Page 13 - Shawl Weaving Artisan - TT

Textile & Handloom Related Theory for Exercise 1.1.02&07
Shawl Weaving Artisan - Textile Fibers and Safety

Introduction to textile fibers

Objectives: At the end of this lesson you shall be able to
• explain textile fibers
• list characteristics of textile fibers
• brief classification of fibers
• explain the identification of textile fibers by using different methods.

Introduction to textile fibers • Cohesiveness (Spinning quality): Fibers should be
able to hold together when twisted, allowing them to
Textile fibers are fundamental materials that form the form a cohesive yarn.
basis of all fabrics and textiles. They are fine, thread-
like structures, either natural or synthetic, that possess • Uniformity: Consistent properties along the fiber’s
specific properties allowing them to be spun into yarn and length is important for uniform yarn and fabric.
then woven, knitted, or bonded into various fabrics. The Beyond these essential properties, other desirable
characteristics of these fibers dictate the ultimate texture, (secondary) properties include:
durability, and functionality of the finished textile product.
• Luster: The way a fiber reflects light.
Key characteristics of textile fibers
• Moisture properties: How a fiber absorbs and
For a material to be considered a textile fiber, it must releases moisture (e.g., absorbency, moisture regain).
possess certain primary properties:
• Resiliency: The ability of a fiber to spring back to its
• Length-to-width ratio: Fibers need to be long enough original shape after being crushed or wrinkled.
relative to their width to be spun into continuous yarns.
• Elasticity/elongation: The ability to stretch and return
• Tenacity (Strength): The fiber must be strong enough to its original length.
to withstand the stresses of spinning, weaving, and
everyday use. • Thermal behavior: How the fiber reacts to heat.
• Flexibility: Fibers need to be pliable and able to bend • Density: Mass per unit volume.
without breaking. • Flammability: How easily a fiber ignites and burns.
Classification of textile fibers (Fig 1)

Textile fibers are broadly classified into two main • Seed/fruit fibers: Cotton, Kapok, Coir (from
categories: coconut).
1 Natural fibers: These fibers are derived directly from • Bast/stem fibers: Flax (for linen), Jute, Hemp,
natural sources. Ramie.
• Plant-based (Cellulosic) fibers: Composed • Leaf fibers: Sisal, Abaca (Manila hemp).
primarily of cellulose, these are obtained from • Other: Bamboo (often processed to create rayon-
various parts of plants.
like fibers).

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