Greetings, ciao!
Silk, Wool, and Cotton are Natural fibers which come from living
creatures or plants.
Nylon and Polester are Synthetic fibers, meaning they are man-made,
rather than occurring in nature.
SILK
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How Silk is Produced:
From The Silk Association of Great Britain’s website:
“Silk is produced by various insects, but by far the largest quantity
comes from the silkworm 'Bombyx Mori'. This is the silk worm, which
feeds on mulberry leaves and forms a cocoon of Silk before pupating.
The threads from several cocoons are subsequently unwound together to
form a single strand of raw silk. This fine thread is the basic
component of all Silk yarn and fabric. Some of the gum, which the
silkworm uses to hold the cocoon together, remains to assist the
delicate fibre during processing. It is subsequently washed away."
http://www.silk.org.uk/production.htm
The page listed above contains an excellent description of the silk
weaving, dying, and finishing processes.
Types of Silk Fabric:
"There are two main types of silk fabrics, each with its own specific
characteristics:
- The first category includes those fabrics made from yarns which have
been dyed beforehand: these fabrics are known as yarn-dyed or
dyed-woven (eg, taffeta, duchess satin, many pattern-woven fabrics).
- The second type includes all those fabrics that are dyed after
weaving, known as piece-dyed fabrics (eg, crepes, twills, etc)."
http://www.silk.org.uk/production.htm
"Taffeta... shiny, yarn-dyed, very fine-grained, with a dry and
rustling feel."
includes "poult and faille; crepe (such as crepe de Chine, Moroccan
crepe, and crepe georgette); chiffon, organdie, voile, and grenadine;
toilles, pongees shantungs... and tussah".
"Twill...The way in which the yarns are woven produces an effect of
diagonal ribs and grooves. The main fabrics using this type of weave
are the serges, surahs, diagonals, herringbone, diamond-shaped."
"Satin...Fabrics which usually have a shiny look... a smooth,
brilliant surface and seems to be made of yarns laid
side-by-side...duchess satins, Lyons satins, double-faced radzimir
satins, satin crepes with a weft made from twisted yarns,
charmeuses..."
http://www.silk.org.uk/types.htm
Characteristics of Silk:
From The Silkery’s online store:
“In comparison to other fabrics, Silk is considered:
- the most luxurious
- the most comfortable
- the most absorbent of fabrics (equal to wool)
- the best fabric for drape
- the best fabric for color
- capable of the greatest luster
- having the finest "hand"
- soil resistant
- moth & mildew resistant
- the strongest natural fabric
- cool in summer
- warm in winter"
http://silkery.com/charact.html
"Caring for Silk:
Some silks are washable, for others dry-cleaning is recommended."
http://www.silk.org.uk/silk_care.htm
WOOL
----
How Wool is Produced:
From Fabrics.net’s informational website:
"Although wool fiber comes from a variety of animal coats, not all
wools are scratchy but rather extremely soft. The wool fibers have
crimps or curls which create pockets and gives the wool a spongy feel
and creates insulation for the wearer. The outside surface of the
fiber consists of a series of serrated scales which overlap each other
much like the scales of a fish."
http://www.fabrics.net/wool.asp
Types of Wool Fabric:
Wool comes from the coat of sheep (Wool), llama (Vicuna), alpaca
(Alpaca Fleece), Angora rabbit (Angora wool), Angora goat (Mohair),
and Kasmir goat (Cashmere).
"Woolen fabrics - have a soft feel and fuzzy surface, very little
shine or sheen, will not hold a crease, and are heavier and bulkier
than worsteds. Blankets, scarves, coating, and some fabrics are
considered woolens.
Worsted wool - is smoother than woolen, takes shine more easily, does
not sag, holds a crease well, is lighter and less bulky, and wears
longer than woolen."
http://www.fabrics.net/wool.asp
Woolen weaves include:
Beaver cloth, Botany or Merino wool, Broadcloath, Challis, Cheviot,
Chinchilla cloth, Donegal, Felt, Flannel, Gabardine, Glen checks,
Harris tweed, Heather mixture, Herringbone, Homespun, Houndstooth
check, Jersey, Laine, Lambsdown, Linsey-Woolsey, Loden, Mackinaw,
Melton, Oatmeal cloth, Panama cloth, Petersham, Pilot cloth, Poodle
Cloth, Rabbithair, Sharkskin, Tartan, Tweed, and Virgin wool.
http://www.fabrics.net/wool.asp
Characteristics of Wool:
- dirt resistant
- flame resistant
- resists wear and tearing
- will return to its original position after being stretched or
creased
- will absorb up to 30% of its weight in moisture without feeling damp
“Its unique properties allow shaping and tailoring, making the wool
the most popular fabric for tailoring fine garments.”
http://www.fabrics.net/wool.asp
Caring for Wool:
From Clatteringford Natural Fibres for Natural Living’s website of
wool and linen products:
“Shetland - Handwash, do not bleach, warm iron, OK for dry cleaning.
Guernsey - Handwash with soap flakes, do not bleach, spin dry with
care and dry flat, OK for dry cleaning.
Aran - Warm handwash, do not bleach, rinse thoroughly, warm iron, dry
cleanable with low moisture steam only.
Alpaca - Hand wash cold water mild detergent, dry flat, cool iron.
Cashmere - Cool hand wash soap flakes, spin dry - do not wring - dry
flat in shape away from direct sunlight/heat, cool iron under damp
cloth at wool setting.”
http://www.clatteringford.com/care-wool.html
From Velona Needlecraft’s website:
“Many people try to protect their garments and moth balls are commonly
used. But wait! Moth balls contain the chemical 'para dichlorobenzene'
which, in certain circumstances, can be extremely dangerous to a
person's liver and nervous system... We encourage you to throw them
away today!”
- Minimize the sources of all critters in the household.
- Always wash or dry clear garments before you consider long term
storage. If you dry clean, ALWAYS throw away the plastic cover and
ALWAYS 'air out' the garment to disperse the extremely dangerous
carcinogen chemical 'perchloroethylene' which is commonly used in the
dry cleaning process.
- Wrap loosely and crumply in acid free paper and place in a sweater
box that has a couple air holes for breathing which is a necessary
requirement for all natural fibers.
- Use cedar chips, cedar sweater eggs, or store in a cedar lined
chest. Moths do not like the cedar aroma and they stay away from the
area. Cedar, however, seals itself and it is prudent to rub it with
sandpaper on a periodic basis to insure the continuous flow of cedar
freshness.
- If you are not certain that your garments are moth proofed, you may
moth proof them using the chemical Tenethrin. Please be certain to
follow the manufacturer's instructions.
http://www.velona.com/about/chris2.html
Another excellent source of wool fabric care tips is available on the
Kentucky Sheep and Wool Producers’ Association’s website:
http://www.kswpa.com/careofwool.htm
COTTON
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How Cotton is Produced:
“The cotton fiber is from the cotton plant’s seed pod.”
http://www.fabrics.net/cotton.asp
From the website of APY, Ltd. Textile Firm and International Trading
House:
“Prior to the Industrial Revolution textiles were spun by hand using a
spinning wheel. Today most commercial yarns are produced in textile
mills, and although the tools and techniques vary from hand spinning
most of the processes are still the same.
Industrial yarn spinning includes four basic processes:
- Loosening and Cleaning
- Carding
- Drawing
- Spinning
Most yarns are spun from staple fibers made using one of three of
systems -- the Cotton Process, the Woolen Process, and the Worsted
Process. These processes vary only sightly from each other and they
all included the basic steps of Loosening and Cleaning, Carding,
Drawing and Spinning.”
http://www.apy2000.co.uk/Yarn%20Manufacturing.htm
From Cotton Incorporated’s “The Fabric of Our Lives” website:
“2. What's the difference between cotton and linen? Natural fibers
fall into two main groups: protein fibers, which come from animals,
and vegetable fibers which come from plants. The main ingredient in
all vegetable fibers is cellulose, a carbohydrate found in all plant
life. Both cotton and linen are vegetable fibers. Linen is made from
the flax plant, cotton is made from the cotton plant.”
http://www.cottoninc.com/MediaServices/homepage.cfm?page=204#faq2
Types of Cotton Fabric:
Chenille, Chintz, Corduroy, Denim, Diaper Cloth, Dimity, Drill, Duck,
Flannel, Flannelette, Gauze, Gingham, Jacquard, Knitted Jersey, Lawn,
Muslin, Organdy, Oxford, Percale, Pima Cotton, Poplin, Printed,
Sailcloth, Sateen, Seersucker, Swiss, Terrycloth, Whipcord, Velvet,
Velveteen, Velour.
http://www.cottoninc.com/ConsumerInformation
http://www.fabrics.net/cotton.asp
Characteristics of Cotton:
From Fabrics.net’s page on cotton:
“-cool, soft, and comfortable...
- durable: stands up to abrasion and wears well...
- has a wash-and-wear property when Permanent finishes are added...
- retains 24-27 times its own weight in water and is stronger when wet
than dry...
- absorbs and releases perspiration quickly, thus allowing the fabric
to "breathe"...
- can stand high temperatures and takes dyes easily...
- can be restored to a clear white with chlorine bleach (but this
bleach may yellow chemically finished cottons or remove color in dyed
cottons)...
- can be boiled and sterilized at high temperatures without
disintegration...
- can be ironed at relatively high temperatures.”
http://www.fabrics.net/cotton.asp
Caring for Cotton:
“5. Does cotton clothing have to be dry cleaned? Cotton is easily
laundered at home, but some fabrics and garments may be dry cleaned
instead. Watch out for: embossed designs, loose knit weaves that snag
easily, delicate embellished fabrics, linings, shoulder pads and inner
construction, special finishes that come out in the wash, and garments
that require professional pressing and finishing, such as starched
oxford shirts.”
http://www.cottoninc.com/MediaServices/homepage.cfm?page=204#faq2
From Martha Stewart’s Cotton Care page:
“- read the label for recommended water temperature...
- tumble dry, remove immediately, and fold to reduce wrinkling...
- separate by color: wash dark colors in cool water, light colors in
warm water...
- very dirty clothing should be presoaked for half an hour in
detergent...
- stains respond well when treated with an all-purpose commercial
stain remover...
- to keep brights vibrant, turn clothing inside-out before washing...
- for especially fine fabrics, avoid machine agitation and gently
hand-wash with mild detergent”
http://www.cottoninc.com/MarthaStewart/homepage.cfm?PAGE=644
NYLON and POLYESTER
-------------------
Nylon and Polyester are Synthetic (man-made) materials, called
polymers, created with chemical reactions, and frequently used as a
fiber.
From FiberSource.com’s FiberWorld Classroom:
What is a Polymer?
”The term “polymer” is derived from the Greek “poly”, meaning “many”,
and “mer”, meaning “parts” — thus polymers are substances made of
“many parts”. In most cases the parts are small molecules which react
together hundreds, or thousands, or millions of times.”
http://www.fibersource.com/f-tutor/poly.htm
From the Department of Polymer Science at the University of Southern
Mississippi:
“A polymeric fiber is a polymer whose chains are stretched out
straight (or close to straight) and lined up next to each other, all
along the same axis... Polymers arranged in fibers like this can be
spun into threads and used as textiles.”
http://www.psrc.usm.edu/macrog/fiber.htm
NYLON
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Types of Nylon Fabric:
From Fabrics.net’s page on Synthetic fabrics:
“Nylon became a household word in 1940 when it was knitted into
hosiery. In 1942 it was called into service for the armed forces use
in parachutes, flak vests, combat uniforms, tires and many other vital
military uses. Until the war was over nylon was not available to the
public. Nylon became one of the most versatile fibers of the man-made
fabrics. In addition to hosiery, nylon is used in tricot, netting for
bridal veils, and in carpeting.
http://www.fabrics.net/manufact.asp
Characteristics of Nylon:
From FiberSource.com’s tutorial on Nylon:
“- exceptionally strong
- elastic
- abrasion-resistant
- lustrous
- easy to wash
- resistant to damage from oil and many chemicals
- can be precolored or dyed in wide range of colors
- resilient
- low in moisture-absorbency
- filament yarns provide smooth, soft, long-lasting fabrics
- spun yarns lend fabrics light weight and warmth”
http://www.fibersource.com/f-tutor/nylon.htm
POLYESTER
---------
Types of Polyester Fabric:
From Fabrics.net’s page on Synthetic fabrics:
“Polyester is manufactured in many weights including fiber-fill used
in pillows and upholstery. Threads spun from polyester fibers are
strong, wear exceptionally well, and are used extensively in home
sewing and manufactured sewing.”
http://www.fabrics.net/manufact.asp
Characteristics of Polyester:
From FiberSource.com’s tutorial on Polyester:
“- strong
- resistant to stretching and shrinking
- resistant to most chemicals
- quick-drying
- crisp and resilient when wet or dry
- wrinkle-resistant
- mildew-resistant
- abrasion-resistant
- retains heat-set pleats and crease
- easily washed”
http://www.fibersource.com/f-tutor/polyester.htm
Caring for Polyester:
“- can be machine washed and dried
- use warm water and add a fabric softener to the final rinse cycle
- machine-dry at a low temperature and remove articles as soon as the
tumbling cycle is completed
- if ironing is desired, use a moderately warm iron
- most items can be dry-cleaned.
- For specific instructions, refer to garment's sewn-in care label.”
http://www.fibersource.com/f-tutor/polyester.htm
How to Determine the Identity of an Unknown Fabric, from Fabrics.net:
http://www.fabrics.net/fabricsr.asp
Search Strategy
what is silk fabric?
://www.google.com/search?hl=en&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&q=what+is+silk+fabric%3F&btnG=Google+Search
what is wool fabric?
://www.google.com/search?hl=en&lr=&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&q=what+is+wool+fabric%3F
what is cotton fabric?
://www.google.com/search?hl=en&lr=&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&q=what+is+cotton+fabric%3F
what is nylon fabric?
://www.google.com/search?hl=en&lr=&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&q=what+is+nylon+fabric%3F
what is polyester fabric?
://www.google.com/search?hl=en&lr=&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&q=what+is+polyester+fabric%3F
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