How are natural fibers, such as cotton and wool, processed for use in textiles?

Cotton Processing:

1. Harvesting: Cotton is picked from plants, either by hand or using mechanical harvesters.
2. Ginning: The cotton fibers are separated from seeds and debris using a cotton gin.
3. Cleaning: Fibers are cleaned to remove impurities like dirt and small debris.
4. Carding: Fibers are combed into a parallel arrangement to form a loose rope-like structure called a sliver.
5. Spinning: The sliver is spun into yarn by twisting the fibers together to add strength.
6. Weaving/Knitting: The yarn is woven or knitted into fabric, which is then finished for softness, color, or other desired properties.

Wool Processing:

1. Shearing: Wool is obtained by shearing sheep, typically once a year.
2. Scouring: The wool is washed to remove grease, dirt, and impurities.
3. Carding: Wool fibers are aligned into a web and formed into slivers, similar to cotton processing.
4. Combing (optional): For finer wool, the fibers are combed to remove shorter fibers and align the longer ones.
5. Spinning: Wool slivers are spun into yarn by twisting to create strength and elasticity.
6. Weaving/Knitting: The yarn is transformed into fabric or knitwear, followed by finishing processes such as fulling or dyeing.

Both cotton and wool undergo finishing treatments to enhance texture, color, or durability, making them ready for use in various textile products.