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MATSEC SEC Fashion and Textiles study materials
MATSEC SEC Fashion and Textiles study resources

MATSEC SEC Fashion and Textiles practice questions

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Question 1Fibres, yarns and fabric construction

Which fibre is classified as a natural protein fibre?

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

Explanation

Natural fibres come from plants, animals or minerals. Wool grows from the fleece of sheep, so it is an animal (protein) fibre built mainly from the protein keratin.

Question 2Fibres, yarns and fabric construction

Which property is characteristic of cotton fibres?

  1. High elasticity with full recovery
  2. Excellent resistance to mildew
  3. High lustre similar to silk
  4. Good moisture absorption and breathability Correct answer.

Explanation

Cotton is a hydrophilic cellulose fibre, so it absorbs moisture readily and allows air to pass through the fabric. This makes it comfortable in warm conditions.

Question 3Fibres, yarns and fabric construction

Which term describes the twisting of staple fibres into a continuous thread?

  1. Knitting
  2. Spinning Correct answer.
  3. Felting
  4. Weaving

Explanation

Spinning draws out and twists staple fibres so that friction between them holds a continuous yarn together. Weaving, knitting and felting are fabric construction methods that use fibres or yarns afterwards.

Question 4Fibres, yarns and fabric construction

In a plain weave fabric, the yarns are interlaced so that each weft yarn passes:

  1. Over four warp yarns and under one
  2. Over two warp yarns and under two, offset by one
  3. Over and under the same warp yarns in every row
  4. Over one warp yarn and under the next, alternating each row Correct answer.

Explanation

Plain weave is the simplest interlacing, with a one-up, one-down pattern. Each weft yarn alternates over and under successive warp yarns, and the pattern shifts by one yarn in the following row.

Question 5Fibres, yarns and fabric construction

Which yarn is made by twisting two or more single yarns together?

  1. Roving
  2. Slub yarn
  3. Monofilament yarn
  4. Plied yarn Correct answer.

Explanation

A plied yarn is produced by twisting two or more already-spun single yarns together, which improves strength and evenness. Slub yarns, monofilaments and rovings are different structures.

Question 6Fibres, yarns and fabric construction

Which fibre is a manufactured regenerated cellulose fibre?

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

Explanation

Viscose is made by dissolving and regenerating cellulose from wood pulp, so it is a regenerated fibre. Polyester, nylon and acrylic are fully synthetic polymers.

Question 7Fibres, yarns and fabric construction

Which fabric structure is produced by interlocking loops of yarn?

  1. Braided fabric
  2. Woven fabric
  3. Non-woven fabric
  4. Knitted fabric Correct answer.

Explanation

Knitting builds fabric from interlocking loops, which allows the cloth to stretch. Woven, non-woven and braided structures are formed differently.

Question 8Fibres, yarns and fabric construction

Which fibre is known for its high strength-to-weight ratio and is commonly used in sportswear and ropes?

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

Explanation

Nylon (polyamide) is a strong, lightweight synthetic filament with good abrasion resistance. These properties suit ropes, hosiery and technical sportswear.

Question 9Fibres, yarns and fabric construction

A designer wants a fabric that drapes softly and has a fluid handle for a bias-cut evening dress. Which construction would best achieve this?

  1. A bonded non-woven interfacing
  2. A tightly woven calico
  3. A heavy canvas plain weave
  4. A lightweight plain-weave viscose fabric Correct answer.

Explanation

A light, flexible fabric with a smooth cellulose-regenerated fibre allows the cloth to flow over the body on the bias. Heavier or stiffly constructed fabrics would hold shape rather than drape.

Question 10Fibres, yarns and fabric construction

Why is a staple fibre yarn generally less lustrous than a filament yarn of the same polymer?

  1. Staple fibres contain more moisture
  2. Filament yarns are always dyed a brighter colour
  3. Short fibres scatter light at the many fibre ends on the yarn surface Correct answer.
  4. Staple yarns have a higher twist that absorbs light

Explanation

Filament yarns have a smooth, continuous surface that reflects light evenly. Staple yarns have many protruding fibre ends and a slightly hairy surface that scatters light, reducing apparent lustre.

Question 11Fibres, yarns and fabric construction

Which weave produces a firm, diagonally ribbed fabric such as denim?

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

Explanation

Twill weave passes the weft over one or more warp yarns and under two or more, stepping the interlacing each row. This creates the characteristic diagonal line and gives denim its strength and drape.

Question 12Fibres, yarns and fabric construction

A fabric is described as having a high twist yarn. What effect does this most likely have?

  1. A lower tendency to snag
  2. A softer, loftier handle
  3. Greater moisture absorbency
  4. A crisper, more compact handle with reduced pilling Correct answer.

Explanation

More twist binds the fibres tightly into a compact yarn, giving a firmer handle and fewer loose fibres to pill. Very high twist can, however, cause the yarn to kink.

Question 13Fibres, yarns and fabric construction

Which property makes polyester popular for easy-care school uniforms?

  1. It resists creasing and dries quickly Correct answer.
  2. It is highly biodegradable
  3. It absorbs moisture readily
  4. It has low abrasion resistance

Explanation

Polyester is a hydrophobic synthetic with good elastic recovery, so it sheds creases and dries fast. These features reduce ironing and suit repeated washing in uniforms.

Question 14Fibres, yarns and fabric construction

Which fibre blends well with cotton to improve crease recovery while keeping moisture absorbency?

  1. Asbestos
  2. Polyester Correct answer.
  3. Elastane
  4. Glass

Explanation

Blending polyester with cotton combines polyester's crease recovery and strength with cotton's absorbency and comfort. This is the basis of the common polycotton shirting fabric.

Question 15Fibres, yarns and fabric construction

A weft-knitted single jersey fabric is cut for a close-fitting top. Why might the edges curl during sewing?

  1. The fabric has a satin weave
  2. The loop structure stores tension that releases at the cut edge Correct answer.
  3. The yarns are too thick for the needle
  4. The fibres are all continuous filaments

Explanation

Weft-knitted loops are bent under tension, and when the fabric is cut the unbalanced loops at the edge relax and curl. This is why knitted edges are often stabilised before sewing.

Question 16Fibres, yarns and fabric construction

Which yarn production method produces a yarn with no twist at all?

  1. Filament extrusion wound as a flat continuous yarn Correct answer.
  2. Ring spinning of staple cotton
  3. Worsted spinning of wool
  4. Plying of two single yarns

Explanation

A continuous filament yarn can be wound directly from extrusion with zero twist, giving a smooth, flat yarn. Spinning staple fibres and plying both depend on twist to hold the structure together.

Question 17Fibres, yarns and fabric construction

Why does a wool fabric feel warm to wear in cold weather?

  1. Crimped fibres trap air, and the fibre releases heat as it absorbs moisture Correct answer.
  2. Wool has a smooth, non-absorbent surface
  3. Wool fibres are transparent to body heat
  4. Wool conducts heat away from the body quickly

Explanation

Wool's natural crimp creates a bulky structure that traps still air as insulation. Wool also gives off heat when it absorbs moisture, adding to the perceived warmth.

Question 18Fibres, yarns and fabric construction

A manufacturer wants a fabric with a smooth, lustrous face and a dull back, often used for linings. Which weave should be chosen?

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

Explanation

Satin weave uses long floats so that warp or weft yarns dominate one face, producing a smooth, lustrous surface with a duller reverse. This is typical of lining fabrics.

Question 19Fibres, yarns and fabric construction

Which statement best explains why linen creases easily?

  1. The cellulose chains have low elasticity, so the fibre does not recover after bending Correct answer.
  2. The fibre surface is very smooth and slippery
  3. The fibres are highly elastic and spring back
  4. The fibres contain a high proportion of synthetic polymer

Explanation

Linen is a cellulose bast fibre with low extensibility and poor elastic recovery. When bent, the polymer chains do not spring back, so creases remain.

Question 20Fibres, yarns and fabric construction

A yarn label states '100% combed cotton'. What does combing indicate about the yarn?

  1. The cotton has been mercerised for lustre
  2. The yarn has been given a flame-retardant finish
  3. The yarn has been blended with polyester
  4. Short fibres have been removed to leave longer, smoother fibres Correct answer.

Explanation

Combing aligns the fibres and removes short ones, leaving longer fibres that spin into a smoother, stronger and more lustrous yarn. It is a mechanical preparation step, not a chemical finish.

Question 21Fibres, yarns and fabric construction

Which combination of fibre and construction would be most suitable for a durable, absorbent bath towel?

  1. Wool felt
  2. Cotton pile weave with looped terry structure Correct answer.
  3. Nylon plain-weave fabric
  4. Polyester satin weave

Explanation

Cotton is absorbent and strong when wet, and a terry pile structure exposes many loops to the skin, increasing surface area for water uptake. Together they give a durable, absorbent towel.

Question 22Fibres, yarns and fabric construction

A fabric sample burns with a smell of burning hair and leaves a crushable black ash. Which fibre is most likely present?

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

Explanation

Protein fibres such as wool and silk smell of burning hair when ignited and leave a crushable ash. This distinguishes them from cellulosic and synthetic fibres.

Question 23Fibres, yarns and fabric construction

Why does a 2/60s cotton yarn have a finer count than a single 60s yarn?

  1. The 2/60s yarn has been spun with a lower twist
  2. The 2/60s is a plied yarn made from two 60s single yarns, giving a thicker, stronger yarn Correct answer.
  3. The 2/60s yarn contains twice as many fibres per cross-section but is thinner
  4. The 2/60s yarn is measured in a different unit system

Explanation

The notation 2/60s means two single yarns of 60s count plied together. Plying doubles the linear density, so the plied yarn is thicker and stronger than a single 60s yarn.

Question 24Fibres, yarns and fabric construction

A woven fabric is described as having a high sett (many ends and picks per centimetre). What is the likely effect on the fabric?

  1. A more open, sheer fabric
  2. A fabric with greater stretch in all directions
  3. A denser, stronger fabric with reduced air permeability Correct answer.
  4. A fabric that cannot be dyed

Explanation

A high sett means more yarns per unit length, so the cloth is denser and stronger and allows less air through. Lower sett values produce more open, sheer fabrics.

Question 25Fibres, yarns and fabric construction

A student compares two knitted structures: single jersey and rib. Which statement correctly distinguishes them?

  1. Single jersey has alternating knit and purl wales
  2. Rib is a woven structure with diagonal lines
  3. Rib alternates knit and purl wales, giving lengthwise stretch and a fabric that lies flat Correct answer.
  4. Single jersey is made only from filament yarns

Explanation

Rib knitting alternates knit and purl wales so that the fabric contracts widthways, stretches lengthwise and does not curl at the edges. Single jersey has knit loops on one face and purl on the other, so it curls.

Question 26Fibres, yarns and fabric construction

A woven fabric is described as having a satin weave. Which face appearance does this structure typically give?

  1. A diagonally ribbed face with prominent wales
  2. A smooth, lustrous face with long floats of yarn Correct answer.
  3. A dull, evenly balanced face with no visible float
  4. A raised, fuzzy face produced by brushing

Explanation

In a satin weave the binding points are spaced so that long floats of yarn lie on the surface, reflecting light to give a smooth, lustrous face. The reverse side is usually dull because the floats are shorter there. This is why satin is chosen for linings and eveningwear.

Question 27Fibres, yarns and fabric construction

A yarn is labelled as a two-ply yarn. What does this mean about its construction?

  1. Two single yarns have been twisted together Correct answer.
  2. Two fibres have been blended before spinning
  3. Two different polymers were extruded side by side
  4. Two rovings were drafted into one single yarn

Explanation

Plying means twisting two or more already-spun single yarns together, so a two-ply yarn contains two singles. Plying improves evenness, strength and resistance to abrasion compared with the single yarns alone. Blending and extrusion are separate processes that take place before or during spinning.

Question 28Fibres, yarns and fabric construction

A manufacturer needs a fabric for a knitted swimsuit that must stretch in both directions and recover its shape when wet. Which construction and yarn choice best meets this?

  1. A nonwoven fabric from bonded staple viscose
  2. A leno-woven fabric from plied linen yarn
  3. A warp-knitted fabric from continuous filament yarn with elastane Correct answer.
  4. A plain-woven fabric from staple cotton yarn

Explanation

Warp-knitted structures such as tricot use interlocking loops that allow stretch along and across the fabric, and continuous filaments give a smooth, strong surface. Adding elastane provides the elastic recovery needed in a swimsuit. Woven and nonwoven structures lack this loop-based extensibility.

Question 29Fibres, yarns and fabric construction

A student compares two yarns of the same linear density: one made from short staple fibres and one from continuous filaments. Why does the staple yarn generally feel softer and warmer?

  1. Filament yarns are thicker, so they feel cooler to the touch
  2. Filaments have a higher melting point, so they conduct less heat
  3. Staple yarns always contain more twist, which generates warmth
  4. Fibre ends migrate to the surface, trapping air and creating a fuzzy handle Correct answer.

Explanation

Staple fibres are short, so their ends work out to the yarn surface and create a hairy, fuzzy structure that traps still air. Trapped air is a good insulator, which gives warmth, and the protruding ends soften the handle. Filaments are continuous and smooth, so they give a cooler, sleeker feel.

Question 30Fibres, yarns and fabric construction

A plain-weave cotton fabric is to be given a crisp, stiff handle for a tailored shirt collar. Which finishing route is most appropriate, and why?

  1. Calendering at high pressure, because flattening the yarns increases bulk and stiffness
  2. Enzyme bio-polishing, because removing surface fuzz adds body to the cloth
  3. Resin finishing of the woven greige, because cross-linking stiffens the fabric and improves crease recovery Correct answer.
  4. Mercerising without tension, because swelling the fibres permanently softens the fabric

Explanation

Resin finishing introduces cross-links between cellulose chains, which stiffens the fabric and improves its crease recovery, giving the crisp handle wanted in a collar. The effect is a chemical change within the fibre rather than a surface effect. The other routes either soften the cloth or act only on the surface.

Question 31Fabric finishes, colouration and textile properties

Which fibre is thermoplastic, so that a hot iron can set a permanent pleat into a skirt made from it?

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

Explanation

Thermoplastic fibres soften when heated and harden again on cooling, so a fold pressed in at high temperature is locked into the molecular structure. Polyester is fully synthetic and thermoplastic, which is why heat-set pleating is a standard industrial finish for polyester garments.

Question 32Fabric finishes, colouration and textile properties

A fabric labelled 'mercerised cotton' has been treated mainly to achieve which combination of effects?

  1. Increased lustre, strength and dye uptake Correct answer.
  2. Increased flame resistance and reduced shrinkage
  3. Increased water repellency and soil release
  4. Increased elasticity and crease recovery

Explanation

Mercerisation treats cotton under tension with concentrated sodium hydroxide, which swells and re-orients the cellulose. The result is a smoother, more lustrous fibre with greater tensile strength and better affinity for dye.

Question 33Fabric finishes, colouration and textile properties

Which colour-fastness problem is tested by rubbing a dyed fabric with a dry white cloth under controlled pressure?

  1. Perspiration fastness
  2. Washing fastness
  3. Light fastness
  4. Crocking Correct answer.

Explanation

Crocking is the transfer of colour from a dyed fabric onto another surface by rubbing. It is assessed with a crockmeter using dry and wet white cloths, and the staining of the cloth is graded against a grey scale.

Question 34Fabric finishes, colouration and textile properties

Which finish is applied to cotton fabric to reduce shrinkage and creasing by cross-linking cellulose chains?

  1. Resin finish Correct answer.
  2. Calendering
  3. Schreiner finish
  4. Singeing

Explanation

Resin or easy-care finishes use cross-linking agents that bond adjacent cellulose chains, restricting their movement. This reduces the swelling and rearrangement that cause shrinkage and creasing during washing.

Question 35Fabric finishes, colouration and textile properties

Which dye class is normally applied to cotton in an alkaline dyebath and forms a strong covalent bond with the cellulose?

  1. Vat dyes
  2. Disperse dyes
  3. Acid dyes
  4. Reactive dyes Correct answer.

Explanation

Reactive dyes contain groups that react with hydroxyl groups in cellulose under alkaline conditions, forming covalent bonds. This gives excellent wash fastness because the colour is chemically attached to the fibre rather than trapped inside it.

Question 36Fabric finishes, colouration and textile properties

Which property best explains why wool garments feel warm to wear in cold weather?

  1. The fibre has a smooth, lustrous surface
  2. The fibre is highly thermoplastic
  3. The crimped fibre traps still air in the fabric Correct answer.
  4. The fibre conducts heat rapidly away from the body

Explanation

Wool has a natural crimp that creates bulk and traps pockets of still air, which is a poor conductor of heat. This insulating layer of air is what keeps body heat in and makes wool fabrics feel warm.

Question 37Fabric finishes, colouration and textile properties

A care label on a polyester blouse advises ironing at a low temperature. Which fibre property makes high iron temperatures risky?

  1. The fibre loses all its dye immediately
  2. The fibre softens and can glaze or melt Correct answer.
  3. The fibre shrinks permanently at low heat
  4. The fibre scorches and turns brittle

Explanation

Polyester is thermoplastic and softens at relatively low temperatures, so a hot iron can cause glazing, sticking or even melting of the surface. Low-temperature ironing, often through a cloth, avoids this heat damage.

Question 38Fabric finishes, colouration and textile properties

A manufacturer wants a cotton shirt to release oily stains more easily in the wash. Which finish class is most appropriate?

  1. Fluorochemical soil-release finish Correct answer.
  2. Starch padding
  3. Caustic soda mercerisation
  4. Wax emulsion finish

Explanation

Soil-release finishes, often based on fluorochemicals or hydrophilic polymers, make the fibre surface less attractive to oily soil and allow it to be washed away. They are specifically designed to improve removal of oily stains during laundering.

Question 39Fabric finishes, colouration and textile properties

Why is a wetting agent added to a dye bath before the dye is introduced?

  1. To fix the dye permanently to the fibre
  2. To lower surface tension so the dye liquor penetrates the fabric Correct answer.
  3. To increase the molecular weight of the dye
  4. To raise the pH of the bath to alkaline levels

Explanation

Wetting agents are surfactants that reduce the surface tension of the water, allowing the dye liquor to spread and penetrate between and within the fibres. Even dyeing depends on this penetration before the dye is absorbed.

Question 40Fabric finishes, colouration and textile properties

Which description correctly distinguishes a pigment print from a dye print on a cotton T-shirt?

  1. Pigment requires steam fixation, while dye requires no fixation
  2. Pigment penetrates the fibre, while dye sits only on the surface
  3. Pigment sits on the surface bound by a binder, while dye penetrates and bonds within the fibre Correct answer.
  4. Pigment can only be used on wool, while dye can only be used on cotton

Explanation

Pigments are insoluble particles with no affinity for the fibre, so they are held on the surface by a binder resin. Dyes are soluble and are absorbed into the fibre where they bond or are trapped, giving a different handle and fastness profile.

Question 41Fabric finishes, colouration and textile properties

A fabric is described as having been 'compacted' or 'sanforised'. What is the main purpose of this mechanical finish?

  1. To reduce residual shrinkage of cotton fabric in washing Correct answer.
  2. To increase the lustre of the fabric surface
  3. To make the fabric flame retardant
  4. To increase the fabric's resistance to moths

Explanation

Compacting and sanforising mechanically compress the fabric lengthwise under controlled conditions so that the residual shrinkage left after weaving is largely removed. The garment then retains its size after washing.

Question 42Fabric finishes, colouration and textile properties

Which combination of tests would best assess whether a dyed cotton fabric is suitable for a frequently washed school uniform?

  1. Abrasion resistance and air permeability
  2. Light fastness and tensile strength
  3. Thermal conductivity and moisture regain
  4. Washing fastness and rubbing fastness Correct answer.

Explanation

A garment that is washed often must resist colour loss and staining during laundering and must not transfer colour by rubbing. Washing fastness and rubbing fastness are the relevant colour-fastness tests for that use.

Question 43Fabric finishes, colouration and textile properties

Why is a carrier sometimes used when dyeing polyester with disperse dyes at below-boiling temperatures?

  1. It increases the fibre's moisture regain permanently
  2. It reacts covalently with the polyester to fix the dye
  3. It swells the fibre so dye molecules can diffuse in more easily Correct answer.
  4. It removes the need for any after-scouring

Explanation

Polyester is highly crystalline and hydrophobic, so dye molecules diffuse slowly at moderate temperatures. A carrier temporarily swells the fibre structure, opening the polymer chains so disperse dye can penetrate.

Question 44Fabric finishes, colouration and textile properties

A flame-retardant finish on a cotton curtain works mainly by which mechanism?

  1. Coating the fabric in a layer of water
  2. Promoting char formation and reducing flammable gases Correct answer.
  3. Raising the ignition temperature of the fabric above any fire
  4. Increasing the oxygen content of the surrounding air

Explanation

Flame retardants for cellulose usually promote dehydration and char formation, so less flammable gas is released and the residue acts as a barrier. This interrupts the combustion cycle rather than preventing ignition entirely.

Question 45Fabric finishes, colouration and textile properties

Which statement best explains why viscose fabric loses strength when wet?

  1. Water increases the crystallinity of the fibre
  2. Water dissolves the cellulose and washes it away
  3. Water disrupts hydrogen bonds between cellulose chains, reducing cohesion Correct answer.
  4. Water reacts chemically with the fibre to form a brittle salt

Explanation

Regenerated cellulose fibres such as viscose depend on hydrogen bonding between chains for their strength. Water molecules penetrate the amorphous regions and break these bonds, so the fibre becomes weaker and more extensible when wet.

Question 46Fabric finishes, colouration and textile properties

In a colour-matching laboratory, a 'metameric pair' is best described as which of the following?

  1. Two samples that match in reflectance at every wavelength
  2. Two samples that match under one light source but differ under another Correct answer.
  3. Two samples that differ in hue but match in lightness
  4. Two samples that are identical under every light source

Explanation

Metamerism occurs when two colourants have different spectral reflectance curves but produce the same perceived colour under one illuminant. Under a different illuminant the curves no longer coincide, so the samples appear to differ.

Question 47Fabric finishes, colouration and textile properties

A customer complains that a dark navy cotton shirt has developed pale patches after being left on a washing line in strong sun. Which property is being demonstrated?

  1. Poor rubbing fastness of the dye
  2. Poor light fastness of the dye Correct answer.
  3. Poor perspiration fastness of the dye
  4. Poor washing fastness of the dye

Explanation

Fading caused by exposure to sunlight indicates that the dye is sensitive to photodegradation, which is measured as light fastness. The fading pattern follows the areas exposed to light rather than mechanical or washing action.

Question 48Fabric finishes, colouration and textile properties

Which fabric construction and finish combination would most improve the tear strength of a lightweight cotton trouser fabric?

  1. A denser weave with a calendered glaze
  2. A tighter weave with a resin finish that cross-links the fibres Correct answer.
  3. A looser weave with a softener finish
  4. A plain weave with a flame-retardant finish

Explanation

Tear strength depends on how easily yarns can slide and on fibre strength; a tighter weave increases yarn interlacing and resin cross-linking strengthens the fibre network. Together these resist the propagation of a tear.

Question 49Fabric finishes, colouration and textile properties

A dyer adds Glauber's salt or common salt to a dye bath when applying direct dyes to cotton. What is the purpose of this addition?

  1. To increase the pH above 12
  2. To promote exhaustion of the dye onto the fibre Correct answer.
  3. To soften the water permanently
  4. To bleach the cotton before dyeing

Explanation

Direct dyes have only a moderate affinity for cellulose, so electrolyte is added to reduce the repulsion between dye anions and the negatively charged fibre surface. This drives more dye out of the liquor and onto the fibre, improving exhaustion and colour yield.

Question 50Fabric finishes, colouration and textile properties

Which finish would be most suitable for a wool coat that must resist felting and shrinking during domestic washing?

  1. A fluorochemical water-repellent finish
  2. A starch padding
  3. A chlorine-Hercosett anti-felt treatment Correct answer.
  4. A calendered glaze

Explanation

Wool felts because the scales on the fibre surface allow fibres to migrate and lock together under mechanical action in water. Chlorine treatment smooths or removes the scales and a Hercosett resin coating further reduces friction, giving a machine-washable shrink-resistant wool.