1. Textiles

2. 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.

3. 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

4. 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

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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

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

12. 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