Textile Fabric is the main building block of clothing. Fabrics are made by different methods like weaving, knitting and felting.
Fibers have a luster that affects the appearance of fabrics. Some have a high luster while others do not. These lusters are created by the type of yarns, weaves and knits used to make them.
Cotton
Cotton fabric is the world's most popular textile fibre and can be made into a wide variety of clothing, home furnishings, and other textile products. It is soft, breathable, and moisture wicking. Cotton is also durable and dries quickly. However, it is prone to wrinkles and shrinkage unless treated.
The cotton fibres that make up textile fabric come from the protective outer casing of the cotton seed, called a boll. The seeds inside are surrounded by the cotton fibers, which look like seed hairs and may grow to a length of about 2.5 cm (about 1 inch). The longer cotton fibres are known as seed hair, while shorter ones are called lint.
The raw cotton is harvested, baled, and shipped to a textile production facility where it is cleaned and fluffed. It is then carded, which reshapes the cotton fibers into long, untwisted strands that are ready for spinning into yarn. The yarn is then woven into cloth using a loom.
Crepe
Crepe fabric is a lightweight, drapey textile that is often used in blouses and dresses. It has a distinct texture that can be achieved by using different types of yarn, weaving techniques, or by applying a chemical treatment. It can be manufactured from a variety of fibers, including silk, wool, cotton, and synthetics.
Modern Crepe fabrics are available in a variety of thicknesses and weights. They can be sheer and delicate, or thicker and opaque. The process of making them involves hard twisting and alternating "S" and "Z" twists. This results in a smooth, even surface that resists wrinkling and creases.
This type of fabric is ideal for creating flowing and draped garments, and can be used in both casual and formal wear. It is also very easy to sew, although it does require special care and attention. For instance, it is best to hand wash it in cool water with a mild detergent. For larger items, you can use the gentle cycle of a washing machine or submerge it in a basin.
Denim
Denim is a sturdy cotton twill fabric that’s used to make jeans and other clothing. It’s woven using a warp and weft method that results in the distinctive diagonal ribbing seen on denim. It’s usually yarn-dyed with indigo, which gives it its classic blue color.
Some denim is also incorporated with a small amount of stretchy synthetic elastane fiber (like lycra or spandex) to give it its elasticity. This type is called stretchy denim and can be found in jeans, leggings, dresses and other garments.
While most denim is dyed blue, there are other colors available for this fabric such as black, white and pink. These colors are given to the yarn by sulphur dying or other dyeing methods like tinting. Indigo is a traditional dye for denim and it can be made from natural plant sources or synthetically. The color of the dye is determined by the number and frequency of dipping it in the sulphur solution.
Silk
Silk is an incredibly soft fabric that has a high-end feel and a flattering sheen. It’s also one of the strongest natural textiles, though it can lose some strength when wet. Silk is a great choice for dresses, blouses, and accessories. Its drape and luster create a sophisticated look, while its breathability helps keep you cool in warm weather and insulated in cold temperatures.
It’s important to note that silk must be dry cleaned, and it’s often blended with cotton for added durability. It’s also a poor choice for kids’ clothing because it can cause allergic reactions in some people.
Although it is a natural product, silk requires a lot of resources to produce. It takes 3,000 cocoons to create one yard of silk, and it’s grown on mulberry trees that are usually sprayed with pesticides. One option for an eco-friendly alternative to silk is lyocell, which is made from wood cellulose and requires less chemical usage.