Fibres Flashcards
Properties of cotton
- cool
- absorbent
- dries slowly
- soft handle
- good drape
- durable
- creases easily
- washable
- ironable
Uses of cotton
- T-shirts
- jeans
- towels
Properties of linen
- cool
- absorbent
- dries quickly
- stiffer handle
- good drape
- durable
- creases badly
- washable
- ironable
Uses of linen
- summer clothing
- tea towels
- table cloths
Properties of wool
- warm
- absorbent
- dries slowly
- breathable
- repels rain
- soft or coarse handle
- shrinks - dry clean
- good drape
- non durable
- creases drop out
Uses of wool
- jumpers
- suits
- blankets
- hats
Properties of silk
- warm
- absorbent
- soft handle
- good lustre
- drapes well
- durable
- creases drop out
- dry clean
Uses of silk
- evening wear
* ties
Properties of viscose
- low warmth
- absorbent
- dries slowly
- soft handle
- good drape
- non durable
- creases easily
- washable
- ironable
Uses of viscose
- shirts
- dresses
- linings
Properties of acrylic
- warm
- non absorbent
- dries quickly
- stiffer handle
- good drape
- durable
- crease resistant
- easy care
Uses of acrylic
- jumpers
- fleece jackets
- blankets
Properties of Nylon (Tactel)
- warm
- absorbent
- dries slowly
- breathable
- repels rain
- shrinks - dry clean
- good drape
- durable
- creases drop out
Uses of nylon (Tactel)
- active sportswear
- fleece jackets
- socks
- seat belts
Properties of polyester
- low warmth
- non absorbent
- dries quickly
- soft handle
- good stable
- very durable
- crease resistant
- easy care
- recyclable
Uses of polyester
- raincoats
- fleece jackets
- children’s nightwear
- medical textiles
Properties of microfibres
Polyester/Nylon
• very fine
• blends with other fibres
Thermoplastic polyester/Nylon
• heat-treated creates coils/crimps/loops
• stretchy
• warm
Uses of microfibres
Polyester/Nylon
• outdoor clothing
• active sportswear
Thermoplastic polyester/nylon • underwear • sportswear • knitwear • carpets
Properties and uses of polyester/cotton blends
- more easy care
- more crease resistant
• shirts
Properties and uses of cotton/Lycra blends
- more comfortable
- more stretchy
- better fit
• jeans
Properties and uses of acrylic/wool blends
- less expensive
* trousers
Properties of blended elastane (Lycra)
- good handle
- good drape
- durable
- crease resistant
- stretchy
- more comfortable
- easy care
- low warmth
- absorbent
Uses of blended elastane (Lycra)
- sportswear
- body hugging clothes
- bandages
Properties of blended tencel
- soft handle
- good drape
- breathable
- durable
- crease resistant
- easy care
- biodegradable
- absorbent
- low warmth
Uses of blended tencel
- shirts
* jeans
General properties of fibre blends
- improved appearance
- improved performance
- more comfortable
- easier to care for
- reduces cost
What are the 3 stages textiles materials are made in?
- spinning - fibres are spun into yarns
- weaving/knitting - yarns become fabrics
- finishing - fabrics are finished to make them more useful
What are the natural fibres?
- cotton
- linen
- wool
- silk
What are the synthetic fibres?
- Viscose
- acrylic
- Nylon
- Polyester
Why are synthetic fibres (and silk) not usually spun into yarn?
They are continuous filament fibres. This makes them long, meaning they do not need to be spun into yarn
Why do most natural fibres need to be spun into yarn?
They have staple fibres. This means the fibres are short and need to be spun to make them longer
Where does cotton come from?
The cotton plant
Where does linen come from?
Te flax plant
Where does wool come from?
Animals (sheep)
Where does silk come from?
Silkworms
Where does viscose come from?
Pine trees
Or
Petrochemicals
Where does acrylic nylon and polyester come from
Fossil fuels
Oil and coal
