FIBRE AND FABRIC
• Many a time, when we try to thread a needle, the end of the thread is separated into a few thin strands.
• This makes it difficult to pass the thread through the eye of the needle.
• The thin strands of thread that we see, are made up of thinner strands called fibres.
• Fabrics are made up of yarns and yarns are further made up of fibres.
• The fibres present in our food are called dietary fibres.
• They are made up of cellulose.
• They form an important component of our food.
• In animals, fibres are present in muscles and also as hair or fur.
• These fibres are made up of long chains of proteins.
• The process of turning fibres into fabric can be outlined as:
Fibres to yarn:
• Fibres are generally thin and short in length.
• When a bunch of fibre is pressed and twisted, it can be converted into long, strong threads called yarn.
• The process of twisting fibres to make yarn is called spinning.
Yarn to fabric:
• There are many ways by which fabrics are made from yarns.
• The two main processes are:
Weaving:
• A fabric is made up of two sets of yarns arranged together.
• The process of arranging two sets of yarns together to make a fabric is called weaving.
• Weaving is done on devices called looms.
• Small looms which can be operated manually are called handlooms.
Knitting:
• In knitting, a single yarn is used to make a piece of fabric.
• A single yarn gets pulled out continuously as the fabric gets unravelled (separated).
• Knitting is done by hand and also on machines.
• Weaving and knitting are used for making different kinds of fabric.
• These fabrics are used for a variety of clothing items.
• For example, a frock, a dress, denim, a cap, a hat, gloves, etc.