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Outcomes
At the end of this unit, you should be able to:
• describe the diversity of textiles and textile products;
• discuss the value of developing a professional knowledge of
textiles;
• explain how textile apparel, interior and technical products
enhance the quality of life; and
• describe the global nature of the textile complex

Reference:
Kadolph, S.J. 2014. Pearson New International Edition: Textiles.
TKS 212 UNIT 1: INTRODUCTION TO TEXTILES 11th ed. Essex, England. Pearson. Chapter 1, pp. 1-12.
AND THE GLOBAL TEXTILE COMPLEX

Most textiles are made of fibers that are processed

into yarns and are woven or knit into fabrics.
Coloration and finishing add value, enhance
appearance or improve performance

TEXTILE TEXTILE
TERMINOLOGY TERMINOLOGY
• FINISH
• FIBER
Hair-like, smallest component of fabric. Any additional process used to
Either natural or synthetic, that can be add colour, texture or
processed into fabric performance to a grey goods
(unfinished fabric)
• YARN
• A collection of fibers that is twisted • GREY GOODS
or laid together to form a ongoing
string that can be made into a fabric Any unfinished fabric
• FABRIC • TEXTILE
An adaptable plain matter constructed
form solutions, fibers, yarns, or other Originally referred to woven
fabric, in any combination fabric. Nowadays, relates to
products made from fiber, yarns
and fabrics.

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Review question: (1) Explain the parts of the textile complex that would have been involved in producing and
marketing a 100 % cotton towel. (2) Identify your current career goal and describe where it would fit in with the
global textile complex.

Review questions:
(1) Define the key terms related to textiles
and explain the differences among them
(2) Find examples of each of the following
textiles that you come into contact with
on a regular basis: Film, fiber, yarn and
fabric.

Reference:
Kadolph, S.J.
2014. Pearson
New International
Reference: Edition: Textiles.
11th ed. Essex,
Kadolph, S.J. 2014. Pearson New International England. Pearson.
Edition: Textiles. 11th ed. Essex, England. Pearson. Chapter 1, p. 8-10.
Chapter 1, p. 4.

THE WORLD OF Review question: (1) Identify 5 things you do that are made possible, safer, or easier because of today’s textiles. (2)
What are the differences between apparel or interior textiles and technical textiles?

TEXTILES
How do textiles contribute to quality of life?

• PERSONAL HYGIENE
• TRANSPORTATION
• MEDICAL
• ENVIRONMENT
• FOOD INDUSTRY
• CLOTHING
• PROTECTIVE WEAR
• AGRICULTURE
• ANIMAL CARE
• SPORTS AND RECREATION
• BUILDING MATERIALS
(See Kadolph, p.6 Table 1 for
examples)

TEXTILE
INDUSTRIES Review questions:

What are smart textiles?

• Smart textiles
Sense and react to the Do you own or use any
items that are considered
environment or stimuli to be smart textiles?
• Apparel (clothing)
• Interior furnishings (so-called
home fashions: include use in
furniture, bathroom, kitchen
and bedroom)
• Technical or industrial textiles
(luggage, flags, boat sails,
bandages, dust filters, etc.
Reference: Júnior, H.L.O.; Neves, R.M.; Monticeli, F.M.; Dall Agnol, L. Smart Fabric Textiles: Recent Advances and
Challenges. Textiles 2022, 2, 582-605. https://doi.org/10.3390/textiles2040034

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Review questions: List 5 aspects related to textiles that concern you in terms
of their sustainability or impact on the environment? What is the impact of
textiles on the local social-economic climate?
Unique opportunities in the
local value chain
• Recycling, reusing and upcycling of textiles
– Utilize local skill and craftsmanship
– Reduction in the use of natural, raw materials
– Waste reduction and utilising surplus second hand clothing
• Organic alternatives to produce fabrics
• Indigenous knowledge pertaining to organic alternatives
• Utilise by-products from natural fibre production to lower
environmental impact

Extrupet
Site visit:

Pursuing sustainability in the South African

clothing and textile industry, 27 September 2019