Textile materials: natural fibers, man-made fibers, yarns, and fabrics

Textile materials: natural fibers, man-made fibers, yarns, and fabrics

Natural Fibres

  • Derived from nature, natural fibres possess durability, eco-friendliness, and breathability.
  • Major types include cotton, wool, silk, and linen.
  • Cotton, with its soft texture and breathable quality, is used extensively for clothing and home furnishings.
  • Wool, known for its resilience, elasticity, and temperature-regulating property, is primarily used in cool-weather clothing.
  • Silk, renowned for its strength and natural sheen, is used in luxury bedding, high-end clothing, and upholstery.
  • Linen, characterised by its strength and absorbency, is commonly used for summer clothing, table linens, and bed sheets.

Man-Made Fibres

  • Man-made fibres are created through chemical processes, offering versatility and often better durability.
  • Types include nylon, polyester, acrylic, and rayon.
  • Nylon, known for its high strength and elasticity, is primarily used in clothing, carpets, and fishing nets.
  • Polyester, which resists wrinkling and fading, is used widely in clothing, home furnishings, and industrial fabrics.
  • Acrylic, a lightweight, warm, and soft fabric, is used in knitwear and furnishings.
  • Rayon, with its silk-like properties, is suitable for clothing, curtains, and artificial silk products.

Yarns

  • Yarns are lengths of fibres, either natural or synthetic, which are twisted or spun together.
  • The type of yarn can significantly influence the texture, appearance, and performance of a fabric.
  • Spun yarns are fuzzy and comfortable, while filament yarns are smooth and shiny.
  • Uses range widely across clothing, home decorations, sewing, knitting, and embroidery projects.

Fabrics

  • Fabric is constructed by weaving, knitting or felting yarn.
  • Woven fabrics are made by interlacing two sets of yarns at right angles and are typically stable and strong.
  • Knitted fabrics are constructed by interlocking loops of yarn and possess stretchability.
  • Non-woven fabrics, like felt, are made directly from fibres without spinning or weaving, providing insulation and absorbency.
  • Common fabric types include denim, satin, velvet, and corduroy, each with their own unique properties and uses.