Fabric Production
After spinning the thread, we wove or knit it into fabric and then make it into clothing. There are two systems of lines we call warp and weft woven together to create a piece of cloth. To make a knitted fabric, we tie the thread/yarn in loops with each other. In the past, it was woven and knitted by hand, but today, knitting and weaving machines produce the fabrics to speed up production. A modern knitting machine knits up to 300 m2 per hour.
Problems – Fabric Making – Knitting
When knitting the fabrics, we use oils and waxes to make the knitting process more efficient, such as removing static electricity and reducing the friction that would otherwise wear down the threads. Some oils are natural, while others are chemically produced.
Problems – Fabric Making – Weaving
Weaving is very energy-intensive. During weaving, the threads are given an adhesive treatment to protect, strengthen, and soften the threads so that they are pliable during the weaving process. The adhesive can be starch-based or synthetic. We then wash away the chemicals, knitting oils, and warp adhesives before the dyeing or sewing. Purification of the washing water is therefore essential.
We then wash away the chemicals, knitting oils, and warp adhesives before the dyeing or sewing. Purification of the washing water is therefore essential.
If you want to read more and know about the whole process, check out the Swedish Society for Nature Conservation and learn about our work: Naturskyddsforeningen.se – Fact sheet, The Garment School 
