Lesson 1Acrylic: warmth, lightweight insulation, pilling tendenciesThis section focuses on acrylic as a synthetic wool substitute, highlighting low density, warmth, and bulk. It explains fibre structure, dyeing, and common spinning methods, and analyses pilling, static buildup, and care strategies to maintain fabric appearance.
Polymer composition and fiber morphologyBulk, warmth retention, and low densitySpinning types, crimp, and fabric aestheticsPilling, static, and abrasion performanceCare methods and common acrylic applicationsLesson 2Silk: filament properties, sheen, strength, moisture behaviourThis section investigates silk as a continuous filament protein fibre. It covers sericulture, reeling, and degumming, then links structure to lustre, strength, and drape. Moisture behaviour, dyeing, ageing, and appropriate care for preserving sheen are also discussed.
Silkworm lifecycle and cocoon productionReeling, throwing, and silk yarn formationDegumming, luster, and characteristic sheenStrength, elongation, and drape behaviorMoisture, dyeing, and careful maintenanceLesson 3Polyester: filament vs staple, moisture management, durability, hydrophobic natureThis section analyses polyester as a versatile synthetic fibre, contrasting filament and staple forms. It reviews hydrophobicity, moisture management technologies, durability, and dimensional stability, along with common apparel, technical, and home textile applications.
Polymer structure and manufacturing routesFilament versus staple fiber characteristicsHydrophobicity and moisture management finishesMechanical strength and dimensional stabilityApplications, recycling, and microplastic issuesLesson 4Modal and Lyocell: production differences, wet strength, sustainability traitsThis section compares modal and lyocell as advanced regenerated cellulosics. It details production differences, fibre structure, and wet strength, then evaluates comfort, fibrillation, and sustainability claims, including solvent recovery and forestry certification schemes.
Modal production, structure, and key propertiesLyocell solvent-spun process and fiber traitsWet strength, shrinkage, and laundering effectsComfort, fibrillation, and surface appearanceSustainability, LCA, and forestry standardsLesson 5Viscose/Rayon: production basics, hand and drape, dimensional stabilityThis section covers viscose and generic rayon production from cellulose, including dissolution, spinning, and regeneration. It explains hand, drape, absorbency, and dyeability, while addressing dimensional stability, shrinkage, and care considerations in end-use fabrics.
Cellulosic raw materials and pulp preparationViscose process steps and fiber formationHand, drape, absorbency, and comfort profileDimensional stability, shrinkage, and creasingCare, ironing, and common fabric applicationsLesson 6Cotton: cultivation types, long/short staple differences, comfort and careThis section examines cotton fibre development, from cultivation systems to staple length classes. It links fibre morphology to yarn strength, handle, and comfort, and reviews dyeing, finishing, and care practices that influence durability and appearance retention.
Conventional, organic, and BCI cotton systemsFiber morphology, maturity, and finenessStaple length, yarn quality, and fabric handleMoisture comfort, breathability, and skin feelDyeing, finishing, and laundering behaviorLesson 7Nylon: strength, elasticity, abrasion resistance, common uses in blendsThis section examines nylon as a strong, elastic synthetic fibre. It explains polymer chemistry, melt spinning, and orientation, then relates structure to abrasion resistance, resilience, and moisture behaviour, with emphasis on hosiery, activewear, and blend applications.
Polyamide chemistry and melt spinning processOrientation, crystallinity, and fiber propertiesElasticity, resilience, and abrasion resistanceMoisture behavior, comfort, and static issuesUses in hosiery, activewear, and technical blendsLesson 8Wool: protein fibre properties, thermal insulation, felting, careThis section explores wool as a keratin protein fibre, focusing on crimp, scales, and thermal insulation. It covers felting mechanisms, dyeing, finishing, and detailed care requirements, including shrink control, pilling, and damage from heat or insects.
Keratin structure, crimp, and fiber morphologyThermal insulation, moisture buffering, comfortFelting behavior and shrink-resist treatmentsDyeing, finishing, and handle modificationCare labeling, laundering, and storage issuesLesson 9Eco-focused options: organic cotton, recycled polyester, bamboo viscose — pros, cons, certificationsThis section compares eco-focused fibres such as organic cotton, recycled polyester, and bamboo viscose. It evaluates environmental impacts, performance trade-offs, processing routes, and key certifications guiding responsible sourcing and transparent labelling.
Organic cotton standards and agronomic impactsRecycled polyester sources and processing routesBamboo viscose production and greenwashing risksLife-cycle impacts and performance comparisonsCertifications: GOTS, GRS, OEKO-TEX, FSCLesson 10Linen (Flax): moisture handling, stiffness, wrinkle behaviour, finishing effectsThis section analyses flax fibre morphology, moisture regain, stiffness, and wrinkling. It also reviews spinning and weaving behaviour, common finishing methods, and how treatments modify comfort, lustre, and easy-care performance in linen fabrics.
Flax plant, fiber extraction, and structureMoisture regain, wicking, and drying rateStiffness, crease formation, and wrinkle recoverySpinning, weaving, and typical fabric constructionsChemical and mechanical finishes for linen
