From Fibers to Fabric:

Step by step process of the fiber to the yarn to

the fabric.

Types of Fibers

Natural Fibers• Sources:

–Animals

–Plants

Protein Fibers

Cellulose Fibers

Manufactured or Synthetic Fibers

•Chemical or Protein

Name•Generic Name

•Trade Name

Spandex

Lycra®

Types• Acetate

• Acrylic

• Nylon

• Polyester

•Rayon

•Spandex

•Triacetate

Yarns•Fibers overlapped and twisted together

Types• Spun

• Monofilament

• Multifilament

Twist• amount varies and increases strength

• very low twist - just barely holds together

• low twist - fluffy - weak

• average twist for short fibers

• high twist hard and compact

Texture

• given to manufactured fibers

• adds bulk, stretch, less static

Types of Texture

Fabric Construction• woven of knit yarns

• fibers matted together and

glued

Woven Fabrics

Plain Weave

Satin Weave

Twill Weave

Basket Weave

Pile Weave

Knits• Stretches

• Returns to Original

Shape

• Wrinkle Resistant

Warp KnitsWarp Knits• vertical rows of loops

- tricot jersey

- lace- raschel knit

Weft KnitWeft Knit• loops made as yarn added in crosswise direction

– double knit– jersey– rib knit– pile knit jersey– velour– purl knit

Non Woven• no grain

• no stretch or give

• requires special sewing techniques

Non Wovens

Fabric Finishes• changes fiber properties to create a better product

Permanent Finish• heat set

• improves fabric resistance to wrinkling• stains difficult to remove• no need to iron

Shrinkage Resistant• reduce shrinkage

Soil Release• aids in removing

dirt, oil, and grease

Flame Retardant• resists burning

Dyeing• changes color of finished product

• can be done at fiber, yarn, and fabric stage

• printing is done at fabric stage only

Care Labels• Law Required

- Fiber Content

- Care Instructions

- Country of Origin

Care Requirement• washing method• drying method• bleach type• iron temperature