Natural Fibers Apparel and Textile Development Level 1, Obj. 2.01 Recognize Names and Characteristics of Natural Fibers
What is a fiber? Fiber – like a hair Twisted or spun into threads or yarns Coir (pronounced coy-er) is a durable fiber produced from coconuts. It is often used to make door mats or welcome mats.
Sherbert by madelinetosh via Flickr Fibers video from Savannah College of Art and Design Sherbert by madelinetosh via Flickr
Types of fibers Natural Come from nature plants and animals
Cotton on the stem Photo by AshleyH via Flickr
Link here for cotton video: http://Cotton Video# The most popular fiber and fabric Used to make T-shirts, shorts and jeans. Popular because of its comfort and softness. A cellulosic fabric Photo courtesy Cotton – The Fabric of Our Lives Link here for cotton video: http://Cotton Video#
Linen/flax Flax makes a fabric called linen Used for dress clothes, presses beautifully Wrinkles like crazy A cellulosic fiber. Photo by Vilseskogen via Flickr Linen, an ancient fabric, used for centuries. Made from the stalks of the flax plant
ramie Very tough, durable fiber with ancient past. Egyptians made fabric from ramie fibers. Has a natural luster. Photo by Tonio Vega via Flickr
Wool A protein fiber Comes from sheep. Very warm Shrinks with heat Can be scratchy, Dry clean only. Photo by Clarissa Peterson via Flickr Wool is an ancient fiber that became and remains popular because it retains its warmth when wet. Wool can be woven or felted to make fabric.
Silk Filament fiber made from cocoons of silk worms Lustrous and drapes well Very delicate, hand- wash only or dry clean Photo by natmandu via Flickr A protein fiber Silk is one of the strongest fibers (by weight and diameter) in the world Silk is not elastic – it remains stretched if pulled. It weakens when wet and from exposure to sunlight
Specialty hair Cashmere, alpaca, camel, vicuna, llama, angora and mohair Cashmere yarn is known for warmth and softness. Photo by lux2night via Flickr
angora Fiber and fabric made from the hair of the Angora rabbit Renowned for its halo which gives it a “floating” quality Super soft and fine Can be felted or woven Angora rabbit Photo from Creative Commons via Wikipedia Not to be confused with mohair (which comes from the Angora goat). Not naturally elastic Very expensive Can be blended to reduce cost Blends reduce the halo effect
mohair Fiber that comes from the Angora goat (not to be confused with angora, which comes from the rabbit) Silk-like with lustor and resiliency (springs back) More expensive than sheep’s wool. Considered a luxury fabric Warm in winter as an insulator Cool in summer (has natural wicking properties) Photo from Creative Commons via Wikipedia Angora goat, source of mohair
Cashmere Made from the hair of the Cashmere goat Fabric is strong, light, warm and soft A luxury fabric Produced from the undercoat of the animal Photo from “The Guardian”