Summary of Textile Properties and Maintenance

Textile Properties

  • Fiber Characteristics

    • Length: Most fibers range from 1 to 350 mm; silk can exceed 1 km.

    • Thickness: Measured in microns; finer fibers increase strength & softness but are harder to spin.

    • Crimp: Natural or artificial waviness; excess can cause damage.

  • Composition

    • Details of different fabrics including their fiber blend and abrasion resistance values.

  • Fabric Density

    • Defined by the number of threads in warp and weft per area.

  • Thickness Measurement

    • Important for adjusting sewing and embroidery machines.

  • Abrasion Resistance

    • Measured by Martindale & Wyzenbeek tests for fabric durability.

    • 6,000 cycles = occasional usage

    • 30,000 cycles = severe contract usage.

  • Pill Resistance

    • Refers to the formation of balls due to fluffing or entanglement.

  • Tear Resistance

    • Indicates force required to propagate tears; influenced by fiber and processing.

  • Chromaticism

    • Ability to absorb dyes and colors; dyeing & printing methods defined.

  • Elasticity

    • Capacity of fibers to return to original shape post-stress.

  • Hygroscopicity

    • Hydrophobic fibers repel moisture; hydrophilic fibers absorb it easily.

  • Delayed Combustion Test

    • Standards as per EN 13773.

Textile Maintenance

  • Washing/Cleaning Instructions

    • Do not wash, bleach, tumble dry as indicated for different fabric types.

Fiber Abbreviations and Types

  • Natural Fibers: e.g., Wool (WO), Cotton (CO), Silk (SE).

  • Synthetic Fibers: e.g., Polyester (PES), Nylon (PA), Acrylic (PAN).

  • Chemical Fibers: e.g., Viscose (CV), Lyocell (CLY).

  • Burn Test Recognition:

    • Different fibers respond uniquely when exposed to heat, yielding specific residues and burning characteristics.