ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses some minor utility textile fibres which have not attained commercial status like cotton, wool, silk, jute. Though the art of making linen from flax plant was known earlier than 2500 BC, it was only in the 12th century that flax production was organized into an industry. Hemp is also one of the bast fibres known to ancient Asians, long before the birth of Christ. Hemp is grown chiefly in the Philippines Island, China, Mexico, Russia, West Indies and India. Ramie fibre is known especially for its ability to hold shape, reduce wrinkling, and introduce a silky lustre to the fabric appearance. The pineapple fibre is a soft fibre extracted from the leaves of the pineapple plant and can be produced by breaking the matured leaves through a decorticating machine. It is sometimes combined with silk or polyester to create a textile fabric.
