FABRICS

Fabric is cloth made of fibers. Fibers are hair-like strands that are wound to make yarn or thread used to
make fabric. Fabric is the cloth or material used in making our clothes, curtains, tablecloths, sheets and many
other items.
Types of Fabrics
Woven fabric does not stretch except on the bias. Woven fabric is made up of fibers which run straight at
ninety degree angles to each other. Knit fabric has loops of fiber that allow the fabric to stretch. The amount and
the direction of stretches are all variables. A knit may stretch in one direction or it may stretch in both directions.
This is an important consideration when choosing fabric for a specific pattern. For example, a bathing suit pattern
will require equal two way stretch. If you choose a fabric that only stretches in one direction, the suit is not going
to fit properly and you cannot even put it on.

KINDS OF FABRICS, THEIR USES, CHRACTERISTICS AND CARE

Natural Fibers Uses Characteristics Care
(Home and Apparel)
Vegetable Fibers
A. COTTON Good for items that The world's most Special for durable press.
need to be washed popular fabric. It is cool
often like sheets and to wear and easy to Maybe machine
pillows, school clothes, wash and sew. It is laundered.
and work clothes. versatile, durable and
comfortable. Avoid risk of mildew.
Inexpensive but shrinks
and wrinkles easily.
Kinds of Cotton Fabrics Uses Characteristics Image
(Home and Apparel)
a. Canvas Used for crafts, home Tightly woven heavy-
decorating (curtains duty cotton.
cushions and outdoor
gear)

b. Cotton Batiste For elegant garments A finely woven

(blouses, baby dresses, lightweight cotton Use
and underlining) straight stitch/ jeans
presser foot and 60/8
or 70/10 machine
needle
c. Broadcloth Perfect for shirts. Fantastic, closely woven
cotton that has slight
rib

d. Denim Great for work clothes, One of the most heavy-

jeans and jackets. duty cottons
e. Seer sucker Used to make clothing This falls into the
for spring and summer category of cotton
wear crinkles which have
surface texture.

f. Terrycloth Used for robes, towels, Thick, absorbent cotton

beachwear and home
decorating

Uses Characteristics Care

(Home and Apparel)
B. LINEN Women’s and Very strong, cool to Iron at high temperature.
children’s dresses and wear, and usually more Avoid pressing in sharp
blouses Summer dress expensive than cotton. creases.
Table linens and other Easily wrinkled unless a
household fabrics special finish is applied. Avoid risk of mildew

Known as the oldest

fiber and used by the
Egyptians thousands of
years ago. It comes
from the stem of a very
pretty plant called flax.
Animal Fibers Uses Characteristics Care
(Home and Apparel)
A. SILK-collected from For high-end clothing Strong and luxurious Dry cleaning is preferred.
the cocoon of silk worm. and accessories Some fabric with natural
expensive upholstery luster; moderately Maybe hand washed in
and drapery fabrics resilient and resists mild suds.
wrinkling More
expensive than Avoid over exposure to
manmade (filament) light.
silky yarns
Can be attacked by
insects.
Kinds of Silk Fabric Uses Characteristics Image
(Home and Apparel)
a. China silk Used almost exclusively A very lightweight silk
for lining

b. Chiffon Can be used in all sorts Lightweight, very

of garments drapery silk .This is the
fabric that goes with
the flow.
c. Shantung For special occasion Especially crisp and
uses shiny silk

Uses Characteristics Care

(Home and Apparel)
B. WOOL-made from the Perfect for tailoring Outerwear Medium- Dry cleaning is preferred;
sleets of sheep blankets and weight clothing will shrink and felt in
upholstery Springs back into shape presence of moisture and
Requires little pressing; heat and can be attacked
with great versatility in by insects.
fabric and with
insulating capacity

Kinds of Wool Fabric Uses Characteristics Image

(Home and Apparel)
a. Boiled For blankets and Made in similar fashion
jackets as felt, but much richer
and more supple.
There’s no need to
finish the seam edges.

b. Challis Perfect for all types of Has a distinctive

garments sweater-like nubby
surface created with
little loops

c. Crepe for scarves, shawls, and Can be composed of

bonnet trimmings wool, silk, cotton, or
synthetic. It varies in
Perfect for making quality and it is
shirts expensive. It is a
beautiful fabric that
drapes well and is
extremely wearable.
d. Gabardine Works well on tailored A twill-weave fabric,
and constructed hand washable and do
garments not wrinkle

SYNTHETIC or Uses Characteristics Care

Manmade Fibers (Home and Apparel)
a. Polyester Wash and wear Strong and durable Can be washable or dry
clothing- often in synthetic fabric; dries clean.
combination with other quickly, with sharp Remove oily stains before
fibers, especially cotton pleat and crease washing.
Curtains, carpets, retention. Needs little ironing or
fiberfill, raincoats and pressing.
 hats. It is ideal for Use steam iron at warm
constructing strong setting.
outerwear for damp
climates.
b. Nylon Women's stockings It was first developed as Remove oily stains before
were the first a substitute for washing.
commercial use of imported silk. With Washes easily; wash with
nylon. Also used for exceptional strength, care to maintain
clothing, upholstery excellent elasticity; whiteness. Press at low
and carpet, rope, tents retains shape. Woven temperatures. Dry clean
and fishing line. fabrics feel only.
uncomfortable in
contact with skin.
c. Rubber Foundation garments Stretch and recovery Frequent washing in mild
Swimwear rate is high suds; avoid constant
Damaged by oils and overstretch at high
light With discoloration temperature

d. Spandex Foundation garments; Stretch and recovery May be machine

Swimwear Surgical rate is high Resists laundered with warm
hose Ski pants and abrasion and body oils water
other sportswear With discoloration Dry on lowest heat,
shortest cycle.