Fashion Accessories – SS2 Fashion and Garment Making Lesson Note (Second Term)

A fashion accessory is an item that adds to the wearer’s outfit in a secondary way. Accessories are the “extras” we add to our clothes to look complete. Common examples are belts, scarves, hats and bags. We use them for function, style, correction and culture.

Behavioural objectives

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

• define a fashion accessory and give four reasons for using accessories;
• name the types of belts, scarf shapes and hats;
• list the steps for making a simple fabric belt;
• name the key parts of a fabric bag;
• explain how a hand-rolled hem and a brim stiffener are used.

What are fashion accessories?

An accessory is an item used to contribute, in a secondary manner, to the wearer’s outfit. Simply put, accessories are the “extras” we add to our clothes to look complete.

Why do we use accessories?

1. Function: A belt keeps trousers up; a bag carries our books or phone.
2. Style: A bright scarf can make a dull black dress look lively.
3. Correction: A wide belt can help define a waistline that isn’t very visible.
4. Culture: Some accessories, like certain hats or headwraps, tell people about our heritage.

What is the “Rule of Three”?

A common fashion tip is not to wear more than three “statement” accessories at once. If you have a big hat, a big bag and a big scarf, they will all “fight” for attention.

What is a belt?

A belt is a flexible band or strap, typically made of leather or heavy cloth, worn around the waist.

Types of belts

• Tie-on belts (sashes): Made from the same fabric as the dress. They are soft and tied in a bow.
• Stiffened belts: These use a very hard interfacing (belt stiffener) and a buckle.
• Elastic belts: Stretchy belts that are comfortable for everyday wear.

How to make a simple fabric belt

1. Measure: Take your waist measurement and add 15cm for the “tail” and 2cm for seams.
2. Stiffen: Iron a firm interfacing onto the wrong side of your fabric. This stops the belt from “folding” when you wear it.
3. The “tube”: Sew the fabric into a long tube, turn it right side out, and press it very flat with a hot iron.
4. The buckle: Slide your buckle onto one end and sew it down firmly with a “box stitch” for strength.

Scarves and neckwear

Scarves are one of the easiest accessories to make, but they require a very “neat” hand because the edges are always visible.

Common scarf shapes

• Square: Can be folded into a triangle and tied around the neck or head.
• Oblong (long): The standard “muffler” style.
• Infinity: A circular scarf with no ends.

The “rolled hem” secret

When making a scarf from thin fabric like chiffon or silk, do not use a thick machine hem. Use a hand-rolled hem instead. Roll the edge of the fabric into a tiny “straw” and sew it with invisible stitches. This makes the scarf look expensive and delicate.

Hats and headwear

Hats serve two purposes: protecting us from the sun or cold, and making a “fashion statement.”

Basic types of hats

• The beret: A soft, round, flat-crowned hat.
• The sun hat: Has a wide brim to protect the face.
• The fascinator: A small, decorative headpiece (very popular for weddings) that is attached to a headband or a clip.

Construction tip: the brim

The hardest part of making a hat is the brim. To keep it from “flopping” into the wearer’s eyes, use several layers of heavy interfacing or a thin plastic sheet (called a “brim stiffener”) inside the fabric.

Bags and purses

Every student needs a bag. In garment making, we focus on fabric bags (totes, clutches and pouches).

Key parts of a bag

1. The body: The main pouch.
2. The lining: This is very important. A bag without a lining will feel “cheap” and threads will get caught in your keys.
3. The straps: These must be “cross-stitched” (a square with an X inside) where they meet the bag so they don’t rip off when the bag is heavy.
4. The closure: This can be a zipper, a magnetic snap or a simple button.

Evaluation

1. Define an accessory and state four reasons for using accessories.
2. List the three types of belts and describe each one.
3. Why should a scarf made from chiffon or silk have a hand-rolled hem?
4. Name the four key parts of a fabric bag.
5. Class activity: Look at the person sitting next to you. Identify one accessory they are wearing. Is it for function (useful) or for style (beauty)?

Assignment

Practical task: Using a scrap of Ankara fabric (30cm x 30cm), make a simple headband with an elastic back. Make sure your top-stitching is perfectly straight.