Fibers

What are Fibers? All yarns and fabric are made of fibers Fibers are hair like substances twisted together to make yarns and fabrics

Natural Fibers Natural fibers are produced by nature and come from plant and animal sources

Cotton Cotton is a natural fiber that comes from the seed of the cotton plant.

Characteristics of Cotton Positive: Absorbs moisture Keeps cool in hot weather Easy to Launder Negative: Wrinkles easily Shrinks easily

Wool Wool is another natural fiber that is made from the fleece of sheep and is valued for its warmth

Characteristics of Wool Positive: Warm in cold weather Wrinkle resistant Wicks (takes) away moisture Negative: Shrinks in hot water *best to dry clean Can be damaged by insects, such as moths Itchy

Silk Silk is a natural fiber that is spun by silkworms and has a lustrous, shiny appearance.

Characteristics of Silk Positive: Resists wrinkles Luxurious and beautiful in appearance Holds color well Negative: Most silk needs to be dry cleaned, but some can be hand washed *Always check your labels for safe cleaning Expensive!

Flax Flax is a natural fiber that comes from the stalk of the flax plant Linen fabric is made from flax

Characteristics of Flax Positive Good strength and durability Light weight Comfortable Negative Wrinkles easily *Must remove from laundry while still damp

Manufactured Fibers Manufactured fibers are produced in laboratories through chemical processes

Rayon Rayon is a manufactured fiber and was the first fiber ever manufactured! First created in the 1800’s Rayon is often combined with other fibers because it is inexpensive and versatile

Characteristics of Rayon Positive: Comfortable to wear An alternative to silk Highly absorbent Dyes easily Negative: Some rayon fabrics can be washed, but they usually need to be dry cleaned Shrink easily *Should NOT be put in the dryer! Not very durable

Polyester Polyester is a desirable fiber both alone and when in combination with other fibers because of its many positive characteristics Often combined with cotton for easy laundering

Characteristic of Polyester Positive: Strong Resistant to stretching and shrinking Wrinkle resistant Easily to launder Negative: Static and Stain Removal can be a problem Melts at high temperatures *Be careful when ironing!

Spandex Spandex is an elastic fiber, which means it stretches Commonly found in sportswear ,swimwear , and undergarments

Characteristics of Spandex Positive: Stretches Light weight Durable Negative: Laundering *Must be carful when ironing and machine drying

Acetate Acetate it similar to rayon, and has a silky appearance Often used in special occasion dresses and blouses

Characteristics of Acetate Positive: Inexpensive Drapes well Resists wrinkling Negative: Must be dry cleaned Not durable Melts easily under heat

Nylon Nylon is a manufactured fiber that resembles wool in appearance Often used in pantyhose, swimwear, and athletic jackets

Characteristics of Nylon Positive: Very durable Lightweight Easy to launder *No ironing needed, dries quickly Negative: Does not absorb moisture well *Can be uncomfortable to wear in hot weather

Blends Fabric containing two or more fibers to combine the best qualities of each fabric For Example: A Polyester-Cotton blend contains the moisture absorbency of cotton and the strength and wrinkle-resistance of polyester