4. fabrics (natural and synthetic fibres)

Question 1

What are fibres?

Answer 1

Tiny hair like structures that are spun together to make yarns

Question 2

What are natural fibres derived from?

Answer 2

Animals and plants

Question 3

What are synthetic fibres?

Answer 3

• they are man made
• and are mostly non-biodegradable so are therefore not sustainable
• they come from many different sources including coal, oil and minerals

Question 4

What are 5 natural fabrics?

Answer 4

• cotton
• wool
• silk
• linen
• leather/suede

Question 5

What are 5 synthetic fabrics?

Answer 5

• Polyester
• Polyamide (Nylon)
• Elastane (Lycra)
• Viscose
• Acrylic

Question 6

What are the features of cotton?

Answer 6

• soft
• good absorbency
• prints well
• machine washable
• strong
• breathable

Question 7

Where does cotton originate from?

Answer 7

the cotton plant

Question 8

What are the uses for cotton?

Answer 8

• jeans
• towels
• shirts
• dresses
• underwear

Question 9

What are the features of wool?

Answer 9

• High UV protection
• flameproof
• breathable
• durable
• insulating

Question 10

Where does wool originate from?

Answer 10

sheep

Question 11

What are the uses for wool?

Answer 11

• jumpers
• coats
• blankets

Question 12

What are the features of silk?

Answer 12

• smooth
• soft
• strong

Question 13

Where does silk originate from?

Answer 13

the silk worm

Question 14

What are the uses for silk?

Answer 14

• wedding dresses
• lingerie
• pillowcases

Question 15

What are the features of linen?

Answer 15

• strong
• cool in hot weather

Question 16

Where does linen originate from?

Answer 16

the flax seed plant

Question 17

What are the uses for linen?

Answer 17

• trousers
• tops

Question 18

What are the features of leather/suede?

Answer 18

• strong
• hardwearing
• durable

Question 19

What does leather/suede originate from?

Answer 19

the skin of animals, mainly cows

Question 20

What are the uses of leather/suede?

Answer 20

• jackets
• trousers
• shoes

Question 21

What are the features of polyester?

Answer 21

• durable
• wrinkle resistant
• stain resistant

Question 22

What are the uses for polyester?

Answer 22

• shirts
• jackets
• safety/conveyor belts
• tyre reinforcement

Question 23

What are the features of polyamide (nylon)?

Answer 23

• durable
• high abrasion resistance

Question 24

What are the uses of polyamide (nylon)?

Answer 24

• sportswear
• carpets

Question 25

What are the features of elastane (lycra)?

Answer 25

• stretchy
• durable
• high stain resistance

Question 26

What are the uses for elastane (lycra)?

Answer 26

• sportswear
• swimwear
• tights

Question 27

What are the features of viscose?

Answer 27

• soft
• comfortable
• absorbent
• easily dyed

Question 28

What are the uses of viscose?

Answer 28

• dresses
• shorts
• shirts
• coats/jackets
• outerwear

Question 29

What are the features of acrylic fabric?

Answer 29

• absorbent
• retains shape after washing
• easily dyed
• resistance to sunlight

Question 30

What are the uses for acrylic fabric?

Answer 30

• jumpers
• tracksuits
• linings in boots

Question 31

What are blended and mixed fabrics>

Answer 31

• fabrics that take on the positive characteristics of their combinations
• they are mixed to improve their performance

Question 32

What is an example of a mixed/blended fabric, a feature and a use for it?

Answer 32

• cotton/polyester
• easy care and crease resistant
• used for school shirts

Question 33

What are some ethical choices somebody can make in relation to clothes?

Answer 33

• check that a brand is transparent about its production methods
• prioritise organic cotton over fast fashion