General Categories
What are the 5 focus areas of Textiles Technology?
Textile Art
Costume
Apparel
Furnishings
Non - Apparel
Name the three basic weaves used in fabric construction.
Plain, Twill and Satin/Sateen Weaves
What are the two sub-categories of natural fibres based on their source?
Cellulosic (plant-based, e.g., cotton, linen) and Protein (animal-based, e.g., wool, silk)
What are the two main categories of manufactured/man-made fibres?
Regenerated fibres (derived from natural polymers like wood pulp) and Synthetic fibres (derived from petrochemicals)
What fabric structure goes over 1, under 1?
Plain Weave
What are the three component stages of creating a textile product from raw materials?
Fibre, Yarn and Fabric
What direction are weft, warp and bias?
Weft = left - right
Warp = top - bottom
Bias = Diagonal
What are three common items made from wool and what properties/perfomances make this an appropriate fibre choice?
Could include:
- Jumpers/cardigans (warmth/insulation, breathable, elastic)
- Blankets (warmth/insulation, strong)
- Firefighter uniforms (self-extinguishing, strong)
Which synthetic fibre is known for its extreme strength, abrasion resistance, and use in swimwear/activewear under the trade name Lycra?
Elastane (or Nylon/Polyester depending on application; Elastane for stretch, Nylon for high strength/abrasion resistance).
What type of single-weft knit features distinct "V" shapes on the front face and smooth loops on the back, commonly used for making T-shirts?
Jersey knit (single jersey)
What are the three main types of fabric structures?
Woven
Knit
Non-woven
How are woven fabrics constructed?
By interlacing two sets of yarns at right angles (90 degrees) to each other (warp yarns running lengthwise and weft yarns running crosswise).
Why is cotton widely used for summer clothing? State two specific properties
It is highly absorbent (hydrophilic) and breathable (a good heat conductor), keeping the wearer cool
Name a common regenerated cellulosic fibre and explain why it behaves similarly to cotton.
Viscose/Rayon; because it is made from dissolved cellulose (wood pulp), giving it high absorbency and softness.
Which weave pattern creates a distinct diagonal ribbing effect across the fabric surface, making it exceptionally durable for workwear like denim?
Twill Weave
What is the difference between aesthetic properties and functional properties of a fabric (with examples of properties)?
Aesthetic properties relate to how a fabric looks and feels (e.g., lustre, drape, texture), while functional properties relate to how it performs (e.g., strength, absorbency, elasticity).
How are knitted fabrics constructed, and what is their primary performance characteristic?
Constructed by interlocking loops of yarn; their primary characteristic is high elasticity/stretch and comfort
Identify two major advantages and two major disadvantages of Linen (flax)
Advantages: Very strong, highly absorbent, crisp handle.
Disadvantages: Wrinkles very easily and has poor elasticity
What process is used to turn liquid polymer solution into solid filament fibres during manufacturing?
Spinning through a spinneret (via wet, dry, or melt spinning)
What is the difference between Silk and Satin, and explain how Satin/Sateen is produced
Silk is a fibre from silk worms, where Satin/Sateen is a fabric weave and can be made from any fibre.
Sateen/Satin is produced by going over four of the weft yarns and under one weft yarn, to create a smooth and lustrous fabric
What is a blended fabric, and why are fibres blended together?
A fabric made from two or more different fibre types combined together (e.g., Poly-cotton) to improve performance, comfort, or reduce cost by combining the best properties of each fibre.
Name two examples of non-woven fabrics and how they are held together
Felt (fibres matted together using heat, moisture, and friction) and Webbing/Interfacing (bonded together chemically or thermally)
Explain how silk is produced and all its properties (8 of them)
Produced from the cocoon of the silkworm.
Strong, Durable, Breathable, Elastic (though doesn't return to its natural shape), Absorbent, Static, Doesn't Shrink, Hypoallergenic
State three major drawbacks of synthetic fibres like Polyester or Nylon when worn next to the skin
Non-absorbent (hydrophobic/sweaty feel), prone to static electricity build-up, heat-sensitive (melts easily), and can trap body odor.
What complex weave type allows intricate patterns, florals, or tapestries (like brocade and damask) to be woven directly into the fabric using individually controlled warp threads?
What properties/performances does it contain and what are common uses?
Jacquard Weave
Properties: Decorative, strong, thick, heavy drape, and keeps its shape well.
Common Uses: Curtains, upholstery, tablecloths, formal jackets, and ties.