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Man made finers
Manufactured Fabrics
are usually made of filaments extruded as liquid and formed into various
fibers. Because the fiber starts as a liquid, many of the fibers are
colored before they become filament, thus they are difficult to dye after
the fiber is woven into a fabric.
ACETATE is not a strong fiber but can be extruded into fibers of different
diameter and woven into fabrics that have the luxurious look of silk but
do not wear like silk. Acetate does not absorb moisture readily but dries
fast and resists shrinking. This is a resilient fabric that resists
wrinkling in addition to being pliable and soft with a good drape.
Triacetate is an improved acetate fabric which doesn’t melt as easier and
is easier to care for. Remember, acetate in nail polish and nail polish
remover will melt acetate as will alcohol so take care with perfumes and
nail products including SuperGlue.
ACRYLIC is a fine soft and luxurious fabric with the bulk and hand of wool. Light
weight and springy, this fabric is non-allergenic, dries quickly, draws
moisture away from the body and is washable. Acrylic does not take even a
moderate amount of heat. Modacrylics are used in pile fabrics like fake
fur and are more flame resistant.
LASTEX is an elastic fiber made from Latex. It is most often used with other
fibers to create fabrics such as Spandex and foundation garments. Lastex
will deteriorate after repeated washing and drying, losing its elasticity.
NYLON became a household word in 1940 when it was knitted into hosiery. In 1942
it was called into service for the armed forces use in parachutes, flak
vests, combat uniforms, tires and many other vital military uses. Until
the war was over nylon was not available to the public. Nylon became one
of the most versatile fibers of the man-made fabrics. In addition to
hosiery, nylon is used in tricot, netting for bridal veils, and in
carpeting.
Nylon is stronger yet
weighs less than any other commonly used fiber. It is elastic and
resilient and responsive to heat setting. Nylon fibers are smooth,
non-absorbent and dry quickly. Dirt doesn’t cling to this smooth fiber nor
is it weakened by chemicals and perspiration. Extensive washing and drying
in an automatic dryer can eventually cause piling. Nylon whites should be
washed separately to avoid graying. This fabric may yellow so it should be
bleached frequently with sodium perborate bleach.
Nylon melts at high
temperatures. If ironing is necessary, always use a low temperature on the
wrong side.
POLYESTER is a strong fiber that is resistant to crease and thus keeps it shape.
Polyester melts at medium to high temperatures. Although many people
dislike polyester, perhaps do to the double knit fad of the 1950,
polyester remains a versatile and important man-made fabric. Blends of
polyester give cotton a permanent press property and extend the wear of
these blended garments.
Polyester is
manufactured in many weights including fiber-fill used in pillows and
upholstery. Threads spun from polyester fibers are strong, wear
exceptionally well, and are used extensively in home sewing and
manufactured sewing.
RAYON,
from cellulose, has many of the qualities of cotton, a natural cellulose
fiber. Rayon is strong, extremely absorbent, comes in a variety of
qualities and weights, and can be made to resemble natural fabrics. Rayon
does not melt but burns at high temperatures.
Rayon drapes well, has
a soft, silky hand, and has a smooth, napped, or bulky surface. Rayon will
wrinkle easily and may stretch when wet and shrink when washed.
Technological
advancements to the rayon process have produced high wet modulus [HWM]
rayon such as lyocell and modal which makes fabric less prone to stretch
when damp or wet.
Washable rayon will
state the care on the fabric label. Like silk, if you pre-wash rayon
fabric prior to
resemble natural fabrics. Rayon does not melt but burns at high
temperatures.
Rayon drapes well, has
a soft, silky hand, and has a smooth, napped, or bulky surface. Rayon will
wrinkle easily and may stretch when wet and shrink when washed.
Technological
advancemnts to the rayon process have produced high wet modulus [HWM]
rayons such as lyocell and modal which makes fabric less prone to stretch
when damp or wet.
Washable rayon will
state the care on the fabric label. Like silk, if you pre-wash rayon
fabric prior to construction of the garment, you have a washable garment.
Glossary of Rayon
Fabrics
Fibranne is French term for Viscose rayon.
Velvet,
although made from silk, is most often produced from the rayon fiber.
SPANDEX is an elastic type fiber that can be stretched many times its length and
then spring back to the original length. Spandex is more resistant to
washing, perspiration, and heat than latex. Spandex is used in foundation
garments and hosiery
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