Fabric Construction

Question 1

Describe the construction of a plain weave.

Answer 1

The weft yarn goes over and under the warp.

Question 2

Describe the construction of twill weave.

Answer 2

The weft yarn passed over three warp yarns and under one warp yarn. This creates a diagonal pattern.

Question 3

What is the difference between warp and weft?

Answer 3

1. Warp yarns run the length of the loom, weft yarns run the width.
2. Warp yarns are fixed in the loom.
3. Warp yarns are stronger and less stretchy than weft yarns.
4. Weft yarns create the selvedge edge.
5. Weft yarns can be decorative.

Question 4

What are the properties of twill weave?

Answer 4

1. It is the strongest weave.
2. It is more complicated than plain weave and therefore more expensive.
3. It has a right and wrong side.
4. It has an uneven surface.

Question 5

Describe the construction of a satin weave

Answer 5

The weft yarns are almost hidden. They go under four or more warp yarns and over one.

Question 6

What are the properties of satin weave?

Answer 6

1. The floats (warp yarns) catch the light.
2. It is very delicate. It frays easily and the floats snag.
3. It has a right and wrong side.

Question 7

What are the properties of weft knitting?

Answer 7

1. Single yarn knitting. Can be done by hand.
2. Rows of loops lock above and below.
3. Stretchier than warp.
4. Ladders easily.
5. The shape distorts easily.
6. Does not crease.

Question 8

What are the properties of warp knitting?

Answer 8

1. Done by machine.
2. Less stretchy and a firmer fabric.
3. Does not ladder.
4. Maintains its shape.
5. Fast to produce.

Question 9

What are the three types of non-woven fabrics?

Answer 9

1. Wool felt.
2. Needle felt.
3. Bonded webs.

Question 10

What are the properties of non-woven fabrics?

Answer 10

1. Cheap to produce.
2. No grain. Can be cut in any direction.
3. No stretch.
4. Do not fray.
5. Not very strong.
6. Poor drape.

Question 11

How is wool felt produced?

Answer 11

Animal fibres are subjected to heat, pressure, friction, and chemical solution. The scales on the fibre surface interlock.

Question 12

How is needle felt produced?

Answer 12

A web of fibres is repeatedly penetrated by needles which pull at the fibres to tangle them.

Question 13

How are bonded web fabrics produced?

Answer 13

A web of fibres is created. It can be wet-laid, dry-laid, or direct-spun.

The web is then strengthened by chemical, thermal, or mechanical treatment.

Question 14

What are some ways of strengthening a web of fibres to create a bonded web?

Answer 14

1. Application of adhesive and pressure.
2. Fibres softened by a solvent so they bond at points of contact.
3. Thermoplastic fibres softened by heat so they bond at points of contact.
4. Thermoplastic fibres can be spot-welded at regular intervals.

Question 15

How is a raised pile created?

Answer 15

A fabric is woven and the weft yarns are cropped. This makes them stand raised from the west of the weave.

Question 16

What is a directional pile?

Answer 16

A raised pile where the yarns reflect light differently depending on the direction they face, making them look different.

Question 17

What are the properties of plain weave?

Answer 17

1. Simple and cheap to produce.
2. Firm and strong.
3. Identical on both sides.
4. The smooth surface is good for printing.

Question 18

What is polar fleece?

Answer 18

A knitted fabric with an extra yarn. It is then brushed.