Fabrics Around Us | Class 11 Home Science Notes

FABRIC PRODUCTION

Fabrics are primarily made from yarns, although some fabrics like felts and non-wovens are made directly from fibres. Felts and non-wovens are formed by laying fibres in a mat and bonding them through adhesion. The majority of fabrics are produced by weaving and knitting, with braiding and knotting used to a lesser extent. Weaving is the oldest textile art, involving two sets of yarns interlaced at right angles on a loom. The longitudinal yarns are called warp yarns, held under tension, and the transverse yarns are filling or weft yarns. The simplest weave pattern is plain weave, where filling yarn passes alternately over and under warp yarns. Complex designs are created by varying the interlacing sequence or using attachments like dobby or jacquard. Extra yarns can be introduced to create textures such as loops in towels or cut loops in velvets and corduroy. The fabric grain refers to the direction of yarns: warp runs lengthwise (selvedge), and filling runs widthwise (weft). Selvedges are the bound edges and provide fabric strength. Knitting involves interlooping one or more sets of yarns, done by hand or machine. Weft knitting uses one set of yarns interlooped across the width, suitable for shaped garments. Warp knitting uses multiple yarns interlooped lengthwise, producing continuous fabric lengths that can be cut and sewn. Knitted fabrics are elastic, porous, and comfortable, ideal for sportswear and fitted clothing. Braiding involves plaiting three or more yarns originating from a single point, producing diagonal textured fabrics used in shoelaces, ropes, and trims. Nets are open mesh fabrics made by inter-knotting yarns, and laces are intricate openwork fabrics formed by twisting, interlooping, and knotting yarns.

📊 Diagram: Figure 4 (Weft knitting): Shows yarn forming loops horizontally, interlooped row by row. Figure 5 (Warp knitting): Shows multiple yarns interlooped lengthwise producing continuous fabric.

🧪 Activity: Activity 2: Observe and note differences in fabric structure of shirt, pant/jeans, towel, socks, shoelaces, floor felts (namdas), and carpets.

🔗 Connection: Leads to textile finishing processes that enhance fabric appearance and performance.