Textiles

Definitions Textiles: Any product made from fibers, like fabrics Fibers: Raw materials from which fabric is made. Long, short, thin and hair like. Come from either natural or manufactured sources. Cellulosic Natural Fibers: Comes from cellulose in plants. Protein Natural Fibers: Come from animal sources. Manufactured Fibers: Made from wood cellulose, oil products and other chemicals.

Cotton Source: Cotton Plant Characteristics: Uses: Absorbent Strong Dyes Well Shrinks in hot water Uses: Sheet, bedspreads/comforters Towels, Draperies, Upholstery, Rugs Fiber Care: Launders well Seldom damaged by insects Burns easily Stained by mildew Prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause yellowing and break fibers down Wrinkles easily

Linen Source: Flax Plant Characteristics: Uses: Fiber Care: Strong Wears well Uses: Tablecloths, upholstery, kitchen towels Bedspreads/comforters, draperies Fiber Care: Same as Cotton Not as wrinkly

Ramie Source: China grass Characteristics: Uses: Fiber Care: Dyes well High gloss or shine Shrinks Uses: Table Linens Fiber Care: Same as Linen

Wool Source: Hair of sheep Characteristics: Uses: Fiber Care: Absorbent Wrinkle Resistant Not moth resistant Shrinks Good elasticity Uses: Rugs, curtains, blankets, draperies, upholstery Fiber Care: Usually need to be dry cleaned Will return to original size and shape Burn slowly

Silk Source: Silkworm cocoon Characteristics: Uses: Fiber Care: Strong Absorbent Dyes well Lustrous Water spots easily Uses: Rugs, curtains, blankets, draperies, upholstery Fiber Care: Similar to wool

Nylon Type: Noncellulosic Characteristics: Uses: Fiber Care: Strong Resistant to chemical change and abrasion Does not stretch, shrink or absorb water Creates static electricity Uses: Carpets, curtains, draperies, slipcovers, tablecloths and upholstery Fiber Care: Launder fairly well Moth proof Nonallergenic

Acrylic Type: Noncellulosic Characteristics: Uses: Fiber Care: Warm Lightweight Resistant to wrinkles Low absorbency Uses: Blankets, carpets, draperies, rugs, upholstery Fiber Care: Heat sensitive Same as nylon

Polyester Type: Noncellulosic Characteristics: Uses: Fiber Care: Strong Resistant to abrasion, creases and shrinkage Holds it’s shape Low absorbency Uses: Bedding, carpeting, curtains, draperies, rugs, tablecloths, upholstery Fiber Care: Heat sensitive Same as Nylon

Acetate Type: Cellulosic Characteristics: Uses: Fiber Care: Drapes well Dyes easily Weak Uses: Bedspreads, draperies, upholstery, sheers Fiber Care: Heat sensitive Similar to cotton

Rayon Type: Cellulosic (trees) Characteristics: Uses: Fiber Care: Highly absorbent Soft Dyes easily Drapes well Weak fiber Uses: Bedding, draperies, slipcovers, tablecloths, upholstery Fiber Care: See Cotton