Introduction to Textiles
Textiles are fabrics or materials made from fibers such as cotton, wool,
silk, and synthetic materials such as nylon and polyester. Textiles are
used in a variety of applications, including clothing, home furnishings,
and industrial products. Textiles are also used in the production of
paper, carpet, and other products.
Textiles have been used since ancient times, and the history of textiles
is closely linked to the history of human civilization. Textiles were used
to make clothing, blankets, and other items for protection from the
elements. As technology advanced, textiles were used to create more
complex items such as tapestries, carpets, and quilts.
Today, textiles are used in a variety of industries, including fashion,
automotive, aerospace, and medical. Textiles are also used in the
production of furniture, bedding, and other home furnishings. Textiles are
also used in the production of paper, carpet, and other products.
Textiles are made from a variety of fibers, including natural fibers
such as cotton, wool, and silk, and synthetic fibers such as nylon and
polyester. Each type of fiber has its own unique properties, which make it
suitable for different applications. For example, cotton is a soft,
absorbent fiber that is often used in clothing, while nylon is a strong,
durable fiber that is often used in industrial applications.
Textiles are also produced using a variety of techniques, including
weaving, knitting, and felting. Each technique produces a unique fabric
with its own characteristics. For example, woven fabrics are strong and
durable, while knitted fabrics are lightweight and flexible.
Textiles
are an important part of our lives, and they play a vital role in many
industries. From clothing to furniture, textiles are used in a variety of
applications. Understanding the history and production of textiles can
help us better appreciate the products we use every day.
The
textile industry is a major contributor to the global economy, with the
global textile market estimated to be worth over $1.3 trillion in 2023.
Textiles are an important part of everyday life, and their use is only
expected to increase in the future.
History of Textile
Early humans, who lived years ago used to cover their bodies by
wrapping tree leaves, woven grass or three barks, bones, skull and
the skin of dead animals, to protect themselves from cold weather,
rain and other natural disasters.
Spinning and weaving are among the earliest arts. In the twisting
of fibers, hairs and grasses by sinews, rolling them between the
thumb and fingers, palms of the hands, we have the original of the
spinning wheel. The hand-operated spindle and the loom were the most
important tools for the production of textiles. The material used
was wool.
The very primitive types of spinning, where no spindle was used, was
to fasten the stands of goat’s hair or wool to a stone which was
twirled round until the yarn was sufficiently twisted when it was
wound upon the stone and the process repeated over and over. The need
of securing things or otherwise strengthening them then led to
binding, fastening and sewing.
The post-industrial era
witnessed continuous improvement and innovation in textile raw
materials, machinery and processes. Around the middle of the 20th
century, significant developments in raw materials like manufacturing
of polyamides, polyester, polyacronitrile and machinery like water-jet
weaving looms and open-end spinning machines took place and this
process of innovation and improvement is still in
continuation.
further. A new technology is open-shed weaving, which allows one to
add additional patterns or to reinforce a woven fabric in certain
spots for technical applications.
Meaning of Textile
Textile is a term used to describe any material made of
interlacing fibers. It is a broad term that encompasses a wide
variety of materials, including natural and synthetic fibers,
yarns, fabrics, and finished products.
Textiles are used in a variety of applications, from clothing and
home furnishings to industrial and medical products. The term
textile is derived from the Latin word texere, which means “to
weave.”
Definition of Textile
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Textiles are fabrics made from yarn, either woven or knitted.
This term is used to refer to not only woven fabrics, but also
yarn, fiber, and any other product made from these materials.
Textiles are commonly used in the production of clothing.
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Textiles are made by weaving, knitting, crocheting, felting, or
braiding fibers together.
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The fibers used to make textiles can be natural, such as cotton,
wool, and silk, or synthetic, such as polyester, nylon, and
rayon.
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The type of fiber used will determine the properties of the
textile, such as its strength, durability, and flexibility.
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Textiles are used in a variety of ways, from clothing and home
furnishings to industrial and medical products.
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Clothing is one of the most common uses of textiles, as it is
used to protect the body from the elements and provide
comfort.
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Home furnishings, such as curtains, carpets, and upholstery, are
also made from textiles.
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Industrial textiles are used in a variety of applications, such
as automotive, aerospace, and construction.
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Medical textiles are used in medical devices, such as bandages,
surgical gowns, and prosthetics.
What is Textile Fiber?
Textile fiber is a class of materials, which are natural or
manufactured, can take tensile, friction and bending forces not
compression and spun into yarn by twisting together or also
converting into fabric (non-woven) direct from fiber. If two fibers
are twisted together is stronger than both individual without
increasing its tenacity.
Fiber is the smallest visible a substance which is extremely thin
in relation to its width. Any substance, natural or manufactured
will be considered as a textile fiber, if it has posses the
following parameters:
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High length to width ratio, at least 500 times longer than it’s
lateral dimension i.e, L (Length)/d (Diameter of fiber) > 500
(called slenderness ratio)
- Flexibility/stiffness (can give any shape)
- Dye ability
- Good strength and elongation (elastic, i.e, not rigid)
5 Types of Textile Fibers
1. Cotton: Cotton is a natural fiber made from the
seedpod of the cotton plant. It is soft, absorbent, and strong,
making it a popular choice for clothing, bedding, and other
textiles.
2. Wool: Wool is a natural fiber made from the fleece
of sheep and other animals. It is warm, durable, and
water-resistant, making it a popular choice for outerwear and
blankets.
3. Silk: Silk is a natural fiber made from the
cocoons of silkworms. It is lightweight, strong, and lustrous,
making it a popular choice for clothing and other luxury
items.
stems of the flax plant. It is strong, absorbent, and cool to the
touch, making it a popular choice for clothing and bedding.
5. Polyester: Polyester is a synthetic fiber made from petroleum-based
chemicals. It is strong, wrinkle-resistant, and easy to care for,
making it a popular choice for clothing and other textiles.
Difference Between Textiles and Fibers
Textiles | Fibers |
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Steps of Textile Manufacturing
Step 01: Fiber to Yarn Manufacturing
1. Fiber Preparation: The first step in the
yarn manufacturing process is to prepare the fibers for
spinning. This involves cleaning, sorting, and blending the
fibers to create a uniform mix. The fibers may also be
carded or combed to further align them in the same
direction.
2. Spinning: The next step is to spin the
fibers into yarn. This is done by twisting the fibers
together using a spinning wheel or machine. The yarn is then
wound onto a spool or bobbin.
3. Winding: The yarn is then wound onto a larger
spool or cone. This is done to make the yarn easier to handle
and store.
4. Twisting: The yarn is
then twisted to make it stronger and more durable. This is
done by winding the yarn around a spindle and then twisting
it.
5. Dyeing: The yarn is then dyed to
give it color. This is done by immersing the yarn in a dye
bath.
6. Finishing: The yarn is then
finished to give it a smooth texture and to make it easier to
work with. This is done by brushing, steaming, or pressing the
yarn.
7. Packaging: The yarn is then
packaged for sale. This is done by winding the yarn onto
spools or cones and then packaging them in boxes or
bags.
Step 02: Yarn to Fabric Manufacturing
Weaving:
1. Warping: The first step in the weaving process is
warping, which involves winding the yarn onto a beam in the
desired pattern.
2. Sizing: The yarn is then sized, which is a process
of coating the yarn with a starch or other material to make
it stronger and more resistant to abrasion.
3. Drawing-in: The yarn is then drawn-in, which is
the process of arranging the warp yarns in the desired
pattern on the loom.
4. Weaving: The weaving process involves interlacing
the warp and weft yarns to create the fabric.
Knitting:
1. Yarn Preparation: The first step in the knitting
process is yarn preparation, which involves winding the yarn
onto a spool or cone.
2. Needle Selection: The next step is selecting the
appropriate needles for the desired fabric.
3. Knitting: The knitting process involves looping
the yarn around the needles to create the fabric.
Non-Woven:
1. Fiber Preparation: The first step in the non-woven
process is fiber preparation, which involves cutting the
fibers into the desired length.
2. Web Formation: The next step is web formation,
which involves arranging the fibers into a web.
3. Bonding: The bonding process involves applying
heat, pressure, or chemicals to the web to bind the fibers
together.
4. Finishing: The finishing process involves
trimming, cutting, and other processes to create the desired
fabric.
Step 03: Dying and Printing of Fabric
Fabric Dying Process
Fabric dying is a process used to add color to fabric. It is
a popular technique used in the fashion industry to create
unique and vibrant designs. The steps of fabric dying
technique are as follows:
1. Pre-treatment: Before dyeing, the fabric must be
pre-treated to ensure that the dye will adhere properly.
This may involve washing, bleaching, or scouring the fabric.
2. Dye Selection: The next step is to select the dye
that will be used. Different types of dyes are available,
such as acid dyes, direct dyes, and reactive dyes.
3. Dye Application: The dye is then applied to the
fabric. This can be done by hand or with a machine.
4. Fixing: After the dye has been applied, it must be
fixed to the fabric. This is done by using a fixing agent,
such as a mordant or a dye fixative.
5. Washing: The fabric is then washed to remove any
excess dye.
6. Finishing: The fabric is then dried and finished.
This may involve pressing, steaming, or other finishing
techniques.
Fabric Printing Process
1. Design Preparation: The first step in the fabric
printing process is to prepare the design. This involves
creating a design that is suitable for printing on fabric.
The design should be created in a vector format, such as
Adobe Illustrator, and should be sized to the desired
dimensions of the fabric.
2. Pre-Treatment: The fabric must be pre-treated
before it can be printed. This involves washing the fabric
to remove any dirt or oils, and then applying a chemical
pre-treatment to the fabric. This pre-treatment helps the
ink adhere to the fabric.
3. Printing: Once the fabric has been pre-treated, it
is ready to be printed. The fabric is placed on a printing
table and the design is printed onto the fabric using a
specialized printing machine. The type of printing machine
used will depend on the type of fabric being printed.
4. Drying: After the fabric has been printed, it must
be dried. This can be done either by air-drying or by using
a heat press.
5. Finishing: The final step in the fabric printing
process is to finish the fabric. This involves applying a
protective coating to the fabric to help protect it from
fading or wear.
Step 04: Making Textiles
1. Designing: The first step in the process of making
textiles products, garments and apparels is designing. This
involves creating a design that meets the customer’s needs
and preferences. The design should also be suitable for the
type of fabric and the manufacturing process.
2. Fabric Selection: The next step is to select the
fabric for the product. This involves choosing the right
type of fabric that is suitable for the design and the
manufacturing process.
3. Cutting: After the fabric is selected, it is cut
according to the design. This is done using specialized
cutting machines.
4. Sewing: The cut pieces of fabric are then sewn
together to form the garment. This is done using specialized
sewing machines.
5. Finishing: After the garment is sewn, it is then
finished. This involves adding details such as buttons,
zippers, and other embellishments.
6. Quality Control: The final step is quality
control. This involves inspecting the garment to ensure that
it meets the customer’s requirements and is free from
defects.
7. Packaging: The last step is packaging. This
involves packing the garment in a suitable package for
shipping.
Step 05: Fashion Designing
1. Research: The first step in fashion designing is
to research the current trends and fashion styles. This
includes researching the latest fashion trends, fabrics,
colors, and silhouettes. It is important to stay up to date
with the latest fashion trends in order to create unique and
stylish designs.
2. Sketching: After researching the latest fashion
trends, the next step is to sketch out the designs. This is
where the designer’s creativity and imagination come into
play. The designer should create sketches that are unique
and stylish.
3. Selecting Fabrics: Once the sketches are complete,
the designer must select the fabrics that will be used to
create the garments. The designer should consider the type
of fabric, the color, and the texture when selecting the
fabrics.
4. Pattern Making: After selecting the fabrics, the
designer must create the patterns for the garments. This is
a very important step in the fashion design process as it
determines the fit and shape of the garment.
5. Sewing: Once the patterns are complete, the
designer must sew the garments. This is a very time
consuming process and requires a great deal of skill and
patience.
6. Finishing: The final step in the fashion design
process is to finish the garments. This includes adding any
embellishments, buttons, zippers, or other details to the
garments.
Video on Textile Manufacturing Processes Fiber to
Garments
Difference Between Textiles and Fabrics
Textiles | Fabrics |
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Specialized Uses of Textiles
1. Protective Textiles: Protective textiles are used in a variety of applications, such as fire-resistant clothing, bulletproof vests, and chemical protective clothing. These textiles are designed to protect the wearer from hazardous conditions.
2. Medical Textiles: Medical textiles are used in a variety of medical applications, such as surgical gowns, bandages, and wound dressings. These textiles are designed to be comfortable, breathable, and provide protection from infection.
3. Automotive Textiles: Automotive textiles are used in the automotive industry to provide insulation, soundproofing, and protection from the elements. These textiles are designed to be durable and long-lasting.
4. Industrial Textiles: Industrial textiles are used in a variety of industrial applications, such as conveyor belts, filtration systems, and protective clothing. These textiles are designed to be strong and durable.
5. Marine Textiles: Marine textiles are used in the marine industry to provide protection from the elements and to provide insulation. These textiles are designed to be waterproof and resistant to saltwater.
6. Aesthetic Textiles: Aesthetic textiles are used in a variety of applications, such as upholstery, curtains, and clothing. These textiles are designed to be attractive and comfortable.
References
- Textiles and Clothing by Kate Heintz Watson
- Textile Engineering – An Introduction Edited by Yasir Nawab
- Textile Technology: An Introduction by Thomas Gries, Dieter Veit, Burkhard Wulfhorst
- Handbook of Technical Textiles Edited by A R Horrocks and S C Anand
- Natural Fibers by Dr. Abu Bakr Siddique & Dr. Hosne Ara Begum
- Introduction to Textile Fibres by H. V. Sreenivasa Murthy
- Handbook of natural fibres, Volume 1: Types, properties and factors affecting breeding and cultivation Edited by Ryszard M. Kozłowski
- Handbook of natural fibres, Volume 2: Processing and Applications Edited by Ryszard M. Kozłowski
- Introductory Chapter: Textile Manufacturing Processes by Faheem Uddin
- Textile Technology- An Introduction by Burkhard Wulfhorst and Thomas Gries
- Textiles, 12th Edition By Sara J. Kadolph and Sara B. Marcketti
- Yasir Nawab (Ed.) Textile Engineering De Gruyter Textbook