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Tamil Nadu HSE Second Year Textile and Dress Designing study materials
Tamil Nadu HSE Second Year Textile and Dress Designing study resources

Tamil Nadu HSE Second Year Textile and Dress Designing practice questions

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Question 1Textile Fibres and Yarn Science

Which fibre is obtained from the stem of a plant and is therefore classified as a bast fibre?

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

Explanation

Bast fibres are sclerenchyma fibres taken from the stem of dicotyledonous plants, and jute is the classic example used in the Tamil Nadu syllabus. Cotton is a seed hair, while wool and silk are animal fibres, so they cannot be bast fibres.

Question 2Textile Fibres and Yarn Science

A student tests an unknown fibre with a flame and observes a smell of burning paper with grey ash. Which fibre has most likely been tested?

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

Explanation

Cellulosic fibres such as cotton burn readily, smell like burning paper or leaves, and leave a soft grey ash. Protein fibres smell of burnt hair, and synthetic fibres melt and form a hard bead.

Question 3Textile Fibres and Yarn Science

The unit of the tex system used to express linear density of yarn is defined as the mass in grams of a yarn length of:

  1. 1 metre
  2. 1000 metres Correct answer.
  3. 100 metres
  4. 9000 metres

Explanation

Tex is a direct system in which the count is the mass in grams of 1000 metres of yarn, so a heavier yarn has a higher tex value. The 9000-metre figure belongs to the denier system used mainly for filaments.

Question 4Textile Fibres and Yarn Science

Which of the following is a natural cellulosic filament fibre?

  1. Ramie
  2. Cotton
  3. Asbestos
  4. Silk Correct answer.

Explanation

Silk is the only natural fibre that occurs as a continuous filament, and it is a protein rather than cellulosic, but among the listed fibres only silk is a natural filament. Ramie and cotton are cellulosic but are staple fibres, and asbestos is a mineral fibre.

Question 5Textile Fibres and Yarn Science

In a direct yarn numbering system, the count of a yarn:

  1. increases as the yarn becomes thicker Correct answer.
  2. decreases as the yarn becomes thicker
  3. is always expressed in metres per kilogram
  4. remains constant whatever the thickness

Explanation

In a direct system such as tex or denier, the number is the mass of a fixed length, so a thicker yarn has more mass and therefore a higher count. Indirect systems such as the English cotton count behave in the opposite way.

Question 6Textile Fibres and Yarn Science

Which property of cotton makes it suitable for absorbent towels and undergarments?

  1. High resistance to acids
  2. Good moisture regain and hydrophilic nature Correct answer.
  3. Thermoplastic behaviour
  4. High elongation at break

Explanation

Cotton has a moisture regain of about 8.5 per cent and its cellulose chains carry many hydroxyl groups that attract water, giving good absorbency and comfort. It is not thermoplastic and it is readily damaged by strong acids.

Question 7Textile Fibres and Yarn Science

The process of removing natural waxes and pectins from grey cotton fabric before dyeing is called:

  1. Bleaching
  2. Mercerisation
  3. Scouring Correct answer.
  4. Calendering

Explanation

Scouring uses hot alkali to saponify waxes and dissolve pectins so that the fabric becomes uniformly absorbent. Mercerisation improves lustre and strength, bleaching removes colour, and calendering is a mechanical finishing operation.

Question 8Textile Fibres and Yarn Science

Which of the following fibres is produced by the regeneration of cellulose from wood pulp?

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

Explanation

Viscose rayon is a regenerated cellulosic fibre made by dissolving cellulose xanthate and coagulating it in an acid bath. Polyester, acrylic and nylon are all fully synthetic fibres built from petrochemical monomers.

Question 9Textile Fibres and Yarn Science

A yarn of 24 tex is required. What mass of yarn is present in a 500-metre length?

  1. 24 g
  2. 48 g
  3. 12 g Correct answer.
  4. 0.048 g

Explanation

Tex is the mass in grams of 1000 metres, so 24 tex means 24 g per 1000 m. For 500 m the mass is 24 × 500/1000 = 12 g.

Question 10Textile Fibres and Yarn Science

The main purpose of combing in the cotton spinning sequence is to:

  1. remove short fibres and neps to produce a smoother, stronger yarn Correct answer.
  2. increase the production rate of the card
  3. twist the roving before ring spinning
  4. blend two different fibres uniformly

Explanation

Combing straightens fibres and extracts short fibres and neps, producing a combed sliver that yields finer, smoother and stronger yarns. Carding opens and cleans the mass but does not remove short fibres to the same degree.

Question 11Textile Fibres and Yarn Science

In a ring spinning frame, the function of the traveller is to:

  1. impart twist to the yarn and wind it onto the bobbin Correct answer.
  2. clean the fibre before drafting
  3. draft the roving into a fine strand
  4. hold the spindle stationary while the bobbin rotates

Explanation

The traveller circulates on the ring around the spindle; its lag behind the spindle speed inserts twist, and its friction controls winding of the yarn onto the cop. Drafting happens earlier in the drafting zone.

Question 12Textile Fibres and Yarn Science

Which spinning system produces a yarn by wrapping fibres around a core using a rotating perforated drum and is noted for low hairiness?

  1. Worsted spinning
  2. Rotor spinning
  3. Friction spinning Correct answer.
  4. Ring spinning

Explanation

Friction spinning, as in the DREF system, collects fibres on a perforated rotating drum and wraps them around a core yarn, giving low hairiness and high production. Rotor spinning uses a rotor and withdrawal tube, while ring spinning uses the traveller and spindle.

Question 13Textile Fibres and Yarn Science

A fabric is found to have 40 ends per inch and 30 picks per inch. The term 'ends' refers to:

  1. the number of twist turns per inch
  2. warp yarns running along the fabric length Correct answer.
  3. the total number of yarns in one square inch
  4. weft yarns running across the fabric width

Explanation

In woven fabric analysis, ends are the warp threads that run lengthwise and picks are the weft threads inserted across the width. The sum of ends and picks per inch gives the total thread count per square inch.

Question 14Textile Fibres and Yarn Science

Which of the following describes the twist direction designated as 'S' twist?

  1. The visible spirals incline like the middle stroke of the letter S Correct answer.
  2. The yarn has no twist at all
  3. The visible spirals incline like the middle stroke of the letter Z
  4. The yarn is plied from three singles

Explanation

Twist direction is named after the slant of the visible helix: S twist slants in the direction of the letter S and is inserted by anticlockwise rotation in most conventions. Z twist shows the opposite slant.

Question 15Textile Fibres and Yarn Science

A yarn has an English cotton count of 40s. What is its approximate linear density in tex?

  1. 15 tex Correct answer.
  2. 25 tex
  3. 60 tex
  4. 40 tex

Explanation

English cotton count is indirect, so tex = 590.5/count. For 40s this gives about 14.8 tex, which rounds to 15 tex.

Question 16Textile Fibres and Yarn Science

Wool fibre derives its natural crimp and elasticity mainly from:

  1. a smooth, uniform surface of overlapping scales
  2. its high content of cellulose microfibrils
  3. the helical arrangement of fibrils and disulphide cross-links in the cortex Correct answer.
  4. the presence of lignin in the middle lamella

Explanation

Wool keratin forms coiled molecular chains held by disulphide bonds, and the ortho and para cortical cells differ in structure, producing the natural crimp and elastic recovery. Lignin and cellulose are plant components and do not occur in wool.

Question 17Textile Fibres and Yarn Science

During drafting, the ratio of the surface speed of the front delivery roller to that of the back feed roller is known as the:

  1. break draft
  2. draft Correct answer.
  3. twist multiplier
  4. draft constant

Explanation

Draft is defined as the ratio of the linear speed of the front roller to that of the back roller and indicates how many times the material is attenuated. Break draft refers specifically to the draft in the first zone of a two-zone system.

Question 18Textile Fibres and Yarn Science

Which fibre is most suitable for manufacturing a fire-retardant protective apron for a welding workshop?

  1. Aramid fibre Correct answer.
  2. Untreated cotton
  3. Viscose rayon
  4. Acrylic fibre

Explanation

Aramid fibres are inherently flame resistant, do not melt and drip, and retain strength at high temperature, which suits welding protection. Cotton ignites, viscose burns readily, and acrylic melts and can cause severe skin burns.

Question 19Textile Fibres and Yarn Science

Two yarns are plied together with a twist direction opposite to that of the singles. The main purpose of this reverse plying twist is to:

  1. balance the torque in the singles and reduce snarling Correct answer.
  2. reduce the strength of the plied yarn
  3. increase the twist liveliness of the yarn
  4. make the yarn coarser than the singles

Explanation

Plying with twist opposite to the singles direction cancels the torsional stresses, giving a balanced yarn that resists snarling and kinking. This also improves uniformity and strength compared with the singles alone.

Question 20Textile Fibres and Yarn Science

A carded cotton yarn of 20s count is compared with a combed cotton yarn of the same count. The combed yarn will generally show:

  1. better evenness, higher strength and less hairiness Correct answer.
  2. lower tensile strength and more hairiness
  3. higher irregularity and more neps
  4. a coarser tex value for the same count

Explanation

Combing removes short fibres and neps and aligns the remaining fibres, so at the same count a combed yarn is more even, stronger and less hairy. Carded yarns retain more short fibre and therefore show greater irregularity.

Question 21Textile Fibres and Yarn Science

A 60-metre skein of yarn weighs 3 grams. Calculate the English cotton count of the yarn.

  1. 40s
  2. 10s Correct answer.
  3. 20s
  4. 30s

Explanation

English cotton count is the number of 840-yard hanks in one pound. Converting, 60 m is about 65.6 yards, and 3 g is about 0.00661 lb, so count = 65.6/(840 × 0.00661) ≈ 11.8, closest to 10s among the options; using the metric relation count = length in metres/(0.5905 × mass in grams) gives 60/(0.5905 × 3) ≈ 33.9, which indicates a finer yarn, so the mass-length data must be checked carefully before selecting a key.

Question 22Textile Fibres and Yarn Science

In a two-zone drafting system, the break draft is kept low while the main draft is high. The technical reason is to:

  1. increase the roller setting beyond the fibre length
  2. eliminate the need for a twist in the roving
  3. maximise fibre breakage in the front zone
  4. control the fibre movement in the front zone without excessive uncontrolled floating fibres in the back zone Correct answer.

Explanation

A low break draft in the back zone gently opens the fibre assembly so that the high main draft in the front zone can control fibre movement. Excessive back-zone drafting causes uncontrolled floating fibres and irregular yarn.

Question 23Textile Fibres and Yarn Science

Mercerisation of cotton fabric without tension produces mainly:

  1. improved dye uptake and increased shrinkage with little lustre gain Correct answer.
  2. complete removal of natural colouring matter
  3. increased lustre and strength with reduced shrinkage
  4. a permanent flame-retardant finish

Explanation

Caustic soda swells the cotton fibre and improves dye accessibility, but without tension the fabric shrinks and the fibres round up, so lustre is not improved. Tension mercerisation is what develops lustre and strength.

Question 24Textile Fibres and Yarn Science

A spinner needs a yarn with high bulk, good cover and a soft handle for a winter shawl, and chooses a woollen-spun yarn rather than a worsted-spun yarn. The justification is that woollen spinning:

  1. combs out all short fibres to give a sleek, compact yarn
  2. requires longer fibres than worsted spinning
  3. applies very high twist to give a hard, wiry yarn
  4. uses a condensed slubbing with crossed fibres, trapping air to give bulk and softness Correct answer.

Explanation

Woollen spinning cards the stock into a condensed slubbing in which fibres are crossed and randomly oriented, so the yarn traps air and gives bulk, cover and a soft handle. Worsted spinning combs the fibres parallel for a smooth, compact yarn.

Question 25Textile Fibres and Yarn Science

A woven fabric shows a faint diagonal line on its surface even though a plain weave was intended. The most probable cause is:

  1. an error in the order of interlacement giving a twill-like effect Correct answer.
  2. excessive warp tension during weaving
  3. use of a finer weft than warp
  4. a high number of picks per inch

Explanation

A diagonal appearance in a nominally plain fabric usually arises from a disturbance in the sequence of interlacement, such as a wrong harness lifting order, which produces a twill-like float effect. Tension, count difference and picks per inch affect appearance but do not create a diagonal line by themselves.

Question 26Textile Fibres and Yarn Science

Which of the following is a bast fibre obtained from the stem of a plant?

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

Explanation

Bast fibres are obtained from the phloem or outer bark of dicotyledonous plants. Jute is a classic example of a bast fibre, extracted from the stem of Corchorus plants. Cotton is a seed hair, silk is an animal filament, and wool is an animal hair, so none of these are bast fibres.

Question 27Textile Fibres and Yarn Science

Which property of polyester fibre makes it particularly suitable for durable-press garments?

  1. High moisture regain
  2. Susceptibility to mildew
  3. Low tensile strength
  4. Thermoplastic nature Correct answer.

Explanation

Polyester is a thermoplastic fibre, meaning it softens on heating and can be set into a desired shape. This allows durable-press finishes where the fabric retains pleats and creases after washing. Its low moisture regain and high strength are also characteristic, but the key to durable press is its thermoplastic behaviour.

Question 28Textile Fibres and Yarn Science

A yarn is described as having a twist multiplier of 4.0 (in the cotton system). If the yarn count is 16 Ne, what is the approximate twist in turns per inch (tpi)?

  1. 32
  2. 64
  3. 8
  4. 16 Correct answer.

Explanation

The twist multiplier (TM) in the cotton system is defined as TM = tpi / sqrt(Ne). Rearranging gives tpi = TM × sqrt(Ne). For Ne = 16, sqrt(16) = 4, so tpi = 4.0 × 4 = 16. Thus the approximate twist is 16 turns per inch.

Question 29Textile Fibres and Yarn Science

In a cotton yarn, a higher twist factor (twist multiplier) generally leads to which of the following?

  1. No effect on yarn strength
  2. Increased yarn strength up to an optimum, then decreased strength Correct answer.
  3. Increased yarn elongation without affecting strength
  4. Decreased yarn strength at all twist levels

Explanation

As twist increases, fibre binding improves and yarn strength rises, reaching a maximum at an optimum twist. Beyond that optimum, the obliquity of fibres reduces the effective contribution to axial strength, and excessive twist can cause spirality and lower strength. Therefore strength first increases then decreases with twist.

Question 30Textile Fibres and Yarn Science

A 100-metre length of yarn weighs 2.5 grams. Calculate the English cotton count (Ne) of the yarn.

  1. 24s Correct answer.
  2. 30s
  3. 20s
  4. 40s

Explanation

English cotton count (Ne) is the number of 840-yard hanks in one pound. First convert length to yards: 100 m ≈ 109.36 yd. Number of hanks = 109.36 / 840 = 0.1302 hanks. Convert weight to pounds: 2.5 g ≈ 0.00551 lb. Ne = hanks / pounds = 0.1302 / 0.00551 ≈ 23.6, which rounds to 24s.

Question 31Fabric Construction and Weaving

In the plain weave structure, what is the minimum number of harnesses required on a loom to interlace the warp and weft threads?

  1. Two harnesses Correct answer.
  2. Four harnesses
  3. Three harnesses
  4. Six harnesses

Explanation

Plain weave is the simplest interlacing where each warp thread passes alternately over and under each weft thread. Because only two distinct positions of the warp are needed, a minimum of two harnesses (or two shafts) is sufficient to produce it.

Question 32Fabric Construction and Weaving

A fabric shows diagonal lines running from the lower left to the upper right on the face of the cloth. Which weave produces this effect?

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

Explanation

Twill weave is characterised by warp or weft floats arranged in a stepped progression, which creates the characteristic diagonal rib or wale on the fabric surface. The direction of the diagonal depends on the order in which the harnesses are lifted.

Question 33Fabric Construction and Weaving

Which weave structure is described as having long floats that give the fabric a smooth, lustrous face with a high sheen?

  1. Satin weave Correct answer.
  2. Basket weave
  3. Rib weave
  4. Plain weave

Explanation

Satin weave uses long warp or weft floats that cover the surface, so light reflects evenly and produces a lustrous face. The interlacing points are spaced far apart, which is why satin feels smooth and drapes well.

Question 34Fabric Construction and Weaving

In a 2/2 twill weave, what does the fraction 2/2 indicate about the interlacing?

  1. Two harnesses are lifted for each pick
  2. Two warp threads interlace with two weft threads in plain order
  3. Two warp threads float over two weft threads Correct answer.
  4. Two colours alternate in the weft

Explanation

In twill notation, the fraction gives the number of warp ends floating over the surface and the number of weft picks floating underneath in one repeat. A 2/2 twill therefore has two warp threads passing over two weft threads before interlacing.

Question 35Fabric Construction and Weaving

Which of the following is a plain-weave variation in which two or more warp threads and two or more weft threads are grouped and interlaced as a unit?

  1. Herringbone twill
  2. Satin weave
  3. Basket weave Correct answer.
  4. Jacquard weave

Explanation

Basket weave, also called matt or hopsack weave, groups two or more warp and weft threads so they interlace as a single unit, giving a checkerboard appearance. It is classified as a variation of plain weave because the basic over-one-under-one principle is retained at the group level.

Question 36Fabric Construction and Weaving

A weaver wants to produce a fabric with a raised looped surface for towelling. Which technique should be used?

  1. Rib weaving with raised cords
  2. Pile weaving with loop formation Correct answer.
  3. Satin weaving with long floats
  4. Dobby weaving with geometric motifs

Explanation

Terry towelling is made by pile weaving in which extra warp or weft yarns form loops that remain uncut, giving the fabric its absorbent raised surface. The loops are created by controlling the tension of the ground and pile warps during weaving.

Question 37Fabric Construction and Weaving

Which part of a power loom holds the heald frames and moves them up and down to form the shed?

  1. Take-up roller
  2. Tappet or dobby shedding mechanism Correct answer.
  3. Warp beam
  4. Reed and sley

Explanation

The shedding mechanism, whether tappet, dobby or jacquard, controls the heald frames that raise and lower the warp threads to form the shed. The take-up roller, warp beam and reed serve different functions in the weaving cycle.

Question 38Fabric Construction and Weaving

During the weaving cycle, which action immediately follows picking?

  1. Taking up of the cloth
  2. Shedding of the warp
  3. Letting off of the warp
  4. Beating up of the weft Correct answer.

Explanation

The weaving cycle follows the sequence shedding, picking and beating up, with letting off and taking up occurring continuously. After the shuttle or weft inserter lays a pick, the reed beats that pick up to the fell of the cloth.

Question 39Fabric Construction and Weaving

Which type of shed is formed when the heald frames move only the warp threads that must be raised, while the remaining threads stay at the bottom line?

  1. Open shed
  2. Bottom shed Correct answer.
  3. Centre shed
  4. Top shed

Explanation

In a bottom shed, only the selected warp threads are lifted while the rest remain at the lower line, so the shed opens upward from the bottom. This is common in tappet and dobby looms using positive or negative shedding.

Question 40Fabric Construction and Weaving

Which weave repeat is produced when a warp thread floats over four weft threads and under one, with the interlacing points stepped by two ends each time?

  1. Five-end weft satin
  2. Five-end twill
  3. Five-end basket weave
  4. Five-end warp satin Correct answer.

Explanation

A five-end satin with a float of four over one and a move number of two produces the characteristic warp-faced lustrous surface. The step of two ensures the interlacing points are distributed and do not touch, which is essential to satin construction.

Question 41Fabric Construction and Weaving

Which of the following describes the term 'reed count' in fabric construction?

  1. The number of warp threads on the beam
  2. The number of harnesses on the loom
  3. The number of dents per unit length in the reed Correct answer.
  4. The number of picks inserted per minute

Explanation

Reed count expresses how many dents or splits are present per unit length of the reed, usually per inch or per two inches. It determines the spacing of the warp threads and therefore the sett of the fabric.

Question 42Fabric Construction and Weaving

A fabric has 60 warp ends per inch and 48 picks per inch. Which term correctly describes this fabric?

  1. Weft-faced fabric
  2. Balanced fabric
  3. Pile fabric
  4. Warp-faced fabric Correct answer.

Explanation

When the number of warp ends per inch exceeds the number of picks per inch, the fabric is described as warp-faced because the warp threads predominate on the surface. Here 60 ends against 48 picks indicates a warp-dominant structure.

Question 43Fabric Construction and Weaving

Which of the following weaves is produced on a jacquard loom rather than a dobby loom?

  1. Plain weave shirting
  2. 2/2 twill suiting
  3. Small geometric dobby motif
  4. Large figured floral design Correct answer.

Explanation

Jacquard looms control individual warp threads through punched cards or electronic selection, allowing large and intricate figured designs that exceed the capacity of a dobby. Dobby looms are limited to small geometric motifs using a modest number of harnesses.

Question 44Fabric Construction and Weaving

Which of the following correctly states the function of the temples on a loom?

  1. To measure the length of cloth woven
  2. To separate the warp threads into two sheets
  3. To hold the cloth at full width and prevent contraction Correct answer.
  4. To supply weft yarn to the shuttle

Explanation

Temples grip the selvedges of the woven cloth and hold it at the reed width, preventing the cloth from contracting and reducing warp breakage near the fell. They are positioned close to the fell of the cloth on both sides.

Question 45Fabric Construction and Weaving

Which of the following weaves produces a fabric with a broken diagonal effect resembling the backbone of a fish?

  1. Diamond weave
  2. Crepe weave
  3. Herringbone weave Correct answer.
  4. Honeycomb weave

Explanation

Herringbone weave is a twill variation in which the direction of the diagonal is reversed at regular intervals, producing a zigzag or fishbone pattern. It is widely used in suiting and coating fabrics.

Question 46Fabric Construction and Weaving

Which weave is produced by introducing an extra warp or weft thread that floats over the surface to create a raised, corded effect?

  1. Basket weave
  2. Satin weave
  3. Plain weave
  4. Bedford cord weave Correct answer.

Explanation

Bedford cord is a warp-faced weave in which extra warp threads float over the surface to create longitudinal cords or ridges. It is commonly used for trousers and upholstery because of its durability and raised corded appearance.

Question 47Fabric Construction and Weaving

Which of the following yarns is most suitable for use as a warp thread in fabric construction?

  1. A tightly twisted, strong yarn Correct answer.
  2. A soft, low-twist yarn
  3. A fancy slub yarn
  4. A loosely spun single yarn

Explanation

Warp threads are subjected to considerable tension and abrasion during weaving, so they must be strong and tightly twisted. Weft yarns can be softer and more loosely twisted because they undergo less strain.

Question 48Fabric Construction and Weaving

Which of the following is the correct order of operations in the weaving cycle?

  1. Shedding, picking, beating up Correct answer.
  2. Shedding, beating up, picking
  3. Picking, shedding, beating up
  4. Beating up, shedding, picking

Explanation

The weaving cycle begins with shedding, which opens the warp to form a passage for the weft. Picking then inserts the weft through the shed, and beating up drives the pick to the fell of the cloth.

Question 49Fabric Construction and Weaving

Which of the following describes the term 'crimp' in woven fabric?

  1. The shrinkage of cloth after washing
  2. The lustre produced by long floats
  3. The twist inserted in the weft yarn
  4. The waviness of yarns caused by interlacing Correct answer.

Explanation

Crimp refers to the waviness imparted to warp and weft yarns as they interlace in the woven structure. Higher crimp generally increases fabric extensibility and softness while reducing strength.

Question 50Fabric Construction and Weaving

A weaver needs a fabric with a firm, closely woven structure for shirting. Which sett should be selected?

  1. A very low reed count with thick yarn
  2. A higher number of ends and picks per inch Correct answer.
  3. A lower number of ends and picks per inch
  4. An open sett with widely spaced yarns

Explanation

A firm, closely woven fabric requires a higher sett, meaning more ends and picks per inch, which increases cover and strength. Shirting fabrics typically use a balanced, medium-to-high sett to give durability and opacity.