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Question 1Fundamentals of Apparel and Home Furnishing
Which fibre is a natural cellulosic fibre obtained from the seed hair of a plant?
- Cotton Correct answer.
- Polyester
- Silk
- Wool
Explanation
Cotton grows as seed hair in the boll of the cotton plant and its chemistry is cellulose, so it belongs to the natural cellulosic group. Wool and silk are protein fibres of animal origin, and polyester is a manufactured synthetic polymer.
Question 2Fundamentals of Apparel and Home Furnishing
A fabric sample burns with a smell of burning hair and leaves a crushable black ash. Which fibre group does this indicate?
- Mineral fibre such as asbestos
- Protein fibre such as wool Correct answer.
- Cellulosic fibre such as cotton
- Synthetic fibre such as polyester
Explanation
Protein fibres contain nitrogen and sulphur, so they smell of burning hair or feathers and form a crushable ash. Cellulosic fibres smell of burning paper, and synthetics tend to melt and form a hard bead.
Question 3Fundamentals of Apparel and Home Furnishing
In yarn manufacture, what does the term 'twist' describe?
- The number of turns given to the fibres per unit length Correct answer.
- The diameter of the spinning ring
- The percentage of short fibres removed as waste
- The total length of yarn wound on a package
Explanation
Twist is the spiral arrangement of fibres produced by rotating the yarn during spinning and is expressed as turns per metre or per inch. Twist direction (S or Z) and amount control yarn strength, handle and appearance.
Question 4Fundamentals of Apparel and Home Furnishing
Which weave produces the maximum possible number of interlacings and therefore a firm, strong fabric with a smooth surface?
- Plain weave Correct answer.
- Satin weave
- Pile weave
- Twill weave
Explanation
In plain weave each warp end interlaces with each weft pick alternately, giving the highest interlacing frequency and a balanced, firm structure. Twill and satin reduce interlacing points, which increases float length and gives a softer, more lustrous surface.
Question 5Fundamentals of Apparel and Home Furnishing
Which fabric structure is made by interlooping yarns so that the fabric can stretch and resist laddering?
- Knitted fabric Correct answer.
- Woven fabric
- Braided fabric
- Nonwoven fabric
Explanation
Knitting forms fabric by interlocking loops of yarn, so the structure can extend and recover, giving natural stretch and comfort. Woven fabrics interlace two yarn sets at right angles and have far less inherent stretch.
Question 6Fundamentals of Apparel and Home Furnishing
A care label for a wool jacket shows a circle containing the letter P. What does this symbol permit?
- Hand washing in water above 60 degrees Celsius
- Bleaching with chlorine-based bleach only
- Dry cleaning with perchloroethylene and similar solvents Correct answer.
- Tumble drying at low heat
Explanation
The circle is the dry-cleaning symbol, and the letter P inside it tells the cleaner that perchloroethylene and the solvents listed under the P category may be used. The same circle with a crossed-out P would prohibit such solvents.
Question 7Fundamentals of Apparel and Home Furnishing
Which body measurement is taken around the fullest part of the bust while the tape is kept level and parallel to the floor?
- Shoulder width
- Armhole depth
- Bust circumference Correct answer.
- Back neck to waist length
Explanation
Bust circumference is measured around the fullest part of the bust, passing over the shoulder blades at the back and keeping the tape horizontal. Shoulder width, back length and armhole depth are linear measurements taken in other positions.
Question 8Fundamentals of Apparel and Home Furnishing
In pattern making, what is the purpose of a dart?
- To add seam allowance along the cutting edge
- To indicate the fold line for a facing
- To mark the grain line on the pattern piece
- To convert flat fabric into a three-dimensional shape that follows body contours Correct answer.
Explanation
A dart is a wedge of fabric stitched to remove excess fullness so flat cloth can mould over a curved body area such as the bust or waist. Seam allowance, grain line and fold line are separate pattern markings serving other functions.
Question 9Fundamentals of Apparel and Home Furnishing
Which seam finish is most appropriate for the inside of an unlined lightweight cotton blouse where bulk must be kept low?
- Double-stitched lapped seam
- Flat-felled seam
- French seam Correct answer.
- Bound seam with bias tape
Explanation
A French seam encloses the raw edges inside a narrow stitched ridge, giving a neat, low-bulk finish on sheer or lightweight fabrics. Flat-felled and bound seams add visible bulk that would show through fine cotton.
Question 10Fundamentals of Apparel and Home Furnishing
Which stitch class is formed by a single thread passed through the fabric and is common in hand-sewn and blind-hemming work?
- Single-thread chain stitch Correct answer.
- Three-thread overlock stitch
- Four-thread cover stitch
- Two-thread lockstitch
Explanation
A single-thread chain stitch uses one thread that loops through the fabric and is typical of hand running and blind-hem stitches. Lockstitch, overlock and cover stitches all require two or more thread systems.
Question 11Fundamentals of Apparel and Home Furnishing
Which needle and machine setting is best when sewing a lightweight knitted jersey on a domestic overlock?
- Leather point needle with zero differential feed
- Denim needle with high needle tension
- Sharp universal needle with maximum differential feed
- Ball-point needle with balanced differential feed Correct answer.
Explanation
A ball-point needle pushes between the loops of knit fabric instead of cutting them, preventing ladders, and a balanced differential feed avoids wavy or stretched edges. Sharp or heavy-duty points can damage knit loops.
Question 12Fundamentals of Apparel and Home Furnishing
Which garment component is cut as a separate piece and attached at the neckline to finish the edge on a sleeveless dress?
- Neck facing Correct answer.
- Cuff
- Placket
- Yoke
Explanation
A facing is a separate shaped piece applied to a garment edge and turned to the inside to finish it neatly, so a neck facing cleans the neckline of a sleeveless dress. A yoke, placket and cuff serve structural or opening functions elsewhere on the garment.
Question 13Fundamentals of Apparel and Home Furnishing
Which collar type is cut as a single piece that folds over and stands up around the neck without a separate stand?
- Shawl collar
- Notched lapel
- Shirt collar with stand
- Peter Pan collar Correct answer.
Explanation
The Peter Pan collar is a flat, rounded collar that lies on the garment and turns over at the neckline without a separate stand. Shirt collars include a stand, while lapels and shawl collars belong to tailored jackets.
Question 14Fundamentals of Apparel and Home Furnishing
In home furnishing, which measurement is essential before ordering ready-made curtains for a window?
- Finished drop and total track or pole width Correct answer.
- Wall paint colour code
- Fabric weight in grams per square metre
- Room ceiling height only
Explanation
Curtains are ordered by finished drop and by the total width of track or pole, allowing for the required fullness ratio. Ceiling height, fabric weight and paint colour do not determine the size of the curtain panel.
Question 15Fundamentals of Apparel and Home Furnishing
Which fullness ratio is normally used for a gathered pencil-pleat curtain heading on a standard medium-weight fabric?
- About 2 to 2.5 times the track width Correct answer.
- About 1 times the track width with no ease
- About 0.5 times the track width
- About 6 times the track width
Explanation
Gathered and pleated headings generally need roughly two to two and a half times the track width so the curtains hang with soft folds. A ratio near one gives a flat, skimpy appearance and very high ratios waste fabric.
Question 16Fundamentals of Apparel and Home Furnishing
Which filling is most suitable for a washable everyday sofa cushion that must hold its shape and resist flattening?
- Loose kapok fibre
- High-density polyurethane foam Correct answer.
- Shredded paper
- Feather and down
Explanation
High-density polyurethane foam is resilient, washable in a cover and keeps its shape under repeated use, making it the usual choice for everyday seat cushions. Loose fibres and feathers settle and need frequent plumping.
Question 17Fundamentals of Apparel and Home Furnishing
Which fibre property makes polyester popular for durable furnishing fabrics such as upholstery and table linen?
- High strength with good resistance to creasing and abrasion Correct answer.
- High moisture regain with quick absorbency
- Low resistance to sunlight and mildew
- High flammability with no thermoplastic behaviour
Explanation
Polyester is a strong thermoplastic fibre with good crease recovery and abrasion resistance, which suits hard-wearing furnishing uses. Its low moisture regain actually helps it resist staining and drying quickly.
Question 18Fundamentals of Apparel and Home Furnishing
What is the main purpose of mercerising cotton yarn or fabric?
- To set permanent pleats in the fabric
- To remove natural waxes and make the fabric water-repellent
- To bond fibres into a nonwoven web
- To increase lustre, strength and dye uptake Correct answer.
Explanation
Mercerising treats cotton under tension with strong alkali, which swells the fibre, improves lustre and tensile strength and increases dye absorption. Wax removal and water repellency come from other finishing processes.
Question 19Fundamentals of Apparel and Home Furnishing
A customer complains that a dark cotton shirt has faded in patches after washing with a detergent containing optical brightener. Which cause best explains the patchy fading?
- Uniform shrinkage of the cotton yarns
- Uneven exposure to the brightening agent and light during drying Correct answer.
- Excessive twist inserted during spinning
- Complete removal of the size from the fabric
Explanation
Optical brighteners and uneven light exposure during drying can produce patchy apparent fading on dark shades because the effect varies across the surface. Shrinkage, size removal and twist level do not create localised colour loss of this kind.
Question 20Fundamentals of Apparel and Home Furnishing
Which of the following is a woven furnishing fabric characterised by a raised, cut or looped pile surface used for upholstery?
- Canvas
- Velvet Correct answer.
- Organdy
- Poplin
Explanation
Velvet is a pile fabric with an upright cut or looped pile that gives a rich, soft surface often used in upholstery and cushions. Poplin, organdy and canvas are flat woven structures without a pile.
Question 21Fundamentals of Apparel and Home Furnishing
Which factor most directly determines the seam allowance added to a pattern piece for a washable cotton garment?
- The brand of the sewing machine
- The size of the pattern envelope
- The fabric fraying tendency and the seam finish chosen Correct answer.
- The colour of the sewing thread
Explanation
Seam allowance must be wide enough to accommodate the chosen finish and to allow for fraying and possible alteration, so fabric behaviour and finish type drive the decision. Thread colour, machine brand and envelope size do not affect allowance width.
Question 22Fundamentals of Apparel and Home Furnishing
In a satin weave, which characteristic results from the long floats of yarn on the surface?
- A pronounced diagonal rib line
- High lustre with lower abrasion resistance Correct answer.
- High abrasion resistance with a matte surface
- Balanced strength in warp and weft directions
Explanation
Long floats reflect light strongly, giving satin its lustre, but they are easily snagged and abraded because the yarns are not frequently interlaced. Balanced strength and diagonal ribs belong to plain and twill weaves respectively.
Question 23Fundamentals of Apparel and Home Furnishing
Which step in the garment production sequence immediately follows cutting the fabric pieces?
- Dyeing the greige fabric
- Weaving the fabric
- Stitching the cut components together Correct answer.
- Spinning the yarn
Explanation
In the apparel production sequence, fabric inspection and spreading lead to cutting, after which the cut components are bundled and stitched. Spinning, weaving and dyeing occur earlier in the textile pipeline.
Question 24Fundamentals of Apparel and Home Furnishing
A home furnishing unit needs a fabric for dining chair seats that resists spills and wipes clean easily. Which property combination is most important?
- Loose open weave with high absorbency
- Tight weave with a stain-resistant finish and good abrasion resistance Correct answer.
- High moisture regain with quick wetting
- Long surface floats with high lustre
Explanation
Seat upholstery needs a firm, tightly constructed fabric with a stain-repellent finish and high abrasion resistance so it withstands rubbing and can be wiped clean. Loose weaves, long floats and absorbent fibres would soil and wear quickly.
Question 25Textile Fibres, Yarns and Fabrics
Which natural fibre is obtained from the seed hair of a plant and is composed mainly of cellulose?
- Jute
- Silk
- Wool
- Cotton Correct answer.
Explanation
Cotton is a seed-hair fibre harvested from the boll of the cotton plant and is almost pure cellulose. Wool and silk are animal protein fibres, while jute is a bast fibre from the plant stem.
Question 26Textile Fibres, Yarns and Fabrics
A yarn is described as a single continuous filament extruded from a spinneret. Which fibre type does this describe?
- Plied yarn
- Fancy yarn
- Filament yarn Correct answer.
- Staple spun yarn
Explanation
Filament yarns are made from long continuous strands, either natural silk or manufactured fibres extruded through a spinneret. Spun yarns are made by twisting short staple fibres together, and plied yarns combine two or more already-formed yarns.
Question 27Textile Fibres, Yarns and Fabrics
In a plain weave fabric, how do the warp and weft threads interlace?
- Two warps cross each other between each weft pick
- Each warp passes over one and under one weft alternately Correct answer.
- Warp threads float over several wefts to form a satin face
- Each warp passes over two and under two wefts
Explanation
Plain weave is the simplest interlacing, where every warp end crosses alternately over and under each weft pick. This one-up-one-down pattern gives a firm, stable fabric with a high interlacing frequency.
Question 28Textile Fibres, Yarns and Fabrics
Which term describes the number of twists per unit length inserted into a yarn?
- Yarn count
- Cover factor
- Twist level Correct answer.
- Linear density
Explanation
Twist level expresses how many turns are inserted per metre or per inch and controls yarn strength, liveliness and handle. Yarn count and linear density describe mass per unit length, while cover factor relates to fabric tightness.
Question 29Textile Fibres, Yarns and Fabrics
Which property makes viscose rayon different from cotton despite both being cellulosic?
- Rayon has lower moisture absorbency than cotton
- Rayon is a protein fibre
- Rayon is thermoplastic and melts
- Rayon loses strength markedly when wet Correct answer.
Explanation
Regenerated cellulose rayon has a lower degree of polymerisation and orientation than cotton, so its wet strength drops sharply. Cotton also loses some strength when wet but far less, and neither fibre is thermoplastic or protein-based.
Question 30Textile Fibres, Yarns and Fabrics
A buyer wants a fabric with good elastic recovery and shape retention for tailored trousers. Which fibre blend component best provides this?
- Polyester Correct answer.
- Cotton
- Viscose
- Linen
Explanation
Polyester is thermoplastic and highly resilient, so it recovers from creasing and helps garments retain pressed shape. Cotton, linen and viscose are all cellulosic and crease readily with limited elastic recovery.
Question 31Textile Fibres, Yarns and Fabrics
Which spinning system is most suitable for producing a fine, smooth yarn from long-staple combed cotton?
- Woollen carding
- Ring spinning Correct answer.
- Open-end rotor spinning
- Air-jet spinning of short waste
Explanation
Ring spinning drafts and twists a fine roving into a strong, smooth yarn and suits combed long-staple cotton. Open-end rotor systems are faster but produce bulkier, weaker yarns from shorter fibres.
Question 32Textile Fibres, Yarns and Fabrics
Which weave produces a fabric with a distinct diagonal line on the surface?
- Twill weave Correct answer.
- Plain weave
- Satin weave
- Pile weave
Explanation
Twill weave uses progressive interlacing so that floats step across the fabric, creating a visible diagonal rib. Plain weave gives a flat grid, satin gives long lustrous floats, and pile weave raises a looped or cut surface.
Question 33Textile Fibres, Yarns and Fabrics
A knitted fabric is preferred over woven fabric for a stretchable T-shirt body. What structural reason explains this?
- Knitted fabrics always contain elastane
- Knitted loops can deform and recover, giving inherent stretch Correct answer.
- Knitted fabrics have no interlocking points
- Knitted yarns are always finer than woven yarns
Explanation
Knitted structures are built from interlocking loops, so the fabric can extend by loop distortion and recover without elastane. Woven fabrics interlace straight yarns and stretch mainly on the bias unless elastane is added.
Question 34Textile Fibres, Yarns and Fabrics
Which count system expresses yarn linear density as the mass in grams of 9,000 metres of yarn?
- English cotton count
- Metric count
- Tex
- Denier Correct answer.
Explanation
Denier is the mass in grams of 9,000 metres of yarn, a direct system where a higher number means a coarser yarn. Tex is grams per 1,000 metres, while cotton and metric counts are indirect systems.
Question 35Textile Fibres, Yarns and Fabrics
A manufacturer needs a fibre that is inherently flame resistant and does not melt or drip. Which fibre meets this requirement?
- Nylon 6,6
- Aramid Correct answer.
- Polypropylene
- Acetate
Explanation
Aramid fibres are aromatic polyamides with high thermal stability that char rather than melt-drip, so they are used in protective clothing. Nylon, polypropylene and acetate are all thermoplastic and can melt and drip when heated.
Question 36Textile Fibres, Yarns and Fabrics
Which test is commonly used to identify a fibre by observing its burning behaviour and smell?
- Crocking test
- Martindale test
- Shirley stiffness test
- Burn test Correct answer.
Explanation
The burn test observes flame behaviour, residue and odour, such as the smell of burning hair from protein fibres. Crocking measures colour transfer, Martindale measures abrasion, and the Shirley test measures stiffness.
Question 37Textile Fibres, Yarns and Fabrics
Which fabric construction gives a double-faced fabric with two separate sets of warp and weft threads?
- Pique
- Rib knit
- Double cloth Correct answer.
- Twill
Explanation
Double cloth is woven with two sets of warp and weft, joined or separable, producing two faces. Twill and pique are single-cloth weaves, and rib knit is a knitted structure.
Question 38Textile Fibres, Yarns and Fabrics
Why is mercerisation applied to cotton yarns and fabrics?
- To add elasticity to the cotton
- To increase lustre, strength and dye uptake Correct answer.
- To remove all natural waxes permanently
- To make the cotton flame retardant
Explanation
Mercerisation swells cotton under tension in caustic soda, which improves lustre, tensile strength and dye affinity. It does not impart flame retardancy or elasticity, and wax removal is a separate scouring effect.
Question 39Textile Fibres, Yarns and Fabrics
Which yarn fault appears as a thick, lumpy place caused by a cluster of fibres in a spun yarn?
- Slub Correct answer.
- Pilling
- Nep
- Snarl
Explanation
A slub is a thick, soft place in a spun yarn caused by a cluster of fibres or drafting irregularity. A nep is a small tangled fibre knot, a snarl is a twist kink, and pilling is a fabric surface defect.
Question 40Textile Fibres, Yarns and Fabrics
A fabric shows poor crease recovery after washing. Which fibre blend would most improve crease resistance while retaining a cotton-like handle?
- Cotton with linen
- Cotton with jute
- Cotton with viscose
- Cotton with polyester Correct answer.
Explanation
Polyester is resilient and thermoplastic, so blending it with cotton improves crease recovery and shape retention while keeping some cotton handle. Linen, viscose and jute are cellulosic and crease readily.
Question 41Textile Fibres, Yarns and Fabrics
Which statement correctly distinguishes carded from combed cotton yarn?
- Carded yarn is always finer than combed yarn
- Combed yarn contains more short fibres than carded yarn
- Combed yarn is smoother and stronger because short fibres are removed Correct answer.
- Carded yarn is smoother because fibres are aligned by combing
Explanation
Combing removes short fibres and impurities and aligns the remaining long fibres, giving a smoother, stronger, finer yarn. Carding opens and cleans the fibre mass but does not remove short fibres.
Question 42Textile Fibres, Yarns and Fabrics
Which weave structure produces the longest floats and therefore the highest lustre and lowest abrasion resistance?
- Satin weave Correct answer.
- Plain weave
- Basket weave
- Twill weave
Explanation
Satin weave uses long floats of warp or weft over several threads, giving a smooth lustrous face but poor abrasion resistance because floats snag. Plain and basket weaves have short floats, and twill has intermediate floats.
Question 43Textile Fibres, Yarns and Fabrics
Which fibre is regenerated from wood pulp and is often described as a manufactured cellulosic fibre?
- Lyocell Correct answer.
- Nylon 6
- Wool
- Polyester
Explanation
Lyocell is regenerated cellulose produced from wood pulp in an amine oxide solvent, so it is a manufactured cellulosic fibre. Polyester and nylon are synthetic polymers, and wool is a natural protein fibre.
Question 44Textile Fibres, Yarns and Fabrics
A manufacturer wants a woven fabric with a raised, fuzzy surface for warmth. Which finishing process achieves this?
- Calendering
- Singeing
- Raising or brushing Correct answer.
- Mercerising
Explanation
Raising uses wire-covered rollers to pull fibres to the surface, creating a fuzzy, warm handle. Calendering presses the surface smooth, singeing burns off protruding fibres, and mercerising improves lustre and strength.
Question 45Textile Fibres, Yarns and Fabrics
Which yarn structure is most likely to give a fabric with a soft, bulky handle and good cover from coarse wool?
- Worsted-spun yarn
- Filament yarn
- Woollen-spun yarn Correct answer.
- Plied silk yarn
Explanation
Woollen spinning uses carded fibres with less alignment and lower twist, producing a soft, bulky yarn with good cover. Worsted yarns are combed, smooth and compact, while filament and plied silk yarns are smooth and lean.
Question 46Textile Fibres, Yarns and Fabrics
A fabric is found to shrink excessively in the warp direction after laundering. Which structural factor most directly explains this?
- High twist liveliness in the weft yarn
- Residual tension in warp yarns from weaving being released Correct answer.
- Use of a satin weave with long floats
- Presence of polyester in the blend
Explanation
Warp yarns are held under high tension during weaving, and when the fabric is wetted the tension is released, allowing relaxation shrinkage along the warp. Twist liveliness mainly causes spirality, while polyester reduces rather than increases shrinkage.
Question 47Textile Fibres, Yarns and Fabrics
Which combination correctly pairs a fibre with its characteristic repeat unit chemistry?
- Wool with ester linkages
- Cotton with amide linkages
- Nylon with amide linkages Correct answer.
- Polyester with amide linkages
Explanation
Nylon is a polyamide, so its polymer chain is held together by amide linkages. Polyester contains ester linkages, wool is a protein with peptide (amide) bonds, and cotton is cellulose with glycosidic linkages.
Question 48Textile Fibres, Yarns and Fabrics
A woven fabric must combine high tear strength with low extensibility for industrial use. Which yarn property is most critical?
- Low yarn twist with short fibres
- Maximum yarn hairiness
- High yarn twist with long-staple fibres Correct answer.
- High crimp in the weft
Explanation
High twist binds long-staple fibres firmly, giving strong, compact yarns with good tear resistance and low extensibility. Low twist and short fibres reduce strength, high crimp adds stretch, and hairiness encourages abrasion and pilling.
Question 49Pattern Making, Grading and Garment Construction
In a basic bodice block drafted to fit the bust, which measurement is used to set the depth of the armhole (scye depth) when a direct body measurement is unavailable?
- The full shoulder-to-shoulder width minus 4 cm
- One-quarter of the bust circumference Correct answer.
- The nape-to-waist length plus 1 cm
- Half the bust circumference plus 2 cm
Explanation
When a direct scye-depth measurement is not taken, drafting systems derive armhole depth from the bust circumference, commonly as one-quarter of bust plus an ease allowance that varies with size. This proportion keeps the armhole depth consistent with the torso volume as sizes change.
Question 50Pattern Making, Grading and Garment Construction
A patternmaker needs a 1 cm seam allowance added to a curved neckline on a woven cotton blouse. Which technique gives the most accurate result?
- Adding twice the allowance and folding it back
- Tracing a parallel line at a constant distance from the curve Correct answer.
- Marking the allowance with a pair of pinking shears
- Adding the allowance with a straight ruler and trimming later
Explanation
A constant-width seam allowance on a curve must follow the curve at an even perpendicular distance, which is done by offsetting the sewing line rather than measuring straight across. This preserves the intended neckline shape after sewing.