Design Cafe: Fabric and its application.

Fabrics comprise of a large part of any space in the home. They are largely used to bring out the aesthetic and decorative part of design and therefore refered to as “softs”. Fabric manufacturing is a trade that began in 34,000 BCE where fabrics were made from dyed flax fibres. This trade has then developed throughout the years. Development of modern manufacturing techniques has made the trade develop into a largescale trade.

There are different methods used in manufacturing fabrics ; Weaving, Knitting, Looping, crocheting, Spread Tow, braiding, Interlocking, Interlacing and Felting. These methods contribute to the properties and use of the fabric. Fabrics are mainly classified by type, usage and properties.

There are 3 main sources of fabric:

Animal

These fabrics are made from animal hair, fur, skin and products. Such fabrics include wool, fur, cashmere and silk.

Plant

Fabrics produced from plant product are such as Sisal, Cotton, Coir, straw, bamboo, hemp and flax. Due to the properties of these fabrics , some are not largely used.

Mineral

Asbestos, basalt and glass fibre are some of fabrics produced from minerals. These fabrics are mainly made for specialty purposes. Glass fibre is for example is used for manufacture of fire retardant fabric, protective clothing, sound proof, fireproof ans insulating fabric.

Synthetic

Synthetic textiles are the most common type of fabric as they are considered to be renewable . These type of fabrics can be used alone or can be used in stregthening the natural fabrics. Synthetic fabrics are such as Polyester, Acrylic, Nylon, Spandex, Aramid,Olefin, Ingeo, Lurex, Milk and carbon fibre.

Different fabrics have different uses.

Cotton

Cotton is a natural plant fabric manufactured from cotton balls largely grown in tropical and sub-tropical areas such as America, Africa and India. Cotton in its natural form is extremely versatile and has high breath-ability. Cotton fibres are one of the strongest among natural fibres second to Wool.One of its properties which is an advantage and a disadvantage is It dyes easily. This therefore makes it easy to develop patterns on. However, it also stains easily with natural stains. Cotton also creases easily. One of the major use of cotton is in making bedding ; sheets and pillowcases and sofa slip covers . When mixed with synthetic fibres, cotton can be used to make drapery fabric.

Wool

Wool is by far the strongest natural fibre made from animal hair. This makes it easy to withstand wear and tear and therefore maintain its “new look” for a long period of time. It is also soft and durable. Wool is flexible, water , sound and fire resistant . Its ability to withstand wear and tear make it be used in making rugs and carpets. Its durability enables it be used in making fabric for upholstery for both residential and commercial uses. As is fire resistant, wool is largely used in manufacture of fire fighting garments and also for outerwear for insulation from cold. In its natural form, wool is used in manufacture of felts that are highly used in sound proofing.

Silk

Silk is a natural animal fiber made from fibroin, a fibre produced by silk worms. Silk is an expensive fabric that is associated luxury. It has a natural luster giving it a sheen. It is also long lasting when maintained and can last for hundreds of years. These properties makes it be used to make cushions, drapery, and bedding. Many of the finest oriental rugs are made from silk . Years back, silk like pearls was used as a symbol of wealth and would be passed down from generation to generation. One of the downsides of silk is that it forms sun rot when exposed to direct sunlight and also fades over time.

Polyester

Polyester is a synthetic fabric highly used in blending natural fabrics. Polyester in its natural form is resistant to dyes. In fact, the only dye that can alter the colour of polyester is disperse dyes. Its used in making blankets, comforters and upholstery padding. When blended with cotton, polyester makes the fabric strong, wrinkle and tear resistant and reduces shrinking. This blended fabric can be used to make a variety of household items such as bedding, drapery , cushions and also for upholstery.

Leather

I would not close this advice without looking at leather. Naturally, leather is looked at as a luxurious fabric used in high end projects. It is also considered to be easy to take care of. Unlike what people think, leather is a very difficult fabric to take care of. It scratches easily, is affected by water and gets destroyed when placed under direct sunlight. However, leather has high tensile strength, high resistance to flexing and good heat insulation properties. This properties contribute to its sole use as an upholstery fabric.