1. Characteristics and Properties
Fabrics!
Characteristics and Properties

2. Different types of fabric…
All fabrics are constructed by being either knitted, woven or bonded.
Fabrics are all made from fibres. Fibres can either be natural, synthetic or regenerated.
Fibres are then twisted into yarns (such as a sewing thread). Fabrics are then created using these yarns, by either knitting, weaving. Bonded fabrics are made from raw fibres.

3. Knitted fabrics – these are made up of a series of interlocking loops
Knitted fabrics – these are made up of a series of interlocking loops. Yarns are knitted into these loops in rows. These loops make the fabric stretchy, warm and hardwearing.
Key characteristics of knitted fabrics:
Warmth
Stretchy
Hardwearing
Can be bulked up using a finishing process called napping (brushing) which gives the fabric a fluffy surface, such as fleece.
Examples of knitted fabrics:
Jersey (t-shirts), knitted sweaters, net, lace, velour, terry towelling.

4. Woven fabrics – these are constructed using interlocking threads or yarns. There are many different ways of weaving fabrics, such as plain, twill, jacquard or satin. The different methods are produced simply by the combination or pattern in which the yarns are interlocked together. If the yarns are woven closely together the fabric will be strong and firm, or if woven loosely then the fabric will be softer and lighter.
Key characteristics of woven fabrics:
They fray easily when cut
Very strong
Not much stretch
Very versatile
Examples of woven fabrics:
Denim, polyester, cotton, calico, velvet, corduroy, satin.

5. Plain weave
Twill weave

6. Key characteristics of bonded fabrics:
Do not fray easily
No stretch
No grain
Not as flexible as a woven or knitted fabric
Bonded or Felted Fabrics – these can be either treated with heat or a chemical to matt the fibres together. A typical example of a bonded fabric is felt where heat and moisture are added before the fabrics are dragged backwards and forwards until they matt together. Glues and solvents can also be added to bond the fibres together.

7. Choosing a fabric….
When choosing a fabric to make a garment from, you need to make the following considerations:
Do you need a natural or a synthetic fabric?
Does the fabric need to be strong and hardwearing?
Does the fabric need to be cool or warm to wear?
Does the fabric need to offer protection from wind or rain?
Does the fabric need to offer a special property such as protection from fire?

8. Other considerations you may need to make when choosing a fabric or garment….
Social Issues
Modesty – this means different things in different countries and cultures, and can also differ depending on the situation. For example most people are quite well covered in public places but will happily wear less on the beach.
Moral Issues
There are growing concerns about how the products and fabrics we wear today affect the lives and livelihoods of the people that produce them.
Sustainable and Organic Fabrics
Producing fabrics from fibres can use a huge amount of energy and can even cause pollution. Recycling fabrics is becoming increasingly popular such as making a patchwork quilt from old children’s clothes.

9. What characteristics do the following fabrics have?…
Cotton
Silk
Wool
Acrylic
Polyester