Textile Types

Question 1

Polycotton
What it consists of
Characteristics
Uses

Answer 1

Consists of:
Polyester and cotton blend

Characteristics:
More durable than pure cotton
Not as breathable 
Can be produced more cheaply
Many blends available

Uses:
General clothing
Sheets / bedding
Alternative to most cotton products

Question 2

Woven textiles:
Warp threads
Weft threads

Answer 2

Warp threads:
Fixed into loom and run length of fabric

Weft threads:
Run across the width of fabric from selvedge to selvedge

Question 3

Plain weave
Appearance
Characteristics
Uses

Answer 3

Appearance:
Threads are interlaced at 90 degrees to each other, warp threads run the length. Some pattern on front and reverse

Characteristics:
Simple and cheaper to produce
Stronger than other patterns

Uses:
On textiles ie cotton calicos, cheesecloth and gingham
Found on table cloths, upholstery and clothing

Question 4

Non woven textiles

Answer 4

Made directly from fibres without being spun into yarns

Question 5

Felting

Answer 5

Mechanical process which has traditionally been done by hand, now mainly machine produced

Involves matting together wool or synthetic fibres using a combination of heat, pressure, moisture and movement to mesh fibres together in a random way

Question 6

Bonded fabric
Appearance
Characteristics
Uses

Answer 6

Appearance:
Random laid fibres are visible in fabric, can have small holes or textured surface

Characteristics:
No strength
No grain - cut in any direction
Do not fray

Uses:
Disposable products ie protective clothing, tea bags, dish cloths and dusters

Question 7

Felted fabric
Appearance
Characteristics
Uses

Answer 7

Appearance:
Matted fibres randomly interspersed
Wide range of colours and thickness

Characteristics:
Can be formed with moisture and heat 
Once dry - no elasticity or drape
Pull apart easily
Woollen can be expensive

Uses:
Hats, handicraft, pads under furniture, soundproofing and insulation

Question 8

Knitted textiles

Answer 8

Interlocking yarn loops together to produce fabric

Two types:
Weft
Warp

Question 9

Weft knitting

Answer 9

Made by hand or machine

Uses single yarn that forms interlocking loops across width of fabric
Stretchy
Warm

Question 10

Warp knitting

Answer 10

Loops interlock vertically and less prone to unravelling and laddering
Easier to cut in sections / sew together
Complex structure
Multiple yarns
Made by machine only

Question 11

Knitted fabric
Appearance
Characteristics
Uses

Answer 11

Appearance:
Loops of yarn are interlocked with each other using needles
Plain or decorative patterns

Characteristics:
Warm to wear
Different knots have different properties ie stretch, shape retention

Uses:
Jumpers, cardigans, sportswear, underwear fabrics, socks, tights, leggings, craft items ie soft toys