AMDT+210+Ch01-02

Introduction to Textiles

• Objectives

  • Understand the importance of textiles knowledge.

  • Recognize the role of textiles in product development.

  • Explore serviceability components and their applications.

  • Relate product serviceability and textile performance to market needs.

Key Definitions

• Textile: Originally referred to woven fabrics; now refers to fibers, yarns, and products made from these materials.

• Soft Goods: Includes products made from textiles or flexible materials like fabrics, home textiles, apparel, footwear, and leather products.

• Fiber: A high length-to-width ratio material (natural or manufactured) suitable for fabric processing; smallest component of textiles.

• Yarn: An assemblage of twisted or laid fibers forming a continuous strand for fabric creation.

• Fabric: A flexible planar substance made from solutions, fibers, yarns in various combinations.

• Finish: Processes to add color and enhance textile performance.

• Gray Goods (Grey/Greige Goods): Fabrics that have not yet been finished.

Fabric Components

• Types of Fibers:

  • Natural

  • Man-made

• Yarn Types:

  • Spun

  • Filament

• Fabric Construction:

  • Woven

  • Knit

  • Nonwoven

• Finishing Techniques:

  • Coloration

  • Functional processes

Importance of Textiles

• Basic needs in clothing and housing.

• Integral to lifestyle, technology, and economics.

• Foster group identification and cultural expression.

• Knowledge aids career responsibilities in various sectors involving textiles.

Product Development in Textiles

• Definition: Designing and engineering products with desired serviceability characteristics, appealing to target markets, accomplished within reasonable time and cost frameworks.

Serviceability and the Consumer

• Serviceability: Measure of how well a textile meets consumer needs.

  1. Aesthetics: Attractiveness of a textile product.

  2. Durability: Longevity of a product under usage.

  3. Appearance Retention: Maintenance of original look during use.

  4. Comfort & Safety: Impact of textile on heat, moisture transfer, and physical interaction.

  5. Care: Required treatment for preserving original appearance.

  6. Environmental Impact: Effects on the environment from the lifecycle of textiles.

  7. Cost: Total expenses related to acquiring, using, maintaining, and disposing of textiles.

Performance of Textiles

• Performance: How textiles respond to use and environmental exposure.

• Assessment: Evaluated by producers, buyers, or firms specializing in performance.

  • Voluntary performance analysis, except for flammability standards.

  • Major standards include ASTM and AATCC.

• Product Quality: Totality of product characteristics that influence consumer satisfaction.

Trends and Market-Driven Design

• Designers must understand market demands rather than personal preferences.

• Staying updated on trends and inspirations is crucial for successful textile design.

Information Sources for Textiles

• Print Sources: Textbooks, journals, industry publications.

• Electronic Sources: Various websites providing fiber, fabric, and industry information.

Study Questions

1. Define key textile terms and their differences.

2. Explain the significance of studying textiles.

3. Outline the product development process.

4. Describe the seven serviceability components.

5. Discuss the relationship between product performance and development.