Summer 2022

A ll A bout F ibers 239 Acetate A cellulosic man made fiber (e.g. Chromspun®). Fair to good abrasion resistance and durability. An elegant, versatile fiber usually used in blends, adding a luxurious hand and appearance. Acrylic A man made fiber (e.g. Orlon®, Cresla®). Moderate strength, dyes in brilliant colors, good to excellent colorfastness. Soft, high loft with plush appearance. Cotton A natural fiber. Fair to very good abrasion resistance and durability depending on tightness of weave. Excellent hand, pilling resistance. Often elegant, stylish appearance. Flax Natural elements of the plant from which the cellulosic fiber linen is obtained. Linen Cellulosic fibers derived from the stem of the flax plant. Lurex A monofilament yarn made from a flat slit metallic film. Lurex is used in limited amounts for cosmetic purposes, to add luster to woven fabrics. Nylon A manufactured fiber (e.g. Antron®). Excellent strength abrasion resistance and dyeability. Pilling and static build-up can be a problem unless treated. Knowing how fabrics are created will assist you in proper selection for their end use and in a better understanding of their limitations. The following information is an overview of textile fibers used in the upholstered furniture market. Fibers contribute to the hand, texture, and appearance of a fabric. The performance of the final product depends to a large extent on the fiber’s specific properties and characteristics. The price of a fabric is seldom an indication of its wearability. The price is determined by such things as the cost to manufacture the fibers, the complexity of the weaving process, and the dyeing and finishing processes used. Olefin A man made fiber (e.g. Herculon®). Excellent strength, and resistance to chemicals, stains, and mildew. Tends to attract soil and can be difficult to clean because the fiber doesn’t absorb moisture. Polyester A man made fiber (e.g. Dacron®, Fortrel®, Kodel®). Soft hand but very strong and durable. Blends well with wool, cotton, and rayon. Polypropylene An olefin fiber made from polymers or copolymers of propylene. Rayon A cellulosic man made fiber. Excellent strength and pilling resistance. Good abrasion resistance and dyes well. Blends well with other fibers. Silk A natural fiber. Used in small amounts to add lus- ter, hand, and dyeability to fibers. Alone, has good colorfastness and fair abrasion resistance. Does not soil easily. Other Fibers If five percent or less of a fiber is present (unless the fiber has a definite functional significance), under law it may be designated as “other fibers.”