1. Fibers

2. What are Fibers? All yarns and fabric are made of fibers
Fibers are hair like substances twisted together to make yarns and fabrics

3. Natural Fibers
Natural fibers are produced by nature and come from plant and animal sources

4. Cotton
Cotton is a natural fiber that comes from the seed of the cotton plant.

5. Characteristics of Cotton
Positive:
Absorbs moisture
Keeps cool in hot weather
Easy to Launder
Negative:
Wrinkles easily
Shrinks easily

6. Wool
Wool is another natural fiber that is made from the fleece of sheep and is valued for its warmth

7. Characteristics of Wool
Positive:
Warm in cold weather
Wrinkle resistant
Wicks (takes) away moisture
Negative:
Shrinks in hot water *best to dry clean
Can be damaged by insects, such as moths
Itchy

8. Silk
Silk is a natural fiber that is spun by silkworms and has a lustrous, shiny appearance.

9. Characteristics of Silk
Positive:
Resists wrinkles
Luxurious and beautiful in appearance
Holds color well
Negative:
Most silk needs to be dry cleaned, but some can be hand washed
*Always check your labels for safe cleaning
Expensive!

10. Flax
Flax is a natural fiber that comes from the stalk of the flax plant
Linen fabric is made from flax

11. Characteristics of Flax
Positive
Good strength and durability
Light weight
Comfortable
Negative
Wrinkles easily
*Must remove from laundry while still damp

12. Manufactured Fibers
Manufactured fibers are produced in laboratories through chemical processes

13. Rayon
Rayon is a manufactured fiber and was the first fiber ever manufactured! First created in the 1800’s
Rayon is often combined with other fibers because it is inexpensive and versatile

14. Characteristics of Rayon
Positive:
Comfortable to wear
An alternative to silk
Highly absorbent
Dyes easily
Negative:
Some rayon fabrics can be washed, but they usually need to be dry cleaned
Shrink easily
*Should NOT be put in the dryer!
Not very durable

15. Polyester
Polyester is a desirable fiber both alone and when in combination with other fibers because of its many positive characteristics
Often combined with cotton for easy laundering

16. Characteristic of Polyester
Positive:
Strong
Resistant to stretching and shrinking
Wrinkle resistant
Easily to launder
Negative:
Static and Stain Removal can be a problem
Melts at high temperatures
*Be careful when ironing!

17. Spandex Spandex is an elastic fiber, which means it stretches
Commonly found in sportswear ,swimwear , and undergarments

18. Characteristics of Spandex
Positive:
Stretches
Light weight
Durable
Negative:
Laundering
*Must be carful when ironing and machine drying

19. Acetate Acetate it similar to rayon, and has a silky appearance
Often used in special occasion dresses and blouses

20. Characteristics of Acetate
Positive:
Inexpensive
Drapes well
Resists wrinkling
Negative:
Must be dry cleaned
Not durable
Melts easily under heat

21. Nylon Nylon is a manufactured fiber that resembles wool in appearance
Often used in pantyhose, swimwear, and athletic jackets

22. Characteristics of Nylon
Positive:
Very durable
Lightweight
Easy to launder
*No ironing needed, dries quickly
Negative:
Does not absorb moisture well
*Can be uncomfortable to wear in hot weather

23. Blends
Fabric containing two or more fibers to combine the best qualities of each fabric
For Example: A Polyester-Cotton blend contains the moisture absorbency of cotton and the strength and wrinkle-resistance of polyester