Lesson 1Acrylic: warmth, lightweight insulation, pilling tendenciesThis section focuses on acrylic as a synthetic wool alternative, highlighting low density, warmth, and bulk. It explains fibre structure, dyeing, and common spinning methods, and checks pilling, static, and care tips to keep fabric looking good.
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 checks silk as a continuous filament protein fibre. It covers sericulture, reeling, and degumming, then links structure to shine, strength, and drape. Moisture behaviour, dyeing, ageing, and proper care for shine are 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, comparing filament and staple forms. It reviews water-repelling nature, moisture tech, durability, and stability, plus common apparel, technical, and home uses.
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 checks comfort, fibrillation, and sustainability, including solvent recovery and forest certs.
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 dissolving, spinning, and regeneration. It explains hand, drape, absorbency, and dyeability, plus stability, shrinkage, and care 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 growth, from farming systems to staple length types. It links fibre shape to yarn strength, feel, and comfort, and reviews dyeing, finishing, and care for durability and looks.
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 checks nylon as a strong, elastic synthetic fibre. It explains polymer chemistry, melt spinning, and orientation, then links structure to abrasion resistance, bounce-back, and moisture, focusing on hosiery, activewear, and blends.
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 warmth. It covers felting, dyeing, finishing, and care needs like shrink control, pilling, and protection 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 fibres like organic cotton, recycled polyester, and bamboo viscose. It checks environmental impact, performance trade-offs, processing, and key certs for responsible sourcing and clear 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 shape, moisture regain, stiffness, and wrinkling. It reviews spinning, weaving, finishing, and how treatments change comfort, shine, and easy-care 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
