About Dr Krin Fabric Prof
My Goal
I enjoyed teaching fabric/textile analysis and characteristics for over 30 years as a college professor.
At drkrinfabricprof.com, my goal is to share my years of fabric/textile knowledge with craftspersons, sewists, and independent designers. Learn more about my background in my first blog post.
How you can use this site: information about the 4 fabric variables that make a fabric are included in the sections. You can download PDFs, 3-hole punch pages & make your own fabric book. Add swatches if you like. The PDFs are free for you.
This "short course" will take you through the 4 variables of the Fabric Equation:
Fiber + Yarn + Structure + Finish = Fabric
Due to commitments over the next weeks, I will not be responding to questions.
Fiber: the first variable to consider
Two Main Categories: Natural fibers & Manufactured fibers
Natural fibers: (like the old 20 questions game--is it animal, vegetable, or mineral (& metalllic)?:
Protein (animal): wool, silk, etc.
Cellulosic (vegetable/plant based): cotton, flax, etc.
Mineral or Metallic: Fiberglas (trade name), extruded metal fibers.
Manufactured fibers:
Regenerated: from a natural material that is manipulated--typically a cellulosic: rayon, lyocell (Tencel trade name), etc.
Synthetic: nylon, polyester, acrylic, olefin, spandex (Lycra tradename), etc.
Cellulosic (plant) Fibers
Cellulosic fibers have some similar internal characteristics because the fibers are sourced from plants which are made up of cellulosic materials. However, each cellulosic fiber is different in texture and appearance.
Cellulosic fibers include cotton (the major commercial fiber) and other cellulosics including, flax and hemp. In the next 2 sections you will find downloadable PDFs: one section on cotton and another on the minor cellulosics.
Manufactured Fibers
Two categories: Regenerated & Synthetic
Originally invented to replace unreliable natural fiber production. Inspiration was taken from the silkworm which digests plant materials into a syrupy solution which is forced through a hole in the silkworm's "snout." It took many years for humans to figure out how to mimic this process: 1. dissolving plant materials into a solution called "dope", extruding the dope through a spinneret (looks like a shower head) and solidifying the extruded dope. The diameter & shape of a fiber can be controlled by changing the size & shape of the spinneret opening. The fiber can be a long filament or chopped into short staple fibers.
