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What are Textiles and How do we use them?

Textiles have been used for hundreds of years and have a wide range of applications. They play an important part in our life from the moment we are born.

 I think there are 2 main types of Textiles you will instantly recognize: Clothing and Interior Textiles

Textiles in Clothing    

The most obvious type of textiles are the clothes we wear. People have used textiles since the prehistoric times 

 Clothing has many functions some of which are:

They keep you warm  They provide protection (in the workplace and from the weather) They add comfort  They can give distinction to a work place (type of uniform) They are used to make people feel attractive

Clothing is styled in so many different ways to  ensure there is something to suit everyone's tastes. This gives people the chance to be individual and experimental and to create their own fashion. 

Interior Textiles

You may not be aware of just how much Textiles you are surrounded by as you walk through the rooms of your house. We use Textiles to make our homes attractive and comfortable. The use of textiles in our homes reflects the owners personality.

Types of Textiles in the home

Curtains Carpet Towels Bed clothes Upholstery

Other uses of textiles can be found in:

• Hospitals (eg. Bandages, surgical gowns, stretchers)
• Transport (eg. Seating, carpeting, airbags)

From the minute you get out of your bed in the morning you unknowingly interact with Textiles. However you travel, by car, bike, bus? you are sitting on textiles. You arrive at your destination , school, work, friends house? and you are surrounded by interior textiles on the walls, ceiling and floor.

Can you imagine a world without Textiles?  I couldn't!