Constructed Textiles

    OCR
    GCSE

    Constructed textiles require the manipulation of linear elements—yarn, string, wire, or non-traditional fibres—into planar or three-dimensional forms through looping, knotting, or interlacing. Candidates must evidence the progression from initial material testing (AO2) to refined structural outcomes, underpinned by rigorous recording of process and technical terminology (AO3). Success depends on the deliberate exploitation of material properties—tensile strength, elasticity, and texture—to communicate a coherent visual language, moving beyond mere craft into conceptual expression (AO4).

    0
    Objectives
    3
    Exam Tips
    4
    Pitfalls
    4
    Key Terms
    4
    Mark Points

    What You Need to Demonstrate

    Key skills and knowledge for this topic

    • Award marks for sustained investigation into constructed techniques (weaving, knitting, crochet, felting) that directly informs personal development (AO1).
    • Credit evidence of rigorous experimentation with diverse media (yarns, plastics, wire) and structural manipulation to refine ideas (AO2).
    • Assess the clarity of recording through annotated samples, photography, and sketches that document the evolution of the textile construction (AO3).
    • Evaluate the technical resolution of the final piece, ensuring it realizes intentions and embodies a personal response to the theme (AO4).

    Example Examiner Feedback

    Real feedback patterns examiners use when marking

    • "Your weaving samples show technical competence; now explicitly link the colour palette to your chosen artist reference to satisfy AO1."
    • "Annotation currently describes the process; expand this to evaluate why this specific yarn weight failed or succeeded to secure higher AO3 marks."
    • "Excellent experimentation with felting; ensure the transition from 2D samples to the 3D final outcome is documented to evidence AO2 refinement."
    • "The structural integrity of the knit is inconsistent; refine the tension or needle size to improve the quality of the finish for AO4."

    Marking Points

    Key points examiners look for in your answers

    • Award marks for sustained investigation into constructed techniques (weaving, knitting, crochet, felting) that directly informs personal development (AO1).
    • Credit evidence of rigorous experimentation with diverse media (yarns, plastics, wire) and structural manipulation to refine ideas (AO2).
    • Assess the clarity of recording through annotated samples, photography, and sketches that document the evolution of the textile construction (AO3).
    • Evaluate the technical resolution of the final piece, ensuring it realizes intentions and embodies a personal response to the theme (AO4).

    Examiner Tips

    Expert advice for maximising your marks

    • 💡Ensure every sample includes a brief annotation explaining the technical process and its suitability for the final outcome.
    • 💡Photograph the step-by-step construction process, particularly for ephemeral or complex structures like loom-based weaving.
    • 💡Select materials based on their structural properties (tensile strength, drape) rather than purely aesthetic qualities to demonstrate AO2 refinement.

    Common Mistakes

    Pitfalls to avoid in your exam answers

    • Producing pastiches of artist work without extracting and applying underlying techniques or concepts to personal work.
    • Presenting final outcomes that lack visible connection to the experimental sampling phase or preparatory studies.
    • Failing to annotate samples with critical evaluation of material properties and structural integrity.
    • Over-reliance on found fabrics rather than constructing surfaces from raw fibers or yarns.

    Study Guide Available

    Comprehensive revision notes & examples

    Read Study Guide

    Key Terminology

    Essential terms to know

    Weaving structures (Plain, Twill, Satin, Tapestry)
    Looping techniques (Knitting, Crochet, Macramé)
    Non-woven construction (Wet Felting, Needle Felting, Bonding)
    Structural manipulation (Distortion, 3D form generation)

    Likely Command Words

    How questions on this topic are typically asked

    Develop
    Refine
    Record
    Present
    Investigate
    Experiment
    Realise

    Ready to test yourself?

    Practice questions tailored to this topic