Different Fabrics of Our Lives - SEGMENT 1

Natural Fabrics consist of those types that can be obtained from sources that occur naturally (so to speak). These include cotton ( from the cotton plant), wool ( from sheep), silk (from silkworms), and linen (from the flax plant). Besides these 4 natural fibers, a whole host of synthetic fabrics have also been created in the lab. Synthetic fibres include those like polyester, rayon, nylon etc.

Cotton Plant

Cotton comes from the cotton plant, and is spun into a yarn. It is used to make denim for jeans, terrycloth for towels, and bedsheets as well. Most of the underwear, tshirts and socks are made of cotton. It is a breatheable light fabric that is very soft and light to wear. It is comfortable and is also used as a blend in other synthetic fibres.

Cotton T-Shirts

WOOL - It is a textile that is made from the fur of sheep. It is particularly handy to protect against cold due to its insulation characteristics. Once air comes inside, it becomes trapped in the wool fibres, and thus heats up. The fur/hair of goats is called cashmere, which is considered to be a luxury fabric and is highly sought after in winters.

Cashmere shawl

Silk

SILK - Silk is made by silkworms that are in the pupa stage of its life cycle. The salivary glands release the silk so the worm can enclose itself in a cocoon made of silk fibres. The worm is killed and the silk fibres are unwrapped. Silk is considered a luxury fabric and there are many different types of silk. These include raw silk, tussar silk. khadi silk, and brocade silk.

Brocade Silk Saree

Flax Plants

LINEN - Linen is made from the flax plant. The plant is harvested, dried, beaten and then spun into yarn. What results if a fine, lightweight , airy and breathable material that is used to make things ranging from clothes to luggage. LInens has been around from 8000 years ago or more and is well liked for its immense use and diversity.

Linen