Processing Fibres

How wool and cotton are processed into fabric

From Sheep to Fabric

Wool and cotton are natural fibres. Wool comes from sheep — they are sheared (their fleece is cut off), then the wool is cleaned, spun into yarn and woven or knitted into fabric. Cotton comes from the cotton plant's seed pods.

Example

Wool Processing Steps

1. Shearing: Remove fleece from sheep 2. Scouring: Wash to remove dirt and oil 3. Carding: Comb fibres so they all face one direction 4. Spinning: Twist fibres into strong yarn 5. Weaving/Knitting: Interlace yarn to make fabric 6. Finishing: Dye, press and prepare for sale

Note

Remember

Natural fibres (wool, cotton, silk) come from plants or animals. Synthetic fibres (polyester, nylon) are made in factories from chemicals. SA's Eastern Cape and Free State are important wool-farming regions.

Key Vocabulary

FibreA thin thread-like material used to make fabric

ShearingCutting wool from a sheep

SpinningTwisting fibres together to make yarn

WeavingInterlacing threads to make cloth

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