From Fibers to Fabric: Step by step process of the fiber to the yarn to the fabric.

Types of Fibers

Natural Fibers • Sources: –Animals –Plants

Protein Fibers

Cellulose Fibers

Manufactured or Synthetic Fibers •Chemical or Protein

Name

•Generic Name Spandex •Trade Name Lycra®

• Acetate • Acrylic • Nylon • Polyester Types •Rayon •Spandex •Triacetate

Yarns

•Fibers overlapped and twisted together

Types

• Spun • Monofilament • Multifilament

Twist • amount varies and increases strength • very low twist - just barely holds together • low twist - fluffy - weak • average twist for short fibers • high twist hard and compact

Texture • given to manufactured fibers • adds bulk, stretch, less static

Types of Texture

Fabric Construction • woven of knit yarns • fibers matted together and glued

Woven Fabrics

Plain Weave

Satin Weave

Twill Weave

Basket Weave

Pile Weave

Knits • Stretches • Returns to Original Shape • Wrinkle Resistant

Warp Knits • vertical rows of loops - tricot jersey - lace - raschel knit

Weft Knit • loops made as yarn added in crosswise direction – double knit – jersey – rib knit – pile knit jersey – velour – purl knit

Non Woven

• no grain • no stretch or give • requires special sewing techniques

Non Wovens

Fabric Finishes

• changes fiber properties to create a better product

Permanent Finish • heat set • improves fabric resistance to wrinkling • stains difficult to remove • no need to iron

Shrinkage Resistant • reduce shrinkage

Soil Release • aids in removing dirt, oil, and grease

Flame Retardant • resists burning

Dyeing • changes color of finished product • can be done at fiber, yarn, and fabric stage • printing is done at fabric stage only

Care Labels • Law Required - Fiber Content - Care Instructions - Country of Origin

Care Requirement • washing method • drying method • bleach type • iron temperature