Fibers and Their Characteristics A brief overview of
Fibers and Their Characteristics A brief overview of today’s natural and manufactured fibers
Where do Fibers Come From? w Natural w Manufactured
The Natural Fibers w They come from Plants Cotton n Flax n
The Natural Fibers w They come from Animals Wool n Silk n
The Manufactured Fibers w They come from cellulose n n Acetate Rayon
More Manufactured Fibers w They come from Chemicals n n n Polyester Nylon Acrylic
What is a blend? w Two or more fibers are mixed together w Natural fibers are often combined with manufactured fibers
Cotton: the fabric of our lives w w Strong Durable Dries Quickly Absorbent w Lacks elasticity w Wrinkles w Shrinks
Laundering Can be easily laundered. Cotton can withstand high temperatures. Washing: w Drying: tumble dry low * Machine wash warm w * A higher heat setting is needed * Any good detergent can be used to wash cotton. * Chlorine bleach can be used safely on cotton whites. Use color-safe bleach on w Ironing: * Can be ironed dyed cottons. in the dryer. with a hot iron, and does not scorch easily w * Since cotton fibers are fairly inelastic, they may wrinkle easily. Fabric may need frequent pressing.
Flax (Linen) w Strong w Dries Quickly w Absorbent w Wrinkles w Shrinks w Mildews
Laundering Washing: Any stains should be treated prior to washing. You can machine-wash linen as long as you wash it at less than 50°C to preserve the color and the natural fabric. Use non-chlorine washing powder/liquid for linen, and use a whitening product to stop it going yellow. w Drying: Don't dry linen in the sun or in a tumble-dryer to prevent it from shrinking. Ironing: Iron while still damp
Wool w w Warm and Soft Resilient Breathes Repels and absorbs moisture w w Shrinks and Mats Susceptible to moths Heat Sensitive Itchy
Laundering Washing: wool is very delicate and shouldn't be boiled or washed with chlorinebased products. Hand-washing is best, but you can machine-wash wool mixes. Always check the laundry label and set your machine to a short non-spin program. Hand-washing: Wash wool at a maximum temperature of 30° using special wool washing products and without soaking. Scrub gently and rinse in lukewarm water, gently squeezing the water out, then rinse in cold water. w Drying: Dry using a towel (without twisting) and then dry flat on a fresh towel. w Ironing: Use a damp cloth between iron and fabric. Iron on wrong side.
Silk w w Luxurious Wrinkle resistant Absorbent Dyes easily w Yellows w Weakened by Sunlight w Insect Damage
Laundering Washing: Silk is very delicate and should be hand-washed if possible, except if the laundry label says it can go in a machine. Hand-wash silk in lukewarm soapy water without soaking it. You can also add a few drops of vinegar or sugar to cold water to rinse. w Drying: Silk shouldn't be twisted or roughdried. Spread it flat on a towel or sponge to dry. Shirts and blouses can be dried on a hanger. w Ironing: Iron while still damp w Press on wrong side. Use no steam.
Polyester w w Strong Wrinkle Resistant Can be heat set Stable w Holds oily stains w Non-absorbent (hot to wear)
Laundering * Most items made from polyester can be machine washed and dried. Washing: * Use warm water and add a fabric softener to the final rinse cycle. * Most items made from polyester can be dry-cleaned. w Drying: * Machine dry at low temperature setting and remove articles as soon as the tumbling cycle is complete. w Ironing: * If ironing is needed, use a moderately warm iron.
Nylon w Strong w Dries Quickly w High Wet Strength w Non-absorbent w Damaged by sunlight w Picks up stray dies
Laundering Washing: Most items made from nylon can be machined washed and tumbled dried at low temperatures. * Use warm water and add a fabric softener to the final rinse cycle. w Drying: * To minimize static electricity use a dryer sheet when machine drying. w * Remove articles from the dryer as soon as the tumbling cycle is completed. w Ironing: * If ironing is required, use a warm iron.
Acrylic w w Strong Elastic Soft Imitates wool w Pilling w Holds oily stains w Absorbency limited
Laundering Washing: May be machine washed or dry cleaned. * When machine washing, use warm water setting and add a fabric softener during the final rinse cycle. * Static electricity can be reduced by using fabric softener in every third or fourth washing * Gently squeeze out water, smooth or shake out garment and let dry on a nonrust hanger . w Drying: Machine dry at low temperature. Remove from dryer as soon as garments are dry. w Sweaters and circular knits should be dried flat. w Ironing: If ironing is required, use moderately warm iron.
Acetate w w w Absorbent Colorfast Luxurious feel Resilient Inexpensive w Poor wet strength w Heat sensitive w Dissolves in acetone (fingernail polish remover) w Gets static electricity
Laundering Washing: Most garments made from acetate do need to be professionally drycleaned, w Drying: w Ironing: Press on wrong side while damp.
Rayon: the first manufactured fiber w w Inexpensive Dyes and prints easily Absorbent Takes finishes well w w Poor wet strength Low resiliency Wrinkles easily Weakened by sunlight
Laundering Washing: * Use mild lukewarm or cool suds. Gently squeeze suds through the fabric and rinse in lukewarm water. w Drying: * Do not wring or twist the garment. * Smooth or shake out the article and place on a non-rust hanger to dry. w * Rayon sweaters should be laid flat to dry w Ironing: * Press the article while damp on the wrong side with the iron at a moderate setting.
Ironing Care w Linen: 230 °C (445 °F) Cotton: 204 °C (400 °F) Triacetate: 200 °C (390 °F) Viscose: 190 °C (375 °F) Wool: 148 °C (300 °F) Polyester: 148 °C (300 °F) Silk: 148 °C (300 °F) Acetate: 143 °C (290 °F) Acrylic: 135 °C (275 °F) Lycra/Spandex: 135 °C (275 °F) Nylon: 135 °C (275 °F)
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