Fabrics: Definition

Fabrics: Definition

The structure of anything, the manner in which the parts of a thing are united.

Any system or structure consisting of connected parts, as the fabric of the universe.

For an example, to frame, to build, to construct.

Textile Fabrics: Definition

Fabric refers to any textile material made through weaving, knitting, braiding or plaiting and bonding of fibers. The term fabric has its origin in the Latin term fabrica meaning a workshop. It means that which is put together like building.

Types of Fabrics:

Fabric can be classified based on various criteria. On the basis of fiber used for manufacturing, it can be classified as natural fabrics such as Cashmere, Cotton, Hemp, Jute, Linen, Ramie, Silk, Wool etc.

Synthetic or man-made fabrics like Acetate, Acrylic, Chiffon, Denim, Georgette, Latex, Nylon, Organza, Polyester Fabrics, Rayon, Satin, Velvet etc. 

It can also be categorized on the basis of its usage for making Apparel, Curtains, Drapery, Home Furnishing, Quilting, Upholstery among others.

According to the traditional methods of manufacturing fabrics are classified by woven, knit and braided, non woven etc.

Types of fabrics according to the manufacturing techniques:

Woven Fabrics 

In this process of manufacturing fabrics is called weaving. Weaving is described as inter-lacing, usually at right angles, of two sets of threads to form cloth, rug or other types of woven textiles. Today this process is mostly automated for mass production. In it, two distinct sets of yarns called the warp and the filling or weft are interlaced with each other to form a fabric.

Knit Fabrics

The process of manufacturing knit fabrics is called knitting. After weaving, the most prevalent method of fabric construction is knitting. The yarn in knitted fabrics follows a meandering path, forming symmetric loops or stitches. When the interlocking loops run lengthwise, each row is called a wale. A wale can be compared with the warp in weaving. When the loops run across the fabric, each row is called a course.

Braid Fabrics

A braid is a rope like thing, which is made by interweaving three or more strands, strips, or lengths, in a diagonally overlapping pattern. Braiding is one of the major fabrication methods for composite reinforcement structures. It is done by intertwining of yarns in whatever direction suited to the manufacturer's purpose.

Nonwoven Fabrics

Nonwoven fabrics are made by bonding or interlocking fibers or filaments by Mechanical, Thermal, Chemical or Solvent means. For making Staple non-wovens, fibers are first spun, cut to a few centimeters length, and put into bales. These bales are then scattered on a conveyor belt, and the fibers are spread in a uniform web by a wet laid process or by carding. These nonwovens are either bonded thermally or by using resin.

Types of fabrics according sources of fiber

1.From Natural Fiber:

★ Cotton Fabric

★ Silk Fabric

★ Linen Fabric

★ Wool Fabric

★ Leather Fabric

★ Ramie Fabric

★ Hemp Fabric

★ Jute Fabric

2. From Man Made Fiber:

★ Acetate Fabric

★ Chiffon Fabric

★ Acrylic Fabric

★ Organza Fabric

★ Lastex Fabric

★ Nylon Fabric

★ Velvet Fabric

★ Polyester Fabric

★ Taffeta Fabric

★ Denim Fabric

★ Rayon Fabric

★ Spandex Fabric

★ Georgette Fabric

★ Viscose Fabric

★ Grey fabric Fabric

★ Polypropylene Fabric

★ Satin Fabric