Textile

According to the dictionary, ‘textile’ is related to fabrics or fabric making. It means any artifact made by weaving or felting or knitting or crocheting natural or synthetic fibers”. Indeed, fabric and clothes are popularly used in the textile trade. These two words can act as a synonym with textile. However, there is subtle difference in the meaning. When fibers are put together, it is textile; any material that is made from weaving, knitting or crocheting—it is fabric whereas the end product of fabric is cloth, which can be used for purpose of making dresses.

History of Textile Since ages, textile has been an integral part of existence. As soon as man learnt to wear clothes, there is no end to the production of it. Clothes and fabrics are popular because of their vast usage. The richest textile of Indian subcontinent is very famous across the world. Indeed, the royal kings and emperors were the ‘all time’ clients of the Indian textile industry. They were fond of exquisite collection of dress materials and other textile products. Hence, the production of textile holds a very important place—even today. In fact, with rapid industrialization and with the advancement of contemporary or modern manufacturing techniques, there is a metamorphic change in the textile industry. The speed with which the textile industry is moving ahead bears testimony to the fact that the scale of production is multiplying day-by-day. But with the ancient weaving, twilling or satin weaving—there is little change in the modern production procedures.

Different Textiles

Depending upon the kind of source, textile is divided into four sub-categories. Initially, plant, animal and mineral sources were used to make textiles. The most important sources of textile production include:

Animal textile
With an animal’s hair or fur, animal textiles are commonly made. With the goat or sheep’s hair, wool is made. The unmatched fiber and bulkier yarn is referred to as woolen whereas the superfine yarn is called ‘worsted’. The hair of Cashmere goat, the hair of North American Angora goat are known for its softness and is popularly known for making clothing used during winter seasons against biting cold. Other animal textile includes llama wool, vicuña wool, camel hair and alpaca wool that is used to make jackets, coats, blankets, ponchos and other warm coverings. Silk is also an animal textile, which is prepared from the fibers of the cocoon of the Chinese silkworm.

Plant textile
Sisal, grass and hemp are used in making ropes. Coconut fiber called coir is used in making floor mats, brushes, mattresses, doormats, twine and floor tiles. Bamboo and straw are used to make hats. For making paper, fiber from cotton, pulpwood trees and rice is used. Hemp, cotton, jute, flax and modal are all used in clothing. Moreover, pineapple fiber called piña and ramie are also used. Seaweed is used in the production of textiles. In order to increase the shine of a fabric like silk, taffeta and velvet, acetate is used.

Synthetic textile
Primarily, for the production of clothing, essential synthetic textile is used. Polyester fiber is used in all types of clothing; Aramid fiber is used for flame-retardant clothing or cut-protection. Acrylic is a fiber used to imitate wools, including cashmere, and is often used in replacement of them. Nylon is used to duplicate silk. Spandex, which is popularly known as Lycra and tactel are used to make active wear and swimsuits.

Mineral textile
Asbestos and basalt fiber are used for vinyl tiles, sheeting, and adhesives, stage curtains, and fire blankets. Glass fiber is used in the production of spacesuits, ironing board and mattress covers, ropes and cables whereas reinforcement fiber is used for motorized vehicles and insect netting. Metal fiber, metal foil and metal wire are extensively used for the production of cloth-of-gold and jewelry.