Rayon is regenerated cellulose, often wood pulp, which is broken down
chemically and extruded through fine holes to produce long filaments
ready to be spun together. Most rayons are viscose rayon which is the
original 'art silk', but there are now several other forms of rayon
which break the cellulose down with different chemicals. These include
cuprammoniun rayon (usually very fine fibres), lyocell and Tencel.
The majority of rayon embroidery threads are viscose, and the filaments
are uncut, so as to mimic reeled silk, and are shiny and slippery to
use, as is reeled silk. You do occasionally find spun rayons (such as
Bart & Francis Lyocell) which are the equivalent of spun silk, ie the
filaments are cut into staple lengths and spun together. These threads
are soft and less slippery.
Because rayon is regenerated from another vegetable fibre it is
referred to as man-made. Polyester, polyamide, acrylic etc which are
made from minerals (oil or coal) are synthetic fibres.
As with all the other fibres it's horses for courses. If a rayon
thread works up to give the effect you want, then go ahead and use it.
The main drawback is the low tensile strength whilst wet and the
slipperyness in use and the big plus point is the wide range of colours
available.
Brenda in Allhallows, Kent
http://paternoster.orpheusweb.co.uk/index.html
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