Hints on Choosing Textiles 1547 



If a match is touched to these fibers, a slow burning of wool .and a crisp 

 ball of ash result, with the characteristic odor of burned hair. This 

 should be compared with the brisk crackling of cotton, from which 

 practically no ash results. 



Animal fibers dissolve readily in a weak, hot solution of caustic potash, 

 or potash lye. If a sample boiled in this solution is completely dis- 

 solved, it is wool. If it is part cotton, the wool fibers will disap- 

 pear and the cotton fibers will remain, 



Woolens 



Woolens are made of short, staple, wool fibers that have been carded and 

 spun into yarn with the threads lying in all directions. The cloth is often 

 heavily felted, or matted, so that it is easy to hide cotton threads in the 

 weave underneath the felting. 



Albatross. — A soft, loose weave. Used for dresses because of its warmth 

 and lightness of weight as well as its moderate cost. 



Blankets. — A combed wool with nap surface. A type of weave that 

 enables the fabric to hold a large amount of air in the meshes and thus to 

 retain warmth. 



Broadcloth. — A closely woven fabric with smooth, glossy surface. The 

 fibers are pricked to make a nap, which is pressed down, leaving a beautiful 

 finish. Used for suits and dresses because of its beauty, durability, and 

 warmth. 



Cheviot. — A twilled weave with both rough and smooth finish; heavier 

 than serge. Used for suitings because of its durability and warmth. 



Covert. — A heavy, twilled cloth. Used for overcoats and suits. Easily 

 pressed and more able to shed water than most woolen fabrics. 



Eiderdown . — A soft, napped fabric with a very heavy pile. Used for 

 wrappers because of its softness and warmth. Often contains cotton. 



Flannel. — A plain weave. Used for children's clothes, petticoats, and 

 dresses because it is soft, warm, inexpensive, and not irritating to the skin. 



Homespun. — A rough, loose material. Used for men's suits and women's 

 dresses because of warmth, beauty of texture, and durability. 



Tweed. — A rough, unfinished, coarse cloth. Used for men's • suits. 

 Durable, warm, and of attractive texture. 



Worsteds 

 Worsteds are made from long, staple fibers that have been carded and 

 combed until they lie parallel, and then twisted hard. The weave generally 

 shows in worsted, and it is therefore difficult to adulterate except with 

 long cotton threads that are easily detected. 



