Fashion Designer Textile Science & Fiber Properties 2

Question 1

What is the difference between 'woven' and 'knit' fabric structures and how does this affect garment construction?

Accepted Answer

Woven fabrics have minimal stretch and stable dimensions; knit fabrics are formed by interlocking loops that create inherent stretch, requiring different construction techniques

Answer

The interlocked loop structure of knit fabrics creates inherent stretch in multiple directions, requiring construction adaptations: stretch stitches, appropriate needle types, different ease allowances, and often serging/overlocking rather than straight seaming.

Question 2

What is 'mercerization' and what effect does it have on cotton fabric?

Accepted Answer

A chemical treatment using sodium hydroxide that permanently swells cotton fibers, increasing luster, strength, dye affinity, and dimensional stability

Answer

Mercerization (developed by John Mercer, 1844) treats cotton with caustic soda under tension, permanently altering fiber cross-section to round (from flat), increasing luster, tensile strength, dye depth, and reducing shrinkage tendency.

Question 3

What is 'modal' fiber and how does it differ from standard viscose rayon?

Accepted Answer

Modal is a higher-generation regenerated cellulosic fiber made from beech tree pulp that is stronger, softer, and more dimensionally stable when wet than standard viscose

Answer

Modal (developed by Lenzing AG) is a second-generation viscose made specifically from beech tree pulp with a modified spinning process that produces fibers with superior wet strength, softness, and dimensional stability compared to standard viscose.

Question 4

What is 'Tencel' (lyocell) and why is it considered more environmentally sustainable than conventional viscose?

Accepted Answer

Tencel/lyocell is regenerated cellulosic fiber produced in a closed-loop solvent system where over 99 percent of the solvent is recovered and reused, versus conventional viscose which uses toxic chemicals in an open process

Answer

Lyocell (Tencel is Lenzing's brand) is produced by dissolving wood pulp in a non-toxic NMMO solvent in a closed-loop system that recovers and reuses 99 percent or more of the solvent, compared to conventional viscose which uses carbon disulfide and releases toxic effluents.

Question 5

What is 'microfiber' and what properties make it valuable in fashion applications?

Accepted Answer

Synthetic fibers finer than 1 denier per filament, creating exceptionally soft, lightweight, tightly woven fabrics with superior drape, moisture-wicking, and wind resistance

Answer

Microfibers are synthetic fibers finer than 1 denier (compared to 1 to 1.5 denier for standard nylon/polyester). Their extreme fineness enables dense fabric constructions with exceptional softness, drape, and functional properties including water resistance and moisture wicking.

Fashion Designer Practice Test

Fashion Designer Practice Test

Fashion Designer Textile Science & Fiber Properties 2