Textile fibers and fabrics

Section 1: Understanding Textile Fibres

Natural fibres are derived from plants, animals, and mineral sources. Examples include cotton, silk, wool, and jute.
Synthetic fibres are made by human beings through chemical processes. Examples include nylon, polyester, acrylic, and spandex.
The classification of fibre is important as it influences various characteristics like tensile strength, elasticity, comfort, washability, and use suitability.
Characteristics such as fibre length and fibre strength play important roles in yarn making.
Staple fibres are short and are typically used for making spun yarn.
Filament fibres are continuous fibres, which are either reeled into yarns on their own or cut into short lengths to create staple fibres.

Section 2: Characteristics of Fabrics

Weave refers to how the warp and weft yarns are interlaced in the fabric. Different types of weaves, such as plain, twill, and satin, will give different characteristics to the fabric.
Knit fabrics are made by interlocking loops of yarns. The two basic types of knit are weft and warp.
Non-woven fabrics are produced by bonding or interlocking fibres. They have different strengths, durabilities, and appearances compared to woven and knit fabrics.
Finishes applied to fabrics modifies their characteristics and can enhance and protect the fabric. Examples include fire-retarding, stain resistance, wrinkle resistance, and others.
The colourfastness of fabric is a key quality attribute. It should retain its colour after repeated washing or exposure to sunlight.

Section 3: Fabrics and Their Uses

Cotton fabric is breathable and soft, often used in clothing items like t-shirts, dresses, and bedding.
Silk fabric has a smooth, delicate texture, making it ideal for lingerie, scarves, ties, and high-end clothing.
Wool is warm and slightly elastic, typically used in coats, hats, scarves, and other cold-weather items.
Polyester is durable, lightweight, and resistant to shrinking and stretching, making it suitable for sportswear, outdoor clothing, and low-cost fashion.
Nylon is light and resilient with high tensile strength, often used for umbrellas, windbreakers, swimwear, and stockings.

Section 4: Sustainability in Textiles

Consider the environmental impact of different fibres and fabrics. For instance, natural fibres are biodegradable while many synthetic fibres are not.
The production process of some fibres contributes to environmental pollution. Cotton farming, for example, uses a significant amount of water and pesticides.
Sustainable fashion promotes use of recycled or recyclable materials, reduction of waste, and efficient use of resources.

Remember to revise these sections thoroughly and apply this knowledge when looking at different textiles. This understanding will help you to better determine the most appropriate materials for a given task or design brief.