1.56k likes | 5.08k Views
Natural Fibers. Apparel 1, Obj. 9.01 Recognize characteristics of Natural and Man-Made Fibers. What is a fiber?. Fiber – like a hair. Twisted or spun into threads or yarns.
E N D
Natural Fibers Apparel 1, Obj. 9.01 Recognize characteristics of Natural and Man-Made Fibers
What is a fiber? • Fiber – like a hair • Twisted or spun into threads or yarns Coir (pronounced coy-er) is a durable fiber produced from coconuts. It is often used to make door mats or welcome mats.
Fibers video from Savannah College of Art and Design Sherbert by madelinetosh via Flickr
Fiber Characteristics • Strength – the ability to withstand pulling and twisting • Shrinkage – the ability to maintain size • Warmth – the ability to maintain body temperature
Fiber characteristics • Durability – the ability to hold up to repeated usage • Absorbency – the ability to take in moisture • Resiliency – the ability to spring back when crushed or wrinkled
Natural fibers • Cotton • Hemp • Ramie • Jute • Flax • Wool • Silk • Specialty hair fibers • Mohair • Cashmere • Camel’s hair • Llama • Alpaca • Vicuna • Guanaco Cellulostic Protein
Types of fibers • Natural Come from nature plants and animals
Cotton on the stem Photo by AshleyH via Flickr
Cotton Used to make T-shirts, shorts and jeans. Popular because of its comfort and softness. http://Cotton Video#
Cotton continued • Fiber made from the cotton plant • The most widely used fiber and fabric • It is inexpensive and can be used in many ways • Soft and absorbent • Wrinkles easily unless given a special finish • Mildews if stored when damp
Wool Photo by Clarissa Peterson via Flickr
Wool continued • Made from the fleece (hair) of sheep or lambs • Most common animal fiber worn today • Warmest fiber • Natural insulator and protects the body from cold climates • Fibers trap air, preventing the transfer of heat and cold • Can absorb moisture without making you feel wet • Resilient
Wool disadvantages • Shrinks with heat • Usually dry-clean only • Frequently damaged by moths • Itchy
Silk Photo by natmandu via Flickr
Silk • Filament fiber made from cocoons of silk worms • Longest natural fiber • One of the strongest fibers • Has natural shine • Lustrous and drapes well • Very elastic and resists wrinkling • Most silk garments must be dry-cleaned due to the dyes used • Or can be hand-washed • Very delicate
flax Photo by Vilseskogen via Flickr
Flax • Flax is the fiber used to make linen • One of the first cellulostic fibers used for making fabric • Used for tablecloths, kitchen towels, handkerchiefs, draperies, and clothing • Known to be durable and absorbent • Often is expensive because it takes a lot of time to make • Wrinkles easily • Creases can be hard to remove • Shines if ironed on the wrong side • Mildews • Has color loss
ramie Photo by Tonio Vega via Flickr
ramie • Egyptians made fabric from ramie fibers • Also known as China Grass • Very strong and durable • Lustrous • Dries quickly • Absorbs moisture • Wrinkles easily • Stiff and wirelike • Coarse • Uses • Cords, twine, rope, canvas, home furnishings
Other natural fibers • Cashmere, alpaca, camel, vicuna, llama, angora and mohair Cashmere yarn is known for warmth and softness. Photo by lux2night via Flickr
Manufactured fibers • These are fibers that are man-made. Chemicals and chemical processes, including petroleum products, are used to make manufactured fibers.