I85PREP
⌘ K
Upholstery and Fabric Cleaning Technician study materials
Upholstery and Fabric Cleaning Technician study resources

Upholstery and Fabric Cleaning Technician practice questions

One question at a time. Build your Upholstery and Fabric Cleaning Technician understanding.

First 50 of 200 questions. Each one lists the choices, the correct answer, and an explanation. The checker at the top of this page saves progress in this browser when it is available.

Continue in the practice tool above to load more questions, 50 at a time.

Question 1Fibers, Fabrics, and Identification

A burn test on an unlabeled fiber produces a bead that fuses and hardens into a tough, dark ball that cannot be crushed, with a celery-like odor. Which fiber group does this most likely indicate?

  1. Silk
  2. Olefin/polypropylene Correct answer.
  3. Cotton
  4. Wool

Explanation

Olefin is a polyolefin thermoplastic that melts and fuses into a hard, non-crushable bead with a waxy or celery-like odor. Cellulosic fibers like cotton burn with a paper odor and leave soft gray ash, and protein fibers like wool and silk smell like burning hair.

Question 2Fibers, Fabrics, and Identification

Which fiber is a natural cellulosic fiber commonly used in upholstery and is damaged by prolonged contact with strong acids?

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

Explanation

Cotton is a natural cellulose fiber, so strong acids hydrolyze and degrade it. Nylon, polyester, and acrylic are all synthetic polymers with different chemical resistance profiles.

Question 3Fibers, Fabrics, and Identification

A client's sofa is covered in a fabric that feels soft and lustrous and is labeled as a protein fiber. Which cleaning concern applies most specifically to this fiber class?

  1. It is damaged by alkaline cleaning agents and chlorine bleach Correct answer.
  2. It dissolves in water at room temperature
  3. It is unaffected by all solvents and water
  4. It melts at very low temperatures under a warm iron

Explanation

Protein fibers such as wool and silk are sensitive to alkalis and to chlorine bleach, which degrade the fiber and can yellow or dissolve it. They tolerate mild acids better than strong alkalis, so neutral or mildly acidic agents are preferred.

Question 4Fibers, Fabrics, and Identification

During inspection, a technician notices a fabric with a pronounced diagonal rib pattern across the face. Which weave structure does this describe?

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

Explanation

A twill weave is produced by passing the weft over one or more warp yarns and under two or more, creating a stepped diagonal line or rib. Plain weave shows a simple over-one-under-one grid, pile weaves have raised surface yarns, and jacquard refers to a patterning mechanism rather than a diagonal rib.

Question 5Fibers, Fabrics, and Identification

A technician is examining a cut edge of fabric where an extra set of yarns runs parallel to the selvage. These yarns are usually heavier and add stability. What are they called?

  1. Napping yarns
  2. Filling yarns
  3. Warp yarns Correct answer.
  4. Binder yarns

Explanation

Warp yarns run lengthwise, parallel to the selvage, and are typically stronger and more tightly twisted to withstand loom tension. Filling (weft) yarns run crosswise and interlace with the warp.

Question 6Fibers, Fabrics, and Identification

A velvet-like upholstery fabric shows crushing and shading differences when brushed in different directions. What property should the technician identify to explain this appearance?

  1. Pile direction (nap) Correct answer.
  2. Pilling
  3. Colorfastness
  4. Soil release

Explanation

Pile fabrics such as velvet, velour, and some chenille show a nap or pile direction; the surface reflects light differently depending on which way the pile lies. This causes shading that is normal and should be noted before cleaning so it is not mistaken for damage.

Question 7Fibers, Fabrics, and Identification

A fabric label indicates the fiber content is a manufactured cellulosic fiber regenerated from wood pulp. Which fiber matches this description?

  1. Polyester
  2. Olefin
  3. Nylon
  4. Rayon Correct answer.

Explanation

Rayon is a regenerated cellulose fiber made from purified wood pulp, so it is manufactured but cellulosic in origin. Polyester, olefin, and nylon are fully synthetic polymers derived from petrochemicals.

Question 8Fibers, Fabrics, and Identification

A technician runs a fingernail test along a seam allowance and observes that yarns slide and separate easily. What does this observation most directly indicate?

  1. Excellent colorfastness
  2. Poor seam stability or low yarn slippage resistance Correct answer.
  3. Low flammability
  4. High abrasion resistance

Explanation

Yarn slippage resistance describes how well interlaced yarns stay in place; when yarns separate easily, seams are prone to failure under stress. This is a construction quality issue, not an abrasion, colorfastness, or flammability property.

Question 9Fibers, Fabrics, and Identification

Which characteristic best distinguishes a staple fiber from a filament fiber?

  1. Staple fibers cannot be spun into yarn
  2. Staple fibers are always stronger than filament fibers
  3. Staple fibers are measured in short lengths; filament fibers are continuous Correct answer.
  4. Staple fibers are always synthetic; filament fibers are always natural

Explanation

Staple fibers are relatively short lengths, natural or cut from filament, that must be twisted together to form yarn. Filament fibers are continuous strands that can run the full length of the fabric.

Question 10Fibers, Fabrics, and Identification

A cleaning technician is concerned that a fabric may bleed dye during wet cleaning. Which test is most appropriate to perform before cleaning?

  1. A pile crush test
  2. A pH test of the cleaning solution only
  3. A burn test on a hidden sample
  4. A crocking or wet colorfastness test on a concealed area Correct answer.

Explanation

A wet colorfastness or crocking test on a concealed area checks whether dye transfers or bleeds when wet or rubbed. Burn testing identifies fiber content, not dye stability, and testing only the solution pH does not reveal how the fabric's dye reacts.

Question 11Fibers, Fabrics, and Identification

Which fiber is most likely to be damaged by strong oxidizing bleaches such as chlorine bleach, causing yellowing and loss of strength?

  1. Glass fiber
  2. Olefin
  3. Polyester
  4. Wool Correct answer.

Explanation

Wool is a protein fiber and is degraded by strong oxidizing bleaches, which attack the protein structure and cause yellowing and strength loss. Olefin and polyester are generally more resistant to oxidizing bleaches.

Question 12Fibers, Fabrics, and Identification

A fabric sample leaves a soft, crushable black ash with a burning-hair odor when ignited. Which fiber is indicated?

  1. Wool Correct answer.
  2. Acetate
  3. Cotton
  4. Polypropylene

Explanation

Protein fibers such as wool and silk burn with a burning-hair odor and leave a crushable black ash. Cotton smells like burning paper, acetate smells like vinegar, and polypropylene melts with a waxy odor.

Question 13Fibers, Fabrics, and Identification

A technician is identifying a fabric with a smooth, lustrous surface that is a manufactured fiber and dissolves in acetone. Which fiber is most likely?

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

Explanation

Acetate is a manufactured cellulose ester fiber that dissolves in acetone, which is a classic identification test for it. Cotton, nylon, and wool are not dissolved by acetone.

Question 14Fibers, Fabrics, and Identification

A woven fabric shows a raised, looped surface that can snag on jewelry. Which construction feature should the technician document before cleaning?

  1. A loop pile construction Correct answer.
  2. A laminated foam backing
  3. A flat plain weave
  4. A bonded nonwoven backing

Explanation

Loop pile fabrics such as some berbers and looped chenilles have raised loops that can snag and pull during cleaning or handling. Documenting the loop pile alerts the technician to use gentle tools and avoid aggressive agitation.

Question 15Fibers, Fabrics, and Identification

Which fiber property explains why olefin upholstery fabric can be damaged by heat from a hot iron or a heat gun?

  1. Natural origin
  2. High density
  3. High moisture regain
  4. Thermoplasticity Correct answer.

Explanation

Olefin is a thermoplastic fiber with a relatively low melting point, so direct heat can soften, shrink, or melt it. Technicians should avoid high heat and use low-temperature drying or tools.

Question 16Fibers, Fabrics, and Identification

A fabric is described as having a high moisture regain. Which fiber is most consistent with this property?

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

Explanation

Wool has a high moisture regain and can absorb a substantial percentage of its weight in water vapor without feeling damp. Olefin, polyester, and acrylic are hydrophobic synthetics with low moisture regain.

Question 17Fibers, Fabrics, and Identification

A technician suspects a fabric has been treated with a fluorochemical soil-release finish. What behavior would support this conclusion?

  1. The fabric absorbs water rapidly
  2. The fabric dissolves in water
  3. The fabric changes color when wet
  4. Water and oil-based liquids bead up on the surface Correct answer.

Explanation

Fluorochemical finishes lower surface energy so water and oil-based liquids bead up rather than wetting the fabric. This improves soil release and helps prevent stains from penetrating.

Question 18Fibers, Fabrics, and Identification

Which test method is most appropriate for identifying whether an unknown fiber is natural or manufactured by observing its longitudinal and cross-sectional shape under magnification?

  1. Microscopic examination Correct answer.
  2. Abrasion test
  3. pH test
  4. Burn test

Explanation

Microscopic examination reveals characteristic longitudinal and cross-sectional shapes, such as the scales of wool or the lobed cross-section of cotton, helping distinguish natural from manufactured fibers. Burn testing gives clues but is less definitive for some fibers.

Question 19Fibers, Fabrics, and Identification

A fabric has a label stating it is a bicomponent fiber blend. What does this mean?

  1. The fabric contains two different fiber types combined in one yarn or fabric Correct answer.
  2. The fabric has a laminated backing
  3. The fabric is made from a single fiber type only
  4. The fabric has been dyed twice

Explanation

A bicomponent or blend fabric combines two different fiber types to gain complementary properties, such as strength from one fiber and softness from another. It does not refer to dyeing or backing.

Question 20Fibers, Fabrics, and Identification

A technician is evaluating a fabric with a very tight, low-porosity weave. What cleaning concern is most directly associated with this construction?

  1. The fabric cannot be vacuumed
  2. The fabric will dissolve in water
  3. Cleaning solutions may penetrate poorly and residue may remain Correct answer.
  4. The fabric will always shrink excessively

Explanation

Tight, low-porosity weaves resist penetration of cleaning solutions, so moisture and detergent residue can remain near the surface or in the backing. Technicians should use controlled moisture and thorough extraction or rinsing.

Question 21Fibers, Fabrics, and Identification

Which fiber is known to have excellent resistance to sunlight degradation and is often used in outdoor upholstery?

  1. Natural silk
  2. Rayon
  3. Solution-dyed acrylic Correct answer.
  4. Cotton

Explanation

Solution-dyed acrylic fibers have good sunlight resistance and colorfastness, making them common in outdoor furniture. Silk, rayon, and cotton are more susceptible to UV degradation or fading.

Question 22Fibers, Fabrics, and Identification

A fabric has a distinct directional weave with a high-low ribbed surface. When cleaning, why should the technician work in the direction of the rib?

  1. To dissolve the fibers faster
  2. To increase the pH of the solution
  3. To avoid distorting the raised rib and to maintain uniform appearance Correct answer.
  4. To change the fabric's fiber content

Explanation

Working with the directional rib helps prevent distortion, crushing, and uneven appearance of the raised structure. Cleaning against the rib can mat or bend the raised yarns.

Question 23Fibers, Fabrics, and Identification

A technician is comparing two fabrics: one made of filament polyester and one made of spun polyester staple. Which statement best describes a likely difference in hand and performance?

  1. The filament fabric is smoother and more lustrous; the spun fabric is softer and more pill-prone Correct answer.
  2. The spun fabric is always more lustrous than the filament fabric
  3. The two fabrics are identical in all respects
  4. The filament fabric is always weaker than the spun fabric

Explanation

Filament polyester has continuous, smooth yarns that produce a slick, lustrous surface, while spun staple polyester has short fiber ends that create a softer hand but are more prone to pilling. The two forms can behave differently in cleaning and wear.

Question 24Fibers, Fabrics, and Identification

A fabric swatch is tested with a solvent and the technician observes that the fiber swells and partially dissolves. Which class of fiber is most likely to respond this way to a strong solvent?

  1. An olefin fiber
  2. A fluoropolymer fiber
  3. A glass fiber
  4. An acetate fiber Correct answer.

Explanation

Acetate is soluble in several organic solvents and can swell or dissolve when exposed to them. Glass, olefin, and fluoropolymer fibers are generally more resistant to common organic solvents.

Question 25Fibers, Fabrics, and Identification

Which fabric construction uses a separate backing material bonded to the face fabric to add stability and prevent raveling?

  1. Laminated fabric Correct answer.
  2. Pile weave
  3. Plain weave
  4. Twill weave

Explanation

A laminated fabric has a face fabric bonded to a backing layer, which adds stability and can prevent raveling. Plain, twill, and pile are weave structures, not backing-bonded constructions.

Question 26Fibers, Fabrics, and Identification

A technician identifies an upholstery fiber by its trade name 'Dacron.' Which generic fiber family does this represent?

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

Explanation

Dacron is a well-known trade name for polyester fiber, a manufactured fiber formed from a polymer of ester units. Technicians should recognize common trade names because furniture labels often list them instead of generic fiber names. Nylon, acrylic, and polypropylene each have their own distinct trade names and properties.

Question 27Fibers, Fabrics, and Identification

Which natural fiber is harvested from the stalk of a plant and is commonly blended into upholstery for strength and luster?

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

Explanation

Linen is a bast fiber recovered from the stem of the flax plant, giving it high tensile strength and a natural sheen. It is often blended with cotton or manufactured fibers in upholstery fabrics. Cotton comes from the seed boll, wool from animal fleece, and silk from cocoons.

Question 28Fibers, Fabrics, and Identification

A client's sofa has a fabric described as a 'jacquard.' What does this term tell the technician about the fabric?

  1. The design is embossed with heat and pressure rollers
  2. The design is created by needle-punching fibers into a batt
  3. The design is printed onto the surface after weaving
  4. The design is woven into the structure on a loom that controls individual warp yarns Correct answer.

Explanation

Jacquard refers to a weaving system in which a punched-card or electronic mechanism controls individual warp yarns to produce complex, often multi-color patterns built into the cloth. The pattern is structural, not applied. Printing, needle-punching, and embossing are separate surface or nonwoven techniques.

Question 29Fibers, Fabrics, and Identification

Which fiber is a manufactured protein fiber made from regenerated casein or similar protein sources and is rarely found in modern upholstery?

  1. Azlon Correct answer.
  2. Spandex
  3. Aramid
  4. Acetate

Explanation

Azlon is the generic name for manufactured protein fibers, including those regenerated from casein, soy, or corn protein. It is uncommon today but appears in fiber-identification study. Acetate is cellulosic, aramid is a high-strength synthetic polyamide, and spandex is an elastomeric polyurethane.

Question 30Fibers, Fabrics, and Identification

A fabric swatch is described as a 'nonwoven.' Which characteristic should the technician expect?

  1. Loops of yarn are knitted together in interlocking courses
  2. Fibers are bonded by mechanical, thermal, or chemical means rather than interlaced Correct answer.
  3. Yarns are twisted together into a cord structure
  4. Yarns are interlaced at right angles on a loom

Explanation

Nonwoven fabrics are made directly from fibers or filaments that are bonded by needle-punching, heat, resin, or chemical means, without weaving or knitting. This gives them different strength and raveling behavior than woven or knitted goods. Interlacing, knitting, and twisting describe other constructions.

Question 31Fibers, Fabrics, and Identification

Which fiber is a manufactured cellulosic fiber that is not regenerated from wood pulp but is made by dissolving cellulose in a solvent system and is often blended for drape?

  1. Olefin
  2. Polyester
  3. Lyocell Correct answer.
  4. Nylon

Explanation

Lyocell is a manufactured cellulosic fiber produced by dissolving cellulose directly in an amine-oxide solvent, giving it soft drape and good moisture absorption. It differs from polyester, nylon, and olefin, which are fully synthetic petroleum-based fibers. Recognizing lyocell helps a technician predict moisture behavior.

Question 32Fibers, Fabrics, and Identification

A technician examines a fabric and sees a plain, low-luster surface with fine, uniform yarns in a simple over-and-under pattern. Which weave is this most likely?

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

Explanation

Plain weave is the simplest interlacing, with each warp yarn passing alternately over and under each filling yarn, producing a firm, uniform surface. Twill shows diagonal lines, satin shows long floats and high luster, and pile weave has raised yarn ends or loops.

Question 33Fibers, Fabrics, and Identification

Which term describes the direction of yarns running lengthwise along a bolt of upholstery fabric?

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

Explanation

The warp is the set of lengthwise yarns that run parallel to the selvage, while the weft (filling) runs crosswise. The selvage is the finished edge, and the bias is any diagonal direction. Knowing warp direction helps a technician maintain pattern alignment and avoid distortion.

Question 34Fibers, Fabrics, and Identification

A technician performs a burn test on a small yarn sample and observes a hard, gray bead that cannot be crushed, with a faint chemical odor. Which fiber group does this suggest?

  1. Cellulosic fibers such as cotton or rayon
  2. Mineral fibers such as glass
  3. Thermoplastic synthetic fibers such as nylon or polyester Correct answer.
  4. Protein fibers such as wool or silk

Explanation

Thermoplastic synthetics melt before burning and form hard, often glassy beads that resist crushing, with a chemical or sweet odor depending on the polymer. Cellulosics leave soft ash and smell like burning paper, while protein fibers smell like burning hair and leave crushable ash. Glass fiber would not melt into a bead in the same way.

Question 35Fibers, Fabrics, and Identification

A technician is told a fabric is 'solution-dyed.' What advantage does this provide for upholstery cleaning?

  1. Color is set by a topical dye that requires acid rinsing
  2. Color is produced by a resin coating that peels with solvents
  3. Color is added to the polymer before extrusion, so it resists fading and crocking Correct answer.
  4. Color is applied by surface printing and can be scrubbed away

Explanation

Solution dyeing introduces pigment into the polymer solution before the fiber is formed, so the color is locked within the fiber rather than sitting on the surface. This gives superior colorfastness to light, abrasion, and cleaning. Surface printing, topical dyeing, and coatings behave very differently under cleaning.

Question 36Fibers, Fabrics, and Identification

A technician finds a fabric with a long, smooth, continuous filament yarn that is highly lustrous and has a slick hand. Which fiber form is most consistent with this appearance?

  1. Seed fiber
  2. Filament fiber Correct answer.
  3. Bast fiber
  4. Staple fiber

Explanation

Filament fibers are continuous strands, so when used in fabric they produce a smooth, lustrous, slick surface with little fuzz. Staple fibers are short and must be twisted together, producing a softer, more matte surface. Bast and seed fibers are natural staple categories.

Question 37Fibers, Fabrics, and Identification

A technician is evaluating a fabric for wet-cleaning risk and notes that it is a 'union' fabric. What does this mean?

  1. The fabric is made entirely from one continuous filament
  2. The fabric has been treated with a stain-repellent finish
  3. The fabric is bonded to a foam backing
  4. Two or more different yarns or fibers are combined in one fabric structure Correct answer.

Explanation

A union fabric combines two or more different yarns, often of different fibers, within the same cloth. Different fibers may react differently to water, heat, or solvents, so the technician should test carefully. Bonding to foam, applying a finish, and single-filament construction are separate concepts.

Question 38Fibers, Fabrics, and Identification

Which fiber property makes acrylic a common choice for faux fur and fleece upholstery?

  1. It has the highest abrasion resistance of any fiber
  2. It is the most resistant fiber to sunlight
  3. It can be bulked to imitate wool's soft, lofty hand Correct answer.
  4. It absorbs water more than cotton

Explanation

Acrylic can be bulked and textured to mimic wool's softness and loft, which is why it appears in faux fur and fleece. Nylon is generally the abrasion leader, acrylic is not especially sunlight-resistant, and its moisture absorption is lower than cotton's.

Question 39Fibers, Fabrics, and Identification

A technician tests a fabric with a solvent and finds that the fiber softens and swells but does not dissolve. What does this indicate about the fiber?

  1. It is completely solvent-resistant and safe for any chemical
  2. It is a glass fiber that swells in solvents
  3. It is a natural fiber that cannot be affected by solvents
  4. It is sensitive to that solvent and should be cleaned with caution or a different agent Correct answer.

Explanation

Swelling or softening shows the solvent is interacting with the polymer and may cause distortion, shrinkage, or loss of finish. The technician should limit contact time, use a milder agent, or choose a different cleaning method. Complete resistance, natural-fiber immunity, and glass swelling are incorrect interpretations.

Question 40Fibers, Fabrics, and Identification

A technician encounters a fabric labeled 'microfiber.' What cleaning consideration is most directly associated with this construction?

  1. Very fine fibers create a tight surface that can trap oils and resist wetting Correct answer.
  2. The fabric cannot be cleaned by any method
  3. The fabric has no dye and cannot fade
  4. The fabric is always a natural fiber

Explanation

Microfibers are finer than one denier, creating a dense surface with many tiny spaces that can hold oils and resist wetting. Technicians often need appropriate surfactants and mechanical action to release soil. Microfiber is not inherently natural, is cleanable, and still contains dye.

Question 41Fibers, Fabrics, and Identification

Which fiber is most likely to be damaged by prolonged exposure to sunlight, causing loss of strength and color?

  1. Acrylic
  2. Polyester
  3. Solution-dyed nylon
  4. Polypropylene Correct answer.

Explanation

Polypropylene (olefin) is highly susceptible to ultraviolet degradation unless stabilized, so it loses strength and color in prolonged sunlight. Polyester, acrylic, and solution-dyed nylon are relatively more sunlight-resistant. Technicians should consider sun exposure when assessing olefin upholstery.

Question 42Fibers, Fabrics, and Identification

A technician sees a fabric with a 'herringbone' pattern. What construction feature produces this pattern?

  1. A twill weave with the diagonal direction reversed at intervals Correct answer.
  2. A plain weave with printed zigzag lines
  3. A nonwoven with needle-punched fibers
  4. A pile weave with cut and looped yarns

Explanation

Herringbone is a variation of twill weave in which the diagonal direction reverses at regular intervals, creating a V-shaped zigzag pattern. The effect is structural, not printed. Pile weaves and nonwovens do not produce this characteristic reversed-diagonal pattern.

Question 43Fibers, Fabrics, and Identification

A technician is comparing two fabrics: one is a tightly woven cotton damask, and the other is a loose plain-weave cotton. Which statement best explains the difference in cleaning behavior?

  1. The looser weave resists soil penetration better than the tight weave
  2. The tighter weave always shrinks more than the loose weave
  3. Both weaves behave identically because the fiber is the same
  4. The tighter weave resists soil penetration but may hold cleaning solution at the surface longer Correct answer.

Explanation

Weave tightness affects how soil and cleaning solutions move through the cloth. A tight weave keeps soil near the surface but can slow rinsing and extraction, while a loose weave allows deeper penetration and faster drying. Fiber content alone does not determine cleaning behavior.

Question 44Fibers, Fabrics, and Identification

A fabric is described as having a 'high twist' yarn. What characteristic should the technician expect?

  1. A softer, loftier yarn that pills easily
  2. A yarn that cannot be dyed
  3. A yarn made only from filament fibers
  4. A firmer, more resilient yarn that may feel harsher and resist pilling Correct answer.

Explanation

Higher twist binds fibers tightly, producing a firmer, stronger, more resilient yarn that resists pilling but may feel harsher. Lower twist gives a softer, loftier yarn that pills more readily. Twist level does not prevent dyeing or require filament fibers.

Question 45Fibers, Fabrics, and Identification

A technician is told a fabric is a 'blend' of wool and polyester. Why is this blend common in upholstery?

  1. Polyester adds natural flame resistance while wool adds luster
  2. Wool adds sunlight resistance while polyester adds moisture absorption
  3. Wool adds thermoplastic behavior while polyester adds protein properties
  4. Wool adds resilience and hand while polyester adds strength and abrasion resistance Correct answer.

Explanation

Blending combines desirable properties: wool contributes resilience, loft, and a soft hand, while polyester contributes strength, abrasion resistance, and dimensional stability. The other pairings misstate the properties of each fiber. Understanding blends helps a technician anticipate cleaning response.

Question 46Fibers, Fabrics, and Identification

A technician inspects a fabric and notices that the yarns have been cut to create a soft, dense surface with a short, upright pile. Which fabric type is this?

  1. Burlap
  2. Organdy
  3. Velvet Correct answer.
  4. Canvas

Explanation

Velvet is a pile weave with a dense, short, upright cut pile that gives a soft hand and directional shading. Canvas and burlap are plain-weave utility fabrics, and organdy is a sheer, crisp fabric. Recognizing pile fabrics helps the technician avoid crushing and shading problems.

Question 47Fibers, Fabrics, and Identification

A technician is assessing a fabric with a very long, loose pile. Which cleaning problem is most directly associated with this construction?

  1. Permanent shrinkage caused by the pile length
  2. Complete dissolution of the fiber in water
  3. Pile distortion and matting from excessive moisture or mechanical action Correct answer.
  4. Loss of color from the weave structure alone

Explanation

Long, loose pile is easily crushed, matted, or distorted by too much moisture, heat, or aggressive brushing. The technician should limit moisture, use gentle tools, and dry carefully to preserve pile orientation. Dissolution, color loss from structure alone, and pile-length shrinkage are not direct consequences.

Question 48Fibers, Fabrics, and Identification

A technician is identifying a fabric that is labeled as a 'basket weave.' What structural feature should be expected?

  1. A twill weave with diagonal lines
  2. A nonwoven bonded by resin
  3. A satin weave with long floats
  4. Two or more warp and filling yarns grouped together in a plain-weave arrangement Correct answer.

Explanation

Basket weave is a variation of plain weave in which groups of two or more warp and filling yarns interlace as a unit, creating a checkerboard appearance. Twill shows diagonals, satin shows long floats and luster, and nonwovens lack woven interlacing.

Question 49Fibers, Fabrics, and Identification

A technician is evaluating a fabric with a 'napped' finish. What should the technician understand about this finish?

  1. The fabric is woven from continuous filament only
  2. The surface is coated with a plastic film
  3. The fabric has been treated to resist all soils
  4. The surface fibers are brushed up to create a soft hand and directional shading Correct answer.

Explanation

Napping brushes the surface fibers into a raised, soft layer, which gives warmth and a directional appearance that can shade differently when brushed. The technician should work with the nap to avoid uneven appearance. Plastic coating, filament-only construction, and soil resistance are unrelated to napping.

Question 50Fibers, Fabrics, and Identification

A technician compares two fabrics labeled '100% cotton' and '100% mercerized cotton.' What difference should the technician expect from mercerization?

  1. Decreased strength and increased shrinkage
  2. Complete resistance to water
  3. Conversion of the fiber into polyester
  4. Increased luster, strength, and dye uptake Correct answer.

Explanation

Mercerization treats cotton under tension with a strong alkali, which swells the fiber, increasing luster, strength, and dye affinity. It does not reduce strength, make the fiber waterproof, or change its chemical identity. Recognizing this finish helps explain a fabric's appearance and dye behavior.