INTD 50A fabric

correct knowledge of fibers leads to most appropriate selections in interiors NATURAL FIBERS come from plants and animals cotton flax/linen silk wool

COTTON made from the cotton plant least expensive absorbs moisture strong, durable, and accepts dyes easily most suitable for: low traffic areas—accessories, temporary items heavy-duty, durable cottons suitable for some upholstery

COTTON FIBER CARE press at higher temperatures dries quickly wrinkles easily I00 % cotton shrinks

LINEN made of flax plant has many characteristics like cotton wrinkles very easily and is stronger than cotton dyes easily expensive, often used in creating a blend commonly used for table linens seldom used in draperies or upholstery FIBER CARE: care varies from washable to dry cleanable only see care label press at higher temperatures

SILK from the silk worm luxury fabric—beautiful colors wrinkles easily is weakened by the sun used sparingly in interiors FIBER CARE: care varies from washable to dry cleanable only see care label

WOOL wool from animals - i.e. sheep, rabbits, goats… warm, but shrinks and mats easily naturally fire-retardant characteristics eases and shapes well absorbs moisture doesn't show sewing errors often used in high quality carpets, some upholstery & tapestries FIBER CARE: care varies from washable to dry cleanable only see care label

SYNTHETIC FIBERS manufactured through the use of chemical substances less absorbent than natural fibers heat sensitive—press using a low temperature se tend to pill and/or ball nylon polyester acrylic rayon acetate

NYLON nylon is the strongest synthetic fiber used in sporting goods—outside upholstery use low pressing temperature POLYESTER washes easily resists wrinkling retains oily stains fine to heavy weight - will depend upon use used in bedding, some upholstery & draperies tend to pill and/or ball

ACRYLIC created to be similar to wool soft, warm, and lightweight used in some upholstery & draperies machine washable tends to pill and/or ball RAYON made from wood pulp; not a very strong fiber wrinkles easily some washable others dry cleanable can be made to resemble cotton and/or silk avoid chlorine, dryer, or hot iron

ACETATE not very strong will dissolve in acetone created to be a silk look alike often used in linings usually dry cleanable only

FABRIC CONSTRUCTION textile construction affects uses in interiors basic weaves: plain—the simplest form, produces strong, durable fabrics

FABRIC CONSTRUCTION textile construction affects uses in interiors basic weaves: twill—forms a diagonal line or wale and a strong, durable fabric

FABRIC CONSTRUCTION textile construction affects uses in interiors basic weaves: satin—creates a smooth and lustrous fabric that snags easily because of the long “floats” on the surface of the fabric

FABRIC CONSTRUCTION textile construction affects uses in interiors basic weaves: jacquard—intricate patterns in which the arrangements are determined by cards attached to a loom creating an expensive product such as damask, brocade, and tapestry

FABRIC FINISHES purpose improve the performance of the fabric increase resistance to environmental factors such as static electricity; reduce wrinkling reduce staining; flame-resistant, etc. some finishes may come off during cleaning finishes may alter care, increase the price and life of surface treatments

TEXTILE CARE check all fabrics—most will fade and/or rot in strong sunlight often require professional care to clean