OPENINGS AND FASTENINGS

SUB-TOPIC:         Points to consider when making openings and choosing fastenings

OPENINGS

Openings are features in garments. They help us to put on and take off our clothes. There are different kinds of openings. They can also be used to decorate the garment.

POINTS TO CONSIDER WHEN MAKING OPENINGS

•         The opening should be suitable for the position on the garment
•         It should be suitable for the texture of the fabric
•         It should be long enough to serve its purpose
•         It should be as neat and invisible as possible
•         It should be placed in a place where it will be easy to fasten. The two sides of the opening should be of equal lengths
•         The opening should lie flat when fastened.

TYPES OF OPENINGS

•         Continuous wrap openings (also called continuous strip openings): This is a short opening; it can be fastened with hook and eye, buttons and button holes, and press studs. Continuous wrap openings are suitable for;
•                     Very fine and light materials or fabrics
•                     Side openings on pajamas, shorts, a shirt, and wrist openings on long sleeves.
•                     Children’s clothes and night dresses.

•         Faced slit opening: The faced slit opening can be used for;
•                     Front or back neck openings
•                     wrist cuff openings on long sleeves set into a band
•                     it can also be used as decoration.

FASTENINGS

Most garments need openings. Fastenings are devices on things attached to the openings.

USES OF FASTENINGS

•         Like openings, fastenings allow the garment to be put on and to be taken off.
•         They keep the opening in position while the garment is being worn
•         They protect the opening from strain or stretching.
•         They can also be used for decoration

TYPES OF FASTENINGS

•       Zips: These are useful in blouses, dresses jackets, trousers, etc.
•       Press studs: These are used where there is less strain
•   Hooks and eye/bars: These are used where there is strain, to prevent gapings. It can also be used to fasten the end of a neck opening.
•       Buttons and loops: These are used on openings without a wrap
•       Buttons and buttonholes: These are used on openings with a wrap
•     Eyelets and cords: These are used to fasten faced slit openings on blouses and children’s dresses.

POINTS TO CONSIDER IN CHOOSING FASTENER

•         The type of opening to be fastened
•         The type of fabric
•         The use of the fastening
•         The part of the garment to be fastened
•         The style of the garment
•         The fastening should match the garment in colour.

Evaluation:

•         what are edge finishes?
•         state uses of edge finishes