Textiles Basics
Name one natural fibre.
cotton, wool, silk, linen
Is cotton natural or synthetic?
Natural.
What fibre was the first used for clothing?
Wool.
What harmful material do polyester clothes release when washed?
Microplastics.
Which fabric are jeans usually made from?
Denim
What is the difference between natural and synthetic fibres?
Natural comes from plants/animals (cotton, wool); synthetic is man-made (polyester, nylon).
Name one common use for polyester fabric.
Sportswear, bags, uniforms.
What machine revolutionised clothing production in the 1800s?
Sewing machine.
What is one impact of dye runoff into rivers?
Pollution, harming aquatic life, unsafe water for locals.
Which textile is called “the queen of fibres”?
Silk
What tool do you use to push thread through fabric when hand-sewing?
A needle.
What word describes fabric that lets air pass through easily?
Breathable.
what came first: the invention of the sewing machine or the development of rayon (the first manufactured fibre)?
The sewing machine came first (1846), rayon was developed later (late 1800s).
Give one way we as consumers can reduce textile waste.
Buy less fast fashion, donate clothes, recycle textiles, repair and reuse clothing.
If your shirt is wrinkly after washing, is it likely cotton or polyester?
Cotton
What are the three main textile structures?
Woven, knitted, non-woven.
Which fabric feels stretchy: knitted or woven?
Knitted.
What is “fast fashion”?
Cheap, fast-made clothing produced quickly to follow trends.
Name 2 countries severely affected by textile pollution.
Bangladesh, India, China.
True or False: Wool keeps you warm even when it’s wet.
True
What does “textile” mean?
Any material made from fibres, yarns, or fabrics used to make items like clothes or upholstery.
What is the difference between woven and knitted fabrics?
Woven fabrics are made by interlacing yarns at right angles (e.g., denim); knitted fabrics are made by looping yarns together (e.g., t-shirts).
When did fast fashion begin to rise in popularity?
1980s–1990s.
What greenhouse gas is released when textiles decompose in landfill?
Methane.
Which fabric is often used for superhero costumes because it’s shiny and stretchy?
Spandex/Lycra