TLE Study Notes: Fabric Repair & Laundry

• Study notes for TLE (Technology and Livelihood Education)

Types of Repair

• Preventive mending: Repair done to prevent further damage.
• Darning: Repairing holes by weaving new threads.
• Patching: Covering a damaged area with a piece of fabric.
• Replacement: Replacing a component or part.

Types of Fabric

• Natural: Fibers derived from plants or animals.
• Man-made: Synthetic fibers created through chemical processes.

Laundry Procedures

• Sorting: Separating clothes based on color, fabric, and wash requirements.
• Preparation: Getting the laundry ready for washing.
• Product Selection: Choosing the appropriate detergent or soap.
• Washing: Choosing the correct cycle or washing by hand.
• Drying: Drying clothes on a line or in a tumble dryer.
• Folding: Neatly folding and storing the clean clothes.

Pressing Cloth

• Fabric used as protection while ironing.

Tailor’s Ham

• A cushion used for molding and shaping darts.

Flat Iron

• Used to remove creases from clothes.

Ironing Mat

• A heat-resistant surface for ironing.

Seam Roll

• A stuffed wool and cotton form for pressing long seams and narrow areas.

Ironing Board

• A wood or metal board used as a surface for ironing.

Sleeve Board

• A wooden board with a free arm and cotton cover, for ironing sleeves.

Spray Bottle

• Used to moisten stubborn wrinkles.

Chlorine Bleach

• Used to whiten, remove stains, and disinfect clothes.

Clothes Hanger

• Used to hang garments.

Laundry Detergent

• Used to clean clothes.

Laundry Basket

• Used to collect and carry dirty clothes to the laundry area.

Clothespins

• Used to hang clothes on a clothesline to dry.

Washboard

• Used for handwashing clothes, scrubbing stains on fabric.

Fabric Conditioner

• A liquid that softens clothes in the washing machine during the rinse cycle.

Washing Machine

• Used for washing clothes, sheets, and other textiles.

Clothes Dryer

• Used to remove moisture from clothes after washing.

Percale

• A finely woven cotton fabric, commonly used for sheets.

Gingham

• A yarn-dyed woven cotton, typically in a checked pattern.

Cotton

• A comfortable, natural fiber.

Voile

• A crisp, sheer, lightweight cotton for formal wear.

Batiste

• A fine, soft, sheer cotton for handkerchiefs, nightwear, and children's clothes.

Canvas

• A heavyweight cotton used for items needing strength.

Polyester

• Available in knits, jerseys, or cotton-silk-like fabrics.

Cambric

• A tightly woven cotton, usually in solid colors.

Rayon

• The most "natural" of the man-made fabrics.

Gabardine

• Used in jackets, skirts, and pants.

Acrylic

• Used as a substitute for wool.

Broadcloth

• A closely woven fabric.

Denim

• A durable cotton fabric.

Wool

• Comes from animal coats.

Linen

• Comes from flax plant.

Needles

• Made of stainless steel.

Scissors

• Used for cutting fabrics.

Pins

• Used to hold fabrics together when sewing or cutting.

Pin Cushion

• A small ball filled with cotton, wool, or sawdust.

Thimble

• A metal or plastic cap worn over the finger when sewing.

Emery Bag

• Filled with fine, sharp, dry sand, for cleaning needles.

Tape Measure

• Used for taking measurements.

Thread

• Used for making stitches.

Ruler

• Used for drawing straight lines and measuring distance.

Tailor’s Chalk

• Used to mark directly on fabric.

Laundry Tips

• Use laundry equipment, supplies, and materials correctly to prevent damage to fabrics.
• Sort laundry by washing temperature.
• Separate darks, lights, pastels, and whites.
• Laundry is washing clothing and linens.
• Sorting is the first step to a clean wash.
• Keep items with similar detergent, cycle, and temperature needs together.
• Consider fabric when treating stains.
• Cotton is a durable fabric.
• Removing stains can be challenging.
• Test stain removers for safety on synthetic fabrics.
• Silk is delicate and benefits from professional dry cleaning for tough stains.
• Use wool-specific detergents and flat drying for wool garments.
• Handle stains gently, blotting instead of rubbing, and avoid hot water.
• Treat stains prior to laundering.
• Proper temperature makes ironing easier.
• Incorrect temperature can cause burning.
• Choose the right tools to make ironing easier.
• Yesterday's ironing boards were wood; today's are made of metal.
• Some washing machines have a dryer or spinner function.
• Handle laundry chemicals cautiously.
• Sort laundry by type.
• Rubber gloves protect hands from drying and cracking.
• Check the care label on textiles.
• Use a clothes sorter for easy separation.