Saturday, October 19, 2013

Shear or Sheer the Textile Spelling Test

What is the difference between Shear and Sheer in regard to textiles?

Shear has two definitions.  First, as shearing machine which does mechanical cutting or trimming of projecting fibers from the surface of cloth.  Fabrics can be sheared to the one thirty second part of an inch as to height of the nap on the goods.  Second, is an operation in the finishing plant of a mill to shear or cut-off long floats of warp or filling from a fabric as in the case of clipspots, warp floats, lappets and comparable materials.

Sheer is any group of very thin cloths such as chiffon, batiste, net, organdy, voile, etc. “Heavy Sheer” and “semi-sheer” are used to describe the more compact goods in this family of fabrics made from the same fine yarns employed but with higher textures than in ordinary sheers.  Sheer fabric is used for dress goods, evening wear, bridal wear, etc.

By the way, just to toss in another similar word, let’s not forget about shearing.  Shearing is the cutting of the fleece from a sheep with hand shears or by machine power shears.  All wool throughout the world, except California and Texas wools which are shorn twice a year, is clipped annually.  Have any of you heard differently?


If you have additional information about shearing, shear, or sheer, please share your thoughts in the discussion area below.

Shed of the Loom Not Fruit

The Shed of the Loom is completely different then the Fruit of the Loom.  The opening or space between the top and bottom sets of warp yarns which form the shed of the loom.  Shed formation is made possible by the raising and lowering of the respective harness frames in the loom.  Each harness has its needles through which are drawn the respective warp ends which raise or lower with the particular harnesses to produce the shed, in accordance with the pattern chain which controls the loom and pattern actions.


If you have additional information textile industry looms, please share your thoughts in the discussion area below.

Kersey Cloth is Not Jersey

Is Kersey a typo for Jersey Fabric?

No, it is an entirely different cloth.  Kersey originated in Kersey, near Hadleigh, Suffolk County, England.  The present kersey cloth is heavily fulled or milled and made of woolen yarn, has a high lustrous nap and a “grain” face.  In Southern districts of this country there is a cheap type of clot this is a “Union” but is sold as kersey.  Kersey when compared with beaver is fulled more, has a shorter nap and a higher luster.  The weight of the cloth typically runs from fourteen to twenty-four ounces per yard.  Face finish weaves have to be used so that the ultimate finish will be acceptable.  Cloth gives good wear and is of the dressy, conventional type.  Found in blues, browns, blacks, and other popular shades.

Learn more about fabric and fabric mills on the Apparel Search clothing and textile industry directory.


If you know additional information regarding kersey fabric, please share your thoughts in the discussion area below.

Interlock Fabric and Jersey Fabrics

What is the difference between interlock fabric and jersey fabric?

Interlock is a special type of eight-lock knit cloth, but is generally described as a double 1x1 rib with crossed sinker wales.  The fabric has a smooth surface on both sides, possess good wearing qualities.  Has less elasticity than ribs and does not develop prominent ribs when stretched in the horizontal direction.  Fancy fabrics in this category are made with color arrangements, needle set-out, tucking, and combinations of the foregoing.  Used in sweaters, underwear and more.

Jersey fabric is a plain stitch knitted cloth in contrast to rib-knitted fabric.  Material may be made circular, flat or warp knitted; the latter type jersey is sometimes known as tricot.  Used in dressgoods, sportswear, underwear, and often for t-shirts.  This fabric gives good service and launders very well.  Jersey is a very popular staple fabric.  Some fabric of this name is woven, but it is more often a knit.

Learn more about fabric and fabric mills on the Apparel Search clothing and textile industry directory.


If you have conducted research and know additional information about interlock and jersey fabric, please share your knowledge in the discussion area below.

Tuesday, July 16, 2013

Dip Dye Techniques Summer Trend 2013

MAJOR SUMMER TREND: Dip dye techniques create gentle color gradations, and these color washed, ombre effects on sheer, flowing.

DETAILS: An ombre silk crepe de chine dress features a lustrous color dipped hemline to interpret the must-have trend in authentic Eileen Fisher comfort and style. Or, opt for an ombre linen gauze look with a splash of aqua for a water colored effect.


WHERE TO BUY: www.eileenfisher.com






Tuesday, June 25, 2013

The Future of FR Fabrics Presented by Mount Vernon FR

In keeping with the brand’s commitment to innovation, Mount Vernon FR will unveil new FR fabrics and finishes at American Society of Safety Engineers’ (ASSE) SAFETY 2013, including FlexTex and amDry. As part of the launch, Mount Vernon FR will host a press event entitled ‘The Future of FR Fabrics’. SAFETY 2013 will be held in Las Vegas, June 24-27, at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

FlexTex is the newest line of flame resistant (FR) fabrics under the Mount Vernon FR brand. Developed for increased comfort and movability, FlexTex fabrics include an elastomeric fiber that allows fabric to flex up to 14 percent with a 97 percent recovery. FlexTex adds mobility to fabric with no reduction in FR protection, so workers experience increased freedom and range of motion. Mount Vernon FR FlexTex fabrics have a bilateral flex that allows them to elongate sideways and diagonally, eliminating any sagging or bagging. FlexTex fabrics meet requirements of ASTM F1506, and National Safety Apparel is the first to adopt the new collection.
            
 Mount Vernon FR is also introducing amDry, a durable water repellent finish that can be applied to any Mount Vernon FR fabric to deliver protection to workers in water-intensive jobs and industries. Fabrics finished with amDry have a spray rating of 90/100. When combined with Mount Vernon FR fabrics' proven protection from the hazards of electric arc and flash fire, amDry finishing means a third level of protection can be reached.
            
 “As industries requiring FR garments continue to grow, driving innovation through unique fibers, fabrics and finishes will help meet the evolving needs and wants of workers who rely on FR protective garments for their safety on the job,” said Mike Woods, vice president of FR fabrics for Mount Vernon FR. “FlexTex and amDry represent the first of several new innovations that we will be introducing over the next few months as we focus on the future of FR fabrics.”

SAFETY 2013 is considered one of the most important safety and health events of the year, with more than 500 exhibitors and nearly 4,000 attendees. Presenting FlexTex and amDry at SAFETY 2013 provides a far-reaching platform to highlight how Mount Vernon FR is evolving the FR industry as they meet workforce demands.  

If you plan to attend SAFETY 2013 and want to learn more about Mount Vernon FR, please visit booth #1685.


About Mount Vernon FR:

Mount Vernon FR is the flame resistant fabric division of Mount Vernon Mills. When laundered to manufacturer’s specifications, the flame resistance of all Mount Vernon FR fabrics is guaranteed for the life of the garment.  With total manufacturing control over more than 25 production processes in the company’s vertically integrated manufacturing facility located in Trion, Ga., customers can have confidence in knowing that every Mount Vernon FR fabric will be of the highest level of quality, durability and reliability. Mount Vernon FR fabrics are all made in the USA. Learn more at www.mvmfr.com

Wednesday, May 29, 2013

Repreve Certified as Responsible Source Product: Polyester

SCS Global Services (SCS) announced that Unifi Manufacturing, Inc., a leading producer of multi-filament polyester, nylon textured yarns, and related raw materials, is the first manufacturer of its kind to earn Responsible Source™ certification.  Certification was issued for Unifi’s REPREVE® products manufactured in the REPREVE Recycling Center in Yadkinville, North Carolina. The Responsible Source™ certification further raises Unifi’s profile as a sustainability leader in the textile industry, providing an enhanced level of transparency about its REPREVE products.

REPREVE products are made from pre-consumer and post-consumer recycled polyethylene terephthalate (RPET), and have been certified for Recycled Content by SCS since 2007.

“Responsible Source™ certification gives apparel and textile companies confidence that REPREVE polyester inputs are both environmentally and socially responsible, providing a new level of transparency about raw material inputs for recycled products,” said Stowe Hartridge-Beam, Managing Director of Environmental Certification Services for SCS.

“This certification is important to Unifi, as it further shows our commitment in providing our customers with quality, transparent and responsibly manufactured REPREVE-based products,” said Jay Hertwig, Vice President of global branding for Unifi.

The Responsible Source™ standard for the textiles sector, developed by SCS Global Services, addresses supply chain and manufacturing issues related to the production of un-dyed recycled chips, pellets, and manufactured fibers. Certification is available to manufacturers who screen suppliers for compliance with local environmental regulations, enforce fair labor and workplace practices, and account for human health and environmental life cycle impacts. Certification enables manufacturers to sell inputs as “Responsible Source™ certified,” and to promote themselves to downstream customers as a “Responsible Source.” The standard incorporates elements from ILO conventions, U.S. federal regulations, ISO standards and guidelines, and existing SCS standards.

Unifi is the first yarn manufacturer to achieve Responsible Source™ certification, and has shown that its REPREVE yarns and resins are manufactured in a manner which supports environmental and ethical responsibility. Unifi tracks energy and water consumption, water discharges, air emissions and hazardous waste disposal. It has robust material tracking and traceability mechanisms in place, and maintains strong relationships with its vendors and suppliers. As a part of the certification process, Unifi’s environmental performance was measured in eight key impact categories, and the company established a supplier screening supply chain risk assessment framework.

SCS Global Services (SCS), formerly Scientific Certification Systems, has been a global leader in third-party environmental and sustainability certification, auditing, testing and standards development for nearly thirty years. SCS programs span a wide cross-section of sectors, recognizing exemplary performance in natural resource management, green building, product manufacturing, food and agriculture, retailing and more. SCS is a Certified B CorporationTM, reflecting its commitment to socially and environmentally responsible business practice.


REPREVE is a registered trademark of Unifi, Inc.