Clothing and Textiles
Clothing and Textiles
This domain tests your knowledge of fibres and fabrics, how fabric is constructed, how patterns are laid out and garments sewn, and how clothing is cared for so it lasts. Expect questions that ask you to choose a fabric for a purpose and justify the choice from fibre properties.
Fibres
- Cotton (cellulose): absorbent, strong when wet, washable, creases and shrinks. Linen: stronger when wet but creases badly.
- Wool (protein): warm, elastic, absorbs moisture, felts; damaged by hot water, strong alkali, and chlorine bleach.
- Silk (protein): lustrous and strong but weakened by sunlight and perspiration.
- Manufactured: viscose is regenerated and absorbent; polyester, nylon, and acrylic are synthetic, thermoplastic, low-absorbency, and quick-drying.
- Burning test: cotton and linen smell of burning paper and leave soft grey ash; wool and silk smell of burning hair and form a crushable bead; synthetics melt and form a hard bead.
Fabric construction
- Warp threads run lengthwise, parallel to the selvedge, and are stronger; weft threads run crosswise.
- Selvedge is the firm finished edge.
- Weaves: plain, twill (diagonal rib), satin (lustrous face from floats). Knitted fabric is stretchy because loops interlock; non-woven fabric has no grain.
- Grain stretch: lengthwise grain stretches least, crosswise more, bias (45°) most. Bias binding is used on curves and necklines.
Pattern layout and sewing
Place the lengthwise grainline parallel to the selvedge, put fold lines on the fold, and cut one-way or napped fabric all in the same direction. Transfer notches and darts. Seams: plain (strong, needs neatening), French (encloses raw edges on fine fabric), flat fell (strong, used on jeans). Press as you sew.
Care and stain removal
Read the care label; sort by colour, fabric, and soil level. Wool needs cool water and gentle detergent. Use low iron heat on polyester and acrylic. Treat blood and egg stains with cold water first, because heat sets protein stains; blot grease stains with solvent rather than rubbing.
Worked example
A school shirt for a hot climate is best made from cotton poplin: it absorbs sweat, washes well, is strong when wet, and takes starch for a crisp finish. Polyester is cheaper and dries fast but has low absorbency and feels hot.
Traps that cost marks
- Reversing warp and weft.
- Saying bias stretches least.
- Using a hot iron on acrylic.
- Using hot water on a blood stain.