Textiles and Clothing: Fibres, Fabrics and Care
Textiles and Clothing: Fibres, Fabrics and Care covers fibre classification, fabric construction, finishes and correct laundering. The exam tests whether you can identify fibre properties and choose care methods that preserve appearance and strength.
Fibres and fabrics
Fibres are natural (cotton, linen, silk, wool) or man-made (rayon, polyester, nylon, acrylic). Natural fibres may be staple or filament; silk is a natural filament. Yarns are made by spinning; fabrics by weaving, knitting, non-woven bonding or other methods. Weave and knit affect stretch, drape, shrinkage and strength. Finishes such as mercerisation, calendering, water-repellent finishing and flame-retardant finishing change performance.
Care rules
Cotton withstands hot water and strong washing but may shrink; wool needs cool water, mild detergent and flat drying to prevent felting and stretching; silk needs gentle washing and shade drying; synthetics are heat-sensitive and may melt. Chlorine bleach damages wool, silk and some synthetics. Dry cleaning uses organic solvents, not water, for delicate or structured garments.
Worked example
A wool sweater is stained with tea. Reasoning: blot, then treat with cool water and a mild wool detergent; avoid hot water, rubbing and chlorine bleach. Dry flat on a towel, away from direct sun. Hot water and agitation would felt the wool, and hanging would stretch it.
Traps
Fibre is not the same as fabric. A care label instruction is not optional. Do not use chlorine bleach on protein fibres. Do not assume all white fabrics can be boiled; blends and finishes may be damaged.