The Textile Industry

Range And Markets

The textile industry is very complex.At this point,only on introduction can be given so as to provide a brief overview for some insight.It begins in agriculture with fibre production of cotton,flax, and other fibrous plants; in husbandry of sheep,other animals, and silkworms; in mining of metals and minerals; in forestry for wood; in chemical research and production of synthetics. These fibres are processed into fabrics for industrial and consumer uses by various means, such as weaving and knitting. The fabrics are converted into finished clothes,which provides particulars appearences and performances. These fabrics are made into end-use products, including apparel,home furnishings, and various industrial applications.These products are then merchandised and sold.Everyone of these aspects of the textile industry is a field itself,and there is an independency with multiplying effects on other industries.

As one learns about the various aspects of the production of textiles and textile products, it becomes apparent that these activities play a majore role in the economy.The indutry has so many facets that it is possible that the student's interest may develop in the persuit of a career in one of them.For example,consumers require the services of teachers of textiles,home economics, and interior decoration.The letter fields provide stimulating career opportunities in themselves.The retailer who serves them requires salespeople,buyers,merchandise managers,and related personnel who deal with textile products.The manufacturer's of these products need fabric buyers,designers, production managers,sales persons,etc.The fabric manufacturers ,yarn products, and fabrics finishers need knowledgeable people. The chemical industry requires skilled personal in a variety of areas.All of these fieldsutilize marketing and advertising specialists to promote textiles and textile- related products.

SEQUENCE OF FABRIC CONSTRUCTION

In beginning the study of textiles,you should have in your hand a sample of a woven fabric.Note that it is constructed by interlacing sets of yarns that run lengthwise and crosswise.It is from the interlacing,or weaving,of yarns that such textile materials are made.A close examination of any one of these yarns will reveal the fibrous substance from which the yarn is made.Such yarns comprise a multitude of fine,hairlike fibres or filaments that have been seperated,made parallel,overlapped,and twisted together by various processes.

There is a logical development of raw material into finished consumer's goods.Studying textile materials in the interesting sequence of "fibre to yarn to fabric" will help you understand the construction and ultimate qualities of the fabrics with which you will become familiar.Here are the steps in the manufacture of fabrics from raw material to finished goods.

1. Fiber,which is either spun (or twisted) into yarn or else directly compressed into fabric.

2. Yarn,which is woven,knitted,or otherwise made into fabric.

3. Fabric,which by various finishing processes becomes finished consumers' goods.