What is the difference between cellulosic and non-cellulosic fibers?
Cellulosic means 'derived from plants.’ Non-cellulosic fibers include proteins, but they are typically used as a synonym for ‘synthetic'.’
Durability
The strength of the weave, how long does it last under friction?
Resilience
How do the fibers hold up when faced with stress? (EX: recoil, water damage, fire damage)
Elasticity
How the fiber stretches (ex: gives, takes, bounce back)
Yarn
The ‘building block of all weaves'; a tiny thread made to be weaved into fabric
What are non-cellulosic fibers made from?
Non-cellulosic—or synthetic— fibers are made from plastics (petroleum/oil products)
Pilling
Pilling is what happens when fibers are exposed to abrasion and become compromised, creating balls of yarn on the surface of the fabric. *this can only occur on synthetic fabrics/ synthetic blends
PLA Fibers
A word for manmade fibers, specifically referencing those that are machine-made by squeezing plastic through a very small tube.
Selvage
The raw edge of the fabric where it was woven on the machine.
Grain
The direction that the fibers are woven in
What are the characteristics of a satin weave?
shiny, smooth, delicate, many exposed fibers (Pattern: 4 over one)
Dyeing vs. Printing
Dyeing: Dyes on multiple levels—either yarn, fabric, or garment level— colors the whole garment
Printing: Adds a design or color to one side of the fabric, often with the use of stamps
What are the characteristics of a twill weave?
Typically used in denim, durable, has weight (Pattern: An offset step pattern)
What are the differences between Permanent and Non-Permanent finishes?
Permanent finishes are permanent. (Ex: Dye, bleach, acid wash)
Non-Permanent finishes are temporary. (Ex: Starches, non-static spray).
Abrasion
Friction against fibers
Texture
The look/feel of a fabric. (Ex: layering, smooth, course, soft).
Hand
How the fabric would feel in your hands. (Ex: Structure, form-fitted, thick, thin).
Weight
How the fabric hangs on the body
Gray Goods
Gray Goods are fabrics or yarns without alterations, in it’s natural color and form.
Woven vs. Non-Woven Fabrics
Woven: stronger, has a grain, much neater
Non-Woven: typically pressed together with glue, less stable, no grain, chemically treated
What are the main characteristics of Silk?
Smooth, shiny, strong, dries quickly, shows waterspots, has to be ironed at low temperatures
What are the main characteristics of Cotton?
strong, durable, soft, absorbs moisture, breathes well, washes easily, very common, mildews, wrinkles easily, burns rapidly, shrinks
What are the main characteristics of Wool?
Protein-based fiber, warm, durable, heavy, absorbent, resilient, resists wrinkling, fire-retardent, shrinks, absorbs odors, vulnerable to insects
What are the main characteristics of Nylon?
very strong, used in sportswear and raincoats, low absorbency, light, resists wrinkling
What are the main characteristics of Satin?
smooth, shiny, delicate, light-weight, prone to snags
What are the main characteristics of Denim?
durable, twill weave, breathable, can be ironed at high temperatures, stiff, easily creases
What are the main characteristics of Felt?
absorbent, moisture-wicking, non-woven, rigid, can shrink over time, coarse