Factors To Consider When Choosing Textiles

Question 1

List the five factors that should be considered when choosing textiles.

Answer 1

Suitability for purpose

Cost

Aesthetic appeal/personal preferences

Care and cleaning

Durability

Question 2

Explain the suitability for purpose factor to consider when choosing textiles.

Answer 2

The properties of fabric must be considered to ensure the fabric chosen is suitable for the purpose intended

Properties of textiles refers to the characteristics of the material, e.g. crease-resistant

E.g. fabrics chosen for curtains should drape well and children’s nightwear should be made from flame-retardant fabrics

Question 3

In relation to a fabric’s suitability for purpose what should be considered about the fabric?

Answer 3

The properties of the fabric

Question 4

Why must the properties of the fabric be considered when choosing a fabric?

Answer 4

To ensure the fabric chosen is suitable for the purpose intended

Question 5

What are properties of textiles?

Answer 5

The characteristics of the material

Question 6

Give two examples of where the properties of a fabric are important.

Answer 6

Children’s nightwear should be made from flame-resistant fabrics

Fabrics chosen for curtains should drape well

Question 7

List some desirable properties of textiles.

7

Answer 7

Crease-resistant

Moth-resistant

Easy to dye

Elastic

Durable

Strong when wet

Colourfast

Question 8

Explain the cost factor that should be considered when choosing textiles.
(3)

Answer 8

The amount of money available determines the quality and type of fabric that can be purchased

For example, a silk scarf is generally more expensive than a cotton scarf

A wool carpet will be more expensive than a synthetic polyester one

Question 9

What does the cost of a fabric determine?

Answer 9

The quality and type of fabric

Question 10

Which is more expensive, a silk scarf or a cotton scarf?

Answer 10

A silk scarf

Question 11

Which is more expensive, a wool carpet or a synthetic polyester carpet?

Answer 11

A wool carpet

Question 12

Explain why aesthetic appeal/personal preferences should be considered when choosing textiles.
(3)

Answer 12

Appearance, drape, texture and durability all contribute to the aesthetic appeal of a fabric

What an individual finds aesthetically appealing is informed by personal likes and dislikes

For example, certain consumers will choose fabrics in bold colours while others may prefer a neutral palette

Question 13

What aspects of a fabric contribute to the aesthetic appeal of a fabric?
(4)

Answer 13

Appearance

Drape

Texture

Durability

Question 14

What influences what an individual finds aesthetic?

Answer 14

Personal likes and dislikes

Question 15

Give an example of how different likes and dislikes can influence choice in fabrics.

Answer 15

Some consumers may choose fabrics in bold colours while others may prefer a neutral palette

Question 16

Explain why the care and cleaning of a fabric should be considered.
(3)

Answer 16

Consider fabrics that can be machine washed, as they are easier and cheaper to maintain than fabrics that must be dry-cleaned

Individuals should also consider stain-resistant fabrics for clothing and home furnishings, especially if they have young children

Careful consideration should also be given to the colour of fabrics chosen, as light colours often require more cleaning and are difficult to maintain

Question 17

Why should machine washable fabrics be chosen?

Answer 17

As they are easier and cheaper to maintain than fabrics that must be dry-cleaned

Question 18

Why should people choose stain-resistant fabrics?

Answer 18

They should be chosen for clothing and home furnishings especially if they have young children

Question 19

Why should consumers carefully consider the colour of fabrics?

Answer 19

As light colours often require more cleaning and are difficult to maintain

Question 20

Explain why the durability of a fabric should be considered.
(2)

Answer 20

The level of durability required by a fabric depends on the amount of use the fabric will receive

E.g. carpets for home entrances and stairs need to be more durable than carpets for bedrooms, as these areas endure more footfall

Question 21

What does the level of durability required for a fabric depend on?

Answer 21

The amount of use the fabric will receive

Question 22

Give an example of a household textile where the level of durability needs to be considered.

Answer 22

Carpets

Question 23

Why do carpets for home entrances and stairs need to be more durable than carpets for bedrooms?

Answer 23

As these areas endure more footfall