0
Wool does not shrink, it felts. This is caused by the raised scales of the cuticle layer of the wool fiber catching on one another. The fibers in a fleece on a sheep are all growing out of the follicles in the same direction and they generally grow at a similar rate. This means that the cuticle scales (which are a bit like the teeth on a saw blade) are all pointed in the same direction. They don't catch on one another. These scales can be seen clearly under a microscope.
After the fleece is shorn, the processing stages cause the natural fibers alignment to be completely disrupted. As the fleece is cleaned and scoured, the "staple" structure is destroyed and the fibers no longer line up "tip to base" as they would in the fleece. The fibers end up in all dimensions and suffer entangling after scouring and drying. The purpose of washing and scouring is to remove unwanted materials and to disentangle and align the fibers into a parallel arrangement for spinning yarn. However the fibers will not necessarily be "tip to base". The scales now can be at 180 degrees to one another, which can cause them to catch on each other. After the fleece is shorn, the processing stages cause the natural fibers alignment to be completely disrupted. As the fleece is cleaned and scoured, the "staple" structure is destroyed and the fibers no longer line up "tip to base" as they would in the fleece. The fibers end up in all dimensions and suffer entangling after scouring and drying. The purpose of washing and scouring is to remove unwanted materials and to disentangle and align the fibers into a parallel arrangement for spinning yarn. However the fibers will not necessarily be "tip to base". The scales now can be at 180 degrees to one another, which can cause them to catch on each other.
When the fibers are spun, they come in close contact with each other, and the interlocking nature of the scales is what helps keep the yarn together. Felting usually occurs in the presence of heat, water and agitation, and this acts as a ratchet, tightening the contact between the fibers in the yarn, and then the yarns in the fabric.When the fibers are spun, they come in close contact with each other, and the interlocking nature of the scales is what helps keep the yarn together. Felting usually occurs in the presence of heat, water and agitation, and this acts as a ratchet, tightening the contact between the fibers in the yarn, and then the yarns in the fabric.
Wool tends to felt is because of the scales on the fibers. Other animal fibers have cuticle scales too, but to varying degrees. For instance, the cuticle scales on human hair are much flatter. Fine diameter wools are more likely to felt than broad diameter wools because they have a greater surface area, and hence more scales proportionately.Wool tends to felt is because of the scales on the fibers. Other animal fibers have cuticle scales too, but to varying degrees. For instance, the cuticle scales on human hair are much flatter. Fine diameter wools are more likely to felt than broad diameter wools because they have a greater surface area, and hence more scales proportionately.
Silk on the other hand Silk on the other hand
Silk is a natural protein fiber, some forms of which can be woven into textiles. The best-known type of silk is obtained from cocoons made by the larvae of the mulberry
silkworm Bombyx mori reared in captivity (sericulture).
And what of the shrinkage question? Silk is a strong natural fiber, a protein actually, that does not itself shrink. It is the fashion in which the separate fibers are wound together during the weaving process that causes shrinkage. Silks that are highly twisted or very loosely woven will bunch up, as water will create a twisting energy within the fibers. However, silks of poor quality will also shrink at the dry cleaners. It is advised that you always purchase an extra 1/8 of a yard for silk sewing projects to accommodate any shrinkage during pre-washing. The maximum shrinkage you can expect is usually 5% to 10%, although some loosely woven silks could shrink as much as 15%. Again, pre-washing before beginning your project is very important.
What else can I help you with?
Why does lump of cotton shrink in water?
Cotton wool shrinks in water for two main reasons. 1. Cotton (and wool, silk, etc.) swell up when they come in contact with water because they absorb water. They subsequently shrink when the water is removed from them. This is called water regain. Cotton has the fifth highest water regain (with wool having the most). 2. When agitated, such as when hand/machine washed (much more apparent in machine washing), the cotton fibres are forced together, packing more closely, which gives the overall effect of shrinking the cotton.
Is it necessary to kill pupae by boiling cocoons in water at right time?
because it contains too much salt in it
How do you bleach a white silk scarf?
To bleach a white silk scarf, dilute a small amount of oxygen bleach in lukewarm water according to the product's instructions. Submerge the scarf and gently agitate it, then let it soak for about 30 minutes. Rinse the scarf thoroughly with cold water and air dry it away from direct sunlight.
How do you remove damp rid stain from silk?
To remove Damp Rid stain from silk, start by gently dabbing the affected area with a cloth dampened with a mixture of water and mild detergent. Avoid rubbing the stain, as this can damage the silk fabric. Rinse with clean water and air dry. If the stain persists, consider taking the garment to a professional cleaner to avoid further damage.
How do you get red dye out of a white silk dress?
Mix some lukewarm water with mild detergent and gently dab the stained area. Avoid rubbing which can damage the delicate silk fabric. Alternatively, consult a professional dry cleaner for specialized treatment.
Does silk float or sink in water?
It floats, but after a while silk will sink.
Is silk washable?
Every time I have washed raw silk in water, I have destroyed the luster of the garment. Dry clean only sadly.
Can silk be washed ironed or stored?
Yes, silk can be hand-washed in cold water with mild detergent, ironed on a low setting, and stored in a breathable fabric bag or wrapped in acid-free tissue paper to prevent wrinkling and discoloration. It's important to read the care label and follow the manufacturer's instructions for best results.
Can silk clothing be dried in a tumble dryer?
Silk clothing cannot be dried in a tumble dryer, even on the lowest setting. It should be washed in cold water, left out to dry, and then carefully ironed so as not to damage the material.
Why does Cotton lump shrink in water?
Cotton shrinks in water for two main reasons. 1. Cotton (and wool, silk, etc.) swell up when they come in contact with water because they absorb water. They subsequently shrink when the water is removed from them. This is called water regain. Cotton has the fifth highest water regain (with wool having the most). 2. When agitated, such as when hand/machine washed (much more apparent in machine washing), the cotton fibres are forced together, packing more closely, which gives the overall effect of shrinking the cotton.
You washed your raw silk pillow cases in the washing machine Is there any way to fix them?
nope
Are silk table clothes machine washable, or do I need to handwash them?
Silk table clothes are only to be gently machine washed, otherwise they may show damage.
Say silk five times Now spell silk What do cows drink?
uhh, Im pretty sure they drink water.............
How do you clean a Silk Pillowcase?
Silk is a material which is best washed carefully by hand as an individual item. It is a very delicate fabric so can easily get snagged by other items in a machine.
Why does lump of cotton shrink in water?
Cotton wool shrinks in water for two main reasons. 1. Cotton (and wool, silk, etc.) swell up when they come in contact with water because they absorb water. They subsequently shrink when the water is removed from them. This is called water regain. Cotton has the fifth highest water regain (with wool having the most). 2. When agitated, such as when hand/machine washed (much more apparent in machine washing), the cotton fibres are forced together, packing more closely, which gives the overall effect of shrinking the cotton.
What are the differences between natural silk and artificial silk?
Natural silk comes from silk worms while artificial silk is made of cotton. Natural silk has a beautiful sheen to it. Go to the links and see this beautiful silk fabric.
How do you wash raw silk?
Soak the silk in lukewarm water and mild dish soap. Rinse in cool water, then add 1/4 cup white vinegar and rinse the silk again in cold water.
