Lesson 1Acrylic: warmth, lightweight insulation, pilling tendenciesFocus on acrylic as a synthetic wool alternative, noting its light weight, warmth, and bulk. We cover fibre build, dyeing, spinning methods, and issues like pilling, static, and care tips to keep fabrics 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 behaviorInvestigate silk as a continuous filament protein fibre. We discuss silk farming, reeling, cleaning, then connect structure to shine, strength, and drape. Also, moisture handling, dyeing, aging, and care to keep the sheen.
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 natureAnalyse polyester as a flexible synthetic fibre, comparing filament and staple forms. Review water-repelling nature, moisture tech, strength, stability, and uses in clothes, tech textiles, and home items.
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 traitsCompare modal and lyocell as improved regenerated cellulose fibres. Detail making differences, structure, wet strength, then assess comfort, fibrillation, eco-claims like solvent recovery and forest certifications.
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 stabilityCover viscose and basic rayon making from cellulose, including dissolving, spinning, regenerating. Explain feel, drape, absorbency, dye uptake, plus stability, shrinkage, and care for end 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 careExamine cotton fibre growth, from farming types to staple lengths. Link shape to yarn strength, feel, comfort, and review dyeing, finishing, care for lasting strength 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 blendsLook at nylon as a tough, stretchy synthetic fibre. Explain polymer chemistry, melt spinning, orientation, linking to abrasion resistance, bounce-back, moisture, for hosiery, sportswear, 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 fiber properties, thermal insulation, felting, careExplore wool as a keratin protein fibre, focusing on crimp, scales, warmth. Cover felting, dyeing, finishing, care needs like shrink control, pilling, heat or bug damage.
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, certificationsCompare green fibres like organic cotton, recycled polyester, bamboo viscose. Evaluate eco-impacts, performance trade-offs, processing, certifications for responsible buying and clear labels.
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 behavior, finishing effectsAnalyse flax fibre shape, moisture uptake, stiffness, wrinkling. Review spinning, weaving, finishes, and how treatments change comfort, shine, 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
