Techniques
This category encompasses the specific skills, methods, and processes used to create and manipulate fabrics and garments; specifically terms related to garment construction, textile manipulation, dyeing methods, and finishing .
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Definition
Definition
Acid wash
Denim treatment using chlorine and pumice stone to create a distressed look.
Anaerobic digestion
Process of breaking down textile waste without oxygen to produce biogas.
Aqueous processing
Water-based textile treatment methods designed to minimize chemical use.
Bias Cut
Is a technique used in sewing where fabric is cut diagonally across the grain (the direction of the threads) at a 45-degree angle. It increases Drape and Flow, and enchances fit.
Bio-degradation testing
Scientific assessment of material decomposition rates.
Bio-polishing
Enzymatic treatment to reduce fabric pilling.
Bioaugmentation
Adding specialized microorganisms to enhance textile waste degradation.
Biocatalysis
Use of natural enzymes to accelerate textile processing reactions.
Biomimicry
Design inspired by nature’s processes, structures, and systems to create sustainable solutions in fashion, such as natural dyeing processes or materials that mimic biological forms.
Bioremediation
Using organisms to clean up textile pollution.
Botanical printing
Natural dyeing technique using leaves and flowers.
Buttonhole
A small opening in a garment where a button passes through to fasten it.
CAD Plotting
The process of printing pattern pieces using a computer-aided design system.
Carbon sequestration
Capture and storage of carbon dioxide in textile materials.
Chemical recycling
Breaking down synthetic fibers into chemical components.
Critical Path
A timeline showing the sequence of operations needed to complete production by a target date.
Crochet
A technique of making fabric by interlocking loops of yarn with a hooked needle, often used in accessories and knitwear.
Cross-linking agents
Chemicals used to improve textile durability and performance.
Depolymerization
Breaking down synthetic fibers into base molecules.
Digital fitting
Virtual try-on technology reducing returns and waste.
Digital prototyping
3D design reducing physical sample waste.
DWR Durable Water Repellent
A chemical treatment applied to fabrics to make them water-resistant. DWR coatings on jackets and pants.
Eco Dyeing
The use of natural or non-toxic dyes in fabric coloring.
Eco-monitoring
Tracking environmental impacts in real-time.
Effluent treatment
Processing of wastewater from textile manufacturing.
Electromagnetic recycling
Using magnetic fields to separate textile components.
Enzyme finishing
Using proteins to modify fabric surface properties.
Fiber identification
Scientific analysis of textile composition.
Fiber morphology
Physical structure and properties of textile fibers.
Finishing chemistry
Chemical processes used to achieve desired fabric properties.
French Seam
A finished seam in which the raw edges are fully enclosed within two lines of stitching.
Fringing
The decorative trimming of fabric with hanging threads or strips, often seen in bohemian and festival fashion.
Grade Rule
The measurement changes between sizes in a pattern used in mass production.
Green Chemistry
The application of sustainable chemical practices in the fashion industry to minimize the environmental impact of processes like dyeing and finishing textiles. A field of chemistry focused on designing chemical processes that reduce or eliminate the use of hazardous substances, such as using less toxic dyes or waterless chemical treatments in textile production. Chemical processes minimizing environmental impact.
Hydrophobic finishing
Water-repellent treatment using environmentally safe methods.
Low Impact Dyeing
A dyeing process that minimizes the use of water, chemicals, and energy, reducing the environmental footprint of textile production.
Mechanical recycling
Physical processing of textiles into new materials.
Mercerization
A textile finishing process for cotton fabric and thread that increases luster strength and dye affinity.
Microfiber filtration
Capturing synthetic fibers during washing to prevent water pollution.
Molecular recycling
Breaking down materials at molecular level for reuse.
Pattern Grading
The process of proportionally increasing or decreasing the size of a pattern while maintaining its style lines and proportions.
Pattern Making
The process of creating the templates from which garments are constructed, often using paper or digital software.
Photocatalytic treatment
Using light to trigger chemical cleaning reactions.
Phytoremediation
Using plants to clean contaminated textile sites.
Plasma treatment
Modifying fabric surfaces using ionized gas.
Plissé
A type of fabric that has been permanently pleated, often creating a crinkled or textured effect.
Reactive dyeing
Chemical bonding of dyes to fibers for better durability.
Ruching
A technique where fabric is gathered or pleated to create texture and volume, often used in dresses or blouses.
Seam Allowance
The area between the edge of the fabric and the stitching line, allowing for adjustments and alterations in garment fitting.
Smocking
A sewing technique used to gather fabric into pleats and create a decorative, elasticized effect, often used in children's clothing and dresses.
Solar Dyeing
A technique that uses sunlight to assist in the dyeing process, significantly reducing energy consumption and the carbon footprint of traditional dyeing methods.
Solvent recovery
Capturing and reusing chemical solvents in production.
Spec Sheet
A detailed list of measurements and construction details for a garment.
Spread Sheet
A document recording how fabric layers are spread for cutting including number of plies and special instructions.
Sustainable chemistry
Chemical processes that conserve resources and reduce pollution.
Sustainable Manufacturing Processes
Manufacturing processes are production methods that aim to minimize environmental impact while maximizing resource efficiency.
Tailoring
The art and practice of designing and making clothes, especially suits, to fit the body perfectly.
Thermal recycling
Using heat to break down and recover materials.
Toile
A test garment made in cheap fabric to perfect the fit before cutting in final fabric also called a muslin.
Water footprinting
Measuring total water consumption in production.
Waterless Dyeing
A dyeing technique that uses little to no water, reducing environmental impact. A dyeing technique that eliminates the need for water in the dyeing process, using alternative technologies like CO2 or steam to reduce water consumption. A textile dyeing technique that eliminates the use of water in the process, reducing water consumption and pollution associated with traditional dyeing methods.
Zero-waste pattern cutting
Garment design technique that leaves no fabric waste. Eileen Fisher's puzzle-like pattern designs.
Zero-Waste Pattern Making
A pattern cutting approach that leaves no fabric waste by utilizing the entire width and length of fabric.
Zipper
A fastening device consisting of interlocking metal or plastic teeth, typically used on garments and bags.
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