Natural Fibres

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Cotton;

The icon will be a tree.
Cotton is taken from the cotton plant.
It is used in denim, corduroy and calico.

The advantages are;
Resistant to abrasion,
Alkali resistant,
Strong when wet,
and absorbent.

The disadvantages are;
Poor elasticity,
Highly susceptible to moth and mildew damage,
and creases easily.

Cotton is widely used for jeans, t shirts, blouses and soft furnishings.

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Wool;

The icon will be a sheep.
Wool is shaven from a sheep.
It is used in knitted fabrics, Harris Tweed, garbadine and jersey.

The advantages are;
Quite strong,
Good elasticity,
Very absorbent,
Crease resistant,
and warm. 

The disadvantages are;
Pilling (tiny balls),
Shrinkage if washed,
Dissolved in chemicals,
and susceptible to moth and mildew damage. 

Wool is widely used for jumpers, coats, dresses and carpets. 

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Linen;

The icon will be a stalk of a plant.
Wool is taken from the stalks of flax plant.
It is only used in linen. 

The advantages are;
Resistant to abrasion,
Strong when wet,
Very cool,
and resistant to chemicals.

The disadvantages are;
Poor elasticity,
Creases badly,
High flammability,
Dissolved in acids,
and susceptible to mildew damage. 

Linen is widely used for summer garments, trousers and dresses. 

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Silk;

The icon will be a worm.
Silk is taken from silkworm cocoons.
It is used in organza, chiffon and satin.

The advantages are;
Resistant to abrasion,
Very strong,
Absorbent,
Low flammability,
and resistant to chemicals.

The disadvantages are;
Weak when wet,
Poor elasticity,
Has to be dry cleaned,
Dissolved in bleach,
and susceptible to moth and mildew damage.

Silk is widely used in underwear, dresses, shirts and ties. 

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