Garment Decoration – JSS2 Fashion and Garment Making Lesson Note (Second Term)

Garment decoration is the art of adding extra features to a finished piece of clothing to make it more attractive and unique.

Behavioural objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. Define garment decoration and give four reasons why clothes are decorated.
2. Name the two types of embroidery and three common hand stitches.
3. Describe the steps of making an appliqué design.
4. List five common trimmings and state where each is used.
5. Apply the rule of simple decoration when planning a garment.

Why do we decorate clothes?

We decorate clothes to show style, hide small faults, express culture and add value.

• Personal style: decoration helps a person show their personality.
• Hiding mistakes: a small tear or hole in a skirt can be covered with a neat decoration.
• Cultural pride: Nigerians use decoration widely, such as heavy embroidery on an Agbada or beads on a traditional bridal outfit.
• Value: a decorated dress usually costs more than a plain one.

What are the methods of garment decoration?

There are three common methods of garment decoration: embroidery, appliqué and trimmings.

• Embroidery: decorating cloth with a needle and coloured thread.
• Appliqué: sewing cut-out shapes of fabric onto a garment.
• Trimmings: sewing ready-made decorative items onto a garment.

What is embroidery?

Embroidery is the decoration of fabric with a needle and coloured threads to make patterns, flowers or names.

What are the types of embroidery?

There are two types of embroidery: hand embroidery and machine embroidery.

• Hand embroidery: done with a needle held in the hand. It takes time but gives a personal finish.
• Machine embroidery: done with a sewing machine. It is much faster and is used for school badges and the designs on “Senegalese” suits.

What are the common hand embroidery stitches?

• Chain stitch: loops joined together to look like a tiny chain.
• Satin stitch: close, straight stitches that fill a shape so it looks smooth like silk.
• Stem stitch: overlapping stitches used for thin lines such as flower stems and outlines.

What materials are needed for embroidery?

• Embroidery thread: thicker and shinier than regular sewing thread.
• Embroidery hoop: a wooden or plastic ring that holds the fabric tight like a drum, so the stitches do not wrinkle the cloth.
• Needle: a sharp needle with an eye large enough for the thread.
• Scissors: used to cut the thread neatly.
• Pencil or tailor’s chalk: used to draw the design lightly on the cloth.

How do you do hand embroidery?

1. Draw the design lightly on the fabric with a pencil or tailor’s chalk.
2. Place the fabric in the hoop and pull it tight.
3. Thread the needle with embroidery thread and tie a knot at the end.
4. Stitch along the drawn lines with the chosen stitch.
5. Fasten off the thread at the back of the fabric.
6. Remove the fabric from the hoop and press it gently.

What is appliqué?

Appliqué is a technique of cutting a shape from one fabric and sewing it onto another fabric.

• Origin of the word: it comes from a French word meaning “to put on”.
• Shapes used: stars, hearts, letters, flowers and animals.

How do you make an appliqué design?

1. Draw a shape (such as a star, a heart or a letter) on a scrap of fabric.
2. Cut it out neatly.
3. Pin it onto the main garment, for example the chest of a shirt.
4. Sew around the edges with a zigzag stitch or a blanket stitch.

• Why sew the edges: the stitches hold the shape down and stop the edges from fraying.

What are the advantages of appliqué?

• Uses leftover fabric: scraps from other sewing projects are not wasted.
• Low cost: little or no extra money is needed.
• Bright effect: small bits of colourful Ankara can turn a plain bag into a decorated one.

What are trimmings?

Trimmings are ready-made decorative items that are bought and sewn onto clothes.

What are the common types of trimmings?

Five common trimmings are lace and ruffles, fringes, beads and sequins, ribbons and bias binding.

• Lace and ruffles: give a soft, feminine look to necklines and hems.
• Fringes: long hanging threads used on the edges of garments such as wrappers and jackets.
• Beads and sequins: shiny pieces that catch the light, suitable for outfits worn to parties and weddings.
• Ribbons: can be tied into bows or sewn along a sleeve to make stripes.
• Bias binding: a strip of fabric cut on the diagonal, used in a contrasting colour to make edges stand out.

How do the three methods compare?

What is the rule for decoration?

The rule is “Don’t overdo it”: too many different decorations make a dress look messy.

• Choose one or two: pick decorations that go well together.
• Match the occasion: beads and sequins suit parties, while a simple badge suits a school uniform.
• Place with care: put decoration on features such as the pocket, collar, neckline or hem.

Evaluation

1. Define garment decoration.
2. State four reasons why people decorate clothes.
3. Name two types of embroidery and three hand embroidery stitches.
4. List the steps of making an appliqué design.
5. Name three trimmings and state one use of each.

Assignment

You have a plain black cap. Choose one decoration method from this lesson and write a short plan for it. State the materials you need and the steps you will follow. Draw the finished design.