Where does fabric come from? Fabric is made from fibers – There are 2 basic types of fibers:

Natural and Man-made Fabrics (also known as Synthetic)

NATURAL FIBERS Natural fibers – come from plants and animals

COTTON  Is made from the cotton plant.  Is the least expensive of all natural fibers.  Absorbs moisture.  Is comfortable to wear.  Is strong, durable, and accepts dyes easily.  Is most suitable for: children's clothing, summer clothing, and beginning sewing projects.

Cotton Fiber Care: It can be pressed at higher temperatures. It dries quickly. It wrinkles easily. I00 % cotton shrinks.

LINEN Fiber Characteristics: It is made of the flax plant. It has many of the same characteristics as cotton. It wrinkles VERY easily. It is stronger than cotton. It dyes easily. It is fairly expensive, and is often used in creating a blend. It is commonly used for spring/summer wear and fine suits.

Linen Fiber Care: Care varies from washable to dry cleanable only—it depends on the quality See the care label. Press at highest temperatures.

SILK Fiber Characteristics: Silk comes from the silk worm. It is a luxury fabric. It has beautiful colors. It wrinkles easily. It is weakened by the sun.

Silk Fiber Care: Care varies from washable to dry cleanable only—depending upon the quality. See the care label. Do not iron using moisture—water spots never go away.

WOOL Fiber Characteristics:  Wool comes from animals i.e., sheep, rabbits, goats, etc.  It is VERY warm, but shrinks and mats easily.  It has natural fire-retardant characteristics.  It eases and shapes well.  It absorbs moisture.  It keeps body heat in.  It repels outside moisture.  It doesn't show sewing errors.  It is often used for coats, outer clothing, quality suits, etc.

Wool Fiber Care: Care varies from washable to dry cleanable only. See the care label.

Man-made FIBERS Man-made fibers – made from chemicals

Synthetic Fibers-  Manufactured through the use of chemicals  Less absorbent than natural fibers  Heat sensitive  Press using a low temperature setting  Tend to pill or ball

Nylon-  Nylon is the strongest synthetic fiber; wears well  Does not absorb moisture  Very lightweight  Used in sportswear and outerwear  Can tear easily—look for rip-stop features Fiber care- *Use low pressing temperature to prevent melting *Keep clean for best performance

Acrylic-  Created to be similar to wool  Soft, warm and lightweight  Often used in sweaters Fiber care- –machine washable -tends to pill or ball up

Acetate-  Not very strong  Created to be a silk look alike  Receives dye well  Washes well  Used mostly in formal wear  Often used in linings Fiber Care- Usually dry-cleanable Will dissolve completely in acetone

Polyester-  Fine to heavy weight-depends on use  Tends to pill or ball Fiber care-washes easily -resists wrinkling -retains oily stains

How is fabric constructed?