Textiles

Products made of cloth.

Since the Beginning of time, people have used textiles to cover their bodies.

Fiber

Basic unit of all textiles.

Clothing is not the only use of textile products.

Other Uses of Textiles

Textiles are used to make sheets, towels, upholstery, carpets, umbrellas, conveyor belts, filters, space suits, football field turf and even artificial hearts.

Natural Fibers

Fibers made from natural sources (plant or animal) and changed slightly during processing. Cotton, wool, silk, and linen are the most common natural fibers.

In the beginning…We know that in prehistoric times people used animal skins to cover their bodies. The skins were softened by rubbing them with stones and beating them with sticks. Needles were carved from bones and the tread was made from tendons of animal muscle.

then…In ancient times people began wandering from place to place. As they met people villages were created. By living in one place thy had time to develop new skills. People found by using plant fibers and animal fibers they could make thread. Thread could then be used to make fabric.

Next Came the RevolutionIn colonial days families took care of there own clothing needs. Everything was done by hand, even making the fabric.In England in the 1700 the production of textiles began due to the invention of many machines

1700’s Inventions1733 John Kay Flying Shuttle

Before this invention the shuttle was moved by hand. With Kay’s shuttle the weaver pulled a stick and the shuttle automatically moved across the loom.

1769-Richard Arkwright Water Frame

It combined several hand operated devices into one large machine that was driven by water power.

1770 James Hargeaves Spinning Jenny

Until this time yarns were spun one at a time on a single rod called a spindle. The Spinning Jenny had 8 spindles so the spinner could spin 8 yarns at the same time.

1785 Thomas Bell Cylinder Printing

This invention allowed repetitious designs to be printed rapidly on cotton fabrics. Before this time designs were blocked on by hand.

Manufactured FibersFibers not found in natureRayon acetate, and triacetate made from cellulose. Other manufactured fibers are made from carbon, oxygen, hydrogen and nitrogen. Rayon was the first one made and was sold as artificial silk. Produced in 1910.

SyntheticsManufactured fibers, made completely of chemicals.4 basic elements form the basis of these fibers.

Carbon – from petroleum or natural gasHydrogen – from waterNitrogen – from airOxygen – from air

Textile ProductionFirst stage is producing the fibers.Second stage is spinning the fibers into yarnsFabric production is next. Mills weave or knit the yarns into fabricFinal stage is fabric finishing. Fabrics are dyed or printed, and treated for performance characteristics.

Environmental TextilesLyocell is a manufactured fiber made from wood pulp. The fiber itself is strong absorbent and biodegradable. Recycled plastic bottles are being made into polyester fibers. The American Textile Manufacturer Institute began a program in 1992 to encourage companies to become more environmentally conscious