Textiles - Fibers and Fabrics (Study Guide)

Textiles: Fibers and Fabrics Key Concepts ● The difference between natural fibers and manufactured fibers ● The major steps in the production of most fabrics ● The effect of imports on the U.S. fiber and fabric industries ● The effects of new technology on textiles ● “Going green” with fibers and fabrics The Fiber Industry ● Fibers are an extremely fine hair-like strand almost invisible to the eye. It’s the smallest element of the fabric ● Fibers can be spun or twisted into continuous threads called yarn. Yarn can than be knitted or woven into fabric ● Although small, fibers are what give fabrics its color, weight, texture and durability. ● Fibers are natural (plant or animal) or manufactured (laboratory) Natural Fibers ● Cotton: Substance attached to the seed of a cotton plant. Cotton is soft, comfortable, durable and absorbs moisture. ● Wool: The fiber that forms the coat of a sheep. Used to make warm clothes. Dries slower than cotton. ● Silk: Comes from the cocoon formed by a silkworm. Known for its smooth luxurious feel. ● Flax: Used to make linen. Comes from the stem of a flax plant. Twice as strong as cotton. Tendency to wrinkle and harder to iron than cotton. ● Ramie: Comes from a woody leafed Asian plant that grows in China. Linen like fabric suitable for warm weather apparel. Also inexpensive. ● Hemp: A fibrous plant illegal to grow in the US because of its similar appearance to marijuana. Imported fabrics are allowed in the US and are popular because of its “green” properties and it’s comfort. History and Development Manufactured Fibers ● Cellulosic Fibers: Cellulose, the same fibrous subsance found in plants is also used to manufacture cellulosic fibers. They’re made with a minimum of chemical steps. They include Rayon, Acetate and Lyocell. ● Noncellulosic Fibers: Petroleum, coal, natural gas, air and water and used to make noncellulosic fibers. Fiber chemists working in laboratories link the molecules into long chains called polymers. Nylon, acrylic and polyester are in this category. The Textile Fabric Industry ● Midway between the fiber and the finished apparel, accessory or home furnishing product is the fabric. ● Textile fabric is any material that’s made by weaving, knitting, braiding or chemical bonding. ● It’s the basic material from which most articles of apparel, accessories and home furnishings are made. ● The production of fabrics begins with the creation of yarn from fibers. Fibers cannot be made into fabric without first spinning or twisting them into yarn. Yarns are then woven into unfinished fabrics (GREIGE GOODS). Then converted into finished fabrics for consumer or industrial use. Organization and Operation ● The Converter: Buy GREIGE GOODS from the mills, have the goods processed to order by the finishing plants, then sell the finished goods to the garment makers. ● Textile converters must be on top of all trends, colors, patterns and finishes. Textile Trade Shows & Fairs ● New trends in fabrics are introduced at trade shows and fairs throughout the world. ● Shows are attended by designers, manufacturers, and retailers. ● The failure to identify and act on a trend from a major textile show, would limit the retailers and apparel manufacturers from obtaining the correct fabric the consumer wants. Merchandising and Marketing The Green Scene ● Being eco-friendly in the production of fibers and fabrics is at the forefront of consumer concerns. ● Textile manufacturers are collecting plastic bottles, used clothes and cotton and wool scraps and turning them into first quality garments. ● The fabric industry has made an effort to reduce its impact on the environment through recycling. ● Recycled cotton can be used as rags, or in high quality paper. Wool gets incorporated into car insulation and seat stuffing. Denim is now used as an insulation for homes.