Tencel: A new fiber

Tencel is a new fiber made in a process that is similar to the creation of rayon. As with rayon, cellulose cellulose, primarily from wood pulp, is used to make the fiber. Whether this creates a natural product is open to discussion.

The process involves dissolving wood pulp with a solvent which unlike the process for rayon or cupra, is a relatively non-toxic amine. The dissolved pulp is then forced through tiny holes called spinnerettes creating long, smooth, lusterous fibers much like silk in appearance and drape. It can be dyed to deep color.

I've spun some tencel fiber and it is quite luscious. It has that wonderful silken sheen. One knows that no silk worms died to produce it. It can be very slippery to spin so it is not a beginner's fiber, but anyone ready for silk can handle it with ease. Many spinners have a great enthusiasim for this new fiber and I can see why. You get the benefits of silk at half the price. However, to dye you will have to use a procion type dye for cellulose rather than the acid dyes one can use on a protein fiber like natural silk.

Here are some information sites for you.

The main TENCEL site:
http://www.tencel.com/fibertencel.html

A source for tencel clothing:
http://zonaclothes.com/boutique/tenceltw...

A source for tencel cloth for hand sewing:
http://www.srfabrics.com/other.htm

And A source of tencel fiber for spinning:
http://fiber.xtn.net

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