Fibres

TEXTILE FIBRES

• The 3 main groups of fibres are:

     Natural (Wool)

     Regenerated (Viscose)

     Synthetic (Polyester)

• They are fine hair-like structures that are in SHORT LENGTHS or as LONG CONTINOUS FILAMENTS

• All fibres are made up of groups of molecules called POLYMERS

• In the WORSTED process of wool means that it produces smooth yarns

• In the WOOLEN process, short fibres are made therefore producing rough edges

Wool Technology

• Cool Wool is a lighter weight wool fabric

• Super wash is a shrink resistant process which enables products to be washed in washing machines without damage

• Zirpro is a flame resistant finish for wool products used for protective clothing and aircraft upholstery

• Virgin wool must be made from wool fibres which HAVE NOT previously been: spun into yarn, felted or incorporated into a finished product

Other Animals in Fibres

• Alpaca and guanaco are types of llama which are bred for their FINE, SOFT, LIGHTLY CROPPED and WARM hair

• They are used in expensive knitted jackets, overcoats and blankets

• Cashmere comes from the coats of goats 

• Cashmere items are VERY SOFT, LIGHT and LUSTROUS and is the most expensive hair fibre

Natural Fibres: Silk

• Silk is made up from long-chain protein molecules which produce a continous filament

• Made from a caterpillar of the silk moth

• The fibres are continous filaments that are very strong

• Examples made from silk are:

Chiffon

Satin

Damask

Taffeta

• The most important silk-producing countries are China, India, Japan and Thailand

• The silk seal shows that a product has been made from pure silk and guarntees a certain quality level

Natural Fibres: Cotton

• Cotton is made from POLYMERS of cellulose which grows on small bushes

• After the cotton bolls are picked, if wet, are dried using warm air then GINNING…