Natural Fibres: Cotton and Wool

Natural Fibres

Cotton

• Derived from the cotton plant (Gossypium hirsutum)
• Most widely produced and consumed natural fibre
• Properties:
  • Soft, breathable, and absorbent
  • Can be woven into various thicknesses and textures
  • Can be dyed and finished easily
• Uses:
  • Clothing, bedding, towels, and upholstery

Wool

• Derived from sheep and some other animals (e.g., goats, alpacas)
• Properties:
  • Warm, breathable, and moisture-wicking
  • Good insulation and elasticity
  • Can be woven into various thicknesses and textures
• Types:
  • Merino wool: soft, fine, and temperature-regulating
  • Shetland wool: coarse, durable, and water-resistant
• Uses:
  • Clothing, blankets, carpets, and upholstery

Silk

• Derived from the cocoons of silkworms (Bombyx mori)
• Properties:
  • Soft, lustrous, and smooth
  • Hypoallergenic and breathable
  • Can be dyed and finished easily
• Types:
  • Mulberry silk: most common, soft, and lustrous
  • Wild silk: coarser, more textured, and less common
• Uses:
  • High-end clothing, accessories, and upholstery

Hemp

• Derived from the cannabis plant (Cannabis sativa)
• Properties:
  • Strong, durable, and UV-resistant
  • Good insulation and moisture-wicking
  • Can be woven into various thicknesses and textures
• Uses:
  • Textiles, ropes, paper, and building materials

Jute

• Derived from the jute plant (Corchorus olitorius)
• Properties:
  • Strong, coarse, and biodegradable
  • Good insulation and moisture-wicking
  • Can be woven into various thicknesses and textures
• Uses:
  • Sacks, burlap, carpets, and upholstery

Natural Fibres

Cotton

• Cotton is derived from the cotton plant (Gossypium hirsutum)
• It is the most widely produced and consumed natural fibre
• Cotton is soft, breathable, and absorbent
• It can be woven into various thicknesses and textures
• Cotton can be easily dyed and finished
• It is commonly used in clothing, bedding, towels, and upholstery

Wool

• Wool is derived from sheep and some other animals (e.g., goats, alpacas)
• It is warm, breathable, and moisture-wicking
• Wool has good insulation and elasticity
• It can be woven into various thicknesses and textures
• Merino wool is soft, fine, and temperature-regulating
• Shetland wool is coarse, durable, and water-resistant
• Wool is commonly used in clothing, blankets, carpets, and upholstery

Silk

• Silk is derived from the cocoons of silkworms (Bombyx mori)
• It is soft, lustrous, and smooth
• Silk is hypoallergenic and breathable
• It can be easily dyed and finished
• Mulberry silk is the most common type, known for its softness and lustre
• Wild silk is coarser, more textured, and less common
• Silk is commonly used in high-end clothing, accessories, and upholstery

Hemp

• Hemp is derived from the cannabis plant (Cannabis sativa)
• It is strong, durable, and UV-resistant
• Hemp has good insulation and moisture-wicking properties
• It can be woven into various thicknesses and textures
• Hemp is commonly used in textiles, ropes, paper, and building materials

Jute

• Jute is derived from the jute plant (Corchorus olitorius)
• It is strong, coarse, and biodegradable
• Jute has good insulation and moisture-wicking properties
• It can be woven into various thicknesses and textures
• Jute is commonly used in sacks, burlap, carpets, and upholstery

Natural Fibres

Animal-Derived Fibres

• Wool: derived from sheep, goats, alpacas, and other animals; good insulation and warmth; breathable and moisture-wicking.
• Silk: derived from silkworms; soft, smooth, and lustrous; strong and resistant to wrinkles; hypoallergenic.
• Angora: derived from angora rabbits; soft, warm, and lightweight; hypoallergenic and gentle on skin.

Plant-Derived Fibres

• Cotton: derived from the cotton plant; soft, breathable, and absorbent; hypoallergenic and gentle on skin.
• Hemp: derived from the hemp plant; strong, durable, and UV-resistant; breathable, moisture-wicking, and quick-drying.
• Jute: derived from the jute plant; strong, durable, and biodegradable; can be woven or braided for added strength.
• Flax: derived from the flax plant; strong, lightweight, and breathable; hypoallergenic and gentle on skin.
• Ramie: derived from the ramie plant; strong, durable, and resistant to wrinkles; breathable, moisture-wicking, and quick-drying.
• Bamboo: derived from the bamboo plant; strong, lightweight, and breathable; hypoallergenic and gentle on skin; rapidly renewable and sustainable.

Mineral-Derived Fibres

• Asbestos: derived from the asbestos mineral; strong, heat-resistant, and fire-resistant; often used in insulation and construction materials; Note: Asbestos is a hazardous material and its use is heavily regulated.

Learn about the properties and uses of cotton and wool, two common natural fibres derived from plants and animals.