Textlies 1 Flashcards
What are natural fibres?
- Fibres that come from natural sources, such as plants and animals
Properties of natural fibres
- Renewable
- Biodegradable
- Recyclable
- Fairly sustainable
- Absorbent and strong when dry
- Poor resistance to biological damage such as moths and mould
Examples of natural fibres
- Cotton
- Wool
- Silk
- Leather
Properties and uses of cottom
- Smooth
- Strong
- Hard wearing
- Absorbent
- Fairly cheap
- High flammability
- Poor elasticity
- Used in blouses, jeans , denim
Properties and uses of wool
- warm, absorbent, good elasticity, low flammability
- dries slowly, might feel itchy, fairly expensive
- used in knitted fabrics, jumpers, coats, carpets
Properties and uses of silk
- very smooth, resistant to shrinking, low flammability, comfy
- creases easily, weak when wet
- used in satin, underwear, lingerie, ties
Leather properties and uses
- Long lasting, sustainable
- Used in shoes and car seats
What are synthetic fibres
Fibres which are made from polymers ( long chain molecules) which come from coal and oil ( non- renewable fossil fuels)
Properties of synthetic fibres
- Resistant to biological damage (moths and moulds)
- not very absorbent so hard to dye
- can be changed by heating to form different shapes and textures
- less sustainable than natural fibres
Examples of synthetic fibres
Elastane
Polyester
Linen
Polyamide
Properties and uses of elastane
- Extremely elastic, soft, lightweight, keeps shape well
- Not absorbent, high flammability
- Used in LYCRA ,sportswear, underwear,
Properties and uses of polyester
- Smooth, strong, hard wearing, elastic, dries quickly
- Not absorbent, not biodegradable
- Used in DARCON, bed sheets, curtains, cushions
Properties and uses of polyamide
- Strong, warm, good elasticity
- not very absorbent, damaged by sunlight
- used in nylon, socks, tights
What are fabrics made of
Fibres which are spun into yarn
What are yarns
Threads that are woven or knitted to make fabrics
What are yarns made of
fibres which can come in short lengths (staple fibres) or longer lengths (filaments)
How can filaments and staple fibres be spun
Filaments can be spun or used how they are and staple fibres are spun to produce yarns
how are woven fabrics made
by interlacing two sets of yarn (crossing alternately over and under)
how are knitted fabrics made
by interlocking one or more yarns together using loops, these loops trap air, so they insulate. They stretch more than woven fabrics
how are non- woven fabrics made
layers of fibres held together by bonding or felting, don’t fray, can be cut in any direction, meaning less waste when laying out patterns, however not strong and do not stretch
