Textiles
are classified according to their component fibers into silk, wool,
linen, cotton, such synthetic fibers as rayon, nylon, and polyesters,
and some inorganic fibers, such as cloth of gold, glass fiber, and
asbestos cloth. They are also classified as to their structure or
weave, according to the manner in which warp and weft cross each
other in the loom (see loom ; weaving ). Value or quality in textiles
depends on several factors, such as the quality of the raw material
used and the character of the yarn spun from the fibers, whether
clean, smooth, fine, or coarse and whether hard, soft, or medium
twisted. Density of weave and finishing processes are also important
elements in determining the quality of fabrics.
