The fibers that make up fabrics and rugs will either be natural (animal, plant, or insect) or synthetic (man-made). Fabrics and rugs will be labeled with the fiber content and the following information will help you understand what you're purchasing...Enjoy!
Natural Fibers
Cotton (plant) – strong fiber; blends well
with other fibers; versatile; affected by mildew and sun
Mercerized Cotton – a chemical treatment
that permanently straightens cotton fibers by shrinking them and increasing
their luster; mildew resistant
Hemp (plant) – long strong fiber; wrinkles
easily; resists mildew
Jute (plant) – long coarse strong fiber;
used for carpet backing, sacks, rope, and twine
Linen (plant) – very strong fiber; quality
varies; wrinkles easily; weakened by mildew and sun
Ramie (plant) – medium strength fiber;
resists stains and mildew
Silk (insect) – strong natural protein
fiber; texture varies; resists mildew; weakened by sun
Wool (animal) – strong fiber; insulates
well; attracts moths; weakened by sun
Worsted
Wool – woolen fibers processed to run parallel to each other creating a
smoother surface
Synthetic Fibers
Acetate – a form of rayon; weak fiber;
blends well with other fibers to strengthen it; weakened by sun
Acrylic – medium strength fiber; tends to
pill; resists mildew, moths, and sun damage
Nylon – very strong fiber; blends well with
other fibers; weakened by sun
Olefin – strong fiber; blends well with
other fibers; resists stains, abrasion, mildew, and sun damage
Polyester – strong fiber; blends well with
other fibers; tends to pill; resists moths, mildew; weakened by sun
Rayon – weak fiber derived from spruce pulp;
blends well with other fibers to strengthen it; weakened by sun
Viscose – a very strong version of rayon;
blends well with other fibers