Textile Types: Fibres

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Plant-Based and Animal-Based Natural Fibres

Plant-based and animal-based natural fibres are commonly used in everyday textiles. For example bed linen and carpets respectively. They could even be used in some of your GCSE projects.

Cotton

Cotton is a plant-based natural fibre.
These textiles appear white and fluffy and are taken from the cotton plant.
The fibres are combined and spun into threaded yarn.
Cotton is strong, soft, absorbent and easily washed.
Common uses include shirts, underwear, denim, towels and bed linen.

Wool

Wool is an animal-based natural fibre.
These textiles appear soft and commonly come from sheep.
The fibres are combined and spun into threaded yarn.
Wool is easy to dye and available in many textures and colours.

Wool cont.

Wool is naturally warm and crease resistant.
This fibre can easily shrink and it often mixed with other fibres to enhance its properties.
Common uses include sweaters, coats, suits, warm clothing liners and carpets.

Silk

Silk is an animal-based natural fibre.
These fibres are taken from the cocoon of a silkworm.
The fibres have a natural shine and readily takes the dye.

Silk cont.

Silk can crease very easily and can be difficult to wash.
Silk can feel cool in summer yet warm in the winter and drapes well.
Common uses include luxury nightwear, clothing, bed linen, silk paintings and soft furnishings.

Synthetic Fibres

Synthetic fibres are commonly used in everyday textiles such as backpacks. They could even be used in some of your GCSE projects.

Polyester

These textiles can be mixed into different fabrics such as satin, rip-stop, tent material, sail material and brushed fleece called Polartec.
Polyester is strong, hard wearing, holds colour well, non-absorbent, quick drying and machine washable.
Common uses include fleece clothing, bed linen, carpets, backpacks, umbrellas and sports apparel.

Polymide (Nylon)

This fabric is woven into different forms such as rip-stop and is very versatile.
Polymide is hardwearing, strong, non-absorbent, machine washable and often mixed with other fabrics to enhance its properties.
Common uses include ropes, parachutes, sports apparel, and clothing.

Elastane (LYCRA)

This fabric is very slick and smooth to touch with a shine.
Often mixed with other fabrics to enhance its properties especially elasticity.
LYCRA allows freedom of movement, dries quickly and is machine washable.
Common uses sports apparel, swimsuits, surgical and muscular supports as well as general clothing.

Blended and Mixed Fibres

Blended and mixed fibres are commonly used in everyday textiles such as t-shirts. They could even be used in some of your GCSE projects.

Poly-cotton (LYCRA)

This fabric is made up of a polyester and cotton blend.
Poly-cotton is easy to dye and creases less than pure cotton.
Poly-cotton is much stronger than pure cotton.
This fabric can be produced more cheaply than pure cotton and is available in a mixture of blends such as 60% cotton and 40% Polyester.