Textiles, or human-made clothes or fabrics, are made up of many parts. The dyes, fabrics, yarns, threads, and decorations that come together to make a finished textile are like the ingredients used to make a meal. Just as good cooking is defined by using the best ingredients, so are textiles defined by their most basic components. The base of any textile is the fiber, a slender object that is substantially longer than it is wide. A fiber is generally hundreds of times longer than it is wide, giving it a hair-like appearance. Fibers can define almost every aspect of a finished textile. So, if you want your textile to be something you're proud to present, you've got to start with the right ingredients.
Fibers are incredibly important to textile production, but the first thing you need to know is this: not all fibers are suitable for textiles. Textile fibers are those which have properties that allow them to be spun into yarn or directly made into fabric. This means they need to be strong enough to hold their shape, flexible enough to be shaped into a fabric or yarn, elastic enough to stretch, and durable enough to last. Textile fibers also have to be a minimum of 5 millimeters in length. Shorter fibers cannot be spun together.
So, all textiles are made of fibers, but not all fibers can be used to make textiles. For example, cotton plants contain fibers that are strong and pliant enough to be spun into yarn. These are textile fibers. On the other hand, have you ever noticed those little strings in your corn-on-the-cob? Those hair-like structures are technically fibers. However, they are too weak to be spun into yarn without breaking, so they are unsuitable for textiles.
Finally, it's important to remember that not all textile fibers are created equal. Each fiber contains different qualities and will result in a different textile. Some retain heat better than others; some hold dye very well; some are more durable; and some are more comfortable. Achieving the finished textile you want requires an understanding of the best fibers for the job. Think of fibers like spices in cooking. Yes, you could add any spice to any dish, but only the right ones will make the meal taste right.
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