Typs of Natural, Manmade & Industrial Fabric Fibers .

                                         - Mr. Pradeep Yadav

To decorate with fabric, you must understand fabric. You should know all of the various types of fabric used for throw pillows, window treatments, furniture, rugs and textiles. There are three primary categories of fabric:

• Natural Fabrics
• Mandmade Fabrics
• Industrial Fabrics

We will cover all three categories of fabrics throughout our blog but today’s post will provide some detail on various types of natural fabric fibers.

NATURAL FABRICS

Here are the most common natural fabric fibers:

COTTON

Cotton is one of the most popular natural fabrics and is often used for clothing and bedding. The fabric is comfortable on skin and adjusts to temperatures that make it suitable for all seasons and climates. Cotton will absorb sweat during hot weather and cool the body and retains heat during the winter. Your sure to have multiple items made with cotton in your closet and throughout your décor.

SILK

Silk is an elegant fiber and the most durable of all of the natural fabrics. The fabric has a rich history and is used for elegant dresses and fine clothing as well as for bedding. Silk is very comfortable on the skin and is very popular throughout the world.

LINEN

Linen is primarily used for home furnishings and décor. However, the fabric is comfortable on the skin and resistant to allergies so some clothing is made with linen. You will often find linen tablecloths and window treatments. Homeowners will decorate with drapes made of linen to allow more light into a room. The material is easy to clean and maintain and extremely durable too.

WOOL

Wool is extremely durable and resists wrinkles. The fabric is very popular for winter clothing, sweaters and outerwear and is seen in homes as rugs, carpet and blankets. Wool is flame-resistant and very comfortable. The most famous and luxurious type of wool fabric is cashmere which is often used for scarves and sweaters.

LEATHER

In terms of decorating and design, leather is often reserved for upholstery. A leather recliner or couch are sophisticated touches to add to any room. For the most part, leather is reserved for outerwear and pants and fashion accessories. Leather is very soft but it is also extremely firm and will last a lifetime if cared for properly.

HEMP

Hemp is a natural fabric seen in shoes, clothing and décor. The fabric is extremely water-resistant and able to withstand harsh conditions for extended periods of time. Around your home, you will find towels, drapery, table settings and bedspreads made of hemp.

JUTE

Jute is reserved for carpet, rugs and floors in a home. The woven natural fabric is extremely durable although it can be difficult to clean and maintain.

Look around your home and see if you can identify the items made from the natural fibers above. Decide which items you love the most and consider purchasing more décor and accessories made of that natural fabric.

MANMADE FABRICS

Here are the manmade fabrics and fibers found in homes today:

ACETATE

Acetate is considered to be the manmade version of sik. The fabric is very soft and luxurious and is made from cotton remnants and wood pulp. Acetate is resistant to mold and mildew and used for various types of apparel and bedding.

CHIFFON

This is a woven sheer fabric with drape often seen on prom dresses, wedding dresses and evening gowns. You will sometimes see chiffon used as an accent on bedding or throw pillows and various décor in a home but most often it is seen on women’s apparel. Chiffon is a blend of various manmade and natural fibers including silk and cotton.

ACRYLIC

Acrylic fabric is the manmade version of wool. You will see it used for the same purposes as wool but the cost is less expensive. This manmade fabric is a very popular choice for furniture upholstery because of its comfort and durability and lower price point.

ORGANZA

Organza fabric has a thin, sheer weave and is often found on handbags and similar accessories. You will find traces of silk in some organza products otherwise it is a blend of synthetic fabrics such as nylon and polyester.

NYLON

Nylon is our favorite manmade fabric and it is widely seen in both the apparel and décor industry. Several clothing items are made with nylon and the material is also used for rugs, carpet and many domestic fabric items. Nylon fabric is durable, easy to clean and maintain and stretchy and resilient. It’s many properties make it a popular choice for designers.

POLYESTER

You will find polyester fabric in both apparel and décor. Polyester is used for curtains and window treatments, furniture upholstery, carpets and more. The fabric is also very popular as an affordable clothing fabric. Polyester is durable but not always easy to clean or maintain.

DENIM

Denim is a hybrid of twill and cotton that is both durable and comfortable. The most popular use of denim is for blue jeans but you will also find it used as an accent on home décor and various accessories.

RAYON

Rayon fabric is both woven and knit and used for several fashion and home décor items. You will find rayon rugs and flooring as well as window treatments. The fabric is very affordable and a popular choice for homeowners to design with.

Additional manmade fabrics include spandex, velvet and polypropylene. These fabrics have many used but are rarely found in interior design.

There are probably several items in your home manufactured or sewn with the manmade fabrics we listed above. Which is your favorite?

INDUSTRIAL FABRICS

Here are common types of industrial fabrics:

FIBERGLASS

You won’t find fiberglass fabric on clothing or in bedding but the material is an excellent source of warmth and insulation and often found in walls and attics of homes.

CARBON

Carbon fabric is used for brake pad linings and other automotive and aircraft components. The material is flame-resistant and incredibly resilient to wear and tear but not common in home décor.

VINYL

You will find traces of vinyl in apparel or sometimes as an accent piece in a home. The material is elastic and durable and features a sheen that is appealing for some design.

CREWEL

This industrial fabric is common in interior design and home décor. Crewel is very beautiful and sought after. You will find it used in drapery, upholstery and bedding in a home as it features lustrous textures and colors.

REFLECTIVE

You will find reflective fabric on safety gear and similar apparel and items due to its ability to reflect light a great distance. However, reflective fabric is not a popular choice for interior design.

QUILTED

Quilted fabric is more of a style than a type of fabric but the end result is often a blend of cotton, silk or wool or synthetic fibers including polyester. You will see quilted fabric on bedding and blankets in a home and it offers a more traditional or classic design element to a room.

LAMINATED

Laminated fabric is essentially a protective layer over synthetic or natural fabrics. You will see laminated fabric on accessories and handbags as well as some outerwear but it is not often used in home décor or design.

NARROW

Narrow fabrics are the most common type of industrial fabric. You see narrow fabric on shoe laces and strings. These fabrics are extremely durable and versatile and used for upholstery, apparel and other décor.

You do not hear as much about industrial fabric in design circles but it does serve several purposes in daily life.