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A unicellular, natural staple fiber hitch is the seed hair of plants of the genus Gossypium. It is almost pure cellulose and a distinguishing characteristic is its irregular spiral configuration. The fiber is fine and its length varies from less than 1/2 inch to over 2 inches. The quality and color of cotton fiber, normally creamy white but sometimes much darker, is determined by the plant variety as well as the location, soil and climatic conditions under which it is cultivated. The largest cotton producers by far today are China, the U.S., and Russia. Other growers with high output are India, Pakistan, Brazil, Turkey, and several South America and African countries.Characteristics : for marketing, cotton fibers are graded and classed for length, fineness, strength, and color. It is a highly versatile fiber with high strength and a high moisture regain of 8%, which contributes to its comfort.End uses : cotton is the most widely used natural fiber. Because of its versatility and comfort, cotton is widely used throughout the world in a very broad range of textile materials. Today cotton is often blended with other staple fibers, especially polyester, to take advantage of the characteristics of both fibers.

An alternative, non-harmful method of producing silk. Silk is woven by making use of empty cocoons rather than harvesting live moth pupae. Cultivated on forest trees, the silk is spun after the...

A waxy or oiled-finished leather These leathers lighten when stretched, bent, or "pulled up". They are categorized as natural because they do not have a thick top coat. They have a nice hand, and...

To achieve a matte, cotton-like texture, a jet of air is blown on a fiber to give it a rough, non-reflective surface. Textured fibers offer greater bulk and airiness to a fabric without increasing...

Basting is the process of temporarily sewing or pinning fabric together. This can be done by hand or by machine. Quilters use basting to temporarily position applique pieces. They also baste the top,...

A type of fiber dyeing in which colored pigments are injected into the spinning solution prior to the extrusion of the fiber through the spinneret. Fibers and yarns colored in this manner are...