From fiber to fabric  When you look at fabrics you will see that most are made of fibers.  While there are exceptions, for example leather or plastic sheeting, the vast majority of fabrics used for making garments have been made from yarns which have been produced from fibers

 Fibers are created into yarns  Yarns are then woven or knitted into fabrics  fabrics are used to create projects

 Fibers can be natural or man made  Natural fibers come from animal or vegetable sources  Man made fibers are made from chemical solutions that are manufactured into fibers  Fibers from most groups can be blended to gain the properties of each component fiber

 Natural fibers can be divided into two groups: Animal Plant or Vegetable  Man made fibers can be divided into two sub-groups: Re-generated fibers Synthetic fibers

 Woven  Knit  Non-woven

Woven: Less stretchable  Stronger than knit  Not deformed Knit fabric: Stretchable  Lightweight  Retains heat  Easily frayed once yarn is cut Non-Woven: Least stretchable  Cut edges will not fray  Extremely lightweight  Not wrinkled

Woven Fabrics When we speak of weave, it refers to the pattern used for manufacturing a fabric. Fabric weaves range from plain and simple to artistic and decorative.

 Woven fabrics have a Weft and Warp thread.  Three main structures of woven fabric:  Plain weave  Diagonal twill weave  Satin weave

Also known as tabby, this is the basic method for weaving. The filling yarn goes over one wrap yarn and under the next repeating this pattern across the width of the fabric. It is strong and hardwearing. It is used for fashion and furnishing fabrics.

 Also known as diagonal weave, it has a distinct diagonal rib on the surface. As the fabric is woven the filling yarn goes over two or more of the wrap yarns and then under one or wrap yarn. Twill weave is strong It is used for jeans, jackets and curtains.

 Satin Weave, the third basic weave is somewhat similar to Twill weave but the yarns pass over several threads before going under a yarn. Satin has a lustrous appearance as the yarn floats over several yarns the light catches on the float yarn. It has a smooth surface, and great drapability.