The fibres in most fabrics are spun together to make a thread called a yarn. The yarn may be very thin as in cotton yarn, or it may be thick as in woollen yarn.

There are two ways of joining the yarn together to make a fabric. They are weaving and knitting. In a woven fabric the yarn is arranged in two directions - along the cloth and across the cloth. Each thread goes under and over the other threads in the cloth. Woven fabrics are used for making clothing, sheets, curtains, table cloths and handkerchiefs.

In a knitted fabric the yarn is looped together.

Woollen fabrics are used for making pullovers, dresses and some kinds of hats.

Felt is a fabric which is made by heating and pressing damp wool together. it is used for making hats.

Some fabrics are called bonded fabrics. They are made by sticking fibres together with glue. They are very cheap to make and can be thrown away after they have been used. Surgeon's gowns and nappy liners are made from bonded fabrics.