FABRIC AROUND US simplified
FABRIC AROUND US simplified
Types of Fibres
Fibres can be natural (from nature) or man-made (created in factories).
Natural Fibres
1. Cellulosic fibres (plant-based):
o From seeds: Cotton, kapok.
o From stems: Linen (flax), hemp, jute.
o From leaves: Pineapple, sisal.
o From nuts: Coconut (coir).
2. Protein fibres (animal-based):
o From hair: Wool (sheep, goat, camel).
o From secretions: Silk.
3. Mineral fibre: Asbestos.
4. Natural rubber.
Man-Made Fibres
• First fibre: Rayon, made in 1895, also called "Artificial Silk."
• Created to mimic natural fibres like silk.
How Man-Made Fibres Are Made:
1. Raw materials (like chemicals or wood pulp) are turned into a liquid.
2. The liquid is pushed through tiny holes in a tool called a spinnerette.
3. The liquid hardens into fine threads (fibres).
4. These threads are stretched, processed, or textured to improve their strength or stretchiness.
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Textile Finishing
Textile finishing refers to the treatments applied to fabrics after weaving or knitting to improve their
appearance, texture, or functionality. Fabrics fresh off the loom are unrecognizable as market-ready
materials until they undergo these finishing processes.
Types of Finishing Treatments
1. Routine Finishes: Essential treatments for basic usability and appearance.
2. Durable Finishes: Remain intact even after washing or dry cleaning (e.g., dyeing).
3. Renewable Finishes: Require reapplication after washing (e.g., starching, blueing).
Categories of Finishes
1. Finishes for change in appearance:
o Cleaning: Removes impurities through scouring and bleaching.
o Straightening/Smoothing:
▪ Calendering: Gives the fabric a smooth surface.
▪ Tentering: Ensures the fabric is stretched to the desired width and straightened.
2. Finishes for change in texture:
o Starching/Sizing: Adds stiffness to the fabric.
o Special Calendering: Creates glossy or embossed effects.
3. Finishes for change in behaviour:
o Wash and Wear: Makes fabric easier to care for.
o Permanent Press: Reduces the need for ironing.
o Water Repellent/Waterproof: Protects fabric from water penetration.
o Mothproofing: Prevents moth damage.
o Flame Retardant/Fireproof: Improves safety by reducing flammability.
o Antishrink: Prevents shrinkage during washing.
Adding Colour to Fabrics
Colour enhances the aesthetic appeal of fabrics, making it a crucial factor for selection. The
application of colour involves:
1. Dyeing:
o Fibre Stage: Adds colour to fibres for multicoloured yarns or designed felts.
o Yarn Stage: Produces woven patterns like checks and stripes.
o Fabric Stage: The most common method for solid colours and designed patterns (e.g.,
batik, tie-and-dye).
2. Printing:
o A specialized dyeing process for applying localized designs.
o Methods:
▪ Hand Tools: Blocks, stencils, and screens.
▪ Industrial Techniques: Roller printing, automatic screen printing.
o Allows for multicoloured designs in defined patterns.
NOTE: Characterestics of fibers you must study from the comparative table in your notebook