Textile Fibers: Created By: Mrs. Christine Holt FACS Educator Westlake High School
Textile Fibers: Created By: Mrs. Christine Holt FACS Educator Westlake High School
Textile Fibers: Created By: Mrs. Christine Holt FACS Educator Westlake High School
Fibers
Created By:
Mrs. Christine Holt
FACS Educator
Westlake High School
What are Fibers?
Fibers are the basic units of all
textiles. Textiles are a form of cloth
or fabric from which clothing and
other items are made. Fibers are put
together to form a continuous
strand, making a yarn. Yarns are
woven or knitted together to make
fabrics.
Fiber Characteristics
Knowledge of fiber characteristics will help
you select the right fabric for your needs.
Strength: the ability to withstand pulling and
twisting.
Shrinkage: the ability to maintain size.
Warmth: the ability to maintain body temperature.
Durability: the ability to hold up to repeated usage.
Absorbency: the ability to take in moisture.
Wicking: the ability to pull moisture away from the
body and toward the surface of the fabric where it
can evaporate quickly.
Fiber Characteristic Continued (2)
Wrinkle Resistance: the ability to resist creasing.
Resiliency: the ability to spring back when crushed
or wrinkled.
Elasticity: the ability to return to its original size.
Shape Retention: the ability to retain the original
shape.
Abrasion Resistance: the ability to withstand
rubbing.
Luster: the natural sheen or shine of some fibers.
Static Resistance: the ability to withstand the
buildup of electricity.
Groups of Fibers
There are two main groups of fibers.
Natural fibers which are made from
natural sources—plants and animals.
Manufactured fibers which are made
from chemicals in factories.
Natural Fibers
Natural Fibers
The most common natural fibers are cotton, linen,
wool, and silk. Natural fibers vary in quality
depending on the kind of animal or plant and the
growing conditions. The fibers must be cleaned
before they can be made into yarns. Supplies of
natural fibers vary, according to the season. They
each have unique characteristics that cannot be
copied by science.
There are two categories of Natural Fibers:
1. Cellulosic Fibers
2. Protein Fibers
Cellulosic Fibers
Cellulosic Fibers Cotton
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