Made from the cotton plantLeast expensive of all natural fibersAbsorbs moistureComfortable to wearStrong and durable and

accepts dyes easily

Children’s clothing

Summer clothing

Beginning sewing projects

Can be pressed at higher

temperatures

Dries quickly

Wrinkles easily

100% cotton

shrinks

Made from the flax plant

Has many of the same

characteristics as cotton

Wrinkles VERY easily

Stronger than cotton

Dyes easily

Fairly expensive so it is often used in

creating a blend

Commonly used for spring/summer wear and

fine suits

Care varies from washable to dry

clean only – it depends on the

quality

See the care label

Press at highest

temperatures

Comes from the silk worm

It is a luxury fabric

Has beautiful colors

Wrinkles easily

Weakened by the sun

Care varies from washable to dry clean only –

depending on the quality

See the care label

Do not iron using

moisture – water spots

never go away

Comes from animals

(sheep, rabbits, goats, etc.)

VERY warm, but shrinks and

mats easily

Has natural fire-retardant characteristics

Eases and shapes well

Absorbs moisture

Keeps body heat in

Repels outside moisture

Doesn’t show sewing errors

Often used for coats, outer clothing, quality suits, etc.

Care varies from washable to dry clean only

See the care label

Manufactured using chemical substances

Less absorbent than natural fibers

Heat sensitive

Press using a low temperature setting

Tend to pill or ball

Strongest of the synthetic

fibers

Very lightweight

Used in sportswear and

outerwear

Can tear easily

Use low pressing temperature to prevent

melting

Keep clean for best performance

Created to be similar to wool

Soft, warm and lightweight

Often used in sweaters

Machine washable

Tends to pill and ball

Fine to heavy weight – will depend on use

Tends to pill and ball

Washes easily

Resists wrinkling

Retains oily stains

Not very strong

Created to be a silk took alike

Used mostly in formal wear

Often used in linings

Usually dry clean only

Will dissolve completely in acetone (nail

polish remover)

Made from wood pulp

Not a very strong fiber

Can be made to resemble cotton or silk

Wrinkles easily

Some washable others dry clean only

Commonly used in active wear, swim wear

and stretchable garments

Provides elasticity

Avoid chlorine (bleach), dryer or hot iron

New fabrics continue to be invented and

perfected.

Many of these fabrics come from the space

program