Nylon “the miracle fiber” was patented and introduced to the world in 1938. The first completely new synthetic fiber made by man. It was created by a brilliant scientist, inventor and scholar named Wallace Carothers. In 1931, he left Harvard and was hired by the DuPont Company to work in their research laboratory for the development of artificial materials. They were hoping to replace silk (to compete with China) and gave Carothers the task. He started by mixing three chemicals to form a new fiber, he then created the process of distilling water from the main components in order to remove it from the process, making for stronger fibers. This is how nylon was created. This stimulated ensuing discoveries of an entire new world of manufactured fibers. Soon after textile manufacturers could purchase the fiber for half the price of raw silk.

Today it is used in too many items to list, but one of the most relevant of them being nylon ribbon. Needless to say Nylon is a very durable, washable, flexible fabric.

Polyester characteristics: Strong, resistant to stretching and shrinking, resistant to most chemicals, quick drying, wrinkle resistant, mildew resistant, abrasion resistant, retains heat set pleats and creases, easily washed.

Polyester is generally considered to have a less natural feeling to it compared to natural fibers. Natural polyesters have been known since around 1830. Polyesters exist in the Cutin of the plant cuticle, although generally it refers to the large family of synthetic fibers. Polyester (PET) is a category of condensation polymers, which contain the ester functional group in their main chain. A Polymetric fiber is a polymer whose chains are stretched out straight (or close to straight) and lined up next to each other, all along the same axis. Polymers arranged in fibers like this can be spun into threads and used as textiles. The first polyester fiber called Terylene was patented in 1941 the second polyester was DuPont’s Dacron. Since then we have developed great uses for polyester, such as the beautiful Midori Capriccio ribbon.