Fibers

 any cloth or goods produced by weaving, knitting, or felting

What is a textile?

Basic unit of all textiles, which is twisted into yarns

and then used in the production of a fabric

Staple: short fibers or cut length of filament

Filament fibers: continuous fibers Only Natural Filament

Fiber: Silk

What is a fiber?

Yarns: a continuous strand made of fibers◦ Vary in size◦ Can be separated

into fibers Fabrics: textile

product usually made by knitting or weaving yarns together

Fiber Yarn Fabric

Process of Making Fabrics:

Characteristics and properties depends on its source or chemical composition

Fiber characteristics greatly affect the appearance and performance of the fabrics they become

Selecting the appropriate fiber for end use

Fiber Characteristics

Resiliency: ability to spring back when crushed or wrinkled

Warmth: ability to maintain body temperature

Durability: ability to hold up to repeated usage

Absorbency: ability to take in moisture

Strength: ability to withstand pulling and twisting

Abrasion resistance: the ability to withstand rubbing

Elasticity: the ability to return to its original size

Wicking: the ability to pull moisture away from the body and toward the surface of the fabric (where it can evaporate quickly)

Fiber characteristics

Natural Protein (Animal) Plant (Cellulosic)

Manufactured (Man-made)

Types of Fibers

Natural Fibers

Protein Plant

Wool Silk Cashmere

Cotton Linen (Flax)

Manufactured Fibers

Synthetic Cellulosic

Olefin Polyester Nylon Spandex

Acetate Lyocell Rayon