GB2188005A

GB2188005A - Improvements in or relating to pattern or decorated fabric and methods of patterning or decorating a fabric

Info

Publication number: GB2188005A
Application number: GB08607024A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Fayezeh Ghassemi
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1986-03-21
Filing date: 1986-03-21
Publication date: 1987-09-23
Also published as: GB8607024D0

Abstract

A patterned or decorated fabric 1 is made by a method in which a backing material 2 is secured to the fabric 1 so as to enclose a space or spaces between the fabric 1 and the material. The or each space is then filled with a filler material 8 that is entered into the space through a small hole within the confines of the space thereby producing a three- dimensional effect on the surface of the fabric. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Improvements in or relating to patterned or decorated fabric and methods of patterning or decorating a fabric This invention relates to patterned or decorated fabric and to methods of patterning or decorating a fabric.

Conventionally, patterning of a fabric can be effected by stitching or "quilting" but neither of these methods results in a particularly decorative or "eye catching" finish.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a patterned or decorated fabric of particularly attractive appearance and a method of patterning or decorating the fabric.

According to the present invention, a patterned or decorated fabric comprises a series of one or more enclosed spaces of desired shape formed between the fabric and a backing material, each closed space being filled with a filler material to an extent sufficient to produce a three-dimensional effect on the surface of the fabric.

Further, according to the invention, a method of patterning or decorating a fabric comprises the steps of applying to the back surface of the fabric a backing material bearing the pattern or decoration, securing the fabric and backing material together along the periphery of the pattern and filling eacih closed space so formed with a filler material to an extent sufficient to produce a three-dimensional effect on the surface of the fabric.

Preferably, the fabric and the backing material are secured together by stitching round the periphery of the pattern.

The stitching may be carried out in two stages, first by a temporary stitching in the vicinity of the pattern followed by close stitching along the periphery of the pattern. On completion of the close stitching, the temporary stitching is removed.

By way of example only, a patterned fabric embodying the invention and a method of patterning a fabric will now be described in greater detail with reference to the accompanying drawings of which: Figure 1 is an explanatory diagram, Figure 2 is a view on an enlarged scale of part of Fig. 1, Figure 3 is a section along the line Ill-Ill of Fig. 2, and Figure 4 is a front view of a finished pattern.

Fig. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing in part the reverse side of a piece 1 of fabric whose front surface is to be patterned or decorated. Placed against the reverse side of the piece 1 is a piece 2 of other material, for example, cotton, linen, clico or other material suitable for use as a backing material.

The piece 2 has a pattern or decoration 3 on that one of its surfaces not in contact with the piece 1. The pattern or decoration may be applied by any suitable means, for example it may be drawn on by hand or printed on in a manner suitable for fabrics.

The two pieces 1, 2 are then secured together by, for example loosely stitching round the pattern 3. It is not necessary to follow the pattern closely, the object being to hold the pieces 1 and 2 together temporarily so that, at the next stage, the pieces can be stitched together along the outline of the pattern. The loose stitching is indicated at 4 in Fig. 1. At this stage, the stitching follows accurately the outline of the pattern. Stitching can be carried out by hand but preferably it is done by machine. Such stitching is indicated at 5 in Fig.

1.

Conventional nylon or polyester thread may be used for the stitching 4 and 5.

On completion of the machine stitching 5 on the outline of the pattern, the loose stitching 4 is removed using a suitable cutter, care being taken not to damage the material.

Using a sharp, pointed implement, a small hole 6 is next made at a point that is approximately central of each closed area of the pattern. By 'closed' area is meant each area that is stitched completely round its perimeter.

Filler material, for example, cotton wool is then carefully inserted through the hole 6 in a closed area into the closed space between the pieces 1 and 2 until that space is filled completely with material. The filler material must be carefully distributed and spread throughout the space and no voids must be left. The object is to produce a smoothly rounded contour of a required appearance.

The filler material may be pushed through the hole 6 using a tool having a handle and a slightly rounded end that is readily insertable through the hole 6 without unduly enlarging the latter.

A tool 7 is shown diagrammatically in Fig.

2.

Each closed area of the pattern is dealt with in the same way and on completion the resulting pattern has a pronounced and readily recognised three-dimensional appearance. The filler material is indicated at 8 in Fig. 3.

The or each hole 6 is closed up after the corresponding space has been filled by smoothing together the adjacent strands of fabric between which the hole has been made.

As a small hole only is used, it is not normally necessary to close the hole by stitching at the end of the filling operation.

That process is repeated at every location at which a pattern is to be formed.

The stitching of the closed areas retains the filler material firmly in position and prevents the filler material becoming misshapen during use or washing or dry cleaning.

With very large closed areas, it may be necessary to make several small holes at spaced locations. Similarly, with complicated or convoluted patterns, filling may be facilitated by the use of several small holes.

The patterned fabric has many different uses. It may be used for soft furnishing items, for example, cushions, cushion covers, curtains, bedspreads, tablecloths and pillow cases and it can be used as a material for making garments, for example dresses or as a decoration for ready made garments.

Claims

1. A method of patterning or decorating a fabric comprising the steps of applying a backing material to the back surface of the fabric, securing the fabric and backing material together so as to enclose a space or spaces between the fabric and backing material, and then entering a filler material into the or each space to an extent sufficient to produce a three-dimensional effect on the surface of the fabric.

2. A method as claimed in claim 1 in which the backing material bears a pattern or patterns outlining the or each space and in which the fabric and the backing material are secured together along the periphery of the or each pattern.

3. A method as claimed in claim 1 or 2 in which the fabric and the backing material are secured together by stitching.

4. A method as claimed in claim 3 in which the stitching is effected in stages, the first stage comprising a temporary stitching in the vicinity of the or each space, the second stage comprising close stitching round the periphery of the or each stage, the third stage comprising the removal of the temporary stitching.

5. A method as claimed in any one of claims 1-4 in which the filler material is entered by making at least one small hole within the confines of the or each space and inserting the material through the hole or holes.

6. A method as claimed in claim 5 in which the or each hole is located approximately centrally of the space.

7. A patterned or decorated fabric comprising a series of one or more enclosed spaces of desired shape formed between the fabric and a backing material, each closed space being filled with a filler material to an extent sufficient to produce a three-dimensional effect on the surface of the fabric.

8. A fabric as claimed in claim 7 in which the filler material is cotton wool.

9. A method of patterning or decorating a fabric substantially as herein described with reference to and as illustrated by the accompanying drawings.

10. A patterned or decorated fabric when produced by the method as claimed in any one of claims 1-6 or 9.

11. A patterned or decorated fabric substantially as herein described with reference to and as illustrated by the accompanying drawings.

12. An article made from a fabric as claimed in claim 7, 8, 10 or 11.