Resources
 Worksheet (Fabric Investigation)
Fabric samples (felt, denim, 2 tone kelly,
fleece, nylon, camouflage, velvet)
Glue
Fabric Investigation into properties
and construction.
KEYWORDS
Objective: To Investigate fabric characteristics
To understand how they can be categorised.
Natural
Synthetic
Bonded
Knitted
Woven
Starter: Natural or Synthetic?
Fabric is manufactured by weaving or knitting, bonding or felting fibres together.
The fabric fibres come from either a natural or synthetic source
•
•
Natural come from plant and animals. e.g Wool, Cotton, Leather.
Synthetic are manufactured e.g Viscose, Polyester.
Look at your fabric samples –You have 60 seconds to sort
into EITHER of natural or synthetic.
End
Click to start timer
Can you name them correctly?
Felt, Denim, 2 Tone Kelly, Fleece, Nylon, Camouflage, Velvet
Natural: Denim, Camouflage
Synthetic: Felt, 2 Tone Kelly, Fleece,
Nylon, Velvet .
Did you get
them right?
NEXT: Manufacture of natural and synthetic fibres
Manufacture of fibres and fabrics
• Woven fabrics are made by weaving or knitting yarns.
• Non-woven are made by bonding or felting fibres together.
Are the items below bonded, felted, knitted or weaved –
you have 30 seconds to decide!?
TIP: Identify the fabric
Click to start timer
Manufacture of fibres and fabrics
• Woven fabrics are made by weaving or knitting yarns.
• Non-woven are made by bonding or felting fibres together.
Are the items below bonded, felted, knitted or weaved –
you have 30 seconds to decide!?
TIP: Identify the fabric
felted
Weaved
woven
bonded
knitted
knitted
Tasks
PART A: Fabric investigation
Look at your selection of fibres – Try pulling them,
stretching them etc. Can you figure out which are
bonded, knitted or woven? Work in teams.
Timed activity: 10 minutes
Clock
Glue the fibres into onto the correct box on your worksheet.
PART B – This can be done as a team.
1. Frays. 2. Doesn’t fray 3. Stretches. 4. Doesn’t stretch 5. Fluffy 6. Shiny 7. Rough
8. Smooth 9. Tears in a straight line
10. Tears uneven 11. Easy to work with (sew)
Timed activity: 15 minutes
Write at least 3 of the above descriptions for each
Which fabric am I?
• Look at the magnification of fabric – can you tell which is which?
TEST YOURSELF!!!
Go to: www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/design/textiles
•Then select the Fabrics test - See how well you do – this will be the best indicator
of your subject knowledge!
Which fabric am I?
• Look at the magnification of fabric – can you tell which is which?
TEST YOURSELF!!!
Go to: www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/design/textiles
•Then select the Fabrics test - See how well you do – this will be the best indicator
of your subject knowledge!
G&T Plenary: Fabric information
Plain weave
Selvedge
Warp
Weft
Strong and hardwearing.
Examples would include
calico and drill cotton, linen,
poly-cotton etc.
Twill weave
Diagonal pattern on the
surface. Strong. Used for
jeans, curtains and jackets
Warp knitted fabrics
Made by machines-They interlock vertically
along the length of the fabric. They are
slightly stretchy and DO NOT LADDER!
Examples would include swimwear, geotextiles and underwear.
Weft knitted fabrics
Made by looping long lengths of yarn together.
Stretchy and comfortable. (If a stitch is
dropped it will cause a ladder down the length
of the fabric because the yarns run across the
fabric in rows).Examples would include socks,
tights, T-shirts and Jumpers.
Can you identify
the weave or knit
in your fabric
samples?
Can you explain
your reason?
Extension
Go to:
You will need to log onto the following webpage to
test yourselves on your fabric knowledge!
www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/design/textiles
•Then select the Fabrics test - See how well you do – this will be the best indicator
of your subject knowledge!
Answer
Felt - neither weaved or knitted!,
Denim – twill weave
2 Tone Kelly – plain and twill,
Fleece – weft knitted
Nylon - plain and twill
Camouflage – twill weave,
Velvet – twill weave