4.2E - Textiles

Natural fibres

Materials produced by plants or animals that can be spun into a thread, rope or filament; such as wool, linen, cotton, and silk.

Synthetic fibres

Fibres made from a man-made material that are spun into a thread; the joining of monomers into polymers by the process of polymerisation; such as Acrylic, nylon, polyester, and viscose.

Properties of natural fibres

• Absorbency – very high

• Strength – low tensile strength

• Elasticity – not so elastic

• Effect of temperature – will burn but does not melt.

Properties of synthetic fibres

• Absorbency – very low

• Strength – high tensile strength

• Elasticity – highly elastic (like stockings, socks etc)

• Effect of temperature – will burn and melt.

Conversion of yarns into fabrics

Weaving: The act of forming a sheet like material by interlacing long threads passing in one direction with others at a right angle to them.

Knitting: A method for converting a yarn into fabric by creating consecutive rows of interlocking loops of yarn.

Lacemaking: A method for creating a decorative fabric that is woven into symmetrical patterns and figures.

Felting: A method for converting yarn into fabric by matting the fibres together.