Unit 5: Natural & Manmade fabrics
Lycra and Linen
Lycra is a synthetic fabric which is strong and long lasting. It can be stretched four to seven times its original length but will instantly return to its original size when released. It has become one of the most important fabrics in use today, particularly in the fashion industry. Lycra is produced by the Du Pont company at its factory in Maydown in Northern Ireland.
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- BBC Primary Focus: The Textile Industry: How Lycra is made
- BBC Primary Focus: Linen: How Linen is Made
Show the Primary Focus Video clips showing the production of Lycra and Linen to the class. Ask them to write down the similarities and differences between the production of linen and Lycra. Focus on:
- The raw material needed to make each textile
- How the fibres are created
- How they are spun into thread
- How the threads are turned into textiles
- What is the possible environmental impact of these two types of production
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