A sheer, lightweight, cotton fabric made with an open, plain weave and very fine, tightly twisted single

yarns.
Organdy has crisp to stiff drape that may be gathered, pleated or shirred into a bouffant fullness. It may be used
alone or paired with another fabric to add fullness and loft. The fabric wrinkles and crushes easily, but it is quickly
smoothed with a hot iron. It is often confused with organza, which is a sheer crisp, plain weave fabric of man-
made or silk fibers
Characteristics of Organdy Fabric
It is made with tightly twisted yarns. Crispness is due to a finish with starch and calendaring which washes out, or
a permanent crispness obtained with chemicals (Heberlein process). It wrinkles badly unless given a wrinkle-
free finish (bellmanizing). It may be bleached, dyed, printed, frosted, flocked, embroidered, or plisse. 

Uses
It is used to make semi-fitted, puffed or bouffant evening wear, dresses, blouses, children's clothing, curtains,
interfacings and facings. It is also used to make fussy children's wear, trims, collars and cuffs, baby's wear,
bonnets, artificial flowers, dolls clothes, millinery, summer formals, blouses, curtains, bedspreads, aprons.

Organza is a sheer, thin open weave fabric that is heavier and crisper than silk gauze. It has a smooth, flat finish,
is strong and durable, and gets its stiffness from tightly twisted yarns. It is often used as the base fabrics for
embellished fabrics. It can be dyed any color but it has some minor distortion from dyeing because of sheerness
and irregularity of twisted yarns. It is washable and retains crispness only if washed in cold water and needs to
be pressed while still wet

General Uses
Silk organza is very light-weight and sheer, but a bit stiff, and can be gathered for bouffant uses, used alone or
over otherfabrics for fitted to loosely fitted blouses, dresses and evening wear. It is also useful for facings,
interfacings or lining. Silk organza can be used as an underlining to add crispness to parts of a garment. It sews
easily, doesn't show pin holes. It is usually reserved for underlining another silk, flower girl dresses, christening
dresses, some bedding accessories and interfacings for sheers or semi-sheers or where an extremely light
stiffening is required. 

Fabric Care
Organza is washable, but wash it before cutting out. Click on the fabric care buttons to the left for more
information on washing silks.

Rayon was the world's first man-made fiber. It initiated the transformation of the textile industry that continues
with new generations of synthetics. In the 1880s a Frenchman, Count Hillaire de Chardonnet, discovered that
nitrocellulose derived from rags or wood pulp could be used to produce a man-made fiber. 

Characteristics of Rayon Fabric

Rayon's cellulosic base contributes many properties similar to those of cotton or other natural cellulosic fibers.
Rayon is moisture absorbent, breathable, comfortable to wear, and easily dyed in vivid colors. It does not build
up static electricity, nor will it pill unless the fabric is made from short, low-twist yarns. Rayon is comfortable, soft
to the skin, and has moderate dry strength and abrasion resistance. 

Types of Rayon
The major types or modifications of rayon are: 
Regular Rayon has the largest market share. It is typically found in apparel and home furnishings and identified
on labels by the term "viscose". The distinguishing property of regular rayon is its low wet strength. As a result, it
becomes unstable and may stretch or shrink when wet. 

High Wet Modulus (HWM) Rayon It is a modified viscose that has virtually the same properties as regular
rayon, plus high wet strength. HWM rayons can be machine washed and tumble dried and perform much like
cotton in similar end uses. HWM rayons can also be mercerized, like cotton, for increased strength and luster. 

High Tenacity Rayon It is a modification of "regular rayon" to provide exceptional strength. High tenacity rayon
is primarily found in tire cord and industrial end uses. It may be finished, chemically coated, or rubberized for
protection from moisture and potential loss of dimensional stability and strength during use.

Polyester is a synthetic fiber, produced by the polymerization of the product formed when an alcohol and organic
acid react. Strong, crisp, soft hand, polyester fabrics are resistant to stretching and shrinkage. These are quick to
dry and are resilient,wrinkle resistant with excellent pleat retention. Polyester is also used in casement curtains,
throw rugs, and as a cushioning or insulating material. 

Characteristics of Polyester Fabric

The outstanding characteristic of polyester is its ability to resist wrinkling and to spring back into shape when
creased. In addition, polyester has good dimensional stability, wash and dry easily and quickly, and has excellent
wash-and-wear or minimum-care characteristics; one of their principal uses is in apparel fabrics of this kind. 

Because of its low absorbency, stain removal can be a problem. Polyester melts at medium to high temperatures.
Blends of polyester give cotton a permanent press property and extend the wear of these blended garments. 

Uses 
Although many people dislike polyester, perhaps due to the double knit fad of the 1950, polyester remains a
versatile and an important man-made fabric. Major end uses is essentially in every form of clothing and in making
of curtains, draperies, floor coverings, fiber fill, upholstery and bedding.

Nylon is a synthetic thermoplastic material characterized by strength, elasticity, resistance to abrasion and
chemicals, low moisture absorbency, and capacity to be permanently set by heat. Nylon was introduced as
monofilaments for bristles and as multifilament yarn for hosiery. There is a variety of nylons, all being polyamides
frequently made from diamines and dicarboxylic acids. 

Characteristics of Nylon Fabric

Nylon is stronger yet weighs less than any other commonly used fiber. It is elastic and resilient and responsive to
heat setting. Nylon fibers are smooth, non-absorbent and dry quickly. Dirt doesn't cling to this smooth fiber nor is
it weakened by chemicals and perspiration. Extensive washing and drying in an automatic dryer can eventually
cause piling. Nylon can be pre-colored or dyed in a wide range of colors. 

Uses 
Nylon is now manufactured also in the form of sheets, coatings, and molded plastics and used in a variety of
products, including fabrics, surgical sutures, thread, insulating wire coverings, mosquito netting and screening,
gears and bearings, rope, and tire cords.
Wool is the fiber derived from the hair of domesticated animals, usually sheep. Most of the fiber from domestic
sheep has two qualities that distinguish it from being hair or fur: Wool is scaled in such a way that it helps the
animal move out burrs and seeds that might embed themselves into its skin; and it is crimped, in some fleeces
more than 20 bends per inch. Both the scaling and the crimp make it possible to spin and felt the fleece. They
help the individual fibers "grab" each other so that they stay together.

Characteristics of Wool Fabric
Wool grows in several natural colors such as black, brown, grey and the most commonly available, white. Wool
of any color takes dye easily and can be felted. Wool straight from a sheep is highly water-resistant. It is said to
be "in the grease", the grease being lanolin, and can be worked into yarn and knit into water-resistant mittens.
This fabric retains heat better than other fabrics when wet. 

Uses
In addition to clothing, wool has been used for carpeting, felting, and padding. Wool is used to absorb odors and
noise in heavy machinery and stereo speakers. Ancient Greeks lined their helmets with felt and Roman
legionnaires used breastplates made of wool felt.

Linen fabric is one of the oldest natural fabrics known to us. Initially linen fabric was only used by royal so it was
the symbol of royalty. But now due to expansion in the number of linen fabric manufacturers, suppliers and
grower of flax plant, linen has reached to masses. But still due to high cost of linen fabric it is bought by riches.
Linen fabric is particularly famous in European countries. 

Linen is made from the flax plants. The quality of linen fabric depends upon the quality of plant itself. Also the
length of the flax fiber defines the quality and appearance of the linen fabric. Fabric that is made from long flax
fibers is generally very smooth and the one made from short flax fiber is rough in appearance. You will get
different fabric designs and fabric textures in this natural fabric.

Linen Fabric Properties

1. Linen is a moth resistant fabric

2. It repels dirt and dust.
3. Linen fabric has the tendency to absorb as well as lose water quickly. This makes it perfect to be used
in clothing.
4. Linen fabric is a good conductor of heat.
5. It is 2-3 times stronger than cotton
6. Linen fabric has the natural luster
7. Linen fabric is prone to wrinkles. So it needs regular ironing. It is better to iron the damp fabric for better
result.

Process of Making Linen Fabric

 For the long fiber, the harvesting of flax plant is done by hand. For this either the entire flax plant is
removed or cut close to the roots.
 Then the seeds are removed by winnowing or rippling.
 This is followed by the process of retting in which the fibers are loosened from the stalk. In this process
the bacteria to decompose pectin is used. This causes the binding of fiber.
  After this scutching of the stalks is done to remove woody portion of stalks.
 Then with the process of heckling, small fibers are separated to just have the long linen fibers.
 Once the process of getting long linen fiber is done, then it is spun into yarns and weave to form linen
fabric that is used in varied industries.

Uses of Linen Fabric

Linen Fabric in Home Textile
Industry Linen fabric is extensively used in
home textile industry. You will find wide
rang of dish towels, bed sheets , kitchen
napkins, wall papers, upholstery et al
made from linen fabric. Linen fabric
manufacturers bring the latest designs and
patterns as today' buyer is very style
conscious.

Linen Fabric in Apparel Industry

Apparel industry is another sector where
linen fabric is used. In 1990 about 70% of
fashion clothing was made from linen.
Apart from fashion medical apparel are
also made from linen. 

Cotton is a cool, soft, comfortable and the principal home furnishing fiber of the world. Cotton fabrics, as they
come from the loom in their rough, unfinished stages, are known as greige goods. Most undergo various finishing
processes to meet specific end-use requirements. Some mills, in addition to spinning and weaving, also dye or
print their fabrics and finish them. Finishing processes are numerous and complex, reflecting today's tremendous
range and combination of colors, textures and special qualities. 

Characteristics of Cotton Fabric

The cotton fiber is from the cotton plant's seed pod. The fiber is hollow in the center and under a microscope
looks like a twisted ribbon. "absorbent" cotton will retain 24-27 times its own weight in water and is stronger when
wet than dry. This fiber absorbs and releases perspiration quickly, thus allowing the fabric to "breathe". Cotton
can stand high temperatures and takes dyes easily. Cotton can also be ironed at relatively high temperatures,
stands up to abrasion and wears well. 

Cotton Fabrics and Weaves

Duck: It is a heavy, durable tightly woven fabric. Heavy weight drill is used in awnings, tents, etc. Lighter duck is
used in summer clothing

Flannel: This cotton is plain or twill weave with a slight nap on one or both sides. 

Oxford: It is a fabric with a lustrous, soft finish. It is characterized with narrow stripes and can be woven in plain
or basket weave. Also a term used for wool fabricthat has black and white fibers. 

Terry Cloth: It is a looped pile fabric that is either woven or knitted. Very absorbent and used for towels, etc.
French terry cloth is looped on one side and sheared pile on the other.
Characteristics of Jute Fabric
Jute fabric is made from the long, soft and shiny fiber that are spun into grainy but strong threads. Jute is one of
the cheapest natural fibers, and is second only to cotton in the amount produced and variety of uses. Jute fibers
are composed primarily of the plant materials cellulose, lignin, and pectin that makes it half textile fiber and half
wood. Both the fiber and the plant from which it comes are commonly called jute. Also known by the name of
hessian, jute fibers can have off white to brown color. 

Jute textile is also known for its resistant towards weathering where it can with stand harsh weather and wetting
without loosing its strength. It is easy to print, dye, the jute fabric that make it a versatile fabric.

Uses of Jute Fabric

The uses of jute are manifold although the traditional use remains in packing
as sacking, hessian and carpet backing. These light weight yarns are to be
used in value added textile applications like upholstery, furnishing, garments
and bags etc, are just a few examples.
 Jute is used chiefly to make cloth for wrapping bales of raw cotton
 Jute textile is used to make gunny sacks and gunny cloth. In
European countries the jute bags are also called gunny bags.
 The fibers are also woven into curtains, chair coverings, carpets, and
burlap.
 Very fine threads of jute are made into imitation silk as thus can be
found in high quality cloth.
 The fibers are used alone or blended with other types of fibers to make twine and rope.
 Fine fabric made from jute across the world and more popularly in America is known as burlap that is
used to make cloth, garments and bags.
 Fabric jute is also used to make canvas that are used for protection from rough weather.
 Wool jute that is the quality of wool as well as jute is chiefly used to make carpets, bath rugs, and
durries. Wool jute rugs are getting very popular. These wool jute rugs , carpets and mats are available in
various designs and dyed in almost every color to make them more presentable. But the natural look of
wool jute is preferred by the consumers who have the taste for natural home and textile furnishings. Pottery
Barn is the most popular brand selling wool jute durries and rugs.
 Jute cotton is mainly used to make bags, rugs and sarees. Jute cotton fabric is finer because of cotton
blends in jute. Garments made from jute cotton are getting popular and one can see these in ramp these
days. Jute cotton breathes air as it allows sir to pass through it. It is also known for its jute properties like
resistance towards bacteria and high on flexibility and durability. Shower curtains, living room jute curtains,
are also made from jute cotton fabric. Jute cotton and wool jute are also used to make bed spreads , bed
covers, pillow covers, jute blinds and other such accessories to decorate your home

Coarse Jute fabric is the most popular fabric that is used for making sacks all over the world. Apart from this, jute
bags, jute mattress for bedding, jute ropes and paper are also common to see. Numerous uses truly make the
Jute one of the most versatile fibers gifted to man by nature that finds various uses in the form of handicrafts,
bags, rugs, carpets. Next to cotton, jute is the cheapest and the most important of all textile fibers. Furthermore it
is the strength characteristics of jute that makes it so demanding in rope and yarn industry. Jute cultivation
provides work for millions of farmers, landless laborers, industrial workers and provides jobs for many others,
indirectly.

Because of low cost, more strength, high production level and renewal tendency, jute fabric is the one of the
most popular natural fabrics.