Fibers & Fabrics Chapter 41

Think about… Do you have a favorite garment that you worn forever? What makes is such a favorite? Why do you think so many people like cotton garments

Fibers Fibers are hairlike substances that are twisted together to make yarns and fabric. Just as each of your friends has unique personality traits, different fibers have unique characteristics.

Characteristics of Fibers Moisture Absorbency Strength Stretchability Heat sensitivity

Natural Fibers From plant and animal sources natural are produced by nature. Cotton Linen Wool Silk

Manufactured Fibers Made from substances such as wood pulp, petroleum, and coal They are produced in laboratories through chemical processes

Natural Fibers Cotton, linen, and ramie are natural fibers that come from plants Fabric construction and style are now different but the fiber is the same.

Cotton As the most widely used natural fiber, the characteristics of cotton have contributed to its popularity It absorbs moisture, which makes it comfortable to wear in hot weather. It is strong, easy to launder and dyes well

Cotton ITS NEGATIVE FEATURES ARE WRINKLING AND SHRINKING BUT CAN BE CORRECTED WITH SPECIAL FINISHES

Linen Product of the flax plant, is strong and absorbent Linen wrinkles, but you can get a wrinkle resistant finish applied

Ramie From the stalks o a shrub-like plant, ramie is grown mainly in southeast Asia Ramie absorbs moisture and dries quickly Often pared with cotton or linen- examples- bed sheets, pillow cases, cloth napkins

Wool Made from the fleece of sheep wool is valued for its warmth Wool fibers trap air and prevent the loss of body heat Wool wears well, resists wrinkling, absorbs moisture and still feel dry Shrinks when washed in hot and usually needs to be dry-cleaned

Silk Spun by silkworms, silk is the strongest of natural fibers Comfortable absorbs body moisture and resists wrinkles Dry cleaned but can be hand washed

Manufactured Fibers They are strong, have the ability to bounce back to their original shape, they don’t wrinkle and are easy to maintain Example- active sportswear and spandex

Acrylic Known for warmth without weightit is machine washable and wrinkle resistant, but it also pills or forms small matted balls on surface

Nylon Strength and durability has the ability to repel water Swim wear, hosiery, carpets and car tires

Polyester Most popular Mixed with cotton to make t-shirts, pants, sheets, and tablecloths Jackets parkas and comforters b/c it is fluffy when wet.

Rayon The first manufactured fiber Rayon is treated to minimize wrinkles and shrinking

Generic and Trade names Common name for a group of similar fibers Trade name the manufacture’s name is given to a specific fiber that a company produces

Blends Every Fiber has good qualities, but no fiber is perfect Fabric construction- fibers are twisted together to make yarns They determine how thick and the wear of the clothing

Weaving The tightness of the weave determines the firmness of the fabric and affects how it will wear

Knitting Another way of making fabrics is by knitting. Knitted fabrics are stretchy and comfortable

Fabric Finishes Finishes are one of the final touches put on yarns and fabrics They are used to make fabrics appealing and useful

Finishes Color- adding color is done mostly a computer process Dyes come from nature and some are developed in the lab Color can also be applied by the printing process (patterns/designs)

Finishes Flame-retardant- helps fabric from burning Permanent or durable press- little or not ironing after washing Stain-spot resistant- Waterproof/ water-repellent