What is the fiber content of satin? | Reference.com What is the fiber content of satin? A: Quick Answer Satin fabric can contain silk, wool, cotton, polyester, rayon and acetate fibers. What makes a fabric satin is not the type of fibers that it is made of but rather the type of weave that is used in bringing those fibers together. Full Answer Satin fabric is weaved using four warp threads going over with one weft thread going under. This creates less interlacing between the threads. The result is a glossy surface with a dull back. Satin that is made with cotton fibers is known as sateen. Satin made with a combination of silk and rayon fibers is known as duchesse. Satin derived its name from Zayton, a Chinese port from where it was first exported internationally in the 12th century. What is Satin? (with pictures) What is Satin? Last Modified Date: 16 December 2016 Copyright Protected: You won't believe these 10 facts about people Satin is a type of textile weave that makes a glossy fabric.

Though this method is most classically used with silk thread, it can also be used with other materials like polyester, acetate, nylon , and rayon . There are several different variations on this weave, notably sateen . Despite the fact that it's a method for making fabric, the term "satin" is also used as a descriptor to refer to specific types of fabric. A Specific Pattern To be considered a true satin, a fabric must be woven in a very specific manner. The material must have at least four threads brought to the surface of the fabric to "float" over a single thread running perpendicularly to them. The threads on the top are called warp strands, which run vertically, while the one on the bottom is called a weft strand, which runs horizontally. This process is called floating, and allows large portions of thread to reflect light, which makes the fabric shiny and glossy on one side. Some types, called double-faced satins, are made to be shiny on both sides by using two sets of warp strands. Ad Different Types Fabrics made with this weave can vary in terms of texture and appearance according to the type of thread used and variations in the weave pattern.

For instance, a fabric made with a mixture of silk and rayon is sometimes called duchesse. There are also several materials that are made with one weave or material on the back and another on the front, including Canton satin, which has a crepe weave on the back, and slipper satin, which has cotton on the back. There is also ciré satin, which is treated with a coating of wax to make it extremely shiny. This process also makes it stiff, which makes it good for use in ribbons. Another common variation is charmeuse, which is made with one warp strand passing over at least three weft strands. A few other variations on the weave are sateen and satinet. Sateen is woven similarly, but has the opposite set of threads on top — satin has the warp threads floating, but sateen has the weft threads floating. It is also more commonly made from cotton or rayon than from silk. Satinet is a very thin material that's usually made of inferior materials, usually cotton or synthetic threads. Uses These fabrics are used to make a wide variety of materials, but are most commonly found in formal dresses, bedding, and lingerie.

Satin-weave fabrics made with synthetic fibers can also be used to back other things like wool crepe and velvet , eliminating the need for a slip, camisole, or undershirt. Additionally, people use these fabrics for formal shoes and slippers. In this case, the fabric is sometimes dyed to match the rest of an outfit, particularly for a prom or wedding. Variations on the fabric are also used on ballet shoes. Compared to Other Weaves Satin is one of the three main types of weaves in textile making, which also includes plain and twill weaves. A plain weave consists of warp and weft threads alternatively overlapping and going under each other, while a twill weave floats at least three warp threads per weft. Though its construction makes this fabric the smoothest and most durable of all three, it is also the most likely to shrink if treated improperly, and it stretches very little. It also resists wrinkling and generally drapes the best of any of the weaves. The extent to which any of these properties are present in a fabric depends on the tightness of the weave, and sometimes on the materials used.

Cleaning The safest bet when cleaning these fabrics is to dry clean them, particularly those made with very fine materials or lots of floating threads. Less delicate items can usually be hand washed in cold water with a gentle detergent, though it's important not to wring them out to dry, since this can misshape them. There are products available specifically for cleaning satin shoes as well, though for light staining a damp cotton ball followed up by a dry cloth can often work. Ad Satin Fabric - Properties and Characteristics | Fashion Style Fan Satin Satin fabric Satin is a sleek and glossy fabric created with a particular type of textile weave, during the process woven material is run through hot cylinders. The weave method used to create it is different from a basic fabric, the latter is woven by having the threads in each direction (the warp and the weft) going one over and one under. The satin weave is four over and one under, with less interlacings of the threads. That process gives fabric its characteristic glossy look. The fibers that are commonly woven to create satin are silk, cotton , wool and also synthetic materials like polyester or acetate that allow to have a less expensive fabric.

The term satin indicates the method for creating the fabric and a specific type of fabric created with this method too. The process that uses materials like silk , polyester or wool produce satin, a mixture of silk and rayon is sometimes called duchesse, instead fabric made with a weave from cotton is usually called sateen. There are also materials that are made with one weave or material on the back and another on the front like the Canton satin. Originally satin was made from silk only and it was first made in China in the 12th century. The port city known as Zayton, from where it was shipped, gave it the name satin. Satin is used to realize a lot of products, in particular elegant dresses, bridal and wedding wear, lingerie and bedding. But the peculiarity of the fabric, its unique woven process, makes at the same time satin very difficult to work. Weekly Top Pick Silk Information & Silk Fabric Dictionary; Silk Info; Silk Fabric Definitions Glossary Silk Dictionary Silk Information & Dictionary Acknowledgement: Information in this writing has been borrowed from various sources such as Wikipedia and Encyclopaedia Brittanica . Please visit All About Silk for further information about silk.

Bale (of Silk) A defined quantity of raw silk . A Japanese or Shanghai bale is the same as a Picul and contains 60 kilograms. A European bale would be 100 kg; Canton bale 48 kg of raw silk. Indian bale may be 20 kg. Bave Undegummed silk thread. Bifilar thread spun by the silk worm; it consists of two filaments (brins) that are cemented together by silk gum or sericin . The continuous filament bave is exuded by the silkworm to form its cocoon . The two brins are extruded from a pair of silk glands in the silkworm's head. The length of bave varies with the breed of silkworm, from 300 meters to 1500 meters. The thickness of the bave varies from 1.8 denier to 3.0 denier. [See also Brin ] Bias Cut A garment made of woven fabric is said to be "cut on the bias" when the fabric's warp and weft threads are at 45 degrees to its major seam lines.

The bias (called “cross-grain” in the UK) direction of a piece of woven fabric is usually referred to simply as "the bias." (The old spelling was byesse.) Woven fabric is more elastic as well as more fluid in the bias direction, compared to the on-grain direction. This property facilitates garments and garment details that require extra elasticity or drapability, such as skirts and dresses. The "bias-cut" is a technique used by designers for cutting clothing to utilize the greater stretch in the bias or diagonal direction of the fabric, thereby causing it to accentuate body lines and curves and drape softly. Every piece of woven fabric has two biases, perpendicular to each other. Non-woven fabrics such as felt or interfacing do not have a bias. Bivoltine A breed of mulberry silkmoth which produces two generations per year and lays hibernating and non-hibernating eggs. The monovoltine silkmoth produces one generation per year and multivoltine or polyvoltine up to eight generations per year. Multivoltine or polyvoltine are tropical varieties which, unlike bivoltine or monovoltine from temperate regions, have no dormant period.

[See also Monovoltine and Mutivoltine ] Bombyx mori The Latin name for the silkworm: the silk producing caterpillar that feeds on mulberry (morus alba) leaves. Its cocoon is the source of fine, white silk. It is reared throughout Asia. There are several species of silkworm that are used in commercial silk production, however Bombyx mori is the most common. Bombyx mori is native to China and was introduced into Europe and western Asia in the 6th century AD and into North America in the 18th century. It feeds entirely on the leaves of the mulberry tree, so has flourished only where conditions are suitable for large numbers of leaf-bearing mulberry trees. Bombyx mori has been cultivated over many centuries and is no longer known in the wild. Silkworm is a common name for Bombyx mori, though it is not a worm but the larva or caterpillar of a moth in the family Bombicidae. Bourette Silk Please see Noil Silk . Brin The ultimate filament of silk as emanating from each gland of the silkworm.

Two brins (from each gland on either side of the body of silkworm) are cemented together by gum or sericin at the spinneret of the silkworm to emerge as a bave or silk strand. [See also Bave ] Broadcloth (Silk) Silk Broadcloth is a soft, lightweight silk with a cotton-like feel. It has a dull luster, with a flat, smooth surface. Holds creases well, and makes excellent tailored dress shirts and light blouses. Very easy to sew, doesn't show pin marks. Brocade (Silk) An elaborate and richly figured fabric woven on a Jacquard loom using satin weave. The warp float gives a raised appearance. Originally woven in silk with additional silver or gold threads, but now can be made with man-made fibers. Was first produced in China. Light weight brocade is used for apparel and heavier weights for furnishings. A brocatine is brocade with a raised pattern imitating embroidery . The word brocade comes from the Latin word brocare, meaning to figure. Brushed Silk Produced by gently brushing the fabric surface to pull up fibers from the yarn, producing a luxuriously soft & downy feel to its surface.

Brushing (Silk) Act of transferring newly hatched silkworms from the egg sheets on to the rearing trays; or act of removal of floss from the cooked and boiled cocoons for collection of ends for reeling. Canton Crepe Silk A soft, silk fabric with a finely crinkled texture, similar to, but heavier than, Crêpe de Chine. Takes its name from Canton (Guangzhou), a Chinese city. Caps Hand spinners use this sort of fiber form to make yarn. Silk caps are made from cultivated cocoons that have been degummed and stretched over a frame shaped like a bell (often a piece of bamboo bent into an arch shape). A cap consists of a number of extremely thin layers; each layer is one cocoon . A cap "bell" is roughly two dozen caps, weighing about a pound altogether, which are fastened together at their tops and covered by one large cap whose edges are drawn out and tied together at the bottom to make a neat bundle. [See also Hankie ] Charmeuse Silk A satin weave silk with a crepe back (also called crepe backed satin).

Fabric is woven with a satin weave, where the warp threads cross over three or more of the backing threads. The front side of the fabric has a satin finish, lustrous and reflective, and the back has a dull finish. Loved for its lustrous shine, beautiful drape, and sumptuous feel, silk charmeuse is the most widely recognized of the silk fabrics. Wonderfully versatile, this elegant fabric has medium weight and some natural elasticity, making it perfect for skirts, dresses, eveningwear, nightgowns, lingerie, and gently shaped tops. Charmeuse sews well, but is subject to snags and requires extra attention since it is a bit slippery. Chiffon Silk Chiffon literally means “rag” in French. This elegant, sheer fabric is quite limp, with a beautiful drape. It has a soft, supple, thin hand and a flat, crepe-like texture. A very light, diaphanous fabric, Chiffon is made with a loose, plain weave and tightly twisted single crêpe yarns in both warp and weft. Unlike in crêpe de Chine, the weft yarn is either S or Z twist.

The characteristic wrinkles in the finished fabric are created by the weft yarns being pulled in one direction. Chiffon is elegant and sheer, with a slightly rough feel to it. Sometimes called Crepe Chiffon, this fabric is highly suited for special occasion dresses, Scarves, nightgowns, and linings. Chiffon is softer and thinner than Georgette . [ Georgette is made like chiffon, but with a two or three ply yarn.] Because of its slippery quality, chiffon is difficult to cut and sew. China Silk Another term for Pupa. Please see Pupa . Cocoon (Silk) The oval casing of filament silk, or brin, spun by the silkmoth larvae or caterpillar, the silkworm, to protect itself when it changes into a chrysalis. The silkworm extrudes through the silk glands in its head a viscose fluid building up round itself layer upon layer crossing the filaments in a figure of eight. Color of cocoons ranges from white to yellow, golden yellow and brown. The color is contained in the sericin , and is removed during the degumming process. The cocoon grading system in France has become the standard for Europe and India.

They are sorted into nine different grades Good Cocoons: Perfect for mechanical reeling Pointed Cocoons: No good for mechanical reeling Cocalons: Larger than normal Appliance used for mounting mature silkworms to enable them to spin cocoons . Cooking (Silk) The process by which silk cocoons are treated in boiling water for a short time in order to soften the filament for easy unwinding during the subsequent reeling process. Count A system for measuring the fineness or thickness of yarn by spinners, weavers and knitters, count is essentially a numerical expression indicating the mass per unit length or length per unit mass of a yarn. In Scotland the term is known as grist. In all other English speaking countries the term “count” is used. Crepe Fabric A fabric characterized by a crinkled, puckered or pebbly surface with highly twisted yarns in the weft and sometimes in the warp or both. Crepe is usually made with a plain weave. The crinkly texture of this soft and pliable fabric can be smooth or quite rough. The fabric is woven from all of the major fibers, natural or man-made.

Surface textures range from fine, flat crepes to pebbled and mossy effects; some surfaces resemble tree bark. Crepe Silk Silk Crepe is a luxurious fabric with a good sheen and a pebbly texture obtained by using high twist yarns. Silk Crepe has a beautiful drape, and is extensively used to make dresses, slacks, skirts, lightweight suits, bridal gowns, and evening wear. Crepe de Chine Crepe de Chine ('krape dee sheen'), French for “Crepe from China,” is similar to Silk Crepe, but lighter weight and less textured fabric made with S and Z highly twisted filament yarns alternating in the weft and with a normally twisted filament warp. The matte surface and pebbled texture of this graceful fabric reflect individual pinpoints of light, giving it wonderful chromatic depth and striking eye-appeal. This luxurious silk has the additional virtues of great durability and excellent wrinkle resistance. Lightweight with a pleasing drape, designers choose it among silk fabrics for elegant slacks, skirts, dresses, suits, and eveningwear.

Crepe/Geogette Yarn Twisted yarn usually with 2000 to 3600 tpm (twists per meter), generally made of two threads of raw silk . Crepe Yarn Highly twisted yarn generally with 1200 to 4000 tpm (twists per meter) used for producing crepe effect in woven or knit fabrics. Crepon A dress fabric in crepe but heavier and more rugged than the average crepe. It is usually made with silk or rayon. The crepe effect appears in the direction of the warp and is produced either by different degrees of twist in the yarn, or by employing only right-or left-hand twist yarns, or by weaving some warp yarns slacker than others. Croissure A technique of twisting raw silk over itself in the process of reeling with the object of consolidating the different filaments constituting raw silk rounding off the angularities of the thread and squeezing off the extra moisture and gum. Cuite Nett silk from which the gum has been completely removed. Also called Bright silk. Damask A heavy jacquard fabric woven in silk, linen, cotton, worsted wool and man-made fibers.

Traditionally woven with an 8 and 8 satin weave. The reversible pattern is distinguished from the background by contrasting luster. The word derives from a rich silk fabric introduced into Europe through Damascus. Degumming The process of removing natural gum or sericin from silk yarn or fabric by boiling in a soap solution. Denier A unit of measure by which silk yarn is weighed and its fineness calculated. This unit expresses the linear mass density of silk filament s (or manmade fibers and yarns) given by weight / mass in grams per 9000 meters of material. In the International System of Units, the Tex is used instead of denier. Double Cocoon A cocoon jointly built by two silkworms; it serves as protective shell for both the worms during their pupal stage of existence. Such cocoons are readily distinguished by their size and toughness. Doubling The twisting together of two or more silk threads to give a yarn suitable for weaving, knitting etc. etc. Dressing (Silk) In the spun silk industry, the process of sorting out fibers into groups of different lengths. Neps and Noils are also removed during the process.

Dupatta An Indian term for a kind of fine long women’s scarf or shawl made from cotton or silk. Douppioni (also called Doupioni, Dupion, Dupioni) Douppioni Silk is a lustrous silk often woven from two different colors of threads, so that it shimmers or changes color in the light. Douppioni is made from an irregular, rough silk reeled from double cocoons or cocoons nested together, making it necessary to reel them together. [Doupioni is also seen in man-made fibers such as polyester or acetate, and is referred to as Doupionini.] An elegant woven fabric made with a tight plain weave, fine warp yarns, filling yarns that form prominent, irregular crosswise ribs. Usually brightly colored, it has a moderately crisp drape, fairly reflective luster, and a nubby texture. It is crisp to the touch; it doesn't wrinkle badly; nor does it hold a crease well. Douppioni is sturdy and substantial, but not durable. It is reversible, not particularly stretchy, and relatively easy to sew. It is commonly used to make blouses, dresses, skirts, and fine lightweight suits.

Douppion Yarn Silk formed by two worms united to spin a single cocoon which is therefore composed of two filaments . Reeled into a coarse slubby yarn which is used in the manufacture of douppioni , pongee , shantung , and other textured silks. Duchess Satin A loosely twisted silk or man made fiber yarn composed of untwisted or single yarns. Evenness The degree of evenness of raw silk panels with approximately the same length as the sizing skein , determined on the basis of incidence of evenness defects by using official standard photographs for evenness and official standard variation photographs. Evenness defects are those portions of raw silk which show stripes caused by the variations in the size of the raw silk to such a degree as is easily noticeable by visual inspection. Evenness is expressed as percentage. Fibril (Silk) An extremely fine filament produced by the longitudinal splitting of a normal silk filament or brin. Fibroin (Silk) The fiber material of raw silk thread, which is a protein not soluble in boiling water. It constitutes about 80 percent of silk fiber. Mulberry leaves eaten by the silkworm get transformed into this semi-liquid protein called fibroin.

Filament A fiber of indefinite or extreme length, e.g., silk filament, which runs from 300 to 1200 meters. Filament Silk Same as Reeled Silk . Filature An establishment for the production of raw (reeled) silk from cocoons , employing modern techniques, such as steam for heating and power for driving the reels. Floss Silk Loose silk from the outer part of the cocoon , which is retained before reeling is started and used in the production of spun silk. It is of low grade and is available only in small quantities. It is also known as Blaze (in French). The term floss is also applied to soft silk yarn or singles without twist, used in embroidery and electrical insulation of wires. Four Ply Silk Four ply silk is a heavier version of silk crepe made with four ply yarn. A four ply yarn is made from twisting together four individual yarn strands. The resulting fabric is medium to heavy weight, smooth and flat, with a crepe finish and a good deal of luster. The fabric tailors and drapes beautifully and is a favorite for bridal usage. Frison French term for the silk waste brushed from the outer layer of cocoons prior to reeling.

Such waste is also described as strusa (Italian), knubs (English), and kibizzo (Japan and China). Gabardine (Silk) Silk gabardine is a dressy smooth twill weave fabric, characterized by the distinct diagonal line on the fabric. Faintly lustrous, it has a beautiful drape, resists wrinkles, but creases well. Durable and crisp, gabardine is most often used for skirts, slacks and suits. Easy to sew, doesn't show pin marks. Does unravel, so seams should be finished. Gauze (Silk) Silk gauze is a sheer, thin open weave fabric sometimes confused with organza . Silk organza is heavier and crisper. As it so unds, silk gauze is more loosely woven, and fairly floppy. Unlike its cotton cousin, silk gauze is not used for bandages. Georgette Silk Fine, lightweight, plain weave, crêpe fabric, usually having two highly twisted S and two highly twisted Z yarns alternately in both warp and weft. Made of crepe yarn , silk georgette has a grainy texture, a sheer feel, and a thin, very dry hand.

It is heavier than chiffon , and is similar to silk crepe, but is not as soft or lustrous as crepe. Georgette is durable, but snags easily. Drapes very fluidly, and falls into soft ripples. With its creped surface, this sheer and strong silk fabric is great for blouses, bias-cut flared skirts, evening wear, dresses, and scarves. Doesn't show pin marks, and doesn’t hold a crease. Relatively difficult to sew. Grade (Silk) Classification of raw silk on the basis of tests carried out according to standard methods in silk conditioning houses. The qualities taken into consideration are winding, size, tenacity, elongation, evenness , cleanness, neatness , and cohesion. [See also Cocoon ] Grainage An institution where silkworm seed is produced and sold to rearers. Grant Reel A method of reeling a skein of raw silk in which the yarn makes definite and regular crossings, differing from yarn reeled in parallel rows. Green Cocoons Thrown silk from which gum or sericin has not been removed.

Gum Sports Hard unwindable places in skeins of raw silk or in silk waste, due to the presence (at the time of production) of excessive amounts of moisture, which causes the gum to soften and then harden to an aggregated mass of filaments and gum. Gum Waste Bits of silk collected as waste in the re-reeling of raw silk at the filatures or during throwing and weaving. Called Strazza in Italian or Brourre in French. Habutai Silk Habutai is a Japanese word meaning “soft as down.” Habutai is a plain weave of silk, originally hand woven of single warp yarns and filling yarns of hand-reeled silk , which made it slightly irregular. Habutai usually has a natural, ecru color, and is known to wrinkle less than other fabrics. Both Habutai and China silk are soft, lightweight and lustrous. Very closely related, both have a soft graceful drape, and a smooth surface. This silk is the "hand" or touch that many people identify as silk. Habutai is natural in color, sheer and ivory, and China silk is smoother and usually dyed. Seams may pull open on tightly fitted garments.

Sews relatively easily, and doesn't show pins marks. It is best for lingerie, dresses, blouses, and light jackets. Hankie (also called Mawata Square) Textile material in coiled form. After cocoons have been partially degummed, the fibers are expanded and stretched by hand over a frame forming approximate 10" squares. Handspinners use this form of fiber to make yarn. [See also Caps ] Imago Imago is the last (adult) stage of development of an insect, after the last ecdysis (moulting) of an incomplete metamorphosis, or after emergence from the pupae where the metamorphosis is complete. As this is the only stage that is sexually mature and has functional wings in winged species, the imago is often referred to as the adult stage. The Latin plural of imago is imagines, and this is the term generally used by entomologists. However, imagos is also acceptable. Jacquard A special fabrication in which a pattern is woven directly into the material.

A device for weaving such elaborate designs by a machine was invented between 1801 and 1810 by Joseph Marie Jacquard (1752 1834). The Jacquard mechanism is attached to a loom and operated by a punched card system which selects individual warp threads. A variety of mechanically operated jacquard machines exist providing control over 100, 200, 400 or 600 ends. There are also Jacquard systems for knitting machines. Jacquard systems can now be electronically controlled. Kamdani An Indian term for fine fabric with ornamentation made with gold and silver threads. Kashmere Silk Silk fabric made with 2/1 right hand twill weave that gives a soft finish. Larva A larva (Latin; plural larvae) is a juvenile form of animal with indirect development, undergoing metamorphosis (for example, insects or amphibians). The larva can look completely different from the adult form, for example, a caterpillar differs from a butterfly. Larvae often have special (larval) organs which do not occur in the adult form.

The larvae of some species can become pubescent and not further develop into the adult form (for example, in some newts). This is called neoteny. Lousy Silk (Lousiness) A defect in silk yarns or fabrics consisting of little specks caused by the fibers splitting and curling up i.e., fibrillation of the silk filaments . This forms small neps that, in dyed fabric, are evident as white specks. Matka Matka is an Indian term for rough handloom silk fabric made from very thick yarns spun out of pierced cocoon in the weft and organzine in warp. The yarns are obtained from short ends of silk from Mulberry silkworms ( Bombyx mori ) and spun by hand without removing the gum ( sericin ). As such, there are slubs and irregularities that give the fabric a unique character. It looks something like tweed, but the fibers are all the same color. Matka sews easily and is good for suits, jackets, and furnishings. Momme Weight Japanese unit of measurement traditionally used to describe weight of silk fabric.

Mommes express the weight in pounds, of a piece of material of size 45 inches by 100 yards. Alternatively, according to the definition, a one momme piece of silk fabric 25 yards x 1.49 inches (an area of 1341 square inches or about 0.8652 square meter) would weigh 3.75 grams. This makes the silk momme equal to about 3.62 grams per squar e yard or 4.33 grams per square meter. The word momme is pronounced "mummy" and is indicated by the symbol "mm." The higher the momme number the heaver the fabric and the more silk that was used in the production of that piece of fabric. The usual range of momme weight for different weaves of silk are: Monovoltine Cocoon Sometimes referred to as univoltine. A breed of mulberry silkmoth that produces only one generation per year. Found in temperate regions, this breed hatches only in the spring.

[See also Bivoltine ] Moulting (Skin Shedding) Silkworms moult (shed their skins) four times from a silkworm into a larger silkworm and then once more when fully grown into a pupa within the cocoon . Moulting is a vulnerable time for silkworms and is usually indicated by worms staying still for long periods of time without feeding and the head becoming very small. Silkworms should not be disturbed at this time. They will eventually shed the skin, rest for a while, and then begin feeding again. Muga The common name of the Antherea assama caterpillar which eats the leaves of the Som tree (machilus bombycine) or Soalu (litsaea polyantha). This is a wild caterpillar reared in Assam, India. The silk produced is golden in color. Muga Cloth A fabric woven using Muga Silk in warp and weft, mainly produced in Assam, India. Mulberry Common name of the Morus alba tree, which is the sole food of the Bombyx mori silk producing caterpillar.

It is a hardy perennial tree and yields silk mainly of yellow, white, or greenish yellow color. Multivoltine Cocoons Also called polyvoltine. Cocoons built by a silkworm race with more than two generations (life cycle) in a year. [See also Monovoltine and Bivoltine ] Narrow Fabric Woven fabri c generally not exceeding 45 cm (18 in) in width. Native Silk Native silk is a very coarse silk yarn in the order of 30/35 denier and 56/70 denier , generally reeled from inferior cocoons . The reeling process is the same as in the case of raw silk . Neatness The degree of neatness of raw silk panels, determined on the basis of incidence of defects which are smaller that those classified as ‘minor cleanness defects’ by using official standard photographs for neatness. Neatness is expressed as percentage. Neps Small bundle of tangled undeveloped fibers. The undeveloped fibers do not take dyestuff, and thus neps appear as small white dots in fabric. Normally used in the plural, as you seldom find just one nep.

[See also Lousy Silk ] Nett Silk Raw silk filaments or strands which have been processed into yarns by twisting or folding, or both. Noil (Silk) Silk Noil (sometimes incorrectly called raw silk ) comes from the use of very short fibers (called, appropriately, 'silk noils') to weave the fabric. The short fibers are separated from the long fibers during combing in the fiber preparatory processes before spinning. Noil has a nubby feel with a low sheen. It resembles cotton in surface texture and sews easily. When these short fibers are spun into yarns, the resulting yarns have occasional slubs and specks that add to its appeal. Nubs vary between different weaves. Sportier in appearance, noil has the look of hopsack but is much softer. Higher quality noil yarns are easy to use. It is a good practice to tug on a noil yarn to be sure of its practicality as a warp. The majority of plied noils can be used for warp but most single-ply noil yarns are too easily broken to withstand warping, though work well as weft. Noil has the strongest silk odor due to impurities in the yarn.

The majority of the smell dissipates after washing, but can return again when wet. [The word Noil actually refers to fiber length, but is casually and usually used to refer to silk fabric made from short fibers.] Organza Silk Silk Organza is a sheer, thin open-weave fabric that is heavier and crisper than silk gauze . It has a smooth, flat finish, is strong and durable, and gets its stiffness from tightly twisted yarns. Often used as the base fabric for embellished fabrics. This plain weave sheer silk is made with a loose plain weave and tightly twisted yarns that have 10 to 20 turns per inch. Organza is similar to cotton organdy except it is made with silk and is transparent. Organza has a crisp drape, which requires special sewing techniques for seams, facings, and hems because they can be seen from the outside of the garment. It is mostly used for interfacing, veils, and undergowns. Peau de Soie (also called Duchess Satin) French for ‘skin of silk,' Peau de Soie is a stout, soft silk with fine cross ribs.

A medium weight fabric with satiny finish, it looks like Charmeuse , but Peau de Soie has a moderately stiff drape. Used in evening wear, bridal gowns, and elegant dresses. Sews easily, but pins and needles leave marks. A plain woven, thin, naturally tan silk fabric that has a rough weave effect. Pupa A pupa (Latin pupa for doll, pl: pupae or pupas) is the life stage of some insects undergoing transformation. The pupal stage is found only in holometabolous , those that undergo a complete metamorphosis, going through four life stages; embryo, larva , pupa and imago . The pupae of different groups of insects have different names such as chrysalis in the Lepidoptera and tumbler in mosquitoes. Pupae may further be enclosed in other structures such as cocoons , nests or shells. Raw Silk Continuous filaments of silk, with no twist, which have been reeled from cocoons but are unprocessed and still containing sericin . Reeled Silk Yarn Reeled, or filament , silk is the highest quality yarn and is very white and shiny.

Cocoons are inspected and sorted, as only those with a perfect shape can be used for the reeling procedure. Cocoons are soaked in warm water to soften the gummy sericin . The silken strand from a single cocoon is too fine to use alone, so individual filaments of 6-20 cocoons are unraveled at the same time, traveling through a very small eye. The softened sericin dries, hardens and binds the strands together to become one thread the size of a human hair. The majority of reeled silks supply large industrial looms. [See also Spun Silk Yarn ] Schappe Silk Spun (not reeled ) silk yarns that have been degummed by a lengthy and very smelly fermentation process. Scroop The peculiar scrunching or rustling sound silk acquires when treated with certain organic acids (such as acetic and formic acid). Sericin (also called Silk Gum) A sticky protein material that coats the fiber filaments as they are extruded from the silkworm’s spinnerets . This gum bonds the filaments of silk together and aids in the formation of the cocoon .

Sericteries Modified salivary glands or silk glands on the mouthpart of the larvae . Sericulture Rearing of silkworms for the production of raw silk . Shantung (Silk) A douppioni type of silk that comes from Shantung province in China. This fabric is woven from wild silk , and comes with slubs and a subtle sheen. Shot Silk A fabric wove n with different colored warp and weft thread so as to make a tinted or iridescent appearance. Silk Road The Silk Road, or Silk Route, is a name given to an interconnected series of trade routes through various regions of the Eurasian continent mainly connecting Chang'an (today's Xi'an) in China, with Asia Minor and the Mediterranean. It extends over 8,000 km (5,000 miles) on land and sea. Trade on the Silk Route was a significant factor in the development of the great civilizations of China, ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, Persia, India and Rome, and helped to lay the foundations for the modern world. Skein Long coils of yarn or hair intended for weaving, dyeing, or heat setting.

Bulk yarn is sold in skeins that often need to be re-wound into spools or balls depending on the application. A skein is not a specific unit of length. Spinneret Glandular opening on the silkworm where the silk is extruded. Spun Silk Yarn The weak filament of the transparent silken envelope remaining from the reeling process – as well as the damaged, discolored, or imperfectly shaped cocoons – become the raw material for lustrous, creamy colored spun silk yarn. This cocoon "waste" must first have the sericin removed (degummed) with soap and water. Next, the fiber is cut into uniform lengths and carded to remove short tangled bits as well as the brown pupa inside the cocoons . Combing lays all the fibers parallel in a sliver which is spun into a shimmering yarn. Spun silk is the most familiar yarn made available to handworkers. [See also Reeled Silk Yarn] Texere A Latin word meaning “to weave.” Throwing The process which links the production of raw silk with weaving. Individual filaments of de-gummed silk are so fine that they become separated if not twisted or thrown.

Throwing will strengthen silk for weaving, particularly in the preparation of warp yarn, and also increase the diameter and denier of a silk yarn, depending on the type and weight of fabric to be woven. Throwing consists of the following four operations, each requiring special machinery: Bobbin winder Hank winder Thrown Silk Silk thread consisting of two or more singles twisted together like a rope, in a direction contrary to that in which the singles of which it is composed are twisted. Thrown Singles Silk thread or cord made by three processes of twisting; first into single s, two or more of which are twisted together making dumb singles, and several of these twisted together to make thrown singles. Tram Tram is medium twisted thread formed by twisting 2 to 3 silk yarns together with low twists of l00 to l50 tpm (twists per meter). It is moderately strong, soft, has a good hand (feel), and is mostly used as weft. Tussah (also called Tussar, Tasar, Tussore) A medium to heavy weight silk made from free-range (Woo Hoo) wild silkworms of the Antheraea mylitta or Antheraca proylei species.

The warp and weft yarns of this plain weave silk fabric are very different, giving tussah the look of woven grasses. Tussah is relatively uneven, has small lumps and is less lustrous than cultivated silk. It does however tend to be stronger, perhaps because it is a somewhat thicker fiber. Because of tannin-rich diet, Tussah is almost always a natural brown color. But it does dye well, and is good for suits, jackets, and home decoration. Sews easily but may unravel, so finished seams are advisable. The name Tussah is also associated with the Antheraea silk producing caterpillar. This caterpillar is raised in the forested regions of China, Korea and India, and has a different diet from its Bombyx mori cousin – relying mostly on Arjun tree (terminalia arjun), Asan (terminalia tomentosa), and Oak (querus). Tussah silkworms are protected and harvested in jungles and forests by indigenous peoples in Asia. These silkworms seem to have rejected all attempts at total domestication.

Tussah fibers are derived from cocoons collected after the moth has emerged naturally in the field, and are a little coarser than the cultivated Bombyx mori . Whether they are reared in the tropics or temperate climate, the leaves they eat contain tannin, the ingredient in tea that leaves a stain in your cup. The natural color of tussah silk is, therefore, warm honey beige. Twill (Silk) Made from silk yarns woven in a twill weave which gives the fabric a soft hand and high durability, making the fabric ideal for sportswear. Used in blouses, skirts, and dresses. Twill, a textile weave in which the filling threads pass over one and under two or more warp threads to give an appearance of diagonal lines. Twill is very strong and soil resistant with an appearance of fine diagonal lines. This is one of the three basic textiles weaves, producing a fabric with a diagonal rib, ridge, or wale. Velvet (Silk) Silk velvet is a soft, elegant fabric that looks and feels expensive. It drapes better than other velvet, falling close to the body.

The silk velvet mostly available is silk rayon combination: rayon pile on a silk base (often in an 80-20 ratio respectively). 100% silk velvet is rare and expensive. Weighted Silk The practice formerly used to compensate for the loss of the sericin weight during silk processing. Usually done with tin salts. This causes the fabric to be brittle and wear badly. Wild Silk Production Wild silk is obtained from cocoons that silkworms produce in a natural uncontrolled environment. The most common type of wild silk is Tussah Silk. Tussah silk is dark in color, coarse in texture and cannot be bleached. Duppioni is another type of wild silk. Duppioni silk is produced when two silkworms spin cocoons that ar e joined together. Acknowledgement: Information in this writing has been borrowed from various sources such as Wikipedia and Encyclopaedia Brittanica . Please visit All About Silk for further information. Glossary of Fabric Terms - Fabric - Store A manufactured fiber, its major properties include a soft, wool-like hand, machine washable and dryable and excellent color retention.

Alpaca A natural hair fiber obtained from the Alpaca sheep, a domesticated member of the llama family. Angora The hair of the Angora goat. Also known as Angora mohair. Angora may also apply to the fur of the Angora rabbit. Antique Satin A reversible satin-weave fabric with satin floats on the technical face and surface slubs on the technical back created by using slub-filling yarns. It is usually used with the technical back as the right side for drapery fabrics and often made of a blend of fibers. Batik A method of dyeing fabric where some areas are covered with wax or pastes made of glues or starches to make designs by keeping dyes from penetrating in pattern areas. Multicolored and blended effects are obtained by repeating the dyeing process several times, with the initial pattern of wax boiled off and another design applied before dyeing again in a new color. A lightweight, plain weave fabric, semi-sheer and usually made of cotton or cotton blends. Appropriate for heirloom sewing, baby clothes and lingerie. Bedford Cord A cord cotton-like fabric with raised ridges in the lengthwise direction.

Since the fabric has a high strength and a high durability, it is often used for upholstery and work clothes. A fabric with a crosswise rib made from textile fibers (as rayon, nylon, cotton, or wool) often in combination. Boiled Wool Felted knitted wool, it offers the flexibility of a knit with great warmth. Create your own by washing double the needed amount of 100% wool jersey in hot water and drying in a hot dryer. Expect 50% shrinkage. Appropriate for jackets, vests and stuffed animals. Blackout A type of fabric that is commonly used for drapery, this fabric has the distinctive quality of blocking light, and comes in two forms: 2-pass and 3-pass. Two-pass has two “passes” of foam on a fabric, which means the black layer of foam will be visible. 3-pass has two layers of white and one layer of black foam. Three-pass can also be used as an upholstery fabric, as the black layer is not visible. Blackout fabrics can also be insulating and noise-dampening. Buckram A very stiff cotton fabric that is been soaked in a substance to fill in the gaps between the fibers.

The fiber is usually cotton and is finished with starch and resin. Buckram fabric is most commonly used as the supporting material inside of baseball caps. It is also used in lady's hats, costumes, belts, and handbags. A loosely constructed, heavy weight, plain weave fabric. It has a rough hand. Appropriate for draperies and decorative items. Burn-out Velvet Created from two different fibers, the velvet is removed with chemicals in a pattern leaving the backing fabric intact. Appropriate for more unconstructed and loosely fit garments. Chenille The French word for caterpillar, this soft fabric is created by placing short pieces of yarns between core yarns and twisting the yarn together to make a fabric. This fabric is commonly used for baby items and in home décor fabrics. Chantilly lace This lace has a net background, and the pattern is created by embroidering with thread and ribbon to create floral designs. The pattern has areas of design that are very dense, and the pattern is often outlined with heavier cords or threads. Charm Quilt A quilt made of many, many small patches (traditionally 2" or so) where each piece is a different fabric.

The pattern is usually a one-patch design and often involves swaps and trades with friends to gather many fabrics. Charmuese A luxurious, supple silky fabric with a shiny satin face and a dull back. Generally either silk, rayon ,or polyester. Suitable for blouses, fuller pants and lingerie. Cotton a white vegetable fiber grown in warmer climates in many parts of the world, has been used to produce many types of fabric for hundreds of years. Cotton fabric feels good against the skin regardless of the temperature or the humidity and is therefore in great demand by the consumer. Used to describe all kinds of fabrics--wool, cotton, silk, rayon, synthetics and blends-that have a crinkle, crimped or grained surface. Crepe Charmeuse A smooth, soft luster fabric of grenadine silk warp and filling, with latter given crepe twist. It has the body and drape of satin and is used for dresses and eveningwear. Crepe de Chine Silk crepe de chine has a slightly crinkly surface create with highly twisted fibers.

It comes in three weights: 2 ply, appropriate for blouses and lingerie; 3 ply, appropriate for dresses, fuller pants and dresses; and 4 ply, most luxurious and best for trousers and jackets. Crepe-back Satin A satin fabric in which highly twisted yarns are used in the filling direction. The floating yarns are made with low twist and may be of either high or low luster. If the crepe effect is the right side of the fabric, the fabric is called satin-back crepe. Crewel A true crewel fabric is embroidered with crewel yarn (a loosely twisted, two-ply wool) on a plain weave fabric. Traditional crewel fabrics are hand-woven and embroidered in India. The design motif for crewel work is typically outlines of flowers, vines, and leaves, in one or many colors. Modern weaving technology and inventive designers create traditional "crewel" looks with weave effects alone, without the use of embroidery. Crocheted Denim A twill weave cotton fabric made with different colored yarns in the warp and the weft. Due to the twill construction, one color predominates on the fabric surface. Suitable for pants, jackets and skirts.

Pre-wash and dry 100% cotton denim at least twice to eliminate shrinkage and color bleeding. Dimity A lightweight and sheer cotton fabric that features a raised texture. Usually seen in light colors, but occasionally printed as well. Dimity fabric is commonly used in window treatments, draperies, and heirloom projects. A decorative weave, characterized by small figures, usually geometric, that are woven into the fabric structure. Doeskin Generally applied to fabric with a low nap that is brushed in one direction to create a soft suede-like hand on the fabric front. Great for tops, pants and fuller skirts. A lightweight, sheer cotton or cotton blend fabric with a small dot flock-like pattern either printed on the surface of the fabric, or woven into the fabric. End-uses for this fabric include blouses, dresses, baby clothes, and curtains. Double Cloth A fabric construction, in which two fabrics are woven on the loom at the same time, one on top of the other. In the weaving process, the two layers of woven fabric are held together using binder threads. The woven patterns in each layer of fabric can be similar or completely different. A weft knit fabric in which two layers of loops are formed that cannot be separated.

A double knit machine, which has two complete sets of needles, is required for this construction. Double Rub Double rubs measure a fabric’s abrasion resistance, determined by the Wyzenbeek test. Each “rub” is one back and forth pass over a stretched piece of fabric by a mechanical arm. The test is run until the fabric shows noticeable wear. Consider the double rub count when purchasing upholstery fabric for a high-traffic area in your home. Drill Strong, medium- to heavyweight, warp-faced, twill-weave fabric. It is usually a 2/1 left-handed twill and piece dyed. A sheer, open-weave fabric usually cotton or silk. It is suitable for blouses, dresses and curtains. Georgette A drapey woven fabric created from highly twisted yarns creating a pebbly texture. It is semi-sheer and suitable for blouses, full pants and flowing dresses. A medium weight, plain weave fabric with a plaid or check pattern. End-uses include dresses, shirts, and curtains. Gossamer Very soft, gauzelike veiling originally of silk. Grois Point A fabric which features large points of yarn on the surface of the fabric.

Grosgrain A tightly woven, firm, warp-faced fabric with heavy, round filling ribs created by a high-warp count and coarse filling yarns. Grosgrain can be woven as a narrow-ribbon or a fullwidth fabric. A fabric, usually handwoven which has been tie-dyed in the yarns prior to weaving. The pattern can range from simple little dots to intricate double ikats. Interlining An insulation, padding, or stiffening fabric, either sewn to the wrong side of the lining or the inner side of the outer shell fabric. The interlining is used primarily to provide warmth in coats, jackets, and outerwear. Also known as T-shirt knit. It usually has stretch across the grain. Great for tops, skirts and lightweight pants. Irish Poplin There are two types of Irish poplin: (1) Originally a fabric constructed with silk warp and wool filling in plain weave with fine rib. (2) Fine linen or cotton shirting also made in Ireland. Sometimes used for neckwear. Knit Fabric Fabrics made from only one set of yarns, all running in the same direction.

Some knits have their yarns running along the length of the fabric, while others have their yarns running across the width of the fabric. Knit fabrics are held together by looping the yarns around each other. Knitting creates ridges in the resulting fabric. Wales are the ridges that run lengthwise in the fabric; courses run crosswise. Knit-de-knit A type of yarn texturizing in which a crimped yarn is made by knitting the yarn into a fabric, and then heat-setting the fabric. The yarn is then unraveled from the fabric and used in this permanently crinkled form. Napped Napped fabric has a surface texture with an added visual appeal, and is frequently featured in flannel, corduroy, velvet, and satin. The napped texture creates soft, heavy, and warm qualities, making it perfect for shirting, sleepwear, and baby blankets. Double napped fabrics are brushed on both sides, while single-napped is only brushed on one side. When sewing with fabrics with a distinct nap, be sure to allow for extra fabric, and lay all of your pattern pieces going in the same direction.

Refers to any open-construction fabric whether it is created by weaving, knitting, knotting, or another method. Noil Noil is a short fiber that is left over when combing longer fibers during textile production. Silk noil fabric is created from taking the leftover noils from spinning silk to create an overall raw silk fabric that features a gentle drape, slightly nubby, uneven texture, and dull surface. Noil fabric is perfect for creating loose-fitting jackets, skirts, dresses, and home décor accents. Ottoman A heavy, plain weave fabric with wide, flat crosswise ribs that are larger and higher than in faille. It sometimes comes with alternating narrow and wide ribs. When made of narrow ribs only, it is called soleil. Warp may be silk or manmade fiber; filling may be cotton, silk, wool, or manmade fiber. Used for dress coats, suits, and trimmings. Outdoor Outdoor fabric is used to recover cushions, pillows, create awnings, and more for spaces exposed to nature’s elements like the sun and rain. Created with polyester or acrylic fibers, outdoor fabric is durable, soil and stain resistant, and can be cleaned by wiping with a damp rag.

Panel A panel is a cotton print that can be used for anything from quilt projects to aprons, doll clothes, or soft books. Most commonly used in quilting, panels feature a large design that is often featured in the center of a quilt, making it perfect for themed projects. Some panels also feature instructions and cut-outs for projects like an apron or book. Panné Satin Lightweight silk or manmade fiber satin fabric with very high luster achieved with aid of heavy roll pressure. Crushes easily. Used for eveningwear. Panné Velvet A lustrous, lightweight velvet fabric, in which the pile has been flattened in one direction. Has good stretch across the grain. Appropriate for tops and dresses. A soft fabric with a brushed texture similar to the skin of a peach on one side, with a good amount of drape. Peachskin is often used to create blouses, skirts, and dresses with a lining. Peau de Soie A heavy twill weave drapeable satin fabric, made of silk or a manufactured fiber, and used for bridal gowns and eveningwear.

Pima Cotton A type of cotton plant developed in the Southwestern USA from a cross between Egyptian and Uplands cotton which is longer in fiber length and more lustrous than most American cottons. It is used to weave some of the popular quilting fabrics which have a silk-like hand. Plissé A lightweight, plain weave, fabric, made from cotton, rayon, or acetate, and characterized by a puckered striped effect, usually in the warp direction. The crinkled effect is created through the application of a caustic soda solution, which shrinks the fabric in the areas of the fabric where it is applied. Plissé is similar in appearance to seersucker. End-uses include dresses, shirtings, pajamas, and bedspreads. Plush A compactly woven fabric with warp pile higher than that of velvet. Made of cotton, wool, silk, or manmade fiber, often woven as double face fabric and then sheared apart. Higher pile gives bristly texture. Usually piece-dyed but may be printed. Used for coats, upholstery. Pointelle Unclipped, looped pile, 100% cotton terry cloth is highly absorbent.

French Terry has a looped reverse and a knit-like face. Ticking A variety of fabrics are known as "ticking." The main weave is a closely-woven, thick yarn twill. Spaced, colored, and natural or white yarns repeated in the warp, and all natural or white in the filling, forming a stripe. Several color combinations used, as blue and white, brown and white, red and white. Heavy warp-face sateens as well as heavy sheetings are printed and sold as ticking. Jacquard damask ticking woven in damask effects also sold for this purpose as well as other fabrics, such as drills. Toile A type of decorating pattern consisting of a white or off-white background on which a repeated pattern depicting a fairly complex scene, generally of a pastoral theme such as (for example) a couple having a picnic by a lake. The pattern portion consists of a single colour, most often black, dark red, or blue. Greens and magenta toile patterns are less common but not unheard of. Wool is naturally stain and wrinkle resistant. It can absorb up to 40% of it’s weight in moisture without feeling damp.

Wool comes in many forms including crepe, challis, gabardine, merino, melton, jersey and worsted wool suitings. Wool Crepe A lightweight worsted fabric with a more or less crinkly appearance, obtained by using warp yarns that are tightly twisted in alternate directions. The term is often applied to lightweight worsted fabrics for women's wear that have little or no crepe surface. Woven Fabric Fabrics composed of two sets of yarns. One set of yarns, the warp, runs along the length of the fabric. The other set of yarns, the fill or weft, is perpendicular to the warp. Woven fabrics are held together by weaving the warp and the fill yarns over and under each other. Tex.NET: The Textiles Rooms - Technical - Fibre Content Labelling Care Cotton Strong, absorbent, comfortable, and versatile. Wrinkles easily. May shrink unless treated. Sensitive to mildew and to silverfish. Blouses, dresses, shirts, sportswear, underwear, diapers, towels, curtains, and upholstery. Found in fabrics such as broadcloth, poplin, terry, corduroy, seersucker, and denim.

Found in fabric blends with man-made and other natural fibers. Machine wash in hot water for white and warm water for colored fabrics. Many brightly colored cottons have dyes that may bleed in wash water or rub off during wearing. To help control dye loss, wash separately. Press at high temperature while damp. Linen Very absorbent, strong, and durable. Sometimes stiff and wrinkles easily. Generally resists insects. Sensitive to mildew. Blouses, dresses, suits, draperies, and table linens. Found in light-, medium-, and heavy-weight woven fabrics. Most must be dry-cleaned. If preshrunk, can be laundered in hot water; press at high temperature while very damp. Silk Strong, absorbent, soft, and lightweight. Resists soil and wrinkling. Sensitive to perspiration, moths, and beetles. Some silks may water spot. Blouses, dresses, suits, scarves, and lingerie. Found in fabrics such as crepe, brocade, satin, and taffeta. Most must be dry-cleaned. If washable, use cool temperatures and mild detergent. Press on wrong side while damp, using cool temperature. Do not use chlorine bleach.

Wool A natural insulator, can be easily molded and shaped, absorbent, resilient, and wrinkle-resistant. Sensitive to mildew, moths, and beetles. Sweaters, socks, sportswear, dresses, suits, blankets, and carpets. Found in light-, medium-, and heavy-weight, woven, nonwoven, and knit fabrics. Most must be dry-cleaned. If machine washable, use warm water and tumble dry. If hand washable, use mild suds and cool water; block flat to dry. Do not use chlorine bleach. MAN-MADE FIBERS Acetate Trademark names: Airloft, Celebrate, Chromspun, Estron Silk-like, soft, and drapable. Relatively fast drying. Shrink and moth resistant. Sensitive to heat, silverfish, mildew, and acetone (nail polish remover). Blouses, dresses, foundation garments, lingerie, linings, shirts, slacks, and sportswear. Found in fabrics such as brocade, crepe, double knit, faille, jersey, lace, satin, taffeta, tricot, and in blends with other man-made fibers. Most must be dry-cleaned.

If washable, use gentle cycle, mild detergent, and warm water. Drip dry and press with low temperature on wrong side while damp. Use a fabric softener to reduce static cling. Can lose body during laundering process. Acrylic Trademark names: Acrilan, Creslan, Orlon, Remember, Zefran Soft, warm, bulky properties resembling wool. Retains shape, dries quickly, and is wrinkle-resistant. Resists sunlight, mildew, and insects. Sometimes has the tendency to pill. Sensitive to heat. Dresses, infant wear, knitted garments, skirts, ski wear, socks, sportswear, sweaters, and work clothes. Found in fabrics such as fleece, pile, simulated fur, sweater knit, and in blends with natural and other man-made fibers. Usually machine washable and dryable at medium to low temperatures. Dries quickly and needs little or no pressing. Oily stains need pretreatment before washing. When pressing, use warm (not hot) iron. Aramid Highly flame-resistant, high strength, and maintains shape. Protective clothing, military helmets, bullet-proof vests, and applications where fire-resistance is important.

Modacrylic Trademark name: SEF Soft, resilient, quick-drying, and flame-resistant. Resists mildew and moths. Sensitive to heat and acetone (nail polish remover), collects static electricity, may pill excessively, and is nonabsorbent. Children's sleepwear, blankets, deep-pile coats, linings, simulated fur, wigs, and hair pieces. Found in industrial, deep-pile, fleece, and fur-like fabrics. Use low temperatures for washing and pressing. Nylon Trademark names: Anso, Antron, Cantrece, Shareen, Tolaram, Zafran Exceptionally strong and durable. Abrasion resistant, retains shape, and is resistant to moths and mildew. Absorbs and holds body oils, collects static electricity, tends to yellow, may pill, and has low moisture absorbency. Sensitive to some insects (ants, crickets, and roaches). Blouses, dresses, foundation garments, hosiery, lingerie, underwear, raincoats, ski and snow apparel, suits, windbreakers, bedspreads, curtains, and upholstery. Found in a range of woven and knitted fabrics. Also found in blends with natural and other man-made fibers.

Machine washable and dryable at medium to low temperatures. Hang promptly. Wash whites separately because they tend to pick up colors from other fabrics. Pretreat oil stains. Rinse with cold water to minimize wrinkling. Use fabric softener to reduce static cling. Olefin Trademark names: Avtex, Herculon, Marvess, Spectra, Tolaram Strong, lightweight, comfortable, and good insulator. Abrasion-resistant and quick-drying. Resistant to mildew, insects, soils, and stains. Sensitive to heat, and may pill. Pantyhose, underwear, knitted sportswear, hosiery, sweaters, upholstery, and hunting apparel. Found in industrial apparel and home furnishing fabrics. Machine washable and dryable at low temperatures. Do not iron. Blot stains with absorbent tissue. Rinse in cold water to minimize wrinkling. Use fabric softener to reduce static cling. PBI Trademark names: PBI, Arozole Highly flame-resistant and comfortable. Suitable for high performance, protective apparel such as fireman's coats, astronaut's space suits, and applications where fire-resistance is important.

Polyester Trademark names: Dacron, Fortrel, Kodel, Silky Touch, Trevira Strong and resists wrinkling, abrasion, shrinking, stretching, and mildew. Generally insect-resistant. Collects static electricity, sensitive to heat, absorbs and holds body oils, and may pill. Blouses, shirts, dresses, children's wear, hosiery, insulated garments, ties, lingerie, underwear, permanent press garments, slacks, and suits. Found in a range of woven and knitted fabrics. Also found in blends with natural and other man-made fibers. Superior wash and wear performance. Machine wash and dry at medium to low temperatures. Hang promptly; press only if necessary. Pretreat oily stains. Rinse in cold water to minimize wrinkling. Use fabric softener to reduce static cling. Rayon Trademark names: Avril, Beau-Grip, Courcel, Durvil, Zantrel Highly absorbent, soft, comfortable, and drapable. Some rayons wrinkle easily and become weak when wet. Sensitive to mildew and silverfish.

Blouses, coats, dresses, jackets, lingerie, linings, millinery, draperies, rainwear, slacks, sport shirts, sportswear, suits, ties, work clothes, and upholstery. Found in a range of woven and nonwoven apparel and home furnishing fabrics. Follow care label instructions precisely. Some rayons may need to be dry-cleaned. Some are washable but do not wring or twist. Drip dry and press on wrong side while damp. Spandex Trademark name: Lycra Strong, durable, lightweight, and high degree of stretch. Resists wrinkling, abrasion, and body oils. Tends to yellow with time. Athletic apparel, bathing suits, foundation garments, golf jackets, ski pants, slacks, support and surgical hose, and any fabric or garment where elasticity is desired. Machine wash and dry at low temperatures. Wash whites separately. Drip dry or machine dry at low temperature. Do not use chlorine bleach. Triacetate Trademark name: Arnel Drapable. Resists shrinking, stretching, and wrinkling. Low strength. Sensitive to heat, mildew, silverfish, and acetone (nail polish remover).

Dresses, skirts, sportswear, draperies, and upholstery. Also, found in blends with other man-made fibers. Machine wash using gentle cycle, mild detergent, and warm water. Drip dry or machine dry at low temperature. FabricLink :: Fabric Seminar Fabric Seminar Fabric Seminar FIBER HISTORY Natural fibers have been used for apparel and home fashion for thousands of years, with the use of wool going back over 4,000 years. In comparison, the man-made fiber industry began with the first commerical production of rayon in 1910. For those old enough to remember the 50's and 60's, this was when there was a great deal of technology happening in the man-made fiber industry. And the technology continues even today. Microfibers, fibers finer than the finest silk, were developed in 1989 and lyocell, was developed in 1993. Today, many man-made fibers, including polyester have been developed into beautiful fabrics that are being used by major designers. Natural Fibers History of the principal natural fibers used in textiles for apparel and home fashion EST. DATE Generally considered to be the oldest natural textile fiber.

Fine linen was used as burial shrouds for the Egyptian pharaohs Largest producer: Soviet States; other large producers include Poland, Germany, Belgium and France. Largest exporters are Northern Ireland and Belgium. 3,000+ BC Earliest use estimated between 3,000 BC to 5,000 BC. Worn by Egyptians earlier than 2,500 BC. Eli Whitney's invention of the cotton gin in 1793 revolutionized the processing of cotton. The development of the power loom in 1884 brought significant improvements and variations to cotton fabrics. Major producers: United States, Soviet States, China and India. Lessor producers include Pakistan, Brazil, Turkey, Egypt, Mexico Iran and Sudan. 3,000 BC WOOL: Used by people of the Late Stone Age, There are 40 different breeds of sheep, which produce approximately 200 types of wool of varying grades. Major producers include: Australia, New Zealand, Soviet States, China, South Africa, and Argentina. 2,600 BC SILK: Believed discovered by a Chinese princess.

Silk is made from two continuous filaments cemented together and used to form the cocoon of the silkworm. Silk culture began about 1725 BC, sponsored by the wife of China's emperor. Secrets of cultivation and fabric manufacturing were closely guarded by the Chinese for about 3,000 years. There is a story that two monks smuggled seeds of the mulberry tree and silkworm eggs out of China by hiding them in their walking sticks. India learned of silk culture when a Chinese princess married an Indian prince. The major producer and exporter of silk is Japan. Man-Made Fibers The history of U.S. Production of the principal man-made fibers used in textiles for apparel and home fashion It is important to understand that all manufactured fibers are not alike. Each fiber has a unique composition and it's own set of physical properties. The U. S. Federal Trade Commission has established generic names and definitions for manufactured fibers, including acetate, acrylic, lyocell, modacrylic, nylon, polyester, polypropylene (olefin), rayon, and spandex. However, all fibers under a generic name are not exactly the same.

Fiber producers have been able to modify the basic composition of each generic fiber, both chemically and physically, to produce variations which provide a softer feel, greater comfort, brighter/longer lasting colors, better warmth/cooling, moisture transport/wicking, and better properties for blending with other fibers. These improved fibers are given a trademark name and are owned and promoted by the fiber producer. The following is a list of producers of manufactured fibers and their trademark names. DATE RAYON The first man-made fiber. The first commercial production of rayon fiber in the United States was in 1910 by the American Viscose Company. By using two different chemicals and manufacturing techniques, two basic types of rayon were developed. They were viscose rayon and cuprammonium rayon. Today, there are no producers of rayon in the U.S. 1924 ACETATE: The first commercial production of acetate fiber in the United States was in 1924 by the Celanese Corporation. 1939 NYLON: The first commercial production of nylon in the United States was in 1939 by the E. I. du Pont de Nemours & Company, Inc.

It is the second most used man-made fiber in this country, behind polyester. 1950 ACRYLIC: The first commercial production of acrylic fiber in the United States was in 1950 by E. I. du Pont de Nemours & Company, Inc. 1953 POLYESTER: The first commercial production of polyester fiber in the United States was in 1953 by E. I. du Pont de Nemours & Company, Inc. Polyester is the most used man-made fiber in the U.S. 1954 TRIACETATE: The first commercial production of triacetate fiber in the United States was in 1954 by the Celanese Corporation. Domestic Triacetate production was discontinued in 1985. 1959 SPANDEX: The first commercial production of spandex fiber in the United States was in 1959 by E. I. du Pont de Nemours & Company, Inc. It is an elastomeric man-made fiber (able to stretch at least 100% and snap back like natural rubber). Spandex is used in filament form.

1961 POLYOLEFIN/ POLYPROPYLENE: The first commercial production of an olefin fiber manufactured in the U.S. was by Hercules Incorporated. In 1966, polyolefin was the world's first and only Nobel-Prize winning fiber. 1989 MICRO FIBERS/ MICRODENIER: The first commercial production of micro fiber in the U.S. was in 1989 by E. I. du Pont de Nemours & Company, Inc. Today micro fibers are produced in a variety of synthetic fibers (i.e. polyester, nylon, acrylic, etc.) The true definition of a micro fiber is a fiber that has less than one denier per filament. Micro Fiber is the thinnest, finest of all man-made fibers. It is finer than the most delicate silk. To relate it to something more familiar--A human hair is more than 100 times the size of some micro fibers 1993 LYOCELL: The first commercial production of lyocell in the U.S. was in 1993 by Courtaulds Fibers, under the TencelÂ¬ trade name.

Environmentally friendly, lyocell is produced from the wood pulp of trees grown specifically for this purpose. It is specially processed, using a solvent spinning technique in which the dissolving agent is recycled, reducing environmental effluents.

Question: Satin is traditionally/originally made from what fibre?
Answer: Silk