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For Teachers Introduction The aim of this program is to provide students with an understanding of the classification of fibers, fabrics and yarns and how these properties may be tested before they are used for end products. The program will describe the characteristics and properties of these fibers, fabrics and finishes. During the program, Chris Hurren, Senior Technical Manager in the area of Research and Innovation, from Deakin University will demonstrate how fibers are turned into fabric and explain differences between the properties of natural and synthetic fibers. Melbourne Fashion Designer Adam Tsen will explain the characteristics that he looks for when choosing fabrics to produce his collection, and the tests that he conducts to ensure the best materials are selected. And Roger Cameron, Managing Director of Evan Evans Flags, discusses how dyes and finishes are applied to the fabrics that are used for the purpose of flags. Timeline 00:00:00 Introduction 00:01:42 Classifying textiles 00:05:50 Sourcing textiles 00:08:35 Testing fabrics 00:11:25 Dyeing textiles 00:14:35 finishes 00:17:01 Conclusion 00:17:45 Credits 00:18:17 End program Related Titles Practical Use of Materials - Metals Practical Use of Materials - Plastics Smart Fashionable Business - Young Designers, New Labels Recommended Resources http://www.gore-tex.com.au/ http://www.tsen.com.au/ http://www.accc.gov.au/content/index.phtml/itemid/142 http://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/ http://www.boardofstudies.nsw.edu.au/ 2
Student Worksheet Initiate Prior Learning 1. In small groups examine the labels on your clothing and other items that may be within the room and make a list of the fibers that are used. Discuss the feel, appearance and texture of each of these fibers. 2. Using the fibers listed above, further investigate the original source of the fiber and any other common uses for the fiber. Results could be recorded in a table form. Fiber Source Uses 3. Think of a piece of clothing that you wear quite often, what makes this piece of clothing comfortable to wear during hot or cold days? What activities do you perform in this piece of clothing? Is the piece of clothing easy to wash and iron? Explain your findings to others 3
Active Viewing Guide 1. In what ways are textiles classified? 2. What are the two categories for Textile Classification? 3. List four examples of natural fibers and their origins. 4. Fill in the table listing some advantages and disadvantages of the use of natural fibers. Advantages of Natural Fibers Disadvantages of Natural Fibers 5. How and why are synthetic fibers produced? 4
6. List some advantages and disadvantages of the use of synthetic fibers Advantages of Synthetic Fibers Disadvantages of Synthetic Fibers 7. Fibers are twisted into yarn and then the yarn is made into fabrics. What are the 3 ways that this can be done: W K B or N 8. When choosing fabrics for a particular purpose what factors might be taken into consideration? 9. A number of tests can be performed on fibers and fabric before they are used. List some of the tests: 10. Fill in the gaps of the following sentence, using the following words: use designers fabrics weaknesses projected Testing help manufacturers and understand wear and tear and reflect the. 5
11. The dyeing of textiles has a number of variable factors. These factors include: 12. Evan Evans uses a digital printing technique to print their flags. The best fabric for this is, (circle the correct answer) knitted bonded woven silk polyester wool 13. The dyeing of textiles has traditionally had a negative impact on the environment True/False. 14. The reason for this negative impact on the environment is because many of the inks used are petrol based and have a number of chemical by-products which are difficult to dispose of True/False. 15. The environmental impact of textile dyes can be overcome by the use of what? 16. A number of finishes can be applied to fabrics. These finishes are: C Finishes M Finishes 17. List the changes that occur to the fabric as a result of these finishes. 6
Extension Activities 1. In small teams, imagine that you have been asked to design a uniform for both males and females to wear when working on the front desk/reception desk for an International Hotel. a) Brainstorm the necessary functions of the uniform and justify why these will be important. b) Investigate suitable fabrics, including fabrics made from natural and synthetic fibers and blends of fibers e.g. polyester cotton. Record the properties of these fabrics in a table. c) Analyze and justify the most suitable fabrics to be used for the uniform components e.g. skirts, trousers, shirts, blazers. d) Using a figure template present your team s sketches, annotating the key features. Include in your annotations how the design reflects the choice of fabric. 2. Fabric can be mechanically and chemically finished to increase its durability, texture and appearance. One such fabric is Gore-tex. Gore-tex is a modern laminated fabric that has been developed for the use in outerwear garments. The name Gore-tex is a trademark and has come to describe the particular fabric. Research the fabric Gore-Tex. How is it made? Who would use Gore-tex products? 3. Research the process of felting of wool. Write down the equipment that may be needed to complete this activity. If possible try to felt some wool using the steps that were found. 4. Investigate how to safely conduct a number of fabric tests. Choose some material and conduct these tests, record your results and then analyze the fabrics suitability for a range of uses. Examples of tests that can be conducted can include the strength of fibers and fabric, insulation of fabric, shrinkage of fabric, water repellency of fabric, crease recovery of fabric, pilling, color fastness and durability. 5. Create a sample folder of fabrics which can be built upon as time progresses. Find examples of fabrics that are woven, knitted and bonded/non-woven. Classify the fabrics according to their fiber content; include a description of their characteristics and properties. Give suggestions for appropriate usage. 6. Having an understanding of fibers and fabrics will help designers and manufacturers to develop care labels for their garments. Investigate the Australian Standards for what is required for care labeling on garments. 7
Suggested Student Responses Initiate Prior Learning 1. In small groups examine the labels on your clothing and other items that may be within the room and make a list of the fibers that are used. Discuss the feel, appearance and texture of each of these fibers. Answers will vary 2. Using the fibers listed above, further investigate the original source of the fiber and any other common uses for the fiber. Results could be recorded in a table form. Answers will vary 3. Think of a piece of clothing that you wear quite often; what makes this piece of clothing comfortable to wear during hot or cold days? What activities do you perform in this piece of clothing? Is the piece of clothing easy to wash and iron? Explain your findings to others. Answers will vary 8
Active Viewing Guide 1. In what ways are textiles classified? are classified according to what they are made of. 2. What are the two categories for Textile Classification? The two categories of textile fibers are Natural and Synthetic 3. List four examples of Natural fibers and their origins. Natural Fibers include; wool, cotton, silk and linen and they all come from either plants or animals 4. Fill in the table listing some advantages and disadvantages of the use of natural fibers. Advantages of Natural Fibers Very versatile Soft handle Absorbent Comfortable to wear Durable Disadvantages of Natural Fibers May be expensive to produce Use a large amount of natural resources such as water and power during the production and manufacturing stages Delicate Prone to faults such as shrinkage and abrasion 5. How and why are synthetic fibers produced? Synthetic fibers are produced by creating a single filament and extruding this filament through a machine. Synthetic fibers are often produced to recreate the characteristics of natural fibers. 6. List some advantages and disadvantages of the use of synthetic fibers Advantages of Synthetic Fibers May be less susceptible to shrinkage Relatively inexpensive to produce Created to mimic the characteristics of natural fibers in a cost effective way Disadvantages of Synthetic Fibers May be uncomfortable to wear as they may not be as absorbent May have a slippery surface which contributes to being uncomfortable Can be modified and changed as a result of research 7. Fibers are twisted into yarn and then the yarn is made into fabrics. What are the 3 ways that this can be done: Woven Knitted Bonded or Non Woven 9
8. When choosing fabrics for a particular purpose what factors might be taken into consideration? The characteristics of the fibers/fabrics such as drape, durability, comfort Any ethical considerations such as where the fabric has been sourced If the fabric had any impact on the environment when produced 9. A number of tests can be performed on fibers and fabric before they are used. List some of the tests: Pilling, abrasion, wearability, skin feel Strength, dye fastness, Shrinkage, ease of cleaning and laundering, ease of ironing to maintain the look of the fabric 10. Fill in the gaps of the following sentence, using the following words: use designers fabrics weaknesses projected Testing fabrics help manufacturers and designers understand wear and tear weaknesses and reflect the projected use 11. The dyeing of textiles has a number of variable factors. These factors include: Ink fading Color matching Color fastness 12. Evan Evans uses a digital printing technique to print their flags. The best fabric for this is, (circle the correct answer) Knitted Bonded Woven Silk Polyester Wool 13. The dyeing of textiles has traditionally had a negative impact on the environment True/False. True. 14. The reason for this negative impact on the environment is because many of the inks used are petrol based and have a number of chemical by-products which are difficult to dispose of True/False. True. 15. The environmental impact of textile dyes can be overcome by the use of what? Digital Printing and Water Based Dyes 16. A number of finishes can be applied to fabrics. These finishes are: Chemical Finishes Mechanical Finishes 17. List the changes that occur to the fabric as a result of these finishes. Durability Appearance Texture 10
Extension Activities 1. In small teams, imagine that you have been asked to design a uniform for both males and females to wear when working on the front desk/reception desk for an International Hotel. a) Brainstorm the necessary functions of the uniform and justify why these will be important. b) Investigate suitable fabrics, including fabrics made from natural and synthetic fibers and blends of fibers e.g. polyester cotton. Record the properties of these fabrics in a table. c) Analyze and justify the most suitable fabrics to be used for the uniform components e.g. skirts, trousers, shirts, blazers. d) Using a figure template present your team s sketches, annotating the key features. Include in your annotations how the design reflects the choice of fabric. 2. Fabric can be mechanically and chemically finished to increase its durability, texture and appearance. One such fabric is Gore-tex. Gore-tex is a modern laminated fabric that has been developed for the use in outerwear garments. The name Gore-tex is a trademark and has come to describe the particular fabric. Research the fabric Gore-Tex. How is it made? Who would use Gore-tex products? Gore-tex fabrics are created by laminating a special membrane and then sealing it with an innovative solution for 100% protection. The membrane contains over 9 billion microscopic pores. These pores make the fabric completely waterproof from the outside whilst allowing perspiration to escape from the inside. Gore-tex fabrics are waterproof, wind proof and breathable. Garments are constructed using a unique seam tape which ensures that every seam and tiny stitch hole is sealed. The Gore-tex Company continues to improve their fabrics through research to ensure that their product is lightweight, drape well and are durable. Garments made using Gore-tex fabrics are perfect for those who enjoy bush walking, camping and skiing. 3. Research the process of felting of wool. Write down the equipment that may be needed to complete this activity. If possible try to felt some wool using the steps that were found. 4. Investigate how to safely conduct a number of fabric tests. Choose some material and conduct these tests, record your results and then analyze the fabrics suitability for a range of uses. Examples of tests that can be conducted can include the strength of fibers and fabric, insulation of fabric, shrinkage of fabric, water repellency of fabric, crease recovery of fabric, piling, color fastness and durability. 11
5. Create a sample folder of fabrics which can be built upon as time progresses. Find examples of fabrics that are woven, knitted and bonded/non-woven. Classify the fabrics according to their fiber content; include a description of their characteristics and properties. Give suggestions for appropriate usage. 6. Having an understanding of fibers and fabrics will help designers and manufacturers to develop care labels for their garments. Investigate the Australian Standards for what is required for care labeling on garments. Care labeling prolongs the life of a garment if consumers follow the guidelines. Information that must appear on garments produced in Australia includes the fiber content and how to launder the garment. This can be written or through the use of symbols. The care label must be permanently attached to the garment, rather than on a removable tag. 12