The home textile fabric includes many fabrics such as bed linen, bath linen, kitchen linen and upholstery. These fabrics can be made of natural or synthetic fibers.
Sustainability is a key trend in home textiles this year, according to WGSN. From a color perspective, it is all about earth tones that remind consumers of their shared heritage.
Natural Fibers
Natural fibres are those that occur in fibre form naturally, as opposed to synthetic, man-made fabrics. They can be divided into three categories – vegetable, animal and mineral. They include cotton, silk, wool and jute.
The most common plant-based textile is cotton. It comes from the seed hair of the cotton plant and is harvested in bolls.
Bamboo and jute are a great alternative to reduce textile environmental impact. They are breathable, light-weight and versatile. Bamboo is the fastest-growing plant in the world and can be used to make rugs and throws.
Abaca is another eco-friendly fibre derived from the leaf sheaths of the abaca plant which is similar to banana trees. It is also a natural fibre that is breathable, warm and has good thermal regulating properties. Abaca is a great alternative to traditional synthetic materials like polyester. It is a versatile and durable fabric that is carefully woven on traditional wooden looms by villagers in the Philippines.
Synthetic Fibers
In an attempt to reduce plastic pollution, consumers are on a mission to invite natural materials into their home textiles. This movement towards sustainability can be seen in everything from natural medicine derived from plants, to alternative energy sources like wind and solar, and even textile fabrics that look and feel more organic than their synthetic counterparts.
Synthetic fibers are made of chemicals derived from petroleum or natural gas, which makes them less sustainable than their natural counterparts. These chemically produced strands also take years to break down into microplastics that pollute our environment. They are one of the main contributors to ocean plastic pollution.
Polyesters and lycras are completely synthetic, but semi-synthetics like rayon, modal, cupro and viscose get a yellow light because they require extensive processing with harsh chemicals that can have a negative impact on your health. This fabric type is typically used to create knitwear, sportswear, hats and undergarments. These synthetics are also wrinkle resistant and easy to care for.
Value Added Finishes
In order to keep home textiles odour free and clean, antimicrobial finishing has been introduced which restrict the growth of microbes. Fabrics can also be coated with fluoro chemicals like chitosan for gaining blood repellant properties.
Another value added finish is soil release finishes which make it easier to remove stains and oil from the fabrics. These finishes help the fabric stay fresh and odour free for long periods of time.
Other fabric finishing processes include flame retardant finishes, stain protective treatments, and fragrance encapsulating technologies. All of these add value to the fabrics, making them more desirable and functional. This is why it is important for the designer to communicate their fabric requirements clearly with the converter, ensuring that they are using the right type of finishing process for their specific application. This ensures a smooth collaboration between both parties. Moreover, it also helps to prevent any discrepancies in color and performance. This will lead to a successful outcome for both the manufacturer and consumer.
Textile Design
Home textile fabric is a broad category of products that includes carpets, curtains and other items. They can be woven or embroidered, and they come in a variety of styles. They can also be scented with fragrances. The demand for these fabrics is growing rapidly, and they are gaining popularity in many countries. This is causing the textile industry to expand, and it has created new jobs in the field of textile design.
Among the most important home textile products are rugs, blankets and pillows. They provide warmth and comfort, and they set decisive aesthetic accents. They can also protect furniture and wall colors from fading. The quality of these materials is also very important. For example, duvet covers and sheets that are woven with a high number of threads can last longer than those with low wire counts. This is an advantage for consumers who want to save money on these items.