Textiles

• Plant-based natural fibres


  • Plant-based natural fibres have the following characteristics:
  • These plant fibres can be spun together to make yarn.
  • Fabrics are extracted from plant-based materials that are renewable but take a long time to grow.
  • The most common type is cotton.
• Animal-based natural fibres

  • Animal-based natural fibres have the following characteristics:
  • These animal-based fibres can be spun together to make yarn.
  • Fabrics are taken from animal-based materials that are renewable but take a long time to extract.
  • The most common type is wool and silk.
• Synthetic fibres


  • Synthetic fibres have the following characteristics:
  • Synthetic fibres are readily available and easy to maintain.
  • Synthetic fibres are durable and have a high resistance to wear and tear.
  • Synthetic fibres absorb very little water and dry very quickly.
  • Synthetic fibres can be very lightweight and wrinkle resistant.
• Blended and mixed fibres

  • Blended and mixed fibres have the following characteristics:
  • Blended fabrics are created by combining one or more fibres together to make a new fabric.
  • They tend to be easy to clean, care for and comfortable.
  • Common examples include polyester/cotton and Nylon/wool.
• Woven textiles


  • Woven textiles have the following characteristics:
  • Woven textiles are produced by weaving yarn a technique that dates back thousands of years.
  • There are many types of woven textiles the most common being plain weave.
  • The woven cloth are made up of two sets of thread woven 90 degrees to each:
  • The warp threads run horizontally the length of the fabric.
  • The weft runs across the fabric from selvedge to selvedge.
• Non-woven textiles


  Non-woven textiles have the following characteristics:

  • Non-woven textiles are made directly from fibres without being spun into yarns.
  • These fabrics tend to be bonded together from a web of fibres held together with heat or adhesive.
  • Non-woven textiles can be given special properties to make them heat resistant.

  Common examples of non-woven textiles are:

  • Surgeon’s garments.
  • Dishcloths.
  • Crime scene investigator overalls.
• Knitted textiles

  Knitted textiles have the following characteristics:

  • Knitted textiles is a traditional technique that has been used for hundreds of years and incorporates interlocking yarn loops to make a fabric.
  • There are two types of knitted fabric called warp and weft knit.
  • Knitting can be done by machine or by hand.
• Weft and warp knitting

  • Weft knitting fabrics are made by hand or by machine and tend to be quite stretchy due to the loose knitted yarns.
  • Warp knitting fabrics are made by hand or machine and tend to be more complex in shape due to the interlocking yarns.
  • They tend to be less stretchy and hold their shape for longer.
• Cotton

  • Cotton is a plant-based natural fibre.
  • These textiles appear white and fluffy and are taken from the cotton plant.
  • The fibres are combined and spun into threaded yarn.
  • Cotton is strong, soft, absorbent and easily washed.
  • Common uses include shirts, underwear, denim, towels and bed linen.
• Wool


  • Wool is an animal-based natural fibre.
  • These textiles appear soft and commonly come from sheep.
  • The fibres are combined and spun into threaded yarn.
  • Wool is easy to dye and available in many textures and colours.
  • Wool is naturally warm and crease resistant.
  • This fibre can easily shrink and it often mixed with other fibres to enhance its properties.
  • Common uses include sweaters, coats, suits, warm clothing liners and carpets.
• Silk


  • Silk is an animal-based natural fibre.
  • These fibres are taken from the cocoon of a silkworm.
  • The fibres have a natural shine and readily takes the dye.
  • Silk can crease very easily and can be difficult to wash.
  • Silk can feel cool in summer yet warm in the winter and drapes well.
  • Common uses include luxury nightwear, clothing, bed linen, silk paintings and soft furnishings.
• Polyester


  • These textiles can be mixed into different fabrics such as satin, rip-stop, tent material, sail material and brushed fleece called Polartec.
  • Polyester is strong, hard wearing, holds colour well, non-absorbent, quick drying and machine washable.
  • Common uses include fleece clothing, bed linen, carpets, backpacks, umbrellas and sports apparel.
• Polymide (Nylon)


  • This fabric is woven into different forms such as rip-stop and is very versatile.
  • Polymide is hardwearing, strong, non-absorbent, machine washable and often mixed with other fabrics to enhance its properties.
  • Common uses include ropes, parachutes, sports apparel, and clothing.
• Elastane (LYCRA)

  • This fabric is very slick and smooth to touch with a shine.
  • Often mixed with other fabrics to enhance its properties especially elasticity.
  • LYCRA allows freedom of movement, dry quickly and is machine washable.
  • Common uses sports apparel, swimsuits, surgical and muscular supports as well as general clothing.0
• Poly-cotton (LYCRA)


  • This fabric is made up of a polyester and cotton blend.
  • Poly-cotton is easy to dye and creases less than pure cotton.
  • Much stronger than pure cotton this fabric can be produced more cheaply and is available in a mixture of blends such as 60% cotton and 40% Polyester.
  • Common uses include:
  • General clothing.
  • Bed linen.
  • Shirts and t-shirts.
• Plain weave


  • This woven textile has threads interlaced at 90 degrees to each other.
  • The vertical thread is called the warp and the horizontal thread is called the weft.
  • The simple weave structure makes the fabric strong and cheap to produce.

  Common uses

  • Common uses include:
  • Table cloths.
  • Gingham weave.
  • Upholstery.
  • Clothing.
• Bonded fabric


  • This fabric has small holes or a textured feel as the fibres are laid randomly.
  • They are often weak, do not fray and can be cut in both directions.
  • LYCRA allows freedom of movement, dry quickly and is machine washable.

  Common uses

  • Common uses include:
  • Protective hygiene clothing.
  • Tea bags.
  • Dishcloths.
  • Dusters.
• Felted fabric


  • This textile comes in many colours and thicknesses and has matted random fibres interspersed.
  • Often formed with heat and moisture they have no elasticity once dry and can be pulled apart.
  • Woollen felted fabric can be very expensive.

  Common uses

  • Common uses include:
  • Craft.
  • Soundproof insulation.
  • Hats.
  • Furnishings.
• Knitted fabric


  • This fabric has loops of woollen yarn interlocked where patterns can be produced.
  • This fabric is warm to wear can be stretch and shaped according to the design but can unravel if the fabric ladders.

  Common uses

  • Common uses include:
  • Jumpers.
  • Cardigans.
  • Underwear.
  • Leggings.
  • Craft.
  • Toys.
  • Socks.