chemically produced fabrics are made by joining monomers into polymers, through a process called polymerization. A synthetic fabric, when magnified, looks like plastic spun together. Chemicals used to make synthetic fabric include sodium hydroxide and carbon disulfide, which are derived from coal, oil, or natural gas. Pressure forces the liquid chemicals through tiny holes called spinnerets. As the liquid comes out of the spinnerets and into the air, it cools and forms tiny threads. Manufacturers add artificial dyes to these threads before weaving them into a fabric.