When choosing thread its important to look for the following properties such as strength, elasticity, colour, and resistance to rot. Sewing thread is made from a variety of blend of fibres. Polyester is the most common thread to be used as it’s less expensive than cotton. Some of the most desirable properties of polyester are that its strong, dyes easy, doesn’t shrink, has a high degree of elasticity and its resistance to rot.

A wide range of fastenings are available but it depends on what type of fastening si needed for what kind of item. Buttons are often decorative, and vary in shape or size. They are also thought to be the oldest fastening to have been used.

Hook and eye are simple but also expensive on mass production due to the complexity of fixing them. Zips seemed to have replaced buttons for their strength, and they are hardwearing, light weight yet simple. Laces, eyelets, decorative ties and ribbons are for show rather than practicality.

When choosing the right fastening its important to consider aspects such as the aesthetic look you want to achieve; does the fastening need to be concealed?, and other aspects such as cost, consumer needs, how secure it is and if the fastening will be a design feature?

Most textile items also use lining as some materials can be see through or thin therefore it gives some consistency to the garment. It can also make the garments easy to take off, as well as protecting the item from perspiration. It can also enhance the garments as no construction can be seen and can help produce effortless draping of material for effect.

Interlinings are where a piece of material acts as an extra layer between the inner and outer layers. This is usually done for garments such as coats and jumpers.

Structural components alter the shape of the textiles; this consists of anything from boning corsets, binding fabric, using elastic tape or even inserting shoulder pads.