Textile Standards
Which organization develops standardized test methods and specifications for textiles?
ASTM International (formerly the American Society for Testing and Materials).
Which natural protein fiber comes from a silkworm's cocoon?
Silk
What unit measures the weight in grams of 9,000 meters of fiber or yarn?
Denier
What are warp and weft yarns?
Warp: Yarns running lengthwise in a woven fabric.
Weft (filling): Yarns running across the width of a woven fabric.
What textile property measures resistance to surface wear caused by rubbing?
Abrasion resistance.
Which organization develops standards for textile colorfastness, dyeing, and chemical testing?
AATCC (American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists).
Which natural plant-based fiber is commonly used to make burlap, sacks, and rugs?
Jute
Which common carpet fiber is known for excellent abrasion resistance and resilience?
Nylon
What does railroaded mean?
Railroaded means the fabric is used with its pattern running horizontally across the upholstered piece rather than vertically in the conventional orientation.
What is the transfer of dye from a textile to another surface through rubbing called?
Crocking.
What California law requires warnings about significant exposure to certain chemicals linked to cancer or reproductive harm?
California Proposition 65.
What are the four major classifications of textile fibers based on origin and manufacturing method?
Natural cellulosic, natural protein, regenerated, and synthetic fibers.
What is the difference between hydrophilic and hydrophobic fibers?
Hydrophilic fibers attract or absorb water, while hydrophobic fibers repel water or absorb very little of it.
Why would you choose railroading?
Choose it for long sofas, headboards, or wide benches when the fabric width permits a continuous covering with fewer seams. Always check pattern direction, backing, nap, and whether the design looks correct in the rotated orientation.
What property describes a textile's ability to maintain its size and shape during use and cleaning?
Dimensional stability.
What is the difference between a textile certification and a published testing standard?
A standard establishes requirements or test procedures. A certification indicates that a product has been evaluated and meets the requirements of a particular certification program.
What device pushes melted polymer or a fiber-forming solution through tiny holes to create manufactured filaments?
A spinneret.
Synthetic fibers tend to be poor conductors of electricity. What does this mean for the end user?
Static electricity can build up because synthetic fibers do not readily dissipate electrical charges. Users may experience small shocks, clothing cling, dust attraction, or static-related discomfort. Humidity and antistatic finishes can help reduce these effects.
What weaving technology allows complex patterns to be woven directly into a fabric?
Jacquard weaving.
What is the difference between resiliency and elastic recovery?
Resiliency is the ability to recover from deformation such as crushing or bending. Elastic recovery is the ability to return toward the original dimensions after stretching.
Why do California's textile regulations often influence products manufactured and sold throughout the United States?
California is a large market, so manufacturers often follow its requirements nationwide rather than produce separate products for different states.
What is the difference between regenerated cellulose fibers and synthetic fibers?
Regenerated cellulose fibers are made by dissolving natural cellulose and reforming it into fibers, while synthetic fibers are generally made from chemically synthesized polymers. Rayon and lyocell are regenerated; polyester and nylon are synthetic.
Why is polypropylene a good option for some outdoor textiles, and what are two of its weaknesses?
It is lightweight, absorbs very little moisture, and often has good colorfastness when solution-dyed. Weaknesses include low heat resistance and difficulty removing oily stains.
Why are most commercial upholstery patterns not jacquards?
Many commercial upholstery patterns are produced using less complex and less expensive construction methods, such as printed designs or simpler woven structures. Jacquards can require more elaborate setup and may cost more, so they are selected when the design and budget justify them.
Why might a fabric with excellent abrasion resistance still be a poor choice for drapery exposed to strong sunlight?
It may fade or weaken from prolonged ultraviolet exposure. Abrasion resistance measures rubbing wear, not resistance to sunlight.