Learning Goal 1: To understand and explain the definition of a fibre by the end of this lesson.
What is a Fibre?
A fibre is a fine, hair-like substance that has a length at least 100 x greater than the width. Fibres are the basis of all textile items.
There are 2 types of fibres: 1. Natural (from the environment) 2. Manufactured (man-made in a factory) These 2 fibre sources can be combined by manufacturers to create fibre blends. Natural fibres generally come from 1 of 2 sources: 1. Plants (Cellulosic) 2.Animals (Protein) Fibres are the raw materials used to make yarns and fabrics. They contribute to the aesthetics, durability, comfort, appearance and care requirements of fabrics. They determine, to a large extent, the end use of fabric and influence the cost of fabrics. Short fibres are known as STAPLE FIBRES. Long fibres are known as FILAMENT FIBRES or continuous fibres. |
Natural Fibres
Natural fibres come from the environment, either from plants or animals.
Fibres from plants are called cellulosic fibres and can come from seed pods, grasses, leaves, stems or husks of plants. Examples include cotton, jute, flax, raffia and hemp. All plant fibres are staple fibres.
Fibres from animals are called protein fibres and come from the hair or fleece of an animal. Most protein fibres are stable fibres, except for silk from a silkworm or spider. Silk fibres are continuous or filament fibres. Examples of protein fibres include wool and fur from sheep, goat, rabbit, camel and alpacas.
Fibres from plants are called cellulosic fibres and can come from seed pods, grasses, leaves, stems or husks of plants. Examples include cotton, jute, flax, raffia and hemp. All plant fibres are staple fibres.
Fibres from animals are called protein fibres and come from the hair or fleece of an animal. Most protein fibres are stable fibres, except for silk from a silkworm or spider. Silk fibres are continuous or filament fibres. Examples of protein fibres include wool and fur from sheep, goat, rabbit, camel and alpacas.
Manufactured Fibres
Manufactured fibres are made in a laboratory from chemicals. They begin as products like oil, petroleum and coal and can be combined with acids and alcohol. They are heated and go through processes to become a fibre that can be used in textiles to make products. Manufactured fibres are categorised as either regenerated or synthetic fibres. Examples of synthetic fibres include nylon, polyester and acrylic. Examples of regenerated fibres include viscose, rayon and acetate. |
Portfolio Section 4 - Investigation, Experimentation and Evaluation
Page 12 - Properties and Performance of Fibres, Yarns and Fabrics
Use the table below (zoom in) to help you write about the fibre you are using in your project.
You can download a copy of the file (on the right) but remember to put the information into your own words, don't just use mine. This will go in Portfolio Section 4 - Investigation, Experimentation and Evaluation on the last page, in a table called 'Properties and Performance of Fibres, Yarns and Fabrics' The information in the table below will help you to fill in the fibre column. In some cases, you might have more than one fibre in your project. If so, you can just write about the main one or if you wish to challenge yourself, write about both. |
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