Have fun learning how to design your space while being kind to the environment! |
| Say It with Style | If Only I Could Have | Everyone Walks Between Me and TV | What a Deal | Would It Be Wood? | Finish It with Fabric | Stash My Stuff | Taking Care of Things | Why Clean? |
Success Indicator: You will be able to use fabrics to change the appearance of a room.
Life Skills Practiced: Problem-solving and marketable skills.
Project Skills Practiced: Fabric and and pattern coordination as well as fabric selection.
Helper's Guide to Section 2: The Distinctive Touch
Characteristics of Fabric Fibers
| Fiber | Characteristics* | Care* (See label) | Durability* | Resist Sun Damage* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Nylon | Easy to dye, drapes well, retains shape | Washable at low temp. | Very strong, durable, resists abrasion | Fair but can be modified |
Olefin | Easy care, resist moisture | Washable | Very strong, durable, resist abrasion | Fair – can add stabilizers |
Polyester | Retains shape well, resists wrinkles | Washable | Strong, durable, resist abrasion | Good to excellent |
Acrylic | Soft like wool, colorfast | Some washable or dry clean< | May form “pills,” | Excellent |
Acetate | Soft feel, silky look, drapes well. Poor wrinkle recovery. Weaker when wet. | Dry clean or some hand washable | Low or poor resistance to abrasion. | Weakened by long exposure unless modified for sunlight resistance |
Rayon | Similar to cotton, easy to dye, drapes well, wrinkles easily unless treated, may shrink | Dry clean or some hand washable | Not as durable or abrasion resistant. | Poor, not recommended for draperies |
Cotton | Absorbent, easy to dye, may wrinkle easily | Washable – may shrink unless treated | Good abrasion resistance | Good, may weaken after long exposure |
Silk | Strong fiber but lightweight, dyes well, drapes well | Usually dry cleaned. | Not as durable or abrasion resistant. | Poor – yellows and degrades |
Wool | Holds shape well, drapes well, resists wrinkles, may shrink & felt when wet and agitated | Dry clean unless special finish to wash. | Fair to good abrasion resistance | Fair – eventually loses strength |
Download Printable Version of this table here (627KB PDF)
This knowledge of fabrics is helpful when picking out upholstered furniture. Watch Selecting Upholstered Furniture to find out more.
Activity 3: Go Surf!
Find Web sites to learn more about fabrics and fibers.
- University of New Mexico: College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences - Selecting Fabrics for Home Furnishings (28 KB PDF)
- Iowa State University Extension: Consumer Choices: Understanding apparel and furnishing textiles (290 KB PDF)
Caution with dyeing fabrics
