Fabric Fibers
                                                                                                                                                    










It’s helpful to know as much as we can about the fabrics we work with. We’ll end up making better
fabric choices and caring for our finished items better. So here’s a list of some of the most common
fabric fibers with information about each.

Note: The care guidelines given are general. Follow the specific care instructions provided with your fabric.


Cotton
                                                                                   

    Cotton comes from the seedpod of the cotton plant.

    Fabric characteristics
    Cotton fabrics have a soft hand and come in a variety of textures and weights.

    Positive qualities
    Cotton is strong, durable, and absorbent. It takes dye well, draws heat away from the
    body, and can withstand high temperatures.

    Drawbacks
    Most cottons wrinkle easily unless treated with a special finish. Cotton also shrinks when
    laundered, so it’s important to preshrink cotton fabric before sewing. Cotton is also
    weakened by excessive exposure to sunlight.

    Care requirements
    Most cotton fabrics can be laundered, but hand washing is recommended for some
    weaves (read your care label). Most white cottons can be bleached. Iron cotton fabrics
    slightly damp using a high temperature.

    Examples of cotton fabrics
    Flannel, broadcloth, twill, damask, denim, poplin.


Linen
                                                                                   

    Linen comes from the flax plant.

    Fabric characteristics
    Linen fabrics have a course, natural looking texture and a slight sheen. They're available
    in various weights and weaves.

    Positive qualities
    Linen is strong, absorbent, draws heat away from the body, and can withstand high
    temperatures. It is also a smooth fiber that’s lint free.

    Drawbacks
    Linen tends to wrinkle easily unless treated with a special finish. It can also shrink and
    soften if laundered. Linen also has poor elasticity – it tends to stretch without recovering
    its shape.

    Care requirements
    Since linen fabrics can shrink or soften if laundered, dry-cleaning is usually recommended.
    Iron linen using a high temperature.


Silk
                                                                                   

    Silk comes from the cocoon of the silkworm.

    Fabric characteristics
    Silk fabrics drape well and have a smooth texture.

    Positive qualities
    Silk is very strong, absorbent, and holds in body heat. It’s wrinkle-resistant, takes dye
    well, and has good recovery.

    Drawbacks
    Silk can shrink if washed (unless the fabric has been preshrunk prior to garment
    construction). Silk is also weakened by sunlight and perspiration.

    Care requirements
    Dry-cleaning is recommended for some silk fabrics, and some may be hand or machine
    washed (read your care label). Machine drying is usually not recommended. Press silk
    using a low iron temperature and a press cloth. Do not bleach.

    Examples of silk fabrics
    Brocade, chiffon, organza.


Wool
                                                                                   

    Wool comes from the fleece of sheep, and also from the coats of other animals, such as goats,
    camels, and llamas.

    Fabric characteristics
    Wool fabrics come in many textures and weights, from very smooth to nubby.

    Positive qualities
    Wool is absorbent, holds in body heat, and is wrinkle-resistant. It takes dye well and
    retains its shape.

    Drawbacks
    Wool is a relatively weak fiber, it’s vulnerable to moths, and shrinks if laundered unless
    treated with a special finish.

    Care requirements
    Dry cleaning is usually recommended for wool fabrics, but some can be washed by hand
    or machine (read your care label). Do not use bleach.

    Examples of wool fabrics
    Merino wool, felt, flannel, gabardine, jersey.






                                                                                   Next: Fabric Fibers Part 2 - Synthetics>>


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