Fibres and Fabrics SS1 Fashion and Garment Making Lesson Note

What is a Fibre?

Before a shirt becomes a shirt, it is a piece of fabric. And before it is fabric, it is a Fibre.

Think of a fibre like a single strand of hair. It is a very thin, hair-like thread. When we twist many of these thin hairs together, we get Yarn (thread). When we weave or knit that yarn together, we finally get Fabric.

The Simple Chain: Fibre → Yarn → Fabric → Garment (Clothing)

Natural Fibres (From Nature)

Natural fibres come from things that grow on the earth or from animals. They “breathe” well, which makes them very comfortable to wear.

1. Cotton (From Plants): This comes from the fluffy “boll” of the cotton plant. It is the most popular fibre in the world.
   1. Characteristics: It’s soft, strong, and absorbs sweat easily. This is why our school uniforms and T-shirts are usually cotton.
2. Linen (From Plants): Made from the stalk of the Flax plant.
   1. Characteristics: It is very strong and stays very cool, but it wrinkles (creases) very easily.
3. Wool (From Animals): Taken from the hair of sheep or goats.
   1. Characteristics: It is thick and warm. We use it for sweaters and coats.
4. Silk (From Insects): Produced by silkworms.
   1. Characteristics: It is very smooth, shiny, and expensive. It feels like luxury on the skin.

Synthetic Fibres (Man-Made)

These fibres don’t grow under the sun. They are made by scientists in factories using chemicals (mostly petroleum/oil).

1. Polyester: The most common man-made fibre.
   1. Characteristics: It is very strong and does not wrinkle. You can wash it, and it dries almost instantly. However, it can feel “hot” because it doesn’t breathe like cotton.
2. Nylon: Originally made to replace silk.
   1. Characteristics: It is very stretchy and tough. We use it for stockings, umbrellas, and school bags.
3. Acrylic: Made to look like wool.
   1. Characteristics: It’s warm but much cheaper than real sheep’s wool.
4. Spandex (Lycra): * Characteristics: This is the “king of stretch.” It is used in leggings and swimming suits.

How to Tell the Difference?

How do you know if that “silk” shirt you bought in the market is real silk or just shiny polyester? Designers use the Burn Test.

• Natural Fibres (Cotton/Linen): When you burn a small thread, it smells like burning paper. It leaves a soft, grey ash that crumbles.
• Animal Fibres (Wool/Silk): These smell like burning hair (because they are hair!).
• Synthetic Fibres (Polyester/Nylon): These don’t turn to ash. They melt. They smell like burning plastic and leave a hard, black bead that you can’t crush with your fingers.

Why Does It Matter Which One You Choose?

As a fashion student, choosing the right fibre is your first big decision.

• Climate: In a hot country like Nigeria, natural fibres like Cotton are better because they soak up sweat and let air reach your skin.
• Occasion: For a wedding, you might choose Silk or a shiny Synthetic because they look glamorous. For sports, you need Spandex so you can move freely.
• Cost: Synthetic fibres are usually cheaper. This is why most “ready-to-wear” clothes in shops are made of polyester blends.

Class Activity: Look at the labels on your clothes today. Is your shirt 100% Cotton, or is it a “Poly-Cotton” blend? Write down what you find!