Textiles: any product made from fibers. Fibers: the raw materials in which fabric is made. They are long, thin and hair-like.

Yarn is made of….Staple fibers: ( short fibers) Filaments: (long fibers) Twist in yarn…… Holds fibers or filaments together Increases yarn strength

Blended fabrics: a combination of multiple types of fibers. Examples: cotton/polyester cotton/wool rayon/silk acrylic/cotton Blends enable fabrics to have the best characteristics of each fiber used.

Natural fibers c ome from plant or animal sources. (Date back to prehistoric times) 1. Cellulosic: plants Good……Launder well, Absorbent, Resists insect damage Bad………Burn easily, Stain, Mildew, Yellow, Wrinkle Sources: cotton, flax, jute, hemp, coconut, straw, bark, bamboo, algae 2. Protein: animals Good……Burn slowly, Elasticity, Bad………Shrink, Hard to clean Sources: sheep, goat, llama, rabbit, silkworm 3. Mineral: earth Good……Burn resistant, Durability, Bad………Irritating, Non-pliable Sources: glass, metal, basalt

Manufactured made from wood cellulose, oil products and chemicals. (Developed in the 20 th century) 1. Synthetic: man made Good……Launder well, Mothproof, Resists insect damage, Holds shape Bad………Static electricity, Heat sensitive, Non-absorbant Sources: chemicals How are manufactured fibers made? Chemical solutions are pushed through a spinnerets which extrudes liquid that solidified quickly into filaments that are twisted into man- made yarns

Common uses: clothing, bags, baskets Household uses: carpeting, upholstered furnishings, window coverings bedding, bathroom linens, insulation & siding Miscellaneous uses: flags, tents, cleaning cloths, kites, balloons, sails, parachutes, netting, wire, rope Industrial uses: (also called technical textiles) tires, medical implants, embankments, crop cover, heat & radiation clothing, bulletproof, sound proofing

Wool: Protein (Animal) sheep, goat, lama Characteristics Dyes well, resilient, durable, absorbent Scratchy, susceptible to moths Some people are allergic to wool Care Dry clean or hand wash Household uses Carpet and rugs, upholstery, blankets, draperies Cost Expensive

Silk: Protein (Animal) silk worm, moth cocoon Characteristics Rich, dyes well, excellent drapability Decomposes in sun, moisture, soil Care Dry clean or hand wash Household uses Draperies, wall coverings, accessories and trims Cost Expensive

Leather: Protein (Animal) animal skins that have been tanned Characteristics Extremely durable Quality varies; susceptible to marks, holes, and tears Care Mild soap and water Household uses Upholstery, desk tops, some wall coverings Cost Expensive

Jute: Cellulose (Plant) Hemp plant Characteristics Dyes bright colors, strong when dry Will rot if kept damp, fades and is brittle Care Hand wash or dry clean Household uses Out door upholstery Cost Inexpensive

Cotton: Cellulose (Plant) cotton bush Characteristics Versatile, dyes and prints well, absorbent Wrinkles, fades and shrinks unless preshrunk Mildews if kept moist, rots in sunlight, doesn’t wear well Care Washable and dry cleanable, although washing may remove finishes May require ironing Household uses Towels, bedspreads, curtains, rugs Cost Moderate to high, depending on quality

Linen: Cellulose (Plant) flax Characteristics Crisp, appealing natural texture, absorbent Dyes well and maintains good appearance Brittle, stiff, inflexible Sun fades, permanent creases Stains are difficult to remove Care Dry cleaning recommended Kitchen linens may be washed in hot water Ironing required Household uses Fine table linens, kitchen linens, upholstery, slipcovers, drapery, wall coverings, crafts, carpet backing Cost Medium to moderately high depending on quality

Rayon: regenerated cellulose Chemical chains Characteristics Great drapability, wrinkles easily Will sun rot and mildew, shrinks if not treated Care Dry clean Household uses Blended with other fibers for draperies and upholstery Cost Inexpensive to moderate

Acetate: regenerated cellulose Characteristics Silk like Weakens with age, particularly in the sun Care Dry clean Household uses Bedspreads, draperies, linings, slipcovers, some upholstery Cost Inexpensive to moderate

Acrylic: Thermoplastic Characteristics Soft, warm, looks like wool Retains shape and color, resistant to wrinkles Non absorbent, susceptible to piling and static electricity, stretches out of shape Care Machine wash in warm water with mild detergent and dry on low setting Household uses Blankets, carpets, rugs, upholstery, some draperies Cost Inexpensive to moderate

Nylon: Thermoplastic Characteristics Strong, durable and versatile Scratchy and harsh, static, can sun rot Care Dry clean or launder, cleans well Household uses Carpet, curtains, upholstery, wall coverings Cost Low to moderate

Olefin : Propylene/Ethylene Characteristics Very strong, resistant to abrasion Shrinking, chemicals and oils will cause stains Care Machine wash, dry on low setting, do not iron Household uses Awnings, carpet, outdoor furniture, upholstery Cost Very inexpensive

Polyester: Thermosetting plastic Characteristics Very durable, retains color very well, resists wrinkles, retains shape Non absorbent, generates static, soils easily Care Machine wash in warm water Dry on low setting May be dry cleaned Household uses Bedspreads, blankets, carpeting, draperies, mattresses, sheets, tablecloths, upholstery Cost Inexpensive