Kankaat

Kankaat are textiles produced from fibers that are arranged into a cohesive sheet through weaving, knitting, or felting. They are used in a wide range of applications, including clothing, home furnishings, upholstery, and industrial products.

Fibre content falls into natural, regenerated, and synthetic categories. Natural fibers include cotton, wool, silk, linen, and hemp. Regenerated fibers such as viscose and modal derive from natural cellulose, while synthetic fibers like polyester, nylon, and acrylic are manufactured from petrochemicals. Fabrics often combine different fibers to balance a desired feel, strength, and performance, or are blended with natural fibers to improve comfort or durability.

Production and finishing processes vary. Fibers are first spun into yarns, which are then interlaced by weaving or knitting to form fabric; non-woven methods such as felting or bonding also produce textiles. After fabrication, fabrics may undergo finishes such as dyeing, printing, heat-setting, mercerizing, or chemical treatments to alter appearance, texture, or performance (e.g., water repellency or wrinkle resistance).

Common fabric types are categorized by weave or knit structure and by weight and hand. Plain weave, twill, and satin are typical weaves, while jersey, rib, and interlock describe knits. Fabric properties like drape, strength, breathability, and texture determine their suitability for specific uses—soft, breathable cottons for apparel; sturdy denims and twills for workwear; luxurious silks for formalwear; and durable synthetics for upholstery.

Sustainability considerations are increasingly important in the textile industry. Environmental impacts include water and chemical use, energy consumption, and microplastic release. Responding to concerns, producers pursue certifications (e.g., GOTS, OEKO-TEX), recycled fibers, and closed-loop dyeing processes to improve the ecological footprint of kankaat.