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YouTube

How to Tell What Clothes Are Made of by Lighting Them on Fire

Bernadette Banner via YouTube

Overview

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This 17-minute tutorial demonstrates how to identify fabric composition through burn testing - a practical method for determining what your clothes are actually made of. Learn to distinguish between natural fibers like cotton, linen, and silk versus synthetic materials like polyester and nylon by observing how they burn, smell, and the residue they leave behind. Complete with a reference chart for different fiber reactions, this hands-on guide provides valuable knowledge for anyone interested in sustainable fashion, historical costuming, or simply understanding their wardrobe better. The video includes safety precautions and practical demonstrations of the burn test technique that can help you make more informed decisions about your clothing purchases and care.

Syllabus

How to tell what clothes are made of (by lighting them on FIRE)

Taught by

Bernadette Banner

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