Textiles

The following page of notes will cover:

• Natural fibres
• Synthetic fibres
• Blended and mixed fibres
• Woven textiles
• Non-woven textiles
• Knitted textiles

Using these general rules will help you answer most questions relating to Natural and Manmade fibres:

• Natural fibres tend to be environmentally friendly as they are made from animals, plants and insects
• Natural fibres are biodegradeable
• Synthetic fibres can be made in any length or thickness
• Symthetic fibres are made from coal and oil making them non-renewable and harmful for the environment

Cotton:

Advantages	Disadvantages
Hard wearing Easy to upkeep Versatile Breathable	Creases easily Absorbent (long dry time) Highly flammable

Uses: Curtains, cushions, clothing, knitting yarns

Wool:

Advantages	Disadvantages
Warm Lightweight Crease resistant Dyes well Recyclable	Shrinks with heat/moisture Needs special treatment (dry cleaning) Weakens when wet

Uses: Tea towels, bed sheets, table cloth, clothes

Silk:

Advantages	Disadvantages
Luxurious feel and appearance Exceptionally strong (strongest natural fiber) Breathable and temperature regulating Hypoallergenic Excellent drape and luster	Expensive Requires delicate care (often dry clean only) Weakens when wet Prone to water spots Susceptible to sunlight damage

Uses: Luxury clothing, Ties, Scarves, Underwear, Bedding, Medical sutures

Polyester fibres:

Advantages	Disadvantages
Strong Flexible Dries quickly Cheap Easy to dye	Not very breathable Temperature sensitive Subject to dye migration

Uses: Conveyor belts, safety belts, car tire reinforcement

Polyamide (Nylon):

Advantages	Disadvantages
Tough Strong High temperature resistance Good solvent resistance	Shrinks easily Prone to UV degradation Moisture leads to weakness of material

Uses: Clothing, cookware, plastic components

Elastane (Lycra/Spandex):

Advantages	Disadvantages
Exceptional elasticity (can stretch 500-700% of its length) Lightweight and comfortable Stronger and more durable than rubber Resistant to body oils, perspiration and detergents Retains shape well after stretching	Not breathable (can trap heat) Degrades when exposed to chlorine Can lose elasticity over time Vulnerable to heat damage (melts at high temperatures) Not biodegradable

Uses: Sportswear, Swimwear, Underwear, Compression garments, Dancewear, Medical compression stockings

Cotton/Polyester Blend:

Advantages	Disadvantages
Combines breathability (cotton) with durability (polyester) Wrinkle-resistant and retains shape better than pure cotton More affordable than 100% natural fabrics Dries faster than pure cotton Stronger and more tear-resistant than cotton alone	Less breathable than 100% cotton Can retain odors more than natural fibers Prone to static cling Not as soft as pure cotton Environmental concerns (polyester is petroleum-based)

Uses: T-shirts, Work uniforms, Bed linens, Casual wear, Sportswear, Upholstery fabrics

Created by interlacing warp (vertical) and weft (horizontal) yarns at right angles

• Plain Weave: Simplest weave pattern (over-under alternation).

Fabrics made by bonding fibers together without weaving or knitting

• Bonded Fabrics: Fibers adhered with heat/chemicals (e.g., interfacing).



• Felted Fabrics: Compressed wool fibers matted together.

Constructed by interlocking loops of yarn

• Knitted Fabrics: Stretchy, looped structure (e.g., jerseys).

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