Fibres

Fibres are the small hair like structures that are used to make fabrics. On their own they are very weak but when twisted to make yarn they become stronger. (Spinning) Different types of fibres have different properties (things that they do such as strength, durability, elasticity, crease resistance) and if different fibres are twisted together they form yarns with combined properties.

A good website to find out about Natural fibres

There are two main groups of fibres Natural and Manmade, these are also divided into sections:


 * 1) Natural Fibres -These are from animals or plants all are biodegradable (rot away) and are sustainable as they will grow again so are environmentally friendly if they are produced organically.
 * 2) **Animal fibres** - wool (sheep), silk (silk worm), angora (rabbit), mohair (goat), alpaca (alpaca)

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**Plant fibres** - Cotton, flax (makes linen), jute, hemp.
 * Produced from plants. To be totally environmentally friendly plant fibres must be produced organically. Most cotton is produced using pesticides which as well as killing the insects or diseases is also bad for the environment and makes the workers ill.


 * Manmade Fibres **


 * **Synthetic fibres** - Polyamide (nylon), polyester, acrylic, elastane, microfibres
 * These are made from chemicals which come from oil or coal. These fibres are not environmentally friendly.


 * **Regenerated fibres** - Viscose, triacetate, acetate, modal
 * These are made from a combination of chemicals and cellulose (tree products)



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