upholsterer; an apprentice upholsterer is sometimes called an outsider or trimmer. Upholstery of domestic furniture The materials which are important to the quality of an upholstered product, such as a bed, sofa, chair or ottoman, may be considered in four categories: the frame (usually wooden) on which the upholstery is to be constructed; the spring system; the cushioning or padding; and the final fabric or leather covering. Frames The life of a piece of upholstered furniture begins with its frame: although the underlying wooden framework cannot all be seen in the finished product, the type of wood used to create it will have a bearing on the quality of the final product. Where parts of the frame, such as chair legs, may be seen outside the upholstery these are termed "show-wood". Some furniture employs softwoods, but may suffer from its difficulty in supporting the joinery that is required for the best quality furniture. The tight graining of hardwoods allows for pegs, screws and tacks to be set securely, reducing the likelihood of their becoming loose over time. Hardwoods used in upholstered furniture include oak, alder and other woods with tight graining. Hardwood laminates are often used for blocks and braces because laminates are actually stronger than solid wood in these applications. The wood for a piece of upholstered furniture must be assembled into a sturdy frame. Generally, the more rigid the frame the better, because a loose frame can crack or fail, and several craftsman processes can be used to create a good, strong frame. A variety of woods and laminates are used for joining, blocking and dowelling and sometimes several techniques are used. Joints are the places where one piece of frame wood intersects to another part of the frame at an angle. Joints must be reinforced with blocks or dowels for extra support or the frame will be susceptible to loosening over time. Blocking refers to the process of placing additional blocks of wood behind or diagonal to joints and corners for support in areas where the furniture craftsman believes there may be greater stress. Blocks provide lateral support and a larger area for screws and fasteners to set 90
- 91. wood elements securely. This extra bracing at stress points contributes to the lasting integrity of the frame. An alternative to blocking is dowelling. Dowelling refers to the process whereby one or two dowels are drilled, hammered and glued into the wood at stress-points to provide extra strength and support to the frame. Nails, screws, fasteners and glue may also support many parts of a frame. Spring systems Once the frame is constructed, a spring system is installed to support the seating area. Furniture manufacturers employ two main types of spring support systems: standard springs, zig zag Springs and eight-way hand tied springs, coil springs. When the spring system is finished with a top layer of padding, it is commonly called the "seat deck". Standard Springs provide good support at a lower price than the alternative. Most manufacturers offer either sinuous springs or drop-in-springs as their standard, depending on how they make their furniture. Both types affix to the frame to support the seat deck. Standard springs have a formal, very firm "sit" and only move in the up/down direction. In contrast, eight-way hand-tied springs can move in many more directions. Sinuous springs are heavy-gauge steel springs that have been heat formed into continuous "S" shapes. They are cut into lengths and affixed to the frame. Drop-in Springs are mass- manufactured welded units that are more cheaply manufactured and considered to be of lower quality than sinuous springs. Eight-way hand-tied springs have a wide range of movement providing a very even and individual "sit", because they move up and down and side to side. In the construction of these systems, the craftsman individually ties heavy gauge coils from front to back, side to side and diagonally (eight ways) to provide the highest level of quality, comfort and durability. This process costs more because it is time consuming and can only be done by hand. Cushions, pillows, padding and fills Once a piece of upholstered furniture has its frame and springs, the next components to be added are the cushions and padding. Seat cushions sit on top of the spring system and seat deck. Back pillows, if present, rest against the back and arms of the piece. Most cushions are made of a high-density foam core that is then wrapped with either soft polyester, feather and down, or a hypoallergenic down substitute. Dacron (a synthetic) adds resilience so that pillows and seats keep their shape, while the wraps form a soft envelope. Cushions and pillows are usually sewn into cotton cases to ensure smooth upholstering. Feather and down offer the maximum comfort and softness in cushions and pillows that most people desire and designers prefer. Feather and down back pillows and wrapped seat cushions can always be "fluffed-up" to maintain an attractive look. Feather and down fills 91
- 92. and wraps require a little more maintenance than polyester and high density-foam but they have greater comfort, durability and resilience. Buckwheat hulls are also used as filling for a variety of upholstered goods, including pillows and zafu. The hulls are durable and do not conduct or reflect heat as much as synthetic fills. They are sometimes marketed as an alternative natural fill to feathers for those with allergies. Horsehair and hay have also been used in upholstery as cushioning/padding, but today they are less commonly used than foam. Fabrics and leathers Textiles, a term used in the furniture industry, encompass both fabrics and leathers and the choice of textiles can account for up to 80% of furniture price. Tightly woven fabrics and blends tend to wear longer than light or loose-weave natural fibers. Leather is a durable and easy-care natural material that softens and improves with time. To create quality leather, top-grain hides are tanned, processed and dyed to give a certain color or look. Tanning refers to the process in which salts are used to cure the hide and to stabilize its shape. Dyeing refers to infusing the hide with different color dyes. Aniline dyeing is a high quality process that imparts color but does not disguise the natural character of the hide. Some leathers are further treated with a pattern, texture, o 92
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