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Descriptions and Properties of Natural Fibers used for Fabrics and Textiles
Listed below are properties and descriptions of natural fibers.
Linen
A plant fibre produced from flax, it provides strong yarns with a characteristic smooth appearance with a slight gloss. It is insect resistant and washes well. It is hardwearing and stronger when wet. It can be subject to mildew if used in damp conditions. It has a tendency to crease easily but there are some finishes available now to combat this problem.
Hemp
A plant fibre, is naturally mould and rot resistant. It is very strong and has good shape retention. Over time it softens and develops a rich silky patina. It has excellent thermal properties and can filter up to 95% of UV light.
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SilkSilk is an animal fibre. Unwound from the cocoon of the silkworm moth, this luxury fibre, while somewhat costly and fragile, is valued for its unique texture and surface gloss and luxurious appearance. It has a good resistance to soiling, but is easily damaged by exposure to UV light. The fabric is strong resilient and crease resistant. Colours may not be fast and dry cleaning is often recommended. CottonA plant fibre. Cotton is very strong and durable, even stronger when wet. The fibres take dye well. Under many names, cottons are widely used utility and decorative fabrics. It is an economical fibre but it soils easily, blending and special treatments can improve the service characteristics. MohairThis is goats hair usually considered a wool. (see below) WoolThis is sheared from a sheep and processed to various levels of refinement. It comes in only a few natural colours, although it can be dyed. Its performance characteristics are generally excellent. It is a good insulator it has good soil resistance, it is a very versatile high quality fibre and blends well with synthetics to improve the service characteristics. It is subject to moth and UV light damage. JuteA plant fibre of coarse and rough character. Burlap is the most useful product. Hessian |
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HorsehairA strong, smooth cloth is made from this fibre. It has had a significant use as an upholstery in traditional design. CashmereA delicate wool, generally too costly and fragile for interior use. Camel's HairAnother fine wool too costly for extensive interior use. Grass and Palm FibresWoven grass cloths are not uncommon as wallcovering materials. To Continue Articles on Interior Design and Decorating Interior Finishes - Fabrics - next page is Artificial Fibers Fabrics and Textiles Artificial Fibers More Interior Decorating Finishes - MenuPaint manufacture, recognising painting defects, specialist paints Introduction to metals, types of metals, ferrous metals, non ferrous metals Decorative Painting, Faux Finishes, Decorative Finishes Different types of fabrics, their definitions, the fibers used in making fabric |
In this Section:
Interior Design Finishes - Carpet Contents | Home Paint Information | More Paint Information | Wall Hangings and Flooring | Types of Timber | Metals | Timber Uses | Decorative Painting | Types of Fabric | Introduction to Interior Finishes | Carpet | Paint | Wall Hangings | Timber Flooring | Hard Flooring | Clay Based Flooring | Stone Flooring | Semi Hard Flooring | Types of Timber and Wood | Metals | Timber and Wood | Decorative Painting | Fabric Types |
Interior Design Finishes - Carpet Contents | Home Paint Information | More Paint Information | Wall Hangings and Flooring | Types of Timber | Metals | Timber Uses | Decorative Painting | Types of Fabric | Introduction to Interior Finishes | Carpet | Paint | Wall Hangings | Timber Flooring | Hard Flooring | Clay Based Flooring | Stone Flooring | Semi Hard Flooring | Types of Timber and Wood | Metals | Timber and Wood | Decorative Painting | Fabric Types |
