Textiles
Core concepts
Know natural fibres - cotton, linen, wool, silk - and manufactured fibres such as viscose/rayon, polyester, nylon, and acrylic. Understand fibre properties: absorbency, strength, elasticity, warmth, drape, and resistance to heat and chemicals. Learn fabric construction: woven (plain, twill, satin), knitted (weft and warp), and non-woven (felt). Know yarn types and the meaning of warp and weft. Understand finishes (mercerising, waterproofing, flame-retardant) and the care implications of each fibre - washing temperature, ironing heat, shrinkage, and pilling. Know how to read care labels and fibre-content labels.
Traps to watch
- Wool shrinks and felts with heat and agitation; it needs cool hand washing.
- Polyester is strong and quick-drying but not absorbent and can melt at high iron temperatures.
- Satin is a weave, not a fibre; silk is a fibre.
- Mercerising strengthens cotton and improves lustre; it does not make it waterproof.
Worked example
A candidate must choose a fibre for swimwear. Answer: polyester or nylon, because they are strong, quick-drying, and resistant to water and chlorine; cotton would absorb water, become heavy, and dry slowly. Justify by naming at least two properties.
Rule of thumb
Match fibre property to end use: absorbency for towels and underwear, strength and elasticity for sportswear, warmth for winter wear.