Where does fabric come from? Fabric is made from fibers – There are 2 basic types of fibers:

1. Where does fabric come from? Fabric is made from fibers – There are 2 basic types of fibers:

2. Natural and Man-made Fabrics (also known as Synthetic)

3. NATURAL FIBERS Natural fibers– come from plants and animals

4. COTTON • Is made from the cotton plant. • Is the least expensive of all natural fibers. • Absorbs moisture. • Is comfortable to wear. • Is strong, durable, and accepts dyes easily. • Is most suitable for: • children's clothing, summer clothing, and beginning sewing projects.

5. Cotton Fiber Care: • It can be pressed at higher temperatures. • It dries quickly. • It wrinkles easily. • I00 % cotton shrinks.

6. LINEN Fiber Characteristics: • It is made of the flax plant. • It has many of the same characteristics as cotton. • It wrinkles VERY easily. • It is stronger than cotton. • It dyes easily. • It is fairly expensive, and is often used in creating a blend. • It is commonly used for spring/summer wear and fine suits.

7. Linen Fiber Care: • Care varies from washable to dry cleanable only—it depends on the quality • See the care label. • Press at highest temperatures.

8. SILK • Fiber Characteristics: • Silk comes from the silk worm. • It is a luxury fabric. • It has beautiful colors. • It wrinkles easily. • It is weakened by the sun.

9. Silk Fiber Care: • Care varies from washable to dry cleanable only—depending upon the quality. • See the care label. • Do not iron using moisture—water spots never go away.

10. WOOL • Fiber Characteristics: • Wool comes from animals i.e., sheep, rabbits, goats, etc. • It is VERY warm, but shrinks and mats easily. • It has natural fire-retardant characteristics. • It eases and shapes well. • It absorbs moisture. • It keeps body heat in. • It repels outside moisture. • It doesn't show sewing errors. • It is often used for coats, outer clothing, quality suits, etc.

11. Wool Fiber Care: • Care varies from washable to dry cleanable only. • See the care label.

12. Man-made FIBERS Man-made fibers – made from chemicals

13. Synthetic Fibers- • Manufactured through the • use of chemicals • Less absorbent than natural fibers • Heat sensitive • Press using a low temperature setting • Tend to pill or ball

14. Nylon- • Nylon is the strongest synthetic fiber; • wears well • Does not absorb moisture • Very lightweight • Used in sportswear and outerwear • Can tear easily—look for rip-stop features • Fiber care- • *Use low pressing temperature to • prevent melting • *Keep clean for best performance

15. Acrylic- • Created to be similar to wool • Soft, warm and lightweight • Often used in sweaters • Fiber care- • –machine washable • -tends to pill or ball up

16. Acetate- • Not very strong • Created to be a silk look alike • Receives dye well • Washes well • Used mostly in formal wear • Often used in linings • Fiber Care- • Usually dry-cleanable • Will dissolve completely in acetone

17. Polyester- • Fine to heavy weight-depends on use • Tends to pill or ball • Fiber care-washes easily • -resists wrinkling • -retains oily stains

18. How is fabric constructed?