Fashion Design Textiles and Fabrics 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which natural fiber, derived from the flax plant, is one of the oldest textiles in the world and is known for its breathability?
- Cotton
- Linen (Correct answer)
- Jute
- Hemp
Correct answer: Linen
Linen, made from flax fibers, has been produced for over 30,000 years and is prized for its coolness, durability, and moisture-wicking properties.
Question 2: What term describes a fabric construction where threads are woven at a 45-degree angle to the selvage, giving it stretch and drape?
- Straight grain
- Cross grain
- Bias cut (Correct answer)
- Warp weave
Correct answer: Bias cut
The bias cut runs diagonally across woven fabric at 45 degrees, creating natural stretch and a fluid drape that conforms to the body's curves.
Question 3: Silk is produced by which insect's cocoon?
- Honeybee
- Silkworm (Bombyx mori) (Correct answer)
- Lacewing
- Woolly bear caterpillar
Correct answer: Silkworm (Bombyx mori)
The Bombyx mori silkworm spins a single continuous filament up to 1,600 yards long to form its cocoon, which is unraveled to produce silk thread.
Question 4: What weave structure is used to make denim, creating the characteristic diagonal rib pattern?
- Plain weave
- Satin weave
- Twill weave (Correct answer)
- Jacquard weave
Correct answer: Twill weave
Denim uses a twill weave where the weft thread passes under two or more warp threads, creating the distinctive diagonal pattern and durability.
Question 5: Which synthetic fiber, introduced by DuPont in 1938, was the first fully synthetic fiber and revolutionized women's hosiery?
- Polyester
- Nylon (Correct answer)
- Rayon
- Acrylic
Correct answer: Nylon
Nylon, developed by DuPont chemist Wallace Carothers, debuted commercially in 1938 as toothbrush bristles and then transformed women's stockings by replacing costly silk.
Question 6: What is the term for the tightly woven edge of a fabric that runs parallel to the warp threads and prevents fraying?
- Selvage (Correct answer)
- Seam allowance
- Grain line
- Hem edge
Correct answer: Selvage
The selvage (or selvedge) is the self-finished edge of fabric produced during weaving that prevents unraveling and is typically not used in garment construction.
Fashion Design Textiles and Fabrics 1
Which natural fiber, derived from the flax plant, is one of the oldest textiles in the world and is known for its breathability?