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The textile industry came into existence when people discovered that the cover of hair from some animals (e.g. the sheep) could be used without slaughtering the animal. A method for using these fibres was then developed, through spinning them together to make yarn. The fibrous nature of some plants, like the flax plant, also made it possible to spin threads which could be woven into fabric.
Today, most fabrics are knitted or woven. Fibres that are used may be natural and may be obtained from plants or animals.
Fibres may also be synthetic (produced artificially). Such textiles are produced from minerals like coal and petroleum. Examples of artificial fibres are nylon, acrylic and polyester fibres. Sometimes artificial fibres are combined with natural fibres. In this way we, for example, obtain polyester cotton.
See how many garment labels that indicate that polyester-cotton was used for the manufacture of the fabric you can find.
The length, density, strength, fineness and elasticity, as well as resistance to chemicals and moisture, determine the quality of the textile that is manufactured from a fibre. In this way, the qualities of the different types of fibres will determine the qualities of the fabrics that are made from them. The way in which fibres are knitted or woven also plays a role.
That is why a garment should have a label to describe the textile from which it is made, as well as give guidelines about how the garment should be taken care of or washed.
Study the following examples of such labels and talk about them in your groups:
| Garment | Description of textile | Washing instructions | Texture of fabric | Fabric mass | Elasticity of fabric |
| E.g.: T-shirt | 100% cotton | Cold wash hand wash | Soft | Light | Not much |
Because different types of fabric have different qualities, people choose different types of textiles for specific purposes. Soft fabrics are usually selected for garments that will be worn against the body, while other fabrics are needed for warm jerseys and jackets.
| Fibre | Qualities | Care |
| Cotton | CoolCan absorb moistureLittle elasticityCreases easilyVery flammableSoft/coarse, depending on weave | Machine or hand wash / LukewarmRinse thoroughlyHang up to dry or spin dry. Coloured cotton is faded by the sunIron with warm ironWhites may be bleached |
| Wool | Keeps in warmthElasticWeak when wetCan shrink Does not crease easily | Dry clean / Hand washDry in shade / Lay down flatAvoid ironing, or cool iron |
| Artificial fibres | StrongDo not absorb moistureDry easilyCrease resistantDo nor shrink or stretch (Lycra is an exception)Melts at high temperatures | Warm wash- machine or handHang up or spin dryDoes not need ironing |
Follow the instructions and draw up a table to record your observations.
Choose three different types of fabric. You need to be reasonably sure that you know what fibres were used during the manufacturing process.
Take the same pieces of fabric and hold them close to a flame. What do you observe?
Place the fabrics in water to see which one absorbs water most easily.
Place the wet fabric outside to see which one dries the fastest.
| Fabric | 1. | 2. | 3. |
| Fibres | |||
| Durability | |||
| Flammability | |||
| Absorption of moisture |
| LO 2 |
| TECHNOLOGICAL KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDINGThe learner will be able to understand and apply relevant technological knowledge ethically and responsibly. |
| Assessment Standards(ASs) |
| We know this when the learner: |
| Structures :2.1 demonstrates knowledge and understanding of structures. |
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