Fibers & Fabrics

1. Fibers & Fabrics Chapter 41

2. 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

3. 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.

4. Characteristics of Fibers • Moisture • Absorbency • Strength • Stretchability • Heat sensitivity

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

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

7. 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.

8. 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

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

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

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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

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

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

17. 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.

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

19. 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

20. 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

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

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

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

24. 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)

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