Textile Fibres and Their Characteristics
We are passionate about fabrics and finding the right solutions for our customers. With over 110 years of experience in the textile industry we have compiled some of this knowledge and look forward to sharing it with you over the next year through our blog series – An Educational Yarn. Our first topic explores the different characteristics of textile fibres.
Textile fibres are natural or synthetic structures that can be spun into yarn. Yarns are then woven, knitted or bonded into fabric. The inherent characteristics of fibre properties directly relate to the performance and required care and maintenance of the finished fabric, therefore understanding fibres and yarns will in turn help you to understand the how to apply specific fabrics within your interior schemes.
Natural Fibres: Occurring in nature; which are of animal, vegetable/plant or mineral origin.
COTTON (Plant Origin)
• A strong fibre, even stronger when wet, cotton has good natural durability.
• Can be affected by mildew however a mildew resistant finish can be applied to reduce this issue.
• Generally has reasonable sunlight resistance but should be protected with a quality lining when used as a drapery and protected from direct sunlight when used as an upholstery.
• It is an absorbent fibre which means it can move with changing humidity levels.
• May shrink with laundering but this can be reduced through a finishing process on the fabric known as sanforising.
Sunlight resistance can be greatly reduced in acidic polluted conditions.
SILK (Animal origin; an animal fibre that comes from the silkworm. The silkworm creates its cocoon from very long silk fibres which are harvested from mulberry trees.)
• It is naturally fine in texture, and colours beautifully.
• Its biggest disadvantage in furnishing is its sensitivity to UV light degradation (direct and reflected). Due to its sensitivity, it should not be used in direct sunlight or even bright light.
• An absorbent fibre, it has the potential to move in humid environments.
• Silk is a relatively strong fibre and can withstand a certain amount of abrasion, particularly when used in conjunction with
• a backing fabric.
• Unrivalled in splendour and smoothness, silk is regarded the most exclusive of all natural fibres.
LINEN
Plant origin; derived from cellulose fibres that grow inside the stalks of the flax plant.
• As with cotton it is affected by acidic pollution.
• Can be affected by mildew which will likely cause the fibre to deteriorate over time.
• Considered to be the strongest of the natural fibres; if constructed for upholstery it is very durable, particularly when blended with up to 10% nylon.
• Is regarded as a luxury fibre because of its lustre and texture.
• It is an absorbent fibre which means it can move with changing humidity levels
• Linen has moderate sunlight resistance and should be protected by a quality lining when used as a drapery and protected from direct sunlight when used as an upholstery.
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Poll: As a customer, what do you think about automation?
The Press investigates the growing reliance on your unpaid labour.
Automation (or the “unpaid shift”) is often described as efficient ... but it tends to benefit employers more than consumers.
We want to know: What do you think about automation?
Are you for, or against?
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9.3% For. Self-service is less frustrating and convenient.
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43.6% I want to be able to choose.
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47.1% Against. I want to deal with people.
Time to Tickle Your Thinker 🧠
If a zookeeper had 100 pairs of animals in her zoo, and two pairs of babies are born for each one of the original animals, then (sadly) 23 animals don’t survive, how many animals do you have left in total?
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Have you got New Zealand's best shed? Show us and win!
Once again, Resene and NZ Gardener are on the hunt for New Zealand’s best shed! Send in the photos and the stories behind your man caves, she sheds, clever upcycled spaces, potty potting sheds and colourful chicken coops. The Resene Shed of the Year 2026 winner receives $1000 Resene ColorShop voucher, a $908 large Vegepod Starter Pack and a one-year subscription to NZ Gardener. To enter, tell us in writing (no more than 500 words) why your garden shed is New Zealand’s best, and send up to five high-quality photos by email to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz. Entries close February 23, 2026.
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