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NSSCO Fashion and Fabrics 6153 study materials
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NSSCO Fashion and Fabrics 6153 practice questions

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Question 1Fibres, Yarns and Fabric Construction

Which fibre is classified as a natural protein fibre obtained from an animal coat?

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

Explanation

Wool is a natural fibre produced by sheep and other animals, and its chemical composition is protein (keratin). Cotton and linen are natural cellulosic fibres from plants, while viscose is a manufactured fibre regenerated from wood pulp.

Question 2Fibres, Yarns and Fabric Construction

A fabric drape test shows a sample falls in soft, close folds. Which property does this behaviour best describe?

  1. Abrasion resistance
  2. Crease recovery
  3. Thermal conductivity
  4. Drape Correct answer.

Explanation

Drape describes how a fabric hangs and folds under its own weight when partly supported. Soft, close folds indicate good draping quality, which matters for garments such as skirts and blouses.

Question 3Fibres, Yarns and Fabric Construction

Which term describes the twisting of staple fibres together to form a continuous strand suitable for weaving?

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

Explanation

Spinning draws out and twists staple fibres so that friction between them holds the strand together as a yarn. Knitting and felting are fabric-construction methods, and bleaching is a wet finishing process.

Question 4Fibres, Yarns and Fabric Construction

In a plain weave, how are the two sets of yarns interlaced?

  1. Each warp yarn passes alternately over and under each weft yarn Correct answer.
  2. Warp yarns are twisted around each other between picks
  3. Loops of one yarn are drawn through loops of the previous row
  4. Each weft yarn floats over four warp yarns before interlacing

Explanation

Plain weave is the simplest interlacing: every warp end crosses alternately over one pick and under the next, and adjacent ends do the opposite. This produces a firm, flat fabric with a high interlacing rate.

Question 5Fibres, Yarns and Fabric Construction

Which property makes cotton fabric comfortable to wear in hot weather?

  1. It has very low moisture regain and dries instantly
  2. It melts at low temperature and seals in body heat
  3. It is highly elastic and stretches with movement
  4. It absorbs moisture and allows heat to pass readily Correct answer.

Explanation

Cotton is absorbent and conducts heat well, so perspiration is taken up from the skin and evaporates, giving a cool handle. These properties suit tropical climates such as Namibia.

Question 6Fibres, Yarns and Fabric Construction

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

  1. Roving
  2. Plied yarn Correct answer.
  3. Carded web
  4. Slub yarn

Explanation

A plied yarn is produced by twisting two or more already-spun single yarns together, which increases strength and evenness. Slub yarn is deliberately thick-and-thin, while roving and carded web are intermediate stages before spinning.

Question 7Fibres, Yarns and Fabric Construction

Which fabric construction uses a set of needles to interlock loops of yarn?

  1. Weaving
  2. Weft knitting Correct answer.
  3. Bonding
  4. Laminating

Explanation

Weft knitting forms fabric by drawing loops of yarn through previous loops in horizontal rows, giving stretch and laddering if a loop breaks. Weaving crosses two yarn sets at right angles instead.

Question 8Fibres, Yarns and Fabric Construction

Which finish is applied to cotton to reduce shrinkage and smooth out creases?

  1. Calendering
  2. Mercerising Correct answer.
  3. Carbonising
  4. Fulling

Explanation

Mercerising treats cotton under tension with caustic soda, which improves lustre, strength and dye uptake and reduces shrinkage. Calendering presses the surface smooth but does not change the fibre's shrinkage behaviour.

Question 9Fibres, Yarns and Fabric Construction

A learner needs a fabric that stretches and recovers well for a swimsuit. Which fibre blend is most suitable?

  1. Linen and ramie
  2. Cotton and elastane Correct answer.
  3. Glass and metal
  4. Wool and jute

Explanation

Elastane provides high stretch and recovery while cotton contributes absorbency and softness, giving a comfortable stretch fabric. The other options lack elastic recovery and are unsuitable for close-fitting swimwear.

Question 10Fibres, Yarns and Fabric Construction

Why is a satin weave often chosen for evening wear?

  1. Frequent interlacing produces a rough, matt texture
  2. Two yarns are crossed diagonally to form a rib
  3. Long floats create a smooth, lustrous surface that reflects light Correct answer.
  4. Loops on the surface trap air for warmth

Explanation

In satin weave the warp or weft floats over several yarns before interlacing, so the surface is smooth and light-reflective. That lustre and fluid drape make it popular for formal evening garments.

Question 11Fibres, Yarns and Fabric Construction

A candidate compares two yarns of equal count and finds one is much stronger. Which factor most likely explains the difference?

  1. The stronger yarn has a higher twist level Correct answer.
  2. The stronger yarn has more short fibres
  3. The stronger yarn is more loosely spun
  4. The stronger yarn has more slubs

Explanation

Up to an optimum point, more twist increases friction between fibres and therefore yarn strength. Short fibres and loose spinning reduce cohesion, and slubs are thick places that weaken the yarn.

Question 12Fibres, Yarns and Fabric Construction

Which fibre burns with a smell of burning hair and leaves a crushable black ash?

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

Explanation

Protein fibres such as wool contain nitrogen and sulphur, so they smell of burning hair and leave a crushable dark ash. Cellulosic fibres smell of burning paper, and polyester melts and forms a hard bead.

Question 13Fibres, Yarns and Fabric Construction

A tailor notices that a twill fabric shows a clear diagonal line on the face. What causes this line?

  1. The surface loops have been cut to create a pile
  2. The warp yarns are alternately raised and lowered in a plain sequence
  3. The fabric has been printed with a diagonal stripe
  4. The weft yarns step across by one or more warp ends on each pick Correct answer.

Explanation

In twill weave the interlacing point moves along by one or more ends on each successive pick, producing a continuous diagonal line called a wale. The direction and steepness of the wale depend on the weave plan.

Question 14Fibres, Yarns and Fabric Construction

Which property of nylon makes it suitable for tights and parachute fabric?

  1. Stiff handle with poor crease recovery
  2. High strength with good elasticity and low weight Correct answer.
  3. High absorbency with slow drying
  4. Low strength with high flammability

Explanation

Nylon is a strong, lightweight polyamide with good elastic recovery, so it withstands stretching and repeated use. Its low absorbency also means it dries quickly, which is useful for outdoor applications.

Question 15Fibres, Yarns and Fabric Construction

A learner is making a garment for a hot, humid climate and wants a fabric that wicks moisture and dries quickly. Which choice best meets the requirement?

  1. A polyester microfibre with a moisture-wicking finish Correct answer.
  2. A heavy wool flannel
  3. A tightly woven cotton canvas
  4. A linen and ramie blend with no finish

Explanation

Microfibre polyester can be engineered with fine filaments and a wicking finish to move moisture to the surface where it evaporates quickly. Heavy wool and canvas are absorbent and slow-drying, and untreated linen-ramie creases and dries slowly.

Question 16Fibres, Yarns and Fabric Construction

Which statement correctly describes a filament yarn?

  1. It is a fabric formed by interlocking loops
  2. It is made only from short staple fibres twisted together
  3. It is a loose web of fibres bonded with adhesive
  4. It is made of continuous strands of indefinite length Correct answer.

Explanation

Filament yarns consist of continuous filaments, either natural as in silk or manufactured as in polyester, and they can run for great lengths without joins. Staple yarns are made from short fibres twisted together.

Question 17Fibres, Yarns and Fabric Construction

A candidate is asked to identify an unknown white fabric. It scorches and curls away from the flame, smells of burning paper and leaves soft grey ash. Which fibre is most likely present?

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

Explanation

Cellulosic fibres such as cotton burn like paper, scorch rather than melt and leave soft grey ash. Wool and silk are protein fibres that smell of burning hair, while nylon melts into a hard bead.

Question 18Fibres, Yarns and Fabric Construction

Why is a nonwoven fabric often used for disposable interfacing?

  1. Fibres are bonded directly into a web without spinning or weaving Correct answer.
  2. Two yarn sets are interlaced at right angles
  3. Loops are interlocked in rows to give stretch
  4. Warp floats are long to give a lustrous face

Explanation

Nonwoven fabrics are made by bonding or entangling a fibre web directly, which is fast and cheap and gives a stable, non-fraying sheet. That suits disposable interfacing and similar single-use products.

Question 19Fibres, Yarns and Fabric Construction

A learner wants a fabric with good crease recovery for a school uniform that will be worn all day. Which fibre property is most important?

  1. The ability of the fibre to conduct heat away
  2. The ability of the fibre to return to shape after compression Correct answer.
  3. The ability of the fibre to absorb water quickly
  4. The ability of the fibre to burn slowly

Explanation

Crease recovery is the fibre's capacity to spring back after being folded and compressed, so a garment keeps a neat appearance during wear. Absorbency, heat conduction and flammability affect comfort and safety but not crease behaviour.

Question 20Fibres, Yarns and Fabric Construction

Why does a wool garment shrink and mat when washed in hot water and rubbed?

  1. The yarns untwist and separate into single fibres
  2. The fibres melt and fuse into a solid sheet
  3. The scales on the fibres interlock and the fibres entangle irreversibly Correct answer.
  4. The fibres dissolve in the alkaline detergent

Explanation

Wool fibres have surface scales that catch against each other under heat, moisture and agitation, causing progressive entanglement known as felting shrinkage. This change is irreversible, so wool needs gentle washing.

Question 21Fibres, Yarns and Fabric Construction

A candidate compares two fabrics: one is a plain-weave cotton poplin, the other a cotton satin. Which statement best explains the difference in lustre?

  1. The poplin is knitted, which gives it a natural sheen
  2. The satin has longer floats, so more light is reflected from the smooth surface Correct answer.
  3. The poplin has longer floats, so it reflects more light
  4. The satin has more frequent interlacing, giving a rougher face

Explanation

Longer floats in satin weave expose more continuous yarn surface to the light, so reflection is greater and the fabric looks lustrous. Poplin's frequent interlacing scatters light and gives a flatter, matt appearance.

Question 22Fibres, Yarns and Fabric Construction

A manufacturer wants a fabric that stretches in both directions for sportswear. Which construction best meets this requirement?

  1. A satin-weave fabric with long floats
  2. A plain-weave fabric with no elastane
  3. A weft-knitted interlock with elastane yarns Correct answer.
  4. A nonwoven bonded web

Explanation

Weft-knitted structures such as interlock use loop formation that allows stretch, and adding elastane increases recovery in both directions. Woven and nonwoven structures lack this natural extensibility.

Question 23Fibres, Yarns and Fabric Construction

A fabric label states '100% mercerised cotton'. What does this indicate about the fibre treatment?

  1. The cotton was treated under tension with alkali to improve lustre and strength Correct answer.
  2. The cotton was carbonised to remove vegetable matter
  3. The cotton was coated with a plastic film to make it waterproof
  4. The cotton was blended with polyester for stretch

Explanation

Mercerisation swells cotton fibres under tension in caustic soda, producing a rounder cross-section that reflects light better and takes dye more readily. The result is increased lustre, strength and dye uptake.

Question 24Fibres, Yarns and Fabric Construction

A learner must choose a lining for a winter coat that will reduce static and feel smooth against the skin. Which fibre choice is most suitable?

  1. A viscose lining, which is smooth and has moderate moisture regain Correct answer.
  2. A wool lining, which is warm and bulky
  3. A nylon lining, which is strong and has low moisture regain
  4. A jute lining, which is coarse and stiff

Explanation

Viscose is smooth, drapes well and has moderate moisture regain, which helps dissipate static and feels comfortable next to the body. Nylon's low regain encourages static, and wool and jute are too bulky or coarse for a lining.

Question 25Fibres, Yarns and Fabric Construction

Which statement best explains why a staple-fibre yarn is generally less lustrous than a filament yarn of the same fibre type?

  1. Staple yarns have no twist to align the fibres
  2. Staple fibres are always darker in colour than filaments
  3. Fibre ends at the yarn surface scatter light in many directions Correct answer.
  4. Filament yarns absorb more light because they are thicker

Explanation

Staple yarns contain many short fibre ends that protrude from the surface and scatter incoming light, reducing sheen. Continuous filaments lie smoothly along the yarn, so light reflects more uniformly.

Question 26Fibres, Yarns and Fabric Construction

A candidate is told that a cotton fabric has a yarn count of 40s. What does the number 40 describe about the yarn?

  1. The number of 840-yard hanks of yarn that weigh one pound Correct answer.
  2. The number of fibres twisted together to form the yarn
  3. The diameter of the yarn measured in millimetres
  4. The number of twists inserted per metre of the yarn

Explanation

In the indirect cotton count system, the count states how many hanks of 840 yards each weigh one pound, so a higher number means a finer yarn. Count therefore describes linear density, not twist, diameter or ply structure. A 40s yarn is finer than a 20s yarn of the same fibre.

Question 27Fibres, Yarns and Fabric Construction

A learner examines a fabric under a magnifier and sees that the weft threads pass over two warp threads, under one, over two, under one, with the points of interlacing stepped along the cloth. Which weave is this?

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

Explanation

A twill weave is built on a float that moves one thread along each pick, producing the characteristic diagonal line on the face. The over-two, under-one sequence with a stepped progression is the classic 2/1 twill. Plain weave alternates one over one, while satin carries long floats across several threads.

Question 28Fibres, Yarns and Fabric Construction

A manufacturer wants a knitted fabric for T-shirt collars that will hold its shape and resist stretching out of place. Which knitted structure should be selected?

  1. Open-work lace knit
  2. Rib knit Correct answer.
  3. Single jersey
  4. Plain knit

Explanation

Rib knit alternates knit and purl wales, so the fabric contracts and grips, giving the elasticity and recovery needed for collars and cuffs. Single jersey curls at the edges and stretches readily without strong recovery. The balanced structure of rib makes it the standard choice where shape retention matters.

Question 29Fibres, Yarns and Fabric Construction

A candidate is shown two fabrics of similar weight: one made from continuous filament yarns, the other from short staple yarns. Which statement best explains why the filament fabric has the higher lustre?

  1. Filament yarns lie smooth and parallel, so light reflects evenly from the surface Correct answer.
  2. Filament yarns contain more natural waxes on the fibre surface
  3. Staple yarns are always dyed to a duller shade
  4. Staple yarns have a tighter twist that absorbs more light

Explanation

Lustre depends on how evenly light is reflected. Continuous filaments run parallel with few protruding ends, creating a smooth surface that reflects light in a regular way. Staple yarns have many fibre ends and slight spiralling, which scatter light and reduce shine.

Question 30Fibres, Yarns and Fabric Construction

A woven cotton fabric is described as having a balanced plain weave with approximately equal numbers of warp and weft threads per centimetre. Which combination of properties should the candidate expect from this structure?

  1. Loose, open structure with low cover and high transparency
  2. Firm, smooth handle with good stability and moderate draping Correct answer.
  3. High strength in the warp direction only and poor abrasion resistance
  4. Very high stretch and rapid recovery in both directions

Explanation

When warp and weft are similar in count and sett, the interlacing is balanced, so stresses are shared and the cloth stays stable with little distortion. The frequent one-over-one intersections give a firm, smooth surface and reasonable abrasion resistance. Drape is moderate because the tight interlacing limits thread movement.

Question 31Fabric Properties, Finishes and Care

Which fibre is classified as a natural protein fibre used in fashion fabrics?

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

Explanation

Wool comes from animal fleece and is built from protein chains, so it belongs to the natural protein group. Cotton and linen are natural cellulosic fibres, while viscose is a regenerated manufactured fibre.

Question 32Fabric Properties, Finishes and Care

Which property describes the ability of a fabric to return to its original shape after being stretched?

  1. Elasticity Correct answer.
  2. Absorbency
  3. Drape
  4. Lustre

Explanation

Elasticity is the capacity of a fibre or fabric to recover its original length and shape after tension is released. Absorbency concerns moisture uptake, drape concerns how a fabric hangs, and lustre concerns surface sheen.

Question 33Fabric Properties, Finishes and Care

A student must choose a fabric for a close-fitting swimsuit that will be worn in chlorinated water. Which fabric property is most important for this end use?

  1. High absorbency and warmth
  2. Heavy weight and low elongation
  3. High stiffness and body
  4. Resistance to chlorine and good stretch recovery Correct answer.

Explanation

Swimwear is repeatedly exposed to chlorine and must stretch with body movement and recover, so chlorine resistance plus good elastic recovery are the key requirements. Stiff, heavy, warm or highly absorbent fabrics would sag, cling uncomfortably or degrade quickly in pool water.

Question 34Fabric Properties, Finishes and Care

Which statement correctly explains why cotton fabric is comfortable in hot weather?

  1. It conducts moisture away through hydrophilic cellulose and allows evaporation. Correct answer.
  2. It has a smooth thermoplastic surface that reflects heat.
  3. It melts at body temperature to release heat.
  4. It traps body heat in trapped air pockets like wool.

Explanation

Cotton is hydrophilic, so it absorbs perspiration and transports it through the fibre where it can evaporate, cooling the wearer. Wool insulates by trapping air, thermoplastic fibres reflect or melt, and no common textile melts at body temperature.

Question 35Fabric Properties, Finishes and Care

Which care label instruction indicates that a garment should be washed by hand in water no hotter than 40 °C?

  1. A wash tub symbol with a hand inside and the number 40 Correct answer.
  2. A square with a circle inside
  3. A triangle with two diagonal lines inside
  4. A wash tub symbol with a cross through it

Explanation

The hand-wash symbol is a wash tub containing a hand, and the number inside or beside it gives the maximum water temperature in degrees Celsius. A crossed tub means do not wash, the triangle concerns bleaching, and the square with a circle concerns tumble drying.

Question 36Fabric Properties, Finishes and Care

Which finish is applied to cotton fabric to reduce shrinkage and smooth out creases during wear?

  1. Calendering
  2. Mercerising
  3. Flame-retardant finish
  4. Resin (easy-care) finish Correct answer.

Explanation

Resin or easy-care finishes cross-link cellulose chains so the fabric resists shrinking and recovers from creasing in wear and washing. Mercerising improves lustre and strength, calendering presses a temporary surface sheen, and flame-retardant finishes slow burning.

Question 37Fabric Properties, Finishes and Care

A wool jumper is labelled 'hand wash cool, dry flat'. Why is drying flat recommended?

  1. To remove excess dye evenly
  2. To speed up drying by exposing more surface area
  3. To prevent the garment stretching out of shape under the weight of water Correct answer.
  4. To set permanent creases in the sleeves

Explanation

Wet wool is heavy and weak, so hanging it allows gravity to pull it out of shape. Drying flat on a towel supports the garment and preserves its knitted dimensions. Speed of drying, dye removal and crease setting are not the purpose.

Question 38Fabric Properties, Finishes and Care

Which fabric is most suitable for a tablecloth that must be absorbent, durable and able to withstand frequent hot washing?

  1. Silk chiffon
  2. Nylon taffeta
  3. Cotton damask Correct answer.
  4. Polyester satin

Explanation

Cotton is absorbent, strong when wet and tolerates hot washing and bleaching, making it ideal for a tablecloth. Silk is delicate and damaged by hot water, while nylon and polyester are less absorbent for wiping spills.

Question 39Fabric Properties, Finishes and Care

Which process gives cotton fabric a permanent lustrous sheen and increases its strength and dye affinity?

  1. Sanforising
  2. Schreiner calendering
  3. Carbonising
  4. Mercerising Correct answer.

Explanation

Mercerising treats cotton under tension with caustic soda, swelling the fibres, straightening them and producing a lasting lustre with improved strength and dye uptake. Sanforising controls shrinkage, carbonising removes vegetable matter from wool, and Schreiner calendering gives only a temporary sheen.

Question 40Fabric Properties, Finishes and Care

Why should a stain on a silk blouse be treated with a mild neutral detergent rather than a strong alkaline washing powder?

  1. Alkaline powder removes dye more evenly
  2. Silk absorbs alkali and becomes waterproof
  3. Alkali improves silk lustre
  4. Silk is a protein fibre that alkali can degrade Correct answer.

Explanation

Silk is a protein fibre, and strong alkalis attack the protein chains, weakening the fabric and dulling its lustre. Mild neutral detergents clean without this chemical damage. Alkali does not improve silk or make it waterproof.

Question 41Fabric Properties, Finishes and Care

Which fibre property makes polyester popular for durable school uniforms that keep their pleats?

  1. High moisture regain
  2. Low tensile strength
  3. High biodegradability
  4. Thermoplastic nature with good shape retention Correct answer.

Explanation

Polyester is thermoplastic, so heat-set pleats and creases are retained through wear and washing, and it is strong and quick drying. Its low moisture regain, high strength and slow biodegradation do not explain pleat retention.

Question 42Fabric Properties, Finishes and Care

Which washing symbol means the garment must not be bleached with chlorine but may be bleached with oxygen bleach?

  1. A plain empty triangle
  2. A triangle with two diagonal lines inside Correct answer.
  3. A triangle with a cross through it
  4. A triangle containing the letters CL

Explanation

A triangle with two diagonal lines permits oxygen-based bleaching but forbids chlorine bleach. A crossed triangle forbids all bleaching, and an empty triangle permits any bleach. Letters inside a triangle are not a standard symbol.

Question 43Fabric Properties, Finishes and Care

A shirtdress made of linen creases badly. Which finish could be applied to improve its appearance during wear?

  1. Mothproofing finish
  2. Anti-static finish
  3. Water-repellent finish
  4. Anti-crease resin finish Correct answer.

Explanation

Anti-crease resin finishes cross-link cellulose chains so the fabric recovers from creasing during wear. Water repellency, mothproofing and anti-static treatments address different problems and do not reduce creasing.

Question 44Fabric Properties, Finishes and Care

Which statement best explains why wool garments feel warm in cold weather but are still comfortable in moderate activity?

  1. Wool fibres are hollow and hold liquid water inside
  2. Wool has a smooth surface that reflects body heat
  3. Wool has low moisture regain and no insulating air
  4. Wool's crimp traps air for insulation and its hygroscopic nature buffers moisture Correct answer.

Explanation

The natural crimp of wool creates air pockets that insulate, while its high moisture regain lets it absorb and release vapour, buffering changes in humidity. Wool is not hollow, is not smooth, and has high rather than low moisture regain.

Question 45Fabric Properties, Finishes and Care

Which care instruction is appropriate for a garment made of a wool and acrylic blend that may felt?

  1. Boil with detergent to set the fibres
  2. Machine wash on a hot cotton cycle
  3. Wash in hot water with strong agitation
  4. Hand wash cool and dry flat Correct answer.

Explanation

Wool felts and shrinks when exposed to heat, moisture and agitation, so cool hand washing with minimal agitation and flat drying protects the garment. Hot water, strong agitation and boiling all promote felting.

Question 46Fabric Properties, Finishes and Care

Which fabric property is being tested when a swatch is hung over a narrow edge and its fold is observed?

  1. Drape Correct answer.
  2. Abrasion resistance
  3. Colourfastness
  4. Tensile strength

Explanation

Hanging a swatch and observing how it folds and falls assesses drape, the way a fabric hangs under its own weight. Abrasion resistance tests rubbing wear, colourfastness tests dye retention, and tensile strength tests pulling force.

Question 47Fabric Properties, Finishes and Care

A customer complains that a new dark cotton shirt shrank and faded after the first hot wash. Which factor most likely caused both problems?

  1. The shirt was washed with a mild detergent
  2. The shirt was washed at a temperature and agitation level above the care label recommendation Correct answer.
  3. The shirt was ironed on the reverse side
  4. The shirt was dried on a cool line in the shade

Explanation

Hot water with agitation relaxes built-in shrinkage control and can release unfixed dye, causing both shrinkage and fading. Cool line drying, mild detergent and reverse-side ironing are all recommended practices that would not cause these faults.

Question 48Fabric Properties, Finishes and Care

Which fibre is a regenerated cellulosic fibre produced from wood pulp?

  1. Acetate
  2. Polyamide
  3. Elastane
  4. Viscose Correct answer.

Explanation

Viscose is made by regenerating cellulose from wood pulp, so it is classed as a regenerated cellulosic manufactured fibre. Acetate is a cellulose derivative, while polyamide and elastane are fully synthetic polymers.

Question 49Fabric Properties, Finishes and Care

Which finish would be chosen for children's nightwear made from cotton to reduce the risk of rapid burning?

  1. Anti-static finish
  2. Flame-retardant finish Correct answer.
  3. Mothproofing finish
  4. Mercerising

Explanation

Flame-retardant finishes slow ignition and burning, which is the relevant safety requirement for nightwear. Mercerising improves lustre, anti-static finishes reduce cling, and mothproofing protects wool from insects; none of these addresses flammability.

Question 50Fabric Properties, Finishes and Care

Which statement correctly distinguishes shrinkage from relaxation shrinkage in fabrics?

  1. Shrinkage happens only in dry cleaning and relaxation shrinkage only in washing
  2. Shrinkage is any loss of dimension, while relaxation shrinkage is recovery of strains built in during manufacture Correct answer.
  3. Shrinkage is reversible and relaxation shrinkage is permanent
  4. Relaxation shrinkage only occurs in wool, while shrinkage occurs in all fabrics

Explanation

Shrinkage is the general term for loss of fabric dimensions, and relaxation shrinkage is a specific cause in which strains set during spinning, weaving or finishing are released by water or heat. It is not limited to wool, is not reversible, and is not tied only to dry cleaning.