Preface
Design is a word that seems to be associated with fashion and decoration these days, but it means much more than that. Design is not just beauty; it is a combination of utility and functionality. A good design is something that not only looks attractive but also serves its purpose well. To put it simply, design means imagining, planning and creating things in a way that meets the needs and expectations of people.
Basic Concepts
Design is a plan made to create an object, which should not only be useful but also beautiful to look at. Its study is divided into two parts:
Structural design is based on the fundamental or basic form of the object, including aspects such as the choice of fibers, the weave of threads, and the cut of the fabric. Applied design, on the other hand, adds decoration to the basic structure, such as beautifying the fabric through embroidery, printing, or other decorative techniques.
Two main parts of the design
1. Elements: Colour, texture, shape etc.
2. Principles: harmony, balance, proportion.
design elements
Structural design is based on the fundamental or basic form of the object, including aspects such as the choice of fibers, the weave of threads, and the cut of the fabric, while applied design is an embellishment of the basic structure. It involves the process of beautifying fabric through embroidery, printing, or other decorative techniques.
Clothing and colors
Colours are added to fabrics in a variety of ways. Dyeing at the fibre level is expensive but necessary. Thread dyeing creates designs such as stripes and squares in the weave. Textile dyeing gives the fabric uniform colour or designs such as bandhai-batik. In addition, embroidery, printing, and gota-patti are used for decoration. Designers must have an understanding of these dyeing techniques to make clothes attractive and suitable.
Colour schemes or colour matching
Colour and texture are the most important parts of design. The right colour combination and texture can not only make clothes look beautiful but also enhance their usability. Let's understand this in a simple way.
Colour Schemes
Colour combination decides which colours should be mixed and in what quantity. This is done with the help of a colour wheel. There are mainly two types of colour schemes:
1. Related color schemes
In these schemes, one color is always common. A chromatic match is based on only one color, which may vary in intensity or depth. Achromatic matches are combinations of white, black and grey. Typical neutral matches use one common color and one neutral color. Analogous matches are combinations of two or three colors that are adjacent to each other in the spectrum.
2. Contrasting color schemes
These schemes involve combinations of different colours. Complementary matching uses two colours that are directly opposite to each other on the spectrum. Double complementary matching involves pairs of two complementary colours. Split complementary matching involves the combination of a colour, its complement and its neighbouring colour. Trichromatic matching uses three colours that are equally spaced on the spectrum.
Texture
Texture refers to the tactile and visual properties of a fabric. It is the biggest part of the quality and finish of a fabric.
Types of textures
- What it looks like: Bright, dim, transparent, smooth.
- Nature: Wavy, loose, stiff, rough.
- How it feels to the touch: soft, hard, flat, bumpy.
Factors affecting texture
- Fibre: Natural or man-made fibres, their length and quality.
- Yarn: The texture, twist, and processing method of yarn.
- Textile manufacturing techniques: Knitting, braiding, lacing etc.
- Garment decoration: ironing, stitching, finishing.
- Surface decoration: Embroidery, Printing, Velvet design.
The purpose of the weave
- To increase interest and attraction in clothes.
- To enhance the qualities of a person.
- Customizable to suit occasion, outfit and size.
Line
Line and shape are the basic elements of design. Their correct use makes any design beautiful and attractive.
Lines
A line is a mark connecting two points. It can also form the outline of a shape or object. Lines express movement, direction, and emotion in design.
Types of lines
Straight lines are straight and give different effects. Vertical lines show height and dignity, while horizontal lines give a feeling of width and stability. Oblique lines give a dramatic and active effect. Curved lines show roundness, wavy lines look rhythmic and graceful. Large rounded curves have a dramatic effect, while small curves give a feeling of youth and playfulness.
The effect of lines
Straight lines show strength and power, while curved lines convey a feeling of softness and femininity. The lines used in a design determine its feel and style.
Shapes
Shapes are made by joining lines. These can be two dimensional (2D) or three dimensional (3D).
Types of shapes
Natural shapes imitate nature or objects, while funky shapes are simplified or modified versions of these shapes. Geometric shapes are mathematical patterns such as circles and squares, and abstract shapes are free-form, with no fixed shape.
Use of shapes
Shapes are used to decorate, embellish and create patterns in clothing.
Patterns
When shapes are grouped together, they form patterns. It can be a combination of shapes of the same type or different shapes. Patterns can be natural, geometric, stereotypical or abstract.
Principles of Design
Understanding design principles is essential to create a successful design. These principles explain how to properly combine different elements of a design. The main principles are: proportion, balance, emphasis, periodicity and harmony.
1. Proportion
Proportion means the balanced relationship of one part of an object to another. The golden mean ratio (e.g. 3:5, 5:8, 8:13) enhances beauty. Colour proportion creates the right colour harmony, texture proportion balances the texture of the fabric with the shape of the body, and shape proportion matches the size and position of the design to the shape of the wearer. For example, high-waisted dresses help conceal the belly of pregnant women.
2. Balance
Balance means equal distribution of all elements in the design. Formal balance is having the same design on both sides of the body, informal balance is having the design slightly uneven but still balanced, and radial balance is having the design equidistant from the center.
3. Emphasis
Emphasis refers to the part of the design that draws attention first. This can be done with color, lines, embroidery, or special designs. For example, a woman with a thin waist can accentuate her waist with a shiny belt, while women with a larger figure can hide their shape with belts and designs.
4. Repetition
Repetition means the repetition of lines, colors, or shapes in a design. This can be created by buttons, embroidery, piping, or stripes of color. For example, pleats in a skirt or a similar design on a yoke.
5. Harmony
Harmony means that all the elements of the design match each other. This can be achieved by keeping the shape and material of all the parts the same. For example, a cotton scarf will not harmonize with silk clothing.
Preparation for survival
The field of textile and apparel design has become so broad that it can be viewed as two specializations. Textiles are now used in items other than apparel and household use, and apparel also uses materials other than fabric. Each use has specific requirements for design such as durability, appearance, and cost. Textile designers must have a thorough knowledge of fiber properties, dyeing techniques, and processing to achieve the desired results. They also understand the principles of design. There are certificate, diploma, and degree courses available in this field, the choice of which depends on your interest and needs.
Workspace
The design industry is a creative and dynamic field that plays an important role in many parts of our lives. Working in textile design requires an understanding of changing trends and styles and the ability to create new, modern designs. Fashion and apparel designs change rapidly, while decorative items are relatively static. Textile designers research the industry and create designs working for clothing manufacturing companies, fashion houses, design agencies, or independently.
