Text 3: The main characteristic features of fibers

Task 1. Match the following words and the translations.

1) fiber a) властивості;

2) weaving b) поглинальна властивість;

3) properties c) зменшуватись;

4) conductor of heat d) волокно;

5) absorbency e) добре фарбується;

6) to shrink f) ткацтво;

7) flame resistant g) швидко м’ятися;

8) to dye well h) легко піклуватись;

9) to wrinkle easily i) провідник тепла;

10) easy to care for j) вогнестійкі.

Task 2. Read the text and identify whether these sentences are true or false.

Fiber is a hair-like strand of material. A unit in which many complicated textile structures are built up is said to be textile fiber. It is flexible and can be spun or twisted for weaving, braiding, knotting, crocheting, etc. to make desired products. Fibres can be obtained in natural form from plants and animals as well as in synthetic form. Man-made or synthetic fibres are either made up of chemicals or by processing natural fibres to create new fibre structures/properties. Natural fibers come from animals (sheep, goats, camelids, etc.) or vegetable-based fibers (cotton, flax, linen, and other plant fibers). Mineral fibers (asbestos, etc) are also classified as natural fiber. Synthetic fibers are man-made and manufactured from synthetic chemicals – (by products of the petrochemical industries) – nylon, polyester, acetates.

The characteristics of fibers directly affect the properties of the fabric it is woven into. Each fibre has particular properties which help us to decide which particular fibre should be used to suite a particular requirement. Certain fibre properties increase its value and desirability in its intended end-use but are not necessary properties essential to make a fibre. Thus it is very essential to know the individual aspects and specific properties of each kind of fibre.

Understanding each ingredient of a fabric helps sewers answer questions such as “Why are there blends?” and “A natural fiber seems better, why should I use synthetic?” There are many answers to these questions. One fabric may have a blend because it was cheaper to produce, another might be that the cotton crop had a shortage so they had to blend with a synthetic, yet another might be technical since cotton is a weaker fiber, the blend helps to create a stronger yarn for fabric production enabling garments created from the fabric to last longer.

Fibers are like vitamins in that you are customizing characteristics to get a certain result in your fabric. It sounds complicated, but it is really simple to the consumer. Educate sewers about the basics and they will be much happier with their fabric selections. Some basic fiber properties, pros, and cons that are applicable to the home sewing consumer include:

Natural Cellulose Fibers: Cotton and Flax are examples of natural cellulose fibers. These have good absorbency and are a good conductor of heat. They wrinkle easily and pack tightly. They are heavy fibers, very flammable, and printed easily.

Natural Protein Fibers (Wool): These fibers have an animal origin. They resist wrinkling. They are hygroscopic-comfortable in cool, damp climate but weaker when wet because they shrink. Natural protein fibers are harmed by dry heat. They are flame resistant and dye well.

Synthetic Fibers: These are fibers made from chemicals. They are heat sensitive and they melt easily. They are resistant to moths and fungi, have low absorbency, and are abrasion-resistant. Synthetic fibers are strong and easy to care for. They are less expensive and readily available.

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1.__ The characteristics of fibers directly affect the properties of the fabric it is woven into.

2.__ Fibers can’t be spun or twisted to make desired products.

3.__ Fibers can be divided into natural fibres and man-made or fibres. 

4.__ Educate sewers about the basics and they will be much happier with their fabric selections.

5.__ Synthetic fibers are weak and difficult to care for. 

6.__ Often the consumer does not understand the ingredients, why some cost more, and what exactly do they do? 

Task 3. Open the brackets using Present Simple Tense.

1) Fiber (to be) the fundamental component required for making textile yarns and fabrics.

2) There (to be) two types - natural and synthetic.

3) Natural fiber (to come) from animals.

4) Natural animal fibers (not to include) Cotton and Linen. 

5) …manufactured fibers (to come) from cellulose?

6) She (to consider) Rayon a natural fiber but technically it (not to be). 

7) …common fibers (to include) Polyester, Microfiber, and Nylon to name a few?

8) … textile (to be) a type of material composed of natural or synthetic fibres?

9) The tailor (to sew) clothes regularly.

10) …the workers (to start) crocheting at 6 a.m. systematically?