KEY TERMS
Abrasion
the gradual wear and tear on a fabric's surface caused by repeated rubbing, friction, or scraping against other objects or surfaces
Cotton
Cotton is used to make clothes, bedsheets, towels, and bandages. It is soft and comfortable.
What fiber is
Cotton
trade name of Cotton
Supima
How are natural fibers different from manufactured fibers?
Natural fibers are sourced from plants, animals, or minerals, while manufactured fibers are made from chemical compounds in a factory
Fiber
the foundational, thread-like material from which fabrics are made
Rayon
Rayon is used to make clothes, bed sheets, curtains, and upholstery. It is also used in medical products and sometimes in tire cords. Rayon is soft, smooth, and drapes well.
What fiber is
Acrylic
Trade name of spandex
Lycra
What is the difference between lamb’s wool, virgin wool, and recycled wool?
Lamb's wool is the finest, softest fleece from a lamb's first shearing, while virgin wool is any new wool from a sheep of any age that has never been used before
Pilling
the formation of small balls of tangled fibers on the surface of a fabric due to friction and abrasion, making the garment look worn
Spandex
Spandex is used to make stretchable clothes like sportswear, swimwear, leggings, socks, and underwear. It is popular because it is very elastic and comfortable.
What fabric is
Polyester
trade name of acrylic
orlon
What qualities might make cotton a good choice for a child’s play clothes? Why?
because it is soft, breathable, and durable. These qualities make it gentle on sensitive skin, help keep children cool during active play, and can withstand the wear and tear of crawling, running, and playing
Generic names
cotton, silk, wool, linen, hemp, polyester, nylon, spandex, acrylic, and rayon
Nylon
Nylon is used to make clothes, socks, ropes, parachutes, tents, and bags. It is strong, lightweight, and dries quickly.
What fabric is
Silk
trade name of nylon
nylon
What qualities make polyester a popular choice for fabrics?
durability, wrinkle resistance, color retention, and quick-drying properties
Trade names
Lycra, Modal, Tencel, Supima, Sorona, Nomex, and Dacron
linen
Linen is used to make clothes, bed sheets, tablecloths, napkins, and towels. It is valued because it is cool, absorbent, and dries quickly.
What fabric is
Hemp
the trade name of polyester
dacron
How do the drawbacks of cotton compare with those of flax?
Cotton: higher environmental impact and lower durability
Flax: tendency to wrinkle easily and higher cost