Interior Design 4.01 Basic Home Textiles

Natural Fibers Come from Plants & Animals

Cellulose fibers Come from plants COTTON ADVANTAGES strong, durable, absorbent, washable DISAVANTAGES Wrinkles Shrinks unless treated Soils Not mildew resistant Very flammable unless treated Used in home furnishings as: rugs towels bedding curtains chintz upholstery

Protein fibers Come from animals SILK ADVANTAGES strong, smooth, stain and wrinkle resistant, absorbent, dyes well, washable or dry-clean DISADVANTAGES expensive, damaged by bleach & light not insect resistant yellows Used in home furnishings as: drapery lampshades, wall coverings upholstery

Protein Fibers WOOL Used in home furnishings as: Plush & Berber carpet ADVANTAGES soft, durable, resilient, long-lasting, soil and fire resistant DISADVANTAGES expensive, shrinks, may cause allergic reactions, not moth resistant, hard to clean if deeply soiled Used in home furnishings as: Plush & Berber carpet Fine rugs (oriental) Blankets Upholstery drapery

Animal Skins Leather: soft, resists stains, fading, cracking upholstery Fur: soft, can be expensive rugs, pillows

Manufactured or Synthetic fibers Man-made with chemicals and other products. Can be combined with natural fibers to create a blend. Nylon, Rayon, Polyester, Olefin, Acetate, Acrylic Advantages: Most are more durable and hold color better than natural fibers Disadvantages: Most do not feel as soft as natural fibers

Fabric Construction Yarns: natural or manufactured fibers that are twisted together and woven into fabric. May be dyed as individual yarns or as one whole piece fabric at a later time.

Yarns 2 or more sets of threads are interlaced at right angles WARP: set of threads that run lengthwise WEFT: set of threads that run crosswise

Yarns Grain: the direction threads run in a woven fabric Nap: a layer of fiber ends that stand up from the surface of the fabric Blend: yarn that is made from 2 or more types of fibers ex: natural & manufactured. Produces a better quality product. Cotton/poly blend in drapes, bedding, etc.

Yarns Arrow is with the grain (parallel to the selvage) Diagonal line indicates against the grain or on the bias (fabric stretches when pulled)

Types of Weaves Plain: simplest pattern that is as strong one direction as it is in the other The weft yarn goes over and under each warp yarn

Types of Weaves Satin: has long floats (portions of yarn) on the surface of the fabric. Either the warp yarns or the weft yarns float over 4 or more opposite yarns, then go under one. This is a smooth and slippery weave. Good for lining of drapery

Types of Weaves Twill: the warp or the weft passes over 2 or more yarns. Can be both even and uneven. This type of weave is stronger than a plain weave but tends to show soil less quickly.

Types of Weaves Jacquard: Used for damask, tapestry, and brocades. Used in very formal type of interiors, living rooms, dining rooms, pillows

Textile Fibers Product Identification Act This law specifies what must appear on the label: Fiber content by Highest % listed first Country of origin Care information

Wool Products Labeling Act Requires the manufacturer to include the labeling, identifying, and amount of natural fiber that comes from an animal. Must list the country of origin and % of each type of wool used

Flammable Fabrics Act Law that prevents manufacturers from producing and selling home interiors products that burn quickly.