A textile is any filament, fibre, or yarn that can be made into fabric or cloth, and also the resulting material itself.
Understanding Textiles
The word "textile" has origins in Latin and French, highlighting its historical connection to weaving:
- Latin: textilis
- French: texere, meaning "to weave"
Originally, the term "textile" referred only to woven fabrics. However, its definition has broadened over time.
What Defines a Textile?
Today, a textile encompasses a wide range of materials and manufacturing methods:
- Filaments, Fibres, or Yarns: These are the basic building blocks of any textile.
- Fabric or Cloth: The end product created from these building blocks.
- Manufacturing Methods: Including but not limited to weaving, knitting, felting, and bonding.
Therefore, anything from the raw materials to the finished fabric can be considered a textile.