Lesson 1Acrylic: warmth, lightweight insulation, pilling tendenciesFocus on acrylic as a synthetic wool alternative, noting its light weight, warmth, and bulk. We cover structure, dyeing, spinning methods, and deal with pilling, static, and care 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 behaviourInvestigate silk as a continuous filament protein fibre. Covers silk farming, reeling, cleaning, linking structure to shine, strength, drape. Also moisture, 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, comparing filament and staple forms. Reviews water-repelling nature, moisture tech, toughness, stability, and uses in clothes, tech, and home textiles.
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 advanced regenerated cellulose. Details making differences, structure, wet strength, comfort, fibrillation, eco claims like 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 stabilityCovers viscose and basic rayon making from cellulose, dissolving, spinning, regenerating. Explains feel, drape, absorbency, dye uptake, stability, shrinkage, care in final 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 growth, from farming to staple lengths. Links shape to yarn strength, feel, comfort, dyeing, finishing, care for lasting looks and durability.
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 strong, stretchy synthetic. Explains chemistry, melt spinning, linking to abrasion, bounce, moisture, uses in stockings, 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 fibre properties, thermal insulation, felting, careExplore wool as keratin protein fibre, crimp, scales, warmth. Covers felting, dyeing, finishing, care like shrink-proofing, pilling, heat/insect protection.
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. Weighs eco impacts, performance, processing, certs for responsible buying and 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 effectsAnalyse flax shape, moisture, stiffness, wrinkling. Reviews spinning, weaving, finishes changing 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
