It is called textile materials (from Latin texere, weave) to all those materials formed by fibers which
can be spun and woven, althought at present time, it is also used for spun materials, pressed into felt,
quilted, plaited, stuck, knot or embroidered materials made from threads, synthetic threads, or not woven
fabrics produced by mechanical or chemical action.
Fiber quality and applications depend on its lenght, its width, resistance, texture and absorbent properties.
Weaving was one of the first handmade activities, already practised in neolithic ages: in ancient Egypt the
first fabrics were made of linen; in India, Persya and Cambodia they were made of cotton; in Southern Europe
of wool, and in China of silk.
Textile fibers were used in its natural colour or frequently dyed. Dyeing could be done either after or before
weaving.
Until 1870 animal or plant natural colours were used to dye, and then they were fixed by mordants.
Spun hanks were first put into big barrels where there was a dissolved mordant.
The most usual colours where blue (it could come from indigo), red (it could come from cochineal insects)
and yellow (from saffron).