Natural fibers or natural fibres are fibers that are produced by geological processes, or from the bodies of plants or animals. They can be used as a component of composite materials, where the orientation of fibers impacts the properties. Natural fibers can also be matted into sheets to make paper or felt.
Cotton growing on the plant
Abacá banana leaf fibres drying
Coir fibre
19th century knowledge weaving flax, hemp, jute, Manila hemp, sisal and vegetable fibers
Felt is a textile that is produced by matting, condensing, and pressing fibers together. Felt can be made of natural fibers such as wool or animal fur, or from synthetic fibers such as petroleum-based acrylic or acrylonitrile or wood pulp–based rayon. Blended fibers are also common. Natural fiber felt has special properties that allow it to be used for a wide variety of purposes. It is "fire-retardant and self-extinguishing; it dampens vibration and absorbs sound; and it can hold large amounts of fluid without feeling wet..."
Samples of felt in different colors
Kazakh felt yurt
Faranji is a Kurdish vest worn by men in winter and early spring
Wooden rolling pin used during the wet felting process