Fabrics and Fibres

Natural fabrics are made from natural fibres’, which means that they come from plants or animals! (Crazy really)

A lot of the time natural fibres are not harmful to the environment, as they can decompose without leaving any harmful chemicals, and harmful chemicals are not used to manufacture them. However, when harmful pesticides are used to make the crops grow faster and to kill any bugs eating the plant, it can harm the surrounding environment and the people tending the crops.

COTTON!!

(http://info.fabrics.net/fabric-facts/cotton/)

Come from Animals and Plants!!

Most of them are staple fibers: Except Silk

Grow without the help of humans

No negative impact on the environment

Cotton is a stable fibre, it grows within the plant, in a protective capsule, e.g. a bud. The fibre it’s self is soft and fluffy. As cotton is a natural fibre it’s not, in so many words ‘bad for the environment  as it comes from a plant, and is not made by humans. Cotton is biodegradable so it’s not bad for the environment  it’s able to be reused, and recycled but if that’s not an option and it’s taken to a landfill site it will decompose not leaving behind and harmful chemicals.

WOOL!!!

(http://www.teeswaterwools.co.uk/images/IMG_1464.jpg)

Wool is still a natural fibre, however it comes from an animals rather than a plant, It comes from sheep and can come from other animals! Such as goats (that’s….Mohair, or Cashmere  Wool comes in stable fibres, and they come in clusters of them! Wool is spun into a fabric, and is not as flammable as other synaesthetic materials such as polyester. Also wool is biodegradable so it doesn't have a negative impact on the environment  Wool is quite a long lasting fibre so it’s able to be reused which is very good for the environment!

SYNTHETIC FIBER FACTS!

Synthetic fibers were created to improve on natural fibers! They use chemicals which are combined into polymers, they produce fibers such as : nylon, polyester and acrylic! As they are man-made they are able to improve and create a fibre with characteristics that are desirable to the consumer! They are NOT biodegradable!

The Fabrics…..

Nylon:

Nylon is Silky to touch,

 Commonly used in tights and stockings

Nylon is strong,

Very elasticated,

Dries very quickly.

Polyester:

Polymer fabrics are very strong and durable, and dry quick and easily. It’s made from a long chain of polymers and is also a continuous filament fibre.

Acrylic:

Acrylic is sometimes made to mimic other fibres, like cotton. 

It is also lightweight, soft and warm…it’s kind of feels like wool !:P 

Acrylic can be used  as a cheaper alternative to cashmere! 

However they can fuzz easily.

Regenerated Fibres! 

These are fibres that are made from cellulose a natural polymer,  but the  fibre structure has been chemically altered by man, therefore the original  fibres are reborn or regenerated, but are not totally man-made.”

… This a definition from www.miniknittingstuff.com ad it’s the most defined and accurate definition that i’ve found.

Regenerated fabrics are nearly enough the same at synthetic fabrics and fibres.

Blended fibres!

We blend them to improve their quality. They improve on such things as warmth, and creasing ect.

They are made from natural and/or synthetic fibres, overall they need to be made up of at least 2 or 3 different fibres that can be blended together.

Comfortable clothes? …. Natural blend is used. This is made of natural fibres, all natural fibres.

Natural and synthetic fibres ….can be used together to make a desirable quality for the use it’s needed for.

Common blends.

• cotton and polyester
• nylon and wool
• nylon and acetate
• wool and cotton

The blend of cotton and wool is also known as Viyella.

• Soft
• Dress weight
• Doesn't shrink as much as normal wool
• Viyella yarn available for knitting,

 Thanks for reading, lots of love,
Sophie xx