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BGCSE Fashion & Fabrics study materials
BGCSE Fashion & Fabrics study resources

BGCSE Fashion & Fabrics practice questions

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Question 1Fibres, Yarns and Fabric Construction

Which natural fibre is obtained from the seed of a plant?

  1. Linen
  2. Silk
  3. Cotton Correct answer.
  4. Wool

Explanation

Cotton fibres grow attached to the seeds inside the boll of the cotton plant, so they are classified as seed fibres. This is the defining feature that separates cotton from bast, animal and filament fibres.

Question 2Fibres, Yarns and Fabric Construction

Linen is classified as which type of plant fibre?

  1. Leaf fibre
  2. Fruit fibre
  3. Bast fibre Correct answer.
  4. Seed fibre

Explanation

Linen is extracted from the inner bark, or bast, of the flax stem, so it belongs to the bast fibre group. Bast fibres run in bundles along the stem and are removed by retting.

Question 3Fibres, Yarns and Fabric Construction

Which fibre is produced by a domesticated insect?

  1. Silk Correct answer.
  2. Mohair
  3. Cashmere
  4. Angora

Explanation

Silk is secreted by the larvae of the silkworm moth when they spin a cocoon, making it the only common natural filament. The other options are hairs grown by mammals.

Question 4Fibres, Yarns and Fabric Construction

Which manufactured fibre is made from naturally occurring cellulose?

  1. Viscose rayon Correct answer.
  2. Acrylic
  3. Nylon
  4. Polyester

Explanation

Viscose rayon is regenerated cellulose, usually made from wood pulp that is chemically dissolved and re-formed into filaments. Polyester, nylon and acrylic are wholly synthetic polymers derived from petrochemicals.

Question 5Fibres, Yarns and Fabric Construction

Which term describes the twisting of fibres into a continuous strand?

  1. Spinning Correct answer.
  2. Weaving
  3. Knitting
  4. Felting

Explanation

Spinning draws out and twists staple fibres so that friction holds them together as a yarn. Weaving, knitting and felting are fabric-construction methods that use yarn or fibre rather than making the yarn itself.

Question 6Fibres, Yarns and Fabric Construction

In a plain weave, the yarns interlace in which pattern?

  1. One over, one under Correct answer.
  2. One over, two under
  3. Two over, two under
  4. Four over, four under

Explanation

Plain weave is the simplest interlacing, where each warp yarn passes alternately over and under each weft yarn. This frequent interlacing gives a firm, stable fabric such as calico.

Question 7Fibres, Yarns and Fabric Construction

Which fabric structure is made by interlocking loops of yarn?

  1. Knitted Correct answer.
  2. Woven
  3. Braided
  4. Bonded

Explanation

Knitted fabric is built from interlocking loops, which lets it stretch and recover. Woven fabric crosses two yarn sets, bonded fabric uses adhesive, and braiding diagonally interlaces yarns.

Question 8Fibres, Yarns and Fabric Construction

Which property makes wool fabrics warm to wear?

  1. High lustre
  2. Smooth, flat surface
  3. Trapped insulating air Correct answer.
  4. Low moisture absorbency

Explanation

The crimp and scales of wool create bulk that traps still air, and still air is a poor conductor of heat. This trapped air layer slows heat loss from the body, so wool feels warm.

Question 9Fibres, Yarns and Fabric Construction

Which yarn is made from filaments that run the full length without twist?

  1. Staple yarn
  2. Filament yarn Correct answer.
  3. Fancy yarn
  4. Blended yarn

Explanation

A filament yarn is composed of long continuous filaments, either single or grouped, and needs little or no twist to hold together. Staple yarns are short fibres that must be twisted for strength.

Question 10Fibres, Yarns and Fabric Construction

A two-fold yarn is best described as which of the following?

  1. Two single yarns twisted together Correct answer.
  2. A yarn with two colours
  3. A yarn spun from two fibres
  4. A yarn with two plies of twist

Explanation

Folding, or plying, twists two or more already-spun single yarns together to make a thicker, stronger and more balanced yarn. The number of folds refers to how many single yarns are combined.

Question 11Fibres, Yarns and Fabric Construction

Which weave produces a fabric with a distinct diagonal line on its surface?

  1. Pile weave
  2. Satin weave
  3. Plain weave
  4. Twill weave Correct answer.

Explanation

Twill weave steps the interlacing point across each row, creating a continuous diagonal rib such as in denim. Plain and satin weaves produce flat or lustrous surfaces without a diagonal line.

Question 12Fibres, Yarns and Fabric Construction

Why does satin weave appear lustrous?

  1. The fibres are crimped
  2. Long floats reflect light along the surface Correct answer.
  3. The yarns are always metallic
  4. The fabric is heavily felted

Explanation

In satin weave the interlacing points are spaced far apart, so long floats of yarn lie on the surface and reflect light in one direction. This smooth, float-rich face gives the characteristic sheen.

Question 13Fibres, Yarns and Fabric Construction

Which fabric is produced by matting wool fibres together using moisture, heat and agitation?

  1. Taffeta
  2. Denim
  3. Felt Correct answer.
  4. Jersey

Explanation

Felt is made when the scales on wool fibres interlock under moisture, heat and friction, bonding the mass without spinning or weaving. Taffeta, jersey and denim are all constructed from yarns.

Question 14Fibres, Yarns and Fabric Construction

Which fibre is most likely to pill on a knitted garment?

  1. Filament nylon
  2. Short staple wool Correct answer.
  3. Continuous filament polyester
  4. Monofilament silk

Explanation

Pilling happens when short loose fibres work free of the yarn and tangle into small balls on the surface. Staple fibres such as wool are short and hairy, so they pill more readily than smooth continuous filaments.

Question 15Fibres, Yarns and Fabric Construction

Which property of cotton makes it suitable for towels and underwear?

  1. High elasticity
  2. High moisture absorbency Correct answer.
  3. Thermoplastic behaviour
  4. Low abrasion resistance

Explanation

Cotton absorbs moisture readily and releases it, so it feels comfortable next to the skin and dries reasonably well. This absorbency suits towels and underwear, which must take up perspiration and water.

Question 16Fibres, Yarns and Fabric Construction

Which yarn fault produces a thick, lumpy place in an otherwise even yarn?

  1. Hairiness
  2. Snarl
  3. Kink
  4. Slub Correct answer.

Explanation

A slub is a thick, soft lump where a cluster of fibres has been drafted unevenly into the yarn. It creates a raised, uneven spot that can show as a fault in plain fabric or be used deliberately as a decorative effect.

Question 17Fibres, Yarns and Fabric Construction

A manufacturer wants a fabric that stretches and recovers for close-fitting sportswear. Which structure and fibre combination best meets this need?

  1. Satin-woven silk
  2. Knitted elastane blend Correct answer.
  3. Plain-woven cotton
  4. Felted wool

Explanation

Knitted loops allow the fabric to extend, and elastane provides high stretch with good recovery. Together they give the fit and movement needed for close-fitting sportswear.

Question 18Fibres, Yarns and Fabric Construction

Which term describes the direction of the yarns running lengthwise in a woven fabric?

  1. Warp Correct answer.
  2. Bias
  3. Selvedge
  4. Weft

Explanation

Warp yarns run lengthwise, parallel to the selvedge, and are usually stronger and more tightly twisted because they carry tension during weaving. Weft yarns cross them from selvedge to selvedge.

Question 19Fibres, Yarns and Fabric Construction

Why is a fabric cut on the bias more flexible than the same fabric cut on the straight grain?

  1. Bias cuts always use finer yarns
  2. Bias cuts remove the selvedge
  3. Bias cuts cross the yarn intersections diagonally, letting them shift Correct answer.
  4. Bias cuts increase the twist of the yarn

Explanation

On the bias the cut runs diagonally across both warp and weft, so the intersecting yarns can pivot and slide over one another. This freedom of movement gives bias-cut fabric its characteristic stretch and drape.

Question 20Fibres, Yarns and Fabric Construction

Which feature distinguishes a woven fabric from a knitted fabric when both edges are examined?

  1. Knitted fabric never contains loops
  2. Woven edges fray less because yarns are interlaced at right angles Correct answer.
  3. Knitted fabric has a selvedge on all four sides
  4. Woven fabric curls strongly at cut edges

Explanation

Woven fabric interlocks two straight yarn sets at right angles, so its cut edges fray but do not curl much. Knitted loops tend to run and curl at cut edges, and a selvedge appears only on woven cloth.

Question 21Fibres, Yarns and Fabric Construction

A fabric label states the garment is made from 100% polyester filament yarn. Which performance expectation is most reasonable?

  1. It will shrink markedly in a hot wash
  2. It will dry quickly and resist creasing Correct answer.
  3. It will absorb perspiration strongly
  4. It will felt when rubbed

Explanation

Polyester is hydrophobic, so it takes up little water and dries quickly, and its thermoplastic nature helps it hold shape and resist creasing. It does not felt, and it shrinks less than absorbent cellulosic fabrics.

Question 22Fibres, Yarns and Fabric Construction

Why does a high-twist staple yarn feel harsher and produce a firmer fabric than a low-twist yarn of the same fibre?

  1. Extra twist packs the fibres tightly and reduces surface softness Correct answer.
  2. Extra twist adds moisture to the yarn
  3. Extra twist removes the fibre crimp permanently
  4. Extra twist shortens the fibres

Explanation

More twist binds the fibres into a compact, dense yarn with fewer loose ends standing out, so the surface feels harder and the fabric is firmer. Low twist leaves the yarn bulkier, softer and more absorbent.

Question 23Fibres, Yarns and Fabric Construction

A manufacturer blends polyester staple fibre with cotton before spinning. Which outcome best explains why this blend is common in school shirts?

  1. Both fibres are hydrophobic, so the shirt never needs washing
  2. The blend makes the fabric fully elastic
  3. The blend removes the need for any fabric finish
  4. Polyester adds strength and crease recovery while cotton adds absorbency and comfort Correct answer.

Explanation

Blending combines the useful properties of each fibre: polyester contributes strength, durability and wrinkle resistance, while cotton contributes moisture absorbency and comfort next to the skin. This balance suits hard-wearing everyday shirts.

Question 24Fibres, Yarns and Fabric Construction

Which reasoning best explains why a satin-weave silk dress drapes fluidly while a plain-weave cotton shirt of similar weight feels crisper?

  1. Plain weave always uses thicker yarns
  2. Silk is a staple fibre with high crimp
  3. Satin floats let yarns slide and silk filaments are smooth and flexible Correct answer.
  4. Cotton filaments are longer than silk filaments

Explanation

Satin weave has long floats and few interlacing points, so the yarns can shift and the cloth hangs softly. Smooth continuous silk filaments add flexibility, whereas the frequent interlacing of plain weave restricts yarn movement and gives a firmer hand.

Question 25Fibres, Yarns and Fabric Construction

A student compares two knitted samples: one made with a fine gauge and one with a coarse gauge. Which statement best predicts the difference?

  1. The coarse-gauge sample cannot stretch because loops are large
  2. Both samples have identical loop size and thickness
  3. The coarse-gauge sample has larger loops, so it is thicker and stretchier Correct answer.
  4. The fine-gauge sample has larger loops and more bulk

Explanation

Gauge refers to the size and spacing of the knitted loops. Coarser gauge means larger loops, which create a thicker, more open and more extensible fabric, while a fine gauge gives a closer, thinner knit.

Question 26Fibres, Yarns and Fabric Construction

Which fibre is produced by a manufacturing process rather than being harvested from a plant or animal?

  1. Silk
  2. Linen
  3. Nylon Correct answer.
  4. Wool

Explanation

Manufactured fibres such as nylon are made by extruding a polymer solution or melt through spinnerets, so their properties can be engineered. Linen, silk and wool are all natural fibres obtained from plants or animals, so they cannot be classed as manufactured.

Question 27Fibres, Yarns and Fabric Construction

A spinner wants a yarn that is smooth, strong and has no protruding fibre ends. Which fibre form should be used?

  1. Short staple fibres twisted tightly
  2. Staple fibres with a loose twist
  3. Filament fibres with little or no twist Correct answer.
  4. A blend of two staple fibres

Explanation

Filament fibres are continuous and lie parallel, so a low-twist filament yarn has a smooth surface with no fibre ends to create hairiness or friction. Staple fibres always have ends that project from the yarn surface, which makes the yarn weaker and rougher.

Question 28Fibres, Yarns and Fabric Construction

Why does a fabric woven from a tightly twisted, balanced plain weave generally resist abrasion better than a loosely woven fabric of the same fibre?

  1. The yarns absorb more moisture and swell to fill the gaps
  2. The looser fabric has a higher proportion of crimped yarns
  3. The tighter weave traps more air between the yarns
  4. The denser interlacing spreads rubbing forces over more yarn contact points Correct answer.

Explanation

In a tightly woven plain weave the yarns interlace frequently and sit close together, so an abrading surface meets many closely packed yarn crowns that share the load. In a loose weave the yarns can be rubbed apart more easily because fewer contact points carry the force.

Question 29Fibres, Yarns and Fabric Construction

A knitted fabric is stretched repeatedly and then released. Which structural feature allows it to return close to its original shape?

  1. Interlaced warp and weft yarns that lock each other in place
  2. A satin float arrangement that lets yarns lie flat
  3. Loop structure in which yarn slides and bends within the loops Correct answer.
  4. Felting of the fibres into a dense mat

Explanation

Knitted fabric is built from interlocking loops, and when the fabric is stretched the loops straighten and yarn slides through them; on release the loops bend back and the yarn redistributes, giving good recovery. Woven structures have far less loop mobility, so they recover poorly.

Question 30Fibres, Yarns and Fabric Construction

Two plain-weave cotton fabrics have the same yarn count, but one is woven from finer yarns and the other from coarser yarns. Which prediction about the finer-yarn fabric is most sound?

  1. It will be heavier, stiffer and warmer because more yarn mass is packed in
  2. It will be lighter, smoother and more pliable because each yarn is thinner Correct answer.
  3. It will be identical in mass because the yarn count is the same
  4. It will be stronger in every direction because fine yarns never break

Explanation

Finer yarns have less mass per unit length, so at the same yarn count the fabric is lighter and its surface is smoother and more supple. Coarser yarns give a bulkier, stiffer fabric with a more pronounced texture.

Question 31Fabric Properties, Finishes and Care

Which fibre is a natural protein fibre obtained from a sheep's fleece?

  1. Wool Correct answer.
  2. Cotton
  3. Viscose
  4. Linen

Explanation

Wool is a natural protein fibre grown as the fleece of sheep and other animals such as goats. Its protein structure gives it warmth, elasticity and moisture absorption. The other listed fibres are either cellulose-based or manufactured.

Question 32Fabric Properties, Finishes and Care

Which property best explains why cotton fabric is comfortable to wear in hot weather?

  1. It traps a thick layer of still air
  2. It absorbs moisture and allows it to evaporate Correct answer.
  3. It melts at a low temperature
  4. It resists creasing completely

Explanation

Cotton is hydrophilic, so it takes up perspiration and releases it to the air by evaporation, which cools the skin. This moisture transport is the main reason cotton feels comfortable in heat. Trapping air, low melt point and crease resistance do not describe this cooling effect.

Question 33Fabric Properties, Finishes and Care

A care label shows a basin symbol with one dot. What does this tell the consumer?

  1. Wash at a cool, gentle temperature Correct answer.
  2. Boil the garment to sterilise it
  3. Do not use any water at all
  4. Dry clean only, never wash

Explanation

On care labels the wash basin indicates home laundering, and the number of dots shows the maximum temperature. One dot means a cool, gentle wash. Boiling and dry-clean-only instructions use different symbols.

Question 34Fabric Properties, Finishes and Care

Which term describes a finish that makes fabric resist wetting by water?

  1. Water-repellent finish Correct answer.
  2. Calendering finish
  3. Mercerising finish
  4. Bio-polishing finish

Explanation

A water-repellent finish coats the fibre surface so water droplets bead and run off without penetrating. Mercerising, calendering and bio-polishing change lustre, smoothness or surface fibres instead. Each finish is named for the effect it produces.

Question 35Fabric Properties, Finishes and Care

Which fibre is known for high strength when wet, making it suitable for ropes and swimwear?

  1. Rayon
  2. Acetate
  3. Wool
  4. Nylon Correct answer.

Explanation

Nylon is a manufactured polyamide fibre with very high tensile strength, and it loses little strength when wet. This durability suits ropes, swimwear and outdoor gear. Wool, rayon and acetate are all weaker, especially when wet.

Question 36Fabric Properties, Finishes and Care

What is the main purpose of adding a flame-retardant finish to a fabric?

  1. To reduce static cling
  2. To increase colour brightness
  3. To soften the handle
  4. To slow ignition and burning Correct answer.

Explanation

Flame-retardant finishes work by slowing ignition, reducing flame spread or causing the fabric to self-extinguish. They address fire safety rather than appearance or handle. Brightness, softness and static control are achieved by other finishes.

Question 37Fabric Properties, Finishes and Care

A knitted jersey fabric stretches more easily than a plain woven fabric mainly because of which factor?

  1. Its higher fibre density
  2. Its tighter yarn twist
  3. Its heavier fabric weight
  4. Its interlocking loop structure Correct answer.

Explanation

Knit fabric is built from interlocking loops of yarn, so the loops can open and close, giving natural stretch and recovery. Woven fabric interlocks straight yarns at right angles, which restricts stretch. Density, twist and weight do not create this loop-based elasticity.

Question 38Fabric Properties, Finishes and Care

Why is wool often blended with polyester in suiting fabrics?

  1. To combine wool's warmth with polyester's crease recovery Correct answer.
  2. To remove the need for any care label
  3. To make the fabric shrink more on washing
  4. To make the fabric cheaper and fully waterproof

Explanation

Blending lets a manufacturer combine the good properties of two fibres while offsetting their weaknesses. Wool contributes warmth, handle and moisture absorption, while polyester adds strength, durability and crease recovery. The result is easier to wear and care for than pure wool.

Question 39Fabric Properties, Finishes and Care

A garment label reads 'Do not wring or tumble dry'. Which fibre is most likely to be damaged by these actions?

  1. Nylon
  2. Polyester
  3. Wool Correct answer.
  4. Acrylic

Explanation

Wool fibres have overlapping scales, and agitation plus heat can make them interlock and felt, causing permanent shrinkage. Wringing and tumbling provide exactly this mechanical action and heat. Synthetic fibres such as polyester, nylon and acrylic do not felt in the same way.

Question 40Fabric Properties, Finishes and Care

Which finish would be chosen to give a cotton shirt a smooth, glossy surface?

  1. Mothproofing
  2. Anti-static finishing
  3. Calendering Correct answer.
  4. Flame-retardant finishing

Explanation

Calendering passes fabric between heated rollers under pressure, flattening the surface and producing a smooth sheen. Anti-static, mothproofing and flame-retardant finishes address electrical charge, insect damage and fire safety. Only calendering changes surface smoothness and lustre.

Question 41Fabric Properties, Finishes and Care

Why should a stain be blotted rather than rubbed when treating it before washing?

  1. Blotting removes all dye from the fabric
  2. Blotting changes the fibre from natural to synthetic
  3. Rubbing pushes the stain deeper and can damage fibres Correct answer.
  4. Rubbing makes the stain permanently colourless

Explanation

Rubbing spreads the staining substance across a wider area and forces it between the fibres, and it can abrade the fabric surface. Blotting lifts the substance onto an absorbent cloth with minimal disturbance. Careful lifting therefore gives the best chance of full removal.

Question 42Fabric Properties, Finishes and Care

A fabric feels cool and smooth and drapes heavily. Which fibre most likely gives this handle?

  1. Viscose rayon Correct answer.
  2. Wool
  3. Linen
  4. Cotton

Explanation

Viscose rayon is a regenerated cellulose fibre with a smooth filament surface, so it feels cool and slippery and drapes in soft folds. Wool is warm and bulky, while cotton and linen have a drier, less fluid handle. The combination of coolness, smoothness and fluid drape points to rayon.

Question 43Fabric Properties, Finishes and Care

Which washing practice best protects a brightly dyed cotton garment from colour loss?

  1. Drying in direct midday sunlight for hours
  2. Washing in cool water with a mild detergent Correct answer.
  3. Washing in very hot water with strong bleach
  4. Soaking overnight in undiluted bleach

Explanation

Dyes bleed and fade faster in hot water, harsh alkalis and strong oxidising agents. Cool water with a mild detergent removes soil gently while limiting dye loss. Prolonged bleaching and strong sunlight both accelerate fading.

Question 44Fabric Properties, Finishes and Care

Which fibre is thermoplastic, so it can be permanently heat-set into pleats?

  1. Cotton
  2. Polyester Correct answer.
  3. Wool
  4. Silk

Explanation

Thermoplastic synthetic fibres such as polyester soften with heat and can be set into a shape that is retained on cooling. This is why sharp, durable pleats can be heat-set in polyester. Natural fibres like cotton, wool and silk do not behave this way.

Question 45Fabric Properties, Finishes and Care

Why does a tightly woven, densely constructed fabric generally resist wind better than an open knit?

  1. It has smaller gaps between yarns Correct answer.
  2. It contains more moisture
  3. It reflects more visible light
  4. It has a looser loop structure

Explanation

Wind resistance depends on how easily air passes through the fabric. A dense weave leaves smaller spaces between yarns, so less air flows through. An open knit has large loops and gaps that let air move freely.

Question 46Fabric Properties, Finishes and Care

A care label states the garment may be tumble dried on low heat. Which fibre would be most at risk if a consumer ignored this and used high heat?

  1. Silk
  2. Cotton
  3. Linen
  4. Acrylic Correct answer.

Explanation

Acrylic is a thermoplastic fibre that softens at relatively low temperatures, so high tumble-dry heat can cause shrinkage and distortion. Linen, cotton and silk are not thermoplastic and are less likely to be deformed by heat alone. Heat sensitivity is therefore the deciding factor.

Question 47Fabric Properties, Finishes and Care

Which combination of fibre and finish would best suit a hospital bed sheet that must resist ignition and withstand frequent hot washing?

  1. Acetate with a calendered glaze
  2. Wool with a softener finish
  3. Rayon with a water-repellent finish
  4. Cotton with a durable flame-retardant finish Correct answer.

Explanation

Cotton is strong, absorbent and tolerates repeated hot laundering, which suits institutional use. A durable flame-retardant finish adds the required resistance to ignition. Wool, acetate and rayon are either less washable, weaker when wet or not naturally ignition-resistant.

Question 48Fabric Properties, Finishes and Care

A manufacturer wants a cotton fabric to resist creasing and hold a crisp fold through repeated washing. Which treatment is most appropriate?

  1. A mothproofing finish
  2. A durable-press resin finish Correct answer.
  3. A water-repellent finish
  4. A bio-polishing finish

Explanation

Durable-press resins cross-link cellulose molecules so the fabric recovers from creasing and keeps a pressed shape through laundering. Water repellency, mothproofing and bio-polishing do not affect crease recovery. The desired property of shape retention points specifically to a resin finish.

Question 49Fabric Properties, Finishes and Care

Two identical cotton shirts are washed repeatedly, one in hard water and one in soft water. Which observation is most likely?

  1. Both shirts behave identically because water hardness is irrelevant
  2. The shirt washed in hard water becomes softer and whiter
  3. The shirt washed in soft water develops mineral scale deposits
  4. The shirt washed in hard water becomes stiffer and greyer Correct answer.

Explanation

Hard water contains dissolved calcium and magnesium ions that react with soap to form insoluble scum. This scum deposits on fabric, leaving it stiff, dull and grey over time. Soft water lathers freely and rinses clean, so it keeps fabric brighter and softer.

Question 50Fabric Properties, Finishes and Care

A designer needs a lightweight fabric that is strong, quick-drying and resistant to mildew for an outdoor jacket. Which choice best meets all three requirements?

  1. Wool
  2. Cotton
  3. Silk
  4. Polyester Correct answer.

Explanation

Polyester is a synthetic fibre with high strength for its weight, low moisture absorbency so it dries quickly, and resistance to mildew because mildew needs moisture to grow. Cotton and wool absorb water and stay damp, and silk is weaker and moisture-sensitive. All three stated needs are met by polyester.