Materials Used to Make Fabrics

There are various materials and methods for making textile fabrics. Some of the oldest fabric structures consist of yarns used to weave, knit, braid, and knot. Newer methods of making fabrics may use fibers, stitching, solutions, foam, or combinations to make textile fabrics. The structure of the fabric deter­mines its characteristics, such as appearance, texture, end uses, performance, and cost. 

1. Fabrics from Solution

The first group of fabrics is made from solutions. Sometimes these are not considered textile fabrics because they are not made with fibers, but because they have some apparel and home furnishings uses, they will be described.

2. Fabrics from  Fiber

The second group of fabrics is made directly from fibers. This group includes felt, which is made using an old technique, and nonwovens, which require a modem technique.

3. Fabrics from Yarn

The third group of fabrics is made from yams. These are the most widely available fabrics and the most familiar as they are used to make clothing and home furnishings. Within this group are further divisions into the various woven, knitted, knotted, and braided fabrics.

4. Composite Fabrics

The fourth last group of fabrics is called composite fabrics; they are made from one fabric plus fibers, yams, foams, or films.

5. Multi Component Fabrics

The last group of fabrics is called the multicomponent fabrics because they are made from two or more fabrics joined into another fabric structure. Familiar fabrics in this group include quilted, bonded, and laminated fabrics.