What can you learn from a textile tree?
2
Sources of fibres for fabrics
Most fabrics are constructed from yarns which, in turn, are made from fibres. Over thousands of years humans have learned to twist fibres together to form yarns. Natural fibres come in various lengths, because they grow - this is often referred to as a staple length. Many fibres are manufactured in continuous lengths, known as filaments. The filaments can then be cut up as required into shorter lengths. This is also known as staple length.
Fibres can be divided into two main groups: man-made fibres and natural fibres.
Man-made fibres can be divided into three main groups.
- Synthetic fibres made from petrochemicals such as nylon, polyester, acrylic and pvc.
- Synthetic fibres made from materials extracted from minerals such as metal fibres e.g. tinsel and silicate fibres that give glass fibre and slag fibre.
- Fibres regenerated from natural materials such as viscose that is made from cellulose derived from plants.
Natural fibres can be divided into three main groups:
- animal fibres made from the coats of sheep, goats and camels and also silk from silk worms;
- mineral fibres such as asbestos; and
- plant fibres such as cotton and flax.
There are many fabrics made from a mix of natural and man-made fibres.