In addition to a genetic name, the fiber will also have a trade name. Trade names are used by the company to identify their fibers.
Yarns
Yarns can be woven , knitted or ironed together to create a fabric. The procedure used, will affect the durability, strength, appearance, texture and care requirements of the fabric.
Woven Fabrics
Woven fabrics are created by interlacing yarns together at the right angles to each other. By differentiating the pattern in which the yarns are interlaced, fabrics with different qualities are created. Mostly , the basic weave is the plain weave. Plain weave fabric is frequently used for shirts and dresses. These fabrics are fairly strong and are very durable. They are a lot easier to sew than many other types of man-made fabrics.
The twill weave is constructed in a way that results in a pattern of diagonal lines in the fabric . Denim and many suiting fabrics are made in this particular way. In general, twill fabrics are stronger and much more durable than other fabrics. They are also wrinkle resistant and hides soil. Satin fabrics are woven in a particular manner that creates a smooth , shiny. These fabrics are very attractive and soft, making them very popular for dressy blouse and dresses. However , satin fabrics have a tendency to snag and fray and pull easily . This makes them less durable and more complicated to sew than most fabrics. Many satin fabrics are not wrinkle resistant and do not conceal stains very well.
Knit Fabrics
Knit fabrics are made by interlacing loops of a continuous length of yarn to create a ribbed fabric . This makes a fabric which is able to stretch and maintain it’s normal shape. Stretch fabrics are really for active wear such as sports wear .
The types of yarn and knitting methods can vary greatly in knit fabrics. Fabrics can be thin and smooth with a high amount of stretch as in T-shirt fabric. . They can be more textured and stable as in double knit. The majority of the knits prevents wrinkles, usually, the more textured the knit fabrics, the more it prevents wrinkles. Knits are fairly easy to sew, although care must be taken to allow for knitted fabric to stretch.
Fabric Bends
Often, two or more fabrics will be spun , woven or knitted to each other. The fabrics which are made from this are called blends. Manufactured blends fiber together to make fabrics with the most desirable characteristics.
Fabric Finishes
Fabric finishes are treatments that are used to change the texture, appearance , or display of the fabric. For example, the manufacturer might want to make a fabric that prevents stain by adding a special . Finishes can change fiber properties. Knowing which finishes have been added to the fabric is very important. The kind of finish added to the fabric will be on the label.
Fabric finishes can be temporary or permanent. A permanent finish will last until the garment isn’t needed any more. A durable finish only last through a few launderings. A temporary finish last only until the fabric has been washed or dry cleaned. There are hundreds of fabric finishes. Read the labels cautiously to determine the kind of finish that has added to the fabric and how it will change the care requirements given.
Here are a few common finishes:
Permanent or durable press: This finish is heat-set onto the fabric . It enhances the fabric’s resistance to wrinkling in wearing and laundering. Ironing is not really necessary if care instructions are followed . It will be difficult to remove the stains.
Shrinking resistant: Shrinkage is controlled by this finish. Garments can be laundered without extra shrinkage . In the case of wool garments, label directions must be carried out to prevent shrinkage.
Soil release: this finish helps in removing oil, grease and dirt during laundering.
Flame Retardant: fabrics will prevent burning. Special care may be needed to maintain the finish.
Fabric Texture
Fabric selections plays an important part in the final appearance of a garment. Wool , plaid, a crisp-striped cotton, a soft nubby knit, a skinny satin; All of these fabrics vary in one important characteristics , which is texture . Just as color and line can create different illusions, textures can make you look taller, shorter, larger or smaller.
The texture of a fabric depends on the type of it’s fiber, yarn, construction and finish. The texture determines how the fabric feels, the appearance and how the fabric moves when it is worn.. Fabric texture can be soft or crisp, smooth or nubby, and dull or glossy. Each texture makes a different impression .
Fabric Patterns
Pattern decorations on fabrics are made by color, lines, shape and spaces. There are many different variety of fabrics ; stripes, plaids, geometrics, florals, scenics ,borders, etc. Just to name a few. The decoration can be large, small, even or even , light or dark , spaced or clustered , muted or bold. All will affect how the fabric suits looks on you.
Fabric patterns; just like texture , can make illusions in design. Small designs in subdued colors usually lowers apparent size. Larger overall designs increase the size. Widely spaced motifs make you look larger than you really are. Prints with big curves give a feeling of added roundness and size.
When choosing striped or plaid fabrics, follow the main theory of line and illusion .Select prints , stripes and plaids that are in scale, or in proportional size with your own body size. Small designs/decorations look better on a small, to average person, but they appear out of place and lost on a large figure. On the other hand, large designs are best worn by the average to tall person a these designs can overwhelm a small figure.
