Textiles: Natural & Synthetic Fibres

This lesson covers textile fibres — both natural and synthetic — as required by AQA GCSE Design and Technology (8552), Section 3.1.6. Understanding fibre properties is essential for selecting appropriate fabrics for different products.

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What Are Textile Fibres?

A fibre is a thin, hair-like strand that can be spun into yarn and then woven, knitted or bonded into fabric. Fibres are classified as either natural (from plants or animals) or synthetic (man-made from chemicals, usually derived from oil).

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Natural Fibres

Cotton

Property	Detail
Source	Seed hairs of the cotton plant (Gossypium)
Comfort	Very comfortable against skin; soft
Absorbency	Highly absorbent — absorbs up to 27 times its own weight in water
Breathability	Excellent — allows air to circulate
Strength	Good — actually stronger when wet
Dyeing	Takes dyes very well
Ironing	Creases easily; withstands high iron temperatures
Biodegradability	Fully biodegradable
Care	Can be machine washed at high temperatures; tumble-dried

Uses: T-shirts, jeans (denim is woven cotton), underwear, towels, bedding, canvas bags, medical bandages.

Environmental considerations: Cotton farming uses large amounts of water (10,000 litres per kg) and pesticides. Organic cotton addresses pesticide use but still requires significant water.

Wool

Property	Detail
Source	Fleece of sheep (also goats — cashmere, mohair; and alpacas)
Warmth	Excellent insulator — traps air between crimped fibres
Absorbency	Absorbs up to 30% of its weight in moisture without feeling wet
Elasticity	Good — springs back to shape after stretching
Fire resistance	Naturally flame-retardant; self-extinguishes
Felting	Can matt and shrink if agitated in hot water (felting)
Biodegradability	Fully biodegradable
Care	Often requires gentle or hand washing; dry cleaning for tailored garments

Uses: Jumpers, suits, coats, scarves, blankets, carpets, felt crafts.

Silk

Property	Detail
Source	Cocoon of the silkworm (Bombyx mori)
Appearance	Natural lustre (sheen); drapes beautifully
Strength	Very strong for its thickness
Comfort	Smooth, cool against skin; lightweight
Absorbency	Moderate
Elasticity	Good
Cost	Expensive — labour-intensive production
Biodegradability	Fully biodegradable

Uses: Formal clothing (dresses, blouses, ties, scarves), lingerie, parachutes (historically), surgical sutures.

Linen

Property	Detail
Source	Stem of the flax plant (Linum usitatissimum)
Strength	Strongest natural fibre — about 2–3× stronger than cotton
Breathability	Excellent — ideal for hot climates
Absorbency	Very absorbent; dries quickly
Drape	Stiff, structured drape; creases easily
Biodegradability	Fully biodegradable
Growing	Flax requires less water and fewer pesticides than cotton

Uses: Summer clothing, tablecloths, napkins, tea towels, artists' canvas, upholstery.

AQA Exam Tip: Linen's key fact is that it is the strongest natural fibre. Cotton is the most commonly used, wool is the warmest and silk has the most lustrous appearance. Use these distinguishing properties to answer comparison questions.

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Synthetic Fibres

Polyester