What is a Textile Used for? 

What is a textile? What is a textile used for? What is fabric? How do I make clothes in South Africa? Today, we at M & P Trikamwant to answer some of your most frequently asked questions regarding our products. We specialise in textiles and fabrics and we make sure that we are able to offer you these products at some of the most competitive prices in the country!

So, what is a textile? What is a textile compared to a fabric? According to Wikipedia:

A textile or cloth is a flexible woven material consisting of a network of natural or artificial fibres often referred to as thread or yarn. Yarn is produced by spinning raw fibres of wool, flax, cotton, or other material to produce long strands. Textiles are formed by weaving, knitting, crocheting, knotting, or pressing fibres together (felt). The words fabric and cloth are used in textile assembly trades (such as tailoring and dressmaking) as synonyms for textile. However, there are subtle differences in these terms in specialised usage. Textile refers to any material made of interlacing fibres. Fabric refers to any material made through weaving, knitting, spreading, crocheting, or bonding that may be used in production of further goods (garments, etc.). Cloth may be used synonymously with fabric but often refers to a finished piece of fabric used for a specific purpose (e.g., table cloth).

What is a textile used for? A textile can be used to create clothes – one of the main reasons why we sell textiles of all types to the residents of South Africa.  If you are interested in learning about school uniforms and corporate uniforms, and about how you can make them yourself, we at M & P Trikam can assist.

What is a Textile? What is the Difference Between a Textile and Fabric?

What is a textile? What is fabric? What is a textile compared to a fabric? Wikipedia states that:

"A textile or cloth is a flexible woven material consisting of a network of natural or artificial fibres often referred to as thread or yarn. Yarn is produced by spinning raw fibres of wool, flax, cotton, or other material to produce long strands. Textiles are formed by weaving, knitting, crocheting, knotting, or pressing fibres together (felt). The words fabric and cloth are used in textile assembly trades (such as tailoring and dressmaking) as synonyms for textile. However, there are subtle differences in these terms in specialised usage. Textile refers to any material made of interlacing fibres. Fabric refers to any material made through weaving, knitting, spreading, crocheting, or bonding that may be used in production of further goods (garments, etc.). Cloth may be used synonymously with fabric but often refers to a finished piece of fabric used for a specific purpose (e.g., table cloth)."

Welcome to M & P Trikam! Here, we can supply you with all sorts of textiles, fabrics and cloths for all sorts of applications. If you have a passion for making clothes in South Africa, we have everything that you could ever need – at the best prices – all under one roof! Stop asking ‘what is a textile?’, and take a look at the many different options that we can offer you!

We believe that experience is everything. When a company has been in the industry for a while, they should really know their stuff – and be able to supply you with the best of the best. We here at M & P Trikam, since 1935, have been sourcing and forging relationships with suppliers from overseas to bring you, our loyal customers, the best in fabrics.  True to form, we have secured solid relationships, and through these offer consistency and reliability in supplies. What is a textile? What is fabric? They are what we do better than any other company in South Africa!

What Is Fabric – The Different Fabrics Used In Garment Making 

What is fabric? Welcome to M & P Trikam, the fabric specialist that will answer all your questions about material, fabrics and textiles. When looking for a shop for fabrics for making clothes in South Africa we, here at M & P Trikam, are the choice solution.

Fabrics, by design, consist of textiles. However, a fabric is not only made by the type of textile that is used, but also by the process that is used to create the fabric from the textiles. A cotton knit and a cotton weave, for example, are worlds apart in appearance and purpose.  While textiles have certain inherent properties, the process of creation – that is weaving, knitting, pressing et cetera – is just as important in the creation of a suitable, durable fabric. 

What is fabric made from? The general types of fabrics used in garment making and how to care for them (from fabrictree.com):

Natural Fabrics

• Cotton: Can be woven, pressed by heat into flannel, or used as knits. As a natural fibre, cotton "breathes" which makes it comfortable to wear. Care: Quite easy, as it is machine washable.
• Linen: A good choice for summer apparel. Care: To maintain its crispness, linen is often dry-cleaned. For a softer look, many linens can be hand-washed.
• Silk: Silk can have either a smooth finish or a ‘nubby’ finish (in raw silk). Care: Usually dry-clean, but many new silks may be hand washed.
• Wool: Good for apparel, especially outer wear. Care: Usually dry-clean, although some wools may be hand-washed. Read labels carefully.

What Is A Textile – The Benefits of Different Textiles 

Here at M & P Trikam, we would be delighted to tell you ‘what is a textile’ and what are the benefits of different types of textiles. We are, after all, the fabric specialist.

The Different Types of Textiles (the following was adapted from library.thinkquest.org/textiles):

First of all: What is a textile? A textile is a cloth, which is either woven by hand or machine. ‘Textile’ has traditionally meant ‘a woven fabric’. The term comes from the Latin word ‘texere’, meaning ‘to weave’. The most common types of textiles are cotton, wool, silk, nylon and polyester.

• Cotton: Cotton is used to make blouses, shirts, singlets, shorts, jackets, jeans and other pants. It can also be made into bedspreads, pillowcases, carpets and curtains. The main benefits of cotton include its durability and the fact that it is breathable.
• Wool: Wool is used to make sweaters, dresses, coats, suits, jackets, pants and the lining of boots. It can also be made into blankets and carpets. The main benefit of wool is, of course, the fact that it is warm. As a textile fabric, it is also quite stretchable.
• Silk: Silk is used to make blouses, dresses, scarves, pants and ties. It can also be made into curtains, draperies, cushion covers and sofa covers. The main benefit of silk is its lustre, making it the perfect material fabric to make garments with. Indeed, the use of silk is quite popular for clothes in South Africa.
• Nylon: Nylon is popular for hosiery and is used to make track pants, shorts, swimwear, active wear, windbreakers, bedspread and draperies. It can also be made into parachutes, flak vests, combat uniforms, tires and life vests, or used as the netting of bridal veils, umbrellas and luggage. Nylon is incredibly strong and durable.
• Polyester: Polyester is used to make most forms of clothing like shirts, running shorts, track pants, windbreakers, and lingerie. It can also be made into curtains and draperies. Its resistance to wrinkling and the fact that it is easy to launder, makes it perfect for such as school wear. For more about school uniforms and suitable fabrics and textiles for school uniforms, you can of course ask us.

Our knowledge and expertise on ‘what is a textile’ and ‘what is fabric’ make us the textile and fabric gurus you can trust.

What Is A Textile – The History of Fabric and Fashion 

What is a textile? We, here at M & P Trikam, are delighted to tell you about the history of material, fabrics, textiles and fashion. When it comes to clothes in South Africa, we are a trusted go-to shop for fabrics. Did you know that textiles date back to as far as 34 000 BC? Of course, processes have become much more sophisticated since then, but textile making is still a time honoured tradition. Today, textiles are made from many different fabrics, from animal fabric – such as wool – to plant textile fabrics (such as cotton). Our knowledge and expertise on ‘what is a textile’ and ‘what is fabric’ make us the fabric specialists you can trust.

What would clothing, and indeed fashion, be without the beautiful fabrics that make them up? Of course, when it comes to fashion the lines and designs of the garment matter as much as anything else, but for many fashion designers it starts at the fabric. So, what is a textile to a fashion designer? And what is a fabric really? And, for that matter, what influence do textiles and fabrics have on fashion and clothes in South Africa?

Here is how it works:

You probably well know that fashion is created a season or two before the actual ‘season starts’. In fact, work on Autumn/Winter 2013 probably started in early 2012 already at most of the major fashion houses. But, did you know that one or two seasons before this even designers attend ‘fabric shows’ to see the latest and most beautiful fabrics on offer? And, two seasons before this even fabric merchants and creators attend textile shows for the latest techniques and textiles. That is that is four to six seasons that a designer item is in the making – about a year to two and a half years from textile to garment!

What Is A Textile: Different Textiles for Different Purposes

What is a textile and what can we at M & P Trikam do to help you choose the best textile for your fabric purpose? First and foremost, let us go in to detail on exactly ‘what is a textile’. Commonly, a textile is known as a material that is flexible and made up of a network of various fibres that are pressed together. What is a textile used for in fabric making? Quite simply, the fabric ‘type’ is not only made by the type of textile that is used, but also by the process that is used to create the fabric from the textiles. While textiles have certain inherent properties (such as cotton being breathable and nylon being strong) the process of creation – that is weaving, knitting, pressing et cetera – is just as important in the creation of a suitable, durable fabric.

M & P Trikam are wholesale textile specialists that offer the following product range of material, fabrics and textiles: 

• Sportswear Fabrics: For ‘What is sportswear made up of?’ please do not hesitate to ask us
• Corporate and School Wear Fabrics: We know all there is to know about school uniforms and fabric for school uniforms especially, and can tell you all about the making of school uniforms and which textile fabrics would be most suitable and durable.
• And, of course, Fashion Fabrics: For the top fabrics for fashion clothing in South Africa, you know where to turn to!

For more about us, and about textiles, fabrics and more – please do not hesitate to get in touch with us!

What Is A Textile? 

What is a textile? Here at M & P Trikam, we are all about textile fabrics, and we would love to show you ‘what is a textile’. We are the fabric shop of choice for upholstery, curtaining and clothes in South Africa.

But what is a textile?

A textile, or cloth, is a flexible woven material consisting of a network of natural or artificial fibres – often referred to as thread or yarn. Yarn is produced by spinning raw fibres of wool, flax, cotton, or other material to produce long strands. Textiles are formed by weaving, knitting,  crocheting, knotting, or pressing fibres together. The words fabric and cloth are used in textile assembly trades (such as tailoring and dressmaking) as synonyms for textile. However, there are subtle differences in these terms in specialized usage. Textile refers to any material made of interlacing fibres. What is a textile fabric? Fabric refers to any material made through weaving, knitting, spreading, crocheting, or bonding that may be used in production of further goods. Cloth may be used synonymously with fabric, but often refers to a finished piece of fabric used for a specific purpose (Source: Wikipedia)

Did you know that textiles date back to as far as 34 000 BC? This means that textiles were even made in prehistoric times! Of course, processes have become much more sophisticated since then, but textile making is still a time honoured tradition. Today, textiles are made from many different fabrics, from animal fabric – such as wool – to plant textile fabrics (such as cotton). When M & P Trikam focuses on “what is a textile” and clothes in South Africa, we aim to inform major manufacturers and chain stores about what we can offer. We are wholesalers for a variety of clothing manufacturers, as well as being a leader in the clothing industry ourselves.

What Is A Textile – About School Uniforms 

Here at M & P Trikam, we know all there is to know about ‘what is a textile’ and about school uniforms, or more specifically about what textiles and fabrics by design are best suited to making school uniforms. The thing about school uniforms is they get a lot of use, and we mean A LOT. As such, they need to be made of the strongest textile fabrics. At M & P Trikam, you will only find the most durable material, fabrics and textiles for making school uniforms.

We can accommodate all types of manufacturers no matter how big or small, our textiles are made of only the best and most durable quality and we deliver all quantities needed, quickly and efficiently. We can also answer any other questions you may have, including such as ‘What is sports wear made of?’, ‘Where can I find the best clothes in South Africa’ and ‘What is fabric?’

You can contact us at M & P Trikam if you want to discuss anything you need, we offer beautiful and elegant fabrics at great prices, we do not offer or advise you blindly – because we are professionals that have the best experience when it comes to textiles and knowing all that there is to know about grading fabrics and more!