How to Characterize Fabric to Define Material Properties
- 1). Study your fabric's warp and fill. The fill is also referred to as the weft. Review three to five fabrics to compare the differences in texture, content and quality. You can opt to use a light box or magnifying glass. The warp is the yarn that runs vertically or lengthwise in woven goods, and the fill is the yarn that runs crosswise and interlaces with warp yarns at right angles when weaving fabrics.
- 2). Take notes of your observation. Feel your fabric and jot down characteristics that are visible. For example, take a piece of 100 percent cotton. Stretch the fabric and you will immediately notice that the fibers are tightly woven and that the fabric is strong. Pick it up by one corner and the fabric will naturally drape. This quick test will reveal that cotton is easy to handle and good for sewing.
- 3). Add a fiber remover liquid gel to your fabric swatch. It is best to use a uniform piece, such as a 4-inch by 4-inch square, so you can calculate how much fabric is left after the process. The gel will remove natural plant fibers, such as cotton, linen or rayon. You will be left with the part of the fabric that is wool, silk or synthetic. The more visible the surface fabric is, the less natural fibers are in your fabric blend.
- 4). Start a fabric quality notebook. Do not discard your fabric swatches after your tests. Make a template of your fabric quality page, which can include an area to attach your fabric test swatches and document your test results. You also should include fabric description, content and visible characteristics. Make several copies of your fabric quality page template for your notebook.
