Introduction to Class 7 Fibres and Fabrics

Table of Contents

• Evolution in Clothing
• Fibres – Definition
• Yarn – Definition
• Fabrics – Definition
• Types of Fibres
• Summary
• What’s Next?

In the first segment of the chapter of ‘Fibre to Fabric’, we will get introduced to various fibres.

Evolution of Fibres and Fabrics

Early man used large leaves of trees to cover the body. Later animal fur, fleece and skin were used as clothes.

But clothes that we use today are made up of plant and animal products which are synthesised into fine threads, that are woven further into beautiful fabrics. We have even started using synthetic materials for making beautiful garments.

What are Fibres?

Fibres are extremely long threads that can be converted into yarns.

What are Yarns?

Yarns are long continuous threads that can be directly woven into fabrics.

What are Fabrics?

Fabrics are the pieces of cloth that we use for making our clothes. The yarn is interwoven to form pieces of fabric that can be cut and stitched to make clothes.

What are the types of fibres?

Fibres can be classified into two types:

1. Natural fibres: Natural fibres are obtained from natural sources like plants and animals. Plants like cotton and jute give us natural fibres. Similarly, animals like sheep, goat, camel are also used for their fur and fleece.
2. Synthetic fibres: Synthetic fibres are made by us in the laboratories or industries. Nylon, polyester, acrylic are examples of synthetic fibres.
3. Semi-synthetic fibres: Some synthetic fibres are made using natural fibres as the starting material. Here the natural fibres are chemically processed and modified significantly to