A textile is a flexible material consisting of a network of natural or artificial fibers (yarn or thread). Yarn is produced by spinning raw fibers of wool, flax, cotton, hemp, or other materials to produce long strands. Textiles are formed by weaving, knitting, crocheting, knotting, felting, or braiding.
The related words "fabric" and "cloth"are often 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. A textile is any material made of interlacing fibers, including carpeting and geo textiles. A fabric is a 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 is often a piece of fabric that has been processed
History
The first clothes, worn at least 70,000 years ago and perhaps much earlier, were probably made of animal skins and helped protect early humans from the ice ages. Then at some point people learned to weave plant fibers into textiles.
The discovery of dyed flax fibres in a cave in the Republic of Georgia dated to 34,000 BCE suggests textile-like materials were made even in prehistoric times.
The production of textiles is a craft whose speed and scale of production has been altered almost beyond recognition by industrialization and the introduction of modern manufacturing techniques. However, for the main types of textiles,
plain weave, twill, or satin weave, there is little difference between the ancient and modern methods.
Uses
Textiles have an assortment of uses, the most common of which are for clothing and for containers such as bags and baskets. In the household they are used in carpeting, upholstered furnishings, window shades, towels, coverings for tables, beds, and other flat surfaces, and in art. In the workplace they are used in industrial and scientific processes such as filtering. Miscellaneous uses include flags, backpacks, tents, nets, handkerchiefs, cleaning rags, transportation devices such as balloons, kites, sails, and parachutes; textiles are also used to provide strengthening in composite materials such as fibreglass and industrial geotextiles. Textiles are used in many traditional crafts such as sewing, quilting and embroidery. Textiles for industrial purposes, and chosen for characteristics other than their appearance, are commonly referred to as technical textiles. Technical textiles include textile structures for automotive applications, medical textiles (e.g. implants), geotextiles (reinforcement of embankments), agrotextiles (textiles for crop protection), protective clothing (e.g. against heat and radiation for fire fighter clothing, against molten metals for welders, stab protection, and bullet proof vests). In all these applications stringent performance requirements must be met. Woven of threads coated with zinc oxide nanowires, laboratory fabric has been shown capable of "self-powering nanosystems" using vibrations created by everyday actions like wind or body movements.
Sources and types
Textiles are made from many materials, with four main sources: animal (wool, silk), plant (cotton, flax, jute), mineral (asbestos, glass fibre), and synthetic (nylon, polyester, acrylic). The first three are natural. In the 20th century, they were supplemented by artificial fibres made from petroleum.Textiles are made in various strengths and degrees of durability, from the finest microfibre made of strands thinner than one denier to the sturdiest canvas. Textile manufacturing terminology has a wealth of descriptive terms, from light gauze-like gossamer to heavy grosgrain cloth and beyond.
Animal
Animal textiles are commonly made from hair, fur, skin or silk (in the silkworms case).Wool refers to the hair of the domestic goat or sheep, which is distinguished from other types of animal hair in that the individual strands are coated with scales and tightly crimped, and the wool as a whole is coated with a wax mixture known as lanolin (sometimes called wool grease), which is waterproof and dirtproof.Woollen refers to a bulkier yarn produced from carded, non-parallel fibre, while worsted refers to a finer yarn spun from longer fibres which have been combed to be parallel. Wool is commonly used for warm clothing. Cashmere, the hair of the Indian cashmere goat, and mohair, the hair of the North African angora goat, are types of wool known for their softness.
Other animal textiles which are made from hair or fur are alpaca wool, vicuña wool, llama wool, and camel hair, generally used in the production of coats, jackets, ponchos, blankets, and other warm coverings. Angora refers to the long, thick, soft hair of the angora rabbit. Qiviut is the fine inner wool of the muskox.
Wadmal is a coarse cloth made of wool, produced in Scandinavia, mostly 1000~1500 CE.
Sea silk is an extremely fine, rare, and valuable fabric that is made from the silky filaments or byssus secreted by a gland in the foot of pen shells.
Silk is an animal textile made from the fibres of the cocoon of the Chinese silkworm which is spun into a smooth fabric prized for its softness. There are two main types of the silk: 'mulberry silk' produced by the Bombyx Mori, and 'wild silk' such as Tussah silk. Silkworm larvae produce the first type if cultivated in habitats with fresh mulberry leaves for consumption, while Tussah silk is produced by silkworms feeding purely on oak leaves. Around four-fifths of the world's silk production consists of cultivated silk.
Plant
Grass, rush, hemp, and sisal are all used in making rope. In the first two, the entire plant is used for this purpose, while in the last two, only fibres from the plant are utilized. Coir (coconut fibre) is used in making twine, and also in floormats, doormats, brushes, mattresses, floor tiles, and sacking.Straw and bamboo are both used to make hats. Straw, a dried form of grass, is also used for stuffing, as is kapok.
Fibres from pulpwood trees, cotton, rice, hemp, and nettle are used in making paper.
Cotton, flax, jute, hemp, modal and even bamboo fibre are all used in clothing. Piña (pineapple fibre) and ramie are also fibres used in clothing, generally with a blend of other fibres such as cotton. Nettles have also been used to make a fibre and fabric very similar to hemp or flax. The use of milkweed stalk fibre has also been reported, but it tends to be somewhat weaker than other fibres like hemp or flax.
The inner bark of the lacebark tree is a fine netting that has been used to make clothing and accessories as well as utilitarian articles such as rope.
Acetate is used to increase the shininess of certain fabrics such as silks, velvets, and taffetas.
Seaweed is used in the production of textiles: a water-soluble fibre known as alginate is produced and is used as a holding fibre; when the cloth is finished, the alginate is dissolved, leaving an open area.
Lyocell is a synthetic fabric derived from wood pulp. It is often described as a synthetic silk equivalent; it is a tough fabric that is often blended with other fabrics – cotton, for example.
Fibres from the stalks of plants, such as hemp, flax, and nettles, are also known as 'bast' fibres.
Mineral
Asbestos and basalt fibre are used for vinyl tiles, sheeting and adhesives, "transite" panels and siding, acoustical ceilings, stage curtains, and fire blankets.Glass fibre is used in the production of ironing board and mattress covers, ropes and cables, reinforcement fibre for composite materials, insect netting, flame-retardant and protective fabric, soundproof, fireproof, and insulating fibres. Glass fibres are woven and coated with Teflon to produce beta cloth, a virtually fireproof fabric which replaced nylon in the outer layer of United States space suits since 1968.
Metal fibre, metal foil, and metal wire have a variety of uses, including the production of cloth-of-gold and jewellery. Hardware cloth (US term only) is a coarse woven mesh of steel wire, used in construction. It is much like standard window screening, but heavier and with a more open weave.
Minerals and natural and synthetic fabrics may be combined, as in emery cloth, a layer of emery abrasive glued to a cloth backing. Also, "sand cloth" is a U.S. term for fine wire mesh with abrasive glued to it, employed like emery cloth or coarse sandpaper.
Synthetic
Synthetic textiles are used primarily in the production of clothing, as well as the manufacture of geotextiles.Polyester fibre is used in all types of clothing, either alone or blended with fibres such as cotton.
Aramid fibre (e.g. Twaron) is used for flame-retardant clothing, cut-protection, and armour.
Acrylic is a fibre used to imitate wools, including cashmere, and is often used in replacement of them.
Nylon is a fibre used to imitate silk; it is used in the production of pantyhose. Thicker nylon fibres are used in rope and outdoor clothing.
Spandex (trade name Lycra) is a polyurethane product that can be made tight-fitting without impeding movement. It is used to make activewear, bras, and swimsuits.
Olefin fibre is a fibre used in activewear, linings, and warm clothing. Olefins are hydrophobic, allowing them to dry quickly. A sintered felt of olefin fibres is sold under the trade name Tyvek.
Ingeo is a polylactide fibre blended with other fibres such as cotton and used in clothing. It is more hydrophilic than most other synthetics, allowing it to wick away perspiration.
Lurex is a metallic fibre used in clothing embellishment.
Milk proteins have also been used to create synthetic fabric. Milk or casein fibre cloth was developed during World War I in Germany, and further developed in Italy and America during the 1930s.Milk fibre fabric is not very durable and wrinkles easily, but has a pH similar to human skin and possesses anti-bacterial properties. It is marketed as a biodegradable, renewable synthetic fibre.
Carbon fibre is mostly used in composite materials, together with resin, such as carbon fibre reinforced plastic. The fibres are made from polymer fibres through carbonization.
Production methods
| Top five exporters of textiles—2013 ($ billion) | |
|---|---|
| China | 274 |
| India | 40 |
| Italy | 36 |
| Germany | 35 |
| Bangladesh | 28 |
Knitting, looping, and crocheting involve interlacing loops of yarn, which are formed either on a knitting needle, needle, or on a crochet hook, together in a line. The processes are different in that knitting has several active loops at one time, on the knitting needle waiting to interlock with another loop, while Looping and crocheting never have more than one active loop on the needle. Knitting can be performed by machine, but crochet can only be performed by hand.
Spread Tow is a production method where the yarn are spread into thin tapes, and then the tapes are woven as warp and weft. This method is mostly used for composite materials; spread tow fabrics can be made in carbon, aramide, etc.
Braiding or plaiting involves twisting threads together into cloth. Knotting involves tying threads together and is used in making macrame.
Lace is made by interlocking threads together independently, using a backing and any of the methods described above, to create a fine fabric with open holes in the work. Lace can be made by either hand or machine.
Carpets, rugs, velvet, velour, and velveteen are made by interlacing a secondary yarn through woven cloth, creating a tufted layer known as a nap or pile.
Felting involves pressing a mat of fibres together, and working them together until they become tangled. A liquid, such as soapy water, is usually added to lubricate the fibres, and to open up the microscopic scales on strands of wool.
Nonwoven textiles are manufactured by the bonding of fibres to make fabric. Bonding may be thermal or mechanical, or adhesives can be used.
Bark cloth is made by pounding bark until it is soft and flat.
Treatments
Textiles are often dyed, with fabrics available in almost every colour. The dyeing process often requires several dozen gallons of water for each pound of clothing.Coloured designs in textiles can be created by weaving together fibres of different colours (tartan or Uzbek Ikat), adding coloured stitches to finished fabric (embroidery), creating patterns by resist dyeing methods, tying off areas of cloth and dyeing the rest (tie-dyeing), or drawing wax designs on cloth and dyeing in between them (batik), or using various printing processes on finished fabric. Woodblock printing, still used in India and elsewhere today, is the oldest of these dating back to at least 220 CE in China. Textiles are also sometimes bleached, making the textile pale or white.Textiles are sometimes finished by chemical processes to change their characteristics. In the 19th century and early 20th century starching was commonly used to make clothing more resistant to stains and wrinkles.
Eisengarn, meaning "iron yarn" in English, is a light-reflecting, strong material invented in Germany in the 19th century. It is made by soaking cotton threads in a starch and paraffin wax solution. The threads are then stretched and polished by steel rollers and brushes. The end result of the process is a lustrous, tear-resistant yarn which is extremely hardwearing.
Since the 1990s, with advances in technologies such as permanent press process, finishing agents have been used to strengthen fabrics and make them wrinkle free. More recently, nanomaterials research has led to additional advancements, with companies such as Nano-Tex and NanoHorizons developing permanent treatments based on metallic nanoparticles for making textiles more resistant to things such as water, stains, wrinkles, and pathogens such as bacteria and fungi.
Textiles receive a range of treatments before they reach the end-user. From formaldehyde finishes (to improve crease-resistance) to biocidic finishes and from flame retardants to dyeing of many types of fabric, the possibilities are almost endless. However, many of these finishes may also have detrimental effects on the end user. A number of disperse, acid and reactive dyes (for example) have been shown to be allergenic to sensitive individuals. Further to this, specific dyes within this group have also been shown to induce purpuric contact dermatitis.
Although formaldehyde levels in clothing are unlikely to be at levels high enough to cause an allergic reaction, due to the presence of such a chemical, quality control and testing are of utmost importance. Flame retardants (mainly in the brominated form) are also of concern where the environment, and their potential toxicity, are concerned. Testing for these additives is possible at a number of commercial laboratories, it is also possible to have textiles tested for according to the Oeko-tex certification standard which contains limits levels for the use of certain chemicals in textiles products.
The beauty of the hills has captivated millions including Swami Vivekananda, who meditated here and wrote some of his popular speeches. It has provided a sanctuary for the people who visit the hills to find solace from the monotony of life. It was the serenity of the picturesque landscape that helped Rabindranath Tagore and many others in their conquest to rejuvenate the lost sparks of their lives.
Chamba valley is a picture-perfect hill station in Himachal. There are many mystical and historical past connected to the valley. It is dotted by many temples most of them dedicated to Lord Narayan “the most versed deity” in Hinduism. Chamba is a paradise for the ardent nature lovers and enthusiasts. The captivating view of the wonderful mountain ranges that surround the valley is simply irreplaceable.
Embellished with many spiritual treasures, it is the one of the most pious pilgrimage points in India. 
Built entirely by the Britishers, Ranikhet accounts for the beauty of fauna and topography of the Himalayas. It provides a very calm atmosphere for the visitors to relax. Britishers were captivated by its beauty to an extent that they thought of naming it as the summer capital instead of Shimla.
Gulmarg or “Meadow of Flowers” is nothing less than a fantasy place coming straight out of your dreams. The valley is 3km long and a kilometre wide. It is filled with beautiful blueberries, daisies and many other flowers that lighten up your mood. It also has a popular golf resort and renowned as a prime skiing destination.
Along with being one of the most favourite places for tourists, Dharamshala in Himachal Pradesh is home to the holy Dalai Lama. Fringed by the lofty mountains and dotted by Deodar and Cedar forests, this beautiful hill station in India is amongst the most popular hill stations in the country. Dharamshala is situated at an altitude of about 1487m in the Kangra Valley of Himachal Pradesh. The city is divided into two parts namely, Dharamshala and Mcleodganj and is separated by a village called Ganchen Kyishong. The hill station has managed to attract the attention of many tourists due to its tranquil environ and scenic beauty. A large number of travellers throng here especially in the summer. However, many tourists like to visit in winter here to see the snowfall.
Once a summer retreat of the British, Dalhousie today is another attraction for tourists all over the country. Named after British General Lord Dalhousie, this hill station in Himachal Pradesh is situated across 5 hills namely, Kathalagh, Potreyn, Terah, Bakrota and Bhangora. Situated at an altitude of 2700m, Dalhousie is a beautiful hill station that offers a panoramic view of Dhauladhar mountain range. The town is the reflection of rich Hindu culture as it is dotted with several temples and preserves the unique art and handicraft dating back to the mid 6th century AD.
This beautiful and quiet town of Garhwal region of Uttarakhand is a perfect place to spend a vacation. Lansdowne is a destination where one can relax and enjoy the beauty of nature. Dotted with pine tree forest, Lansdowne is also the training centre for Garhwal regiment. Situated at and altitude of 1700m, this beautiful town is an ideal weekend getaway from Delhi and is also a perfect place for honeymooners.
If there was one word to describe Auli, it would be gorgeous. This hill station in the lap of Uttarakhand is one of the most beautiful places to spend a holiday at. Auli is a perfect getaway in summer and winter in India as the place is known for its magnificent transformations in both seasons. Situated at an elevation of about 2500m, Auli becomes a meadow in the summer, whereas when the snow covers it in the winter season, Auli becomes the place for winter-sport enthusiasts. It is a budding skiing destination in India and is believed to be the best when it comes to its gradient slopes. Along with adventure, the air of Auli is replete with spirituality. According to legends from Hindu mythology, Auli is believed to be the land where Lord Hanuman rested while he was finding Sanjivini Booti. Also the view of magnificent peaks like Nanda Devi and Neelkanth adds to the spiritual feel of the town.
Darjeeling is also known as the dreamland of the east. Its natural beauty is enough to lure a tourist and keep him captivated all his or her life. The hill station has many exotic waterfalls, hills blossoming with flowers of every shade, and the tea gardens. The 
It is the capital of Sikkim. Gangtok is one of most serene and captivating cities in the world. Gangtok offers a lot of adventure thrilled activities. The scenic view of the five peaks of Kanchenjunga makes its topography really breath-taking.
Kalimpong is a live example of Colonial Architecture in India. The place is replete with many monasteries and churches. It has a very peaceful and calm atmosphere, where the hustle and bustle is only limited to the local “bazars” (market). 
The topography of Shillong has compelled the folks to call it the “Scotland of the East”. It is the capital of the India state of Meghalaya. It has one of the largest golf courses of Asia. The awe-inspiring beauty of the lakes in 
Tawang lies in the state of Arunanchal Pradesh. It has India’s biggest Tibetan Monastery, and is a holy place for the Buddhism Pilgrimage. It is filled with numerous monasteries, nunneries, waterfalls, hot water springs and pristine lakes.
Jeweled with tea estates and orange orchards, 
It is one of the hill stations in Maharashtra that has attracted many tourists. It is very well connected to the cities of Pune and Mumbai. There are many beautiful caves, mountains and waterfalls that when mixed with the greenery of the hill station is one vista that anyone cannot afford to miss.
It is the twin hill station to Khandala. It is famous worldwide for the sweet “chikkis” that are made here. It has many caves, lakes and waterfalls. Karla caves are the must visit caves as they have connections to the Buddhism dating back to the 9th Century.
Mahabelashwar is the perfect tourist destination in the state of Maharashtra. It is a most visited hill station of the state. There are umpteen numbers of lakes offering an opportunity to the visitors to try their hand in boating and fishing.
It is Asia’s only automobile free hill station, providing the cleanest and freshest air and atmosphere to dwell in. The most mesmerizing part of the trip is the toy train ride from Neral to Matheran that covers the entire topography of the hill station.
Panchgani is the most popular hill station of Maharashtra. It is surrounded by the 5 hills from which Panchgani has derived its name. It is a marvellous spectacle of old British and Parsi homes. The prime landscape of Panchgani is the sight of the river Krishna from the Table Land a famous flat mountain range.
Apart from being the only hill station in Rajasthan, it is also the summer capital of the state. Mount Abu is renowned worldwide for the Dilwara Jain Temples. It offers many breathtaking sunsets points, from where you could cement the bond of love with your loved ones. Being close to Gujarat, it offers a good variety of Rajasthani and Gujarati handlooms, textiles, artifacts and the list goes on.
Panhala though being the smallest city in Maharashtra holds a very prominent place in the history of the state. It is the place to visit if you want to study the history or the culture of the great Marathas in detail. The pollution-free atmosphere of Panhala offers a very pleasant and cool climate that makes your stay very calm and peaceful.
Apart from being the only hill station in Gujarat, it definitely is its “Aankhon Ka Taara”. It is the one place you should visit, if you want to enjoy the monsoons. The place is full of lush-green forests, enchanting waterfalls etc. The picturesque landscape of Saptura leaves everyone spellbound.
Munnar, located in Kerala, is one place known for its well-preserved natural beauty of the virgin forests. The environment and climate of 
Aruku lies in Vishakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. The magic of the valley could be felt right from the moment when you take the road to Aruku through the dense forests. The hill station is surrounded with the dense forests. The calm environment of this hill station will certainly help you to knock your stress. A trail to the Sangda Waterfall is said to be the one of the most beautiful trails you will ever come across in your life.
Coonoor is a most charming hill station of the Nilgiri Mountain Range in Tamil Nadu. It has got it’s the name from the Kurinji Flowers that are found on the mountain slopes. The hill station is also renowned for its aromatic teas. 
Known as the “Kashmir of South”, what more reason one requires for visiting Coorg. The hill station is located in Karnataka. It is famous around the world for the variety of coffee and tea plantations. The landscape of the hill station is very mesmerizing with pleasant climate throughout the year.
Devikulam is located in Kerala, just 16km (approx) form Munnar. It is mostly visited by the tourists to enjoy the picturesque landscapes and the mineral water springs. It has many legends associated with Devikulam Lake, which gives the hill station its name.
Idukki is one hill station of Kerala known for its exotic flora and fauna. It has several well protected sanctuaries. It is renowned worldwide for the 
Kodaikanal is located in the state of Tamil Nadu and is often called “Kodai”. It is well-known for its spices, homemade chocolates, herbal teas and coffees, oils and the orchids. The landscape of Kodai has compelled people to call it the “Princess of Hills”.
Ooty or Ootacamund is the capital of the Nilgiris. It is famous for the picturesque picnic spots, but; still the chief attraction remains the mile long tea gardens. Whether you are a kid or an adult, nobody skips the Nilgiri Toy Train ride. It takes you along the picturesque topography of the Nilgiris.
Peermade gets its name from the famous Sufi saint Peer Mohammad who is said to have visited the hills. It is known throughout the world for its marvelous medical treatments. The scenic vista is over-awed by the fragrance of Cardamom that trails throughout the hills.
Nandi Hills known as the sunrise hills of Karnataka, offers the chance to see the memorable sunrise one can ever witness. The hill station is blessed with pleasant climate throughout the year. The monsoons are the most spectacular time of year in Nandi, as the hills are all covered up by the mists, giving it a mystical sense.
Horsley Hills is one of the most visited tourist destinations in Andhra Pradesh. They have a very picturesque and eye soothing landscape. It is one hill station that vouches for the relaxation it provides to the tourists.