Fashion Designer Fabric Selection & Textiles 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which fabric finishing process permanently sets pleats and creases in synthetic fabrics?
- Mercerization
- Heat setting (Correct answer)
- Sanforizing
- Calendering
Correct answer: Heat setting
Heat setting uses controlled heat to permanently stabilize pleats and creases in thermoplastic synthetic fabrics like polyester and nylon.
Question 2: What is the term for the diagonal grain of a woven fabric, running at 45 degrees to the selvage?
- Warp grain
- Weft grain
- True bias (Correct answer)
- Cross grain
Correct answer: True bias
The true bias runs at exactly 45 degrees to both the warp and weft threads, giving fabric maximum stretch and drape.
Question 3: A fashion designer notices a fabric's weight is listed as '120 GSM.' What does GSM indicate?
- Grams per square meter (Correct answer)
- Grade of stretch material
- General surface measurement
- Gauge sizing method
Correct answer: Grams per square meter
GSM (grams per square meter) is the standard metric for measuring fabric weight, with lower numbers indicating lighter fabrics.
Question 4: Which natural fiber is harvested from the seed pod of a tropical tree and is known for being hollow and buoyant?
- Kapok (Correct answer)
- Coir
- Sisal
- Ramie
Correct answer: Kapok
Kapok fibers are naturally hollow and extremely lightweight, making them buoyant — historically used in life vests and now in eco-textiles.
Question 5: What weave structure creates a fabric with a distinct V-shaped or zigzag pattern?
- Plain weave
- Satin weave
- Herringbone weave (Correct answer)
- Basket weave
Correct answer: Herringbone weave
Herringbone weave is a variation of twill that reverses direction at regular intervals, creating a distinctive V-shaped or chevron pattern.
Question 6: Which property describes a fabric's ability to return to its original shape after being stretched?
- Tensile strength
- Elasticity (Correct answer)
- Pilling resistance
- Abrasion resistance
Correct answer: Elasticity
Elasticity is the fabric's ability to recover its original dimensions after a deforming force is removed.
Question 7: A designer wants a fabric that wicks moisture away from the body during exercise. Which fiber property should they prioritize?
- High absorbency
- Moisture-wicking (capillary action) (Correct answer)
- High thermal insulation
- Low breathability
Correct answer: Moisture-wicking (capillary action)
Moisture-wicking fabrics use capillary action to pull sweat away from the skin and spread it across the fabric surface for faster evaporation.
Fashion Designer Fabric Selection & Textiles 2
Which fabric finishing process permanently sets pleats and creases in synthetic fabrics?