Where does fabric come from?

Fabric is made from fibers –

There are 2 basic types of fibers:

 

Natural and Man-made Fabrics (also known as Synthetic) 

NATURAL FIBERS

Natural fibers – come from plants and animals

 

COTTON

Is made from the cotton plant. Is the least expensive of all natural

fibers. Absorbs moisture. Is comfortable to wear. Is strong, durable, and accepts dyes

easily. Is most suitable for:

children's clothing, summer clothing, and beginning sewing projects.

Cotton Fiber Care:

• It can be pressed at higher temperatures.

• It dries quickly.• It wrinkles easily.• I00 % cotton shrinks.

LINEN

Fiber Characteristics:• It is made of the flax plant.• It has many of the same characteristics as cotton.• It wrinkles VERY easily. • It is stronger than cotton.• It dyes easily.• It is fairly expensive, and is often used in creating

a blend.• It is commonly used for spring/summer wear

and fine suits.

Linen Fiber Care:

• Care varies from washable to dry cleanable only—it depends on the quality

• See the care label.• Press at highest temperatures.

SILK

Fiber Characteristics:• Silk comes from the silk worm.• It is a luxury fabric.• It has beautiful colors.• It wrinkles easily. • It is weakened by the sun. 

Silk Fiber Care:

• Care varies from washable to dry cleanable only—depending upon the quality.

• See the care label.• Do not iron using moisture—water spots

never go away.

WOOLFiber Characteristics:

Wool comes from animals i.e., sheep, rabbits, goats, etc.

It is VERY warm, but shrinks and mats easily.

It has natural fire-retardant characteristics.

It eases and shapes well. It absorbs moisture. It keeps body heat in. It repels outside moisture. It doesn't show sewing errors. It is often used for coats, outer clothing,

quality suits, etc.

Wool Fiber Care:

• Care varies from washable to dry cleanable only.

• See the care label.

Man-made FIBERS

Man-made fibers – made from chemicals

 

Synthetic Fibers- Manufactured through the

use of chemicals Less absorbent than natural fibers Heat sensitive Press using a low temperature

setting Tend to pill or ball

Nylon-Nylon is the strongest synthetic fiber;

wears wellDoes not absorb moistureVery lightweightUsed in sportswear and outerwearCan tear easily—look for rip-stop features

Fiber care-*Use low pressing temperature to

prevent melting*Keep clean for best performance

Acrylic-Created to be similar to woolSoft, warm and lightweightOften used in sweaters 

Fiber care- –machine washable -tends to pill or ball up

Acetate-

Not very strong Created to be a silk look alike Receives dye well Washes well Used mostly in formal wear Often used in linings

Fiber Care-Usually dry-cleanableWill dissolve completely in acetone

Polyester-Fine to heavy weight-depends on

useTends to pill or ball

Fiber care-washes easily -resists wrinkling -retains oily stains

How is fabric constructed?