Textiles
Use of Textiles
Functions of Textiles
Selection Criteria
Textile Care
©PDST Home Economics
Use of Textiles
 Household linens e.g. bed linen,
kitchen cloths, table linen.
 Interior textiles e.g. cushions, floor
coverings, upholstery.
 Clothing
Functions of Textiles for
Clothing Purposes
 To enhance appearance and give confidence
 To protect against chemicals, disease, fire,
injury.
 To protect against the weather e.g. waterproof,
gloves.
 To identify workers e.g. doctors, gardai,
students.
 To influence others e.g. interviews, advertising.
 To express ones individuality and personality.
Textiles for household
purposes
 To decorate homes e.g. colours, patterns,
textures.
 To create comfortable atmosphere – carpets,
cushions, throws.
 To provide warmth and insulation – mats, curtains.
 To absorb sounds.
 To provide privacy – blinds
 To provide absorbency – bath towels
Selection criteria
When choosing textiles consider:
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Function of item
Fitness for purpose
Cost – buy the best you can afford
Fabric properties
Easy care, washable, dry clean only.
Aesthetic appeal – appearance, drape, weight
Safety – flame resistant
Textile Care
Care of textiles depends on the fibre used, yarn,
construction and finishes.
 Follow the instructions given by the
manufacturer.
 At home remember to:
 Use detergents that suit the fabric.
 Choose suitable water temperature.
 Adding fabric conditioners to reduce static
electricity.
 Removing excess water – ringing, spinning.
Blends
 Different fibres are mixed together to improve
the properties of textiles.
 The care of blended textiles is in accordance
with the fibre present in the highest amount or
the fibre requiring a gentler treatment.
Finishes that affect fabric
care
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Finishes are applied to fabrics to make
caring for them easier:
1.
2.
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Anti-static
Crease-resistance
Shrink resistance
Stain resistant finishes
Safety when choosing
household textile items
 All natural, synthetic and regenerated fabrics
tend to be flammable.
 Therefore, non-toxic and durable treatments are
applied to fabrics to alter their reaction to
flames.
 Fabrics with flame-retardant finishes will selfextinguish when the flames are removed.
 They do not multiply the flames.
 Back-coatings are used on upholstery, carpets
etc.
Proban
 A durable flame-retardant finish used on fabrics.
 A chemical compound containing phosphorus and
chlorine is applied to the surface of a textile.
 It is then treated with ammonia which forms an
insoluble polymer.
 Main benefit is the reduced risk of textiles
catching fire.
 Finishes can be expensive and some may have an
allergic reaction to the chemical used.
Fire Safety (Domestic
Furniture) Order 1988
 Regulations require that manufacturers use
Combustion Modified Highly Resilient Foam
(CMHRF)
 Covers must pass a cigarette test or match test
and loose covers must pass both.
 Regulations are implemented by the Dept.
Enterprise, Trade & Employment and enforced by
the Director of Consumer Affairs
Labels
Fire Safety Order (1988)
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Also covers the labelling arrangements for
textile products:
1. Swing or display label
Shaped like a red triangle, printed on both
sides, showing that the filling meets the safety
requirements but the filling is not match
resistant.
A green square, printed on both sides, states
that filling & covering meet cigarette and
match ignition.
2. Permanent Label
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Stitched permanently to the product.
Provides the name, address of manufacturer or
importer, batch number, date of manufacture,
description of filling and cover materials.
Should state whether or not a fire-resistant
inner-liner has been included and a warning
“Carelessness causes fire”.