Fashion Design, Textiles & Merchandising
Chapter 11 – Recalling The Facts
P. 212
KEY
1. How are natural fibers different from manufactured fibers?
Natural fibers come from nature (plants, animals, minerals) and manufactured
fibers are synthetic and made from such things as wood pulp, petroleum, natural
gas, air, water, etc. These are created in factories or labs.
2. You’re told Lycra is a trade name for spandex. What does that tell you?
Each fiber has a Generic Name – indicates a general classification of fibers of
similar composition (cotton, wool, polyester, rayon, etc)
Trade Names – created by fiber companies, these are registered and trademarked.
A company that produces spandex has registered their spandex as Lycra.
3. How are the traits of resiliency and elasticity similar and different?
Similar – Both are able to go back to their original shape
Different – Elasticity means that it is stretchy, fibers that are resilient are not
necessarily stretchy
4. Why would wicking be an important quality in a fabric for athletic socks?
Wicking draws moisture away from the body. You would not want sweaty, soggy
athletic socks.
5. What qualities might make cotton a good choice for children’s play clothes?
It is strong and durable to stand up to children, but soft and comfortable so they
will want to wear it. It also does not cling or pill so it will last longer.
6. How do the drawbacks of cotton compare to those of flax?
Neither are resilient and both wrinkle unless treated. Flax’s wrinkles are very
hard to remove. Both will mildew. Cotton is flammable.
7. How does the wool fiber’s structure affect its ability to hold heat?
The wool fibers are scaly and crimped and that helps to trap air which in turn
prevents the loss of body heat.
8. What is the difference between lamb’s wool, virgin wool and recycled wool?
Lamb’s wool – from sheep that is younger that 8 months old
Merino wool – comes from Merino sheep (cross-bred sheep w/ African ram)
Virgin wool – fibers have never been used before
Recycled wool – fibers taken from existing wool fabrics
9. How do cellulosic and noncellulosic fibers differ from one another?
Cellulosic – made from wood pulp and use a minimum of chemical steps
(rayon, lyocell, acetate, and triacetate)
Noncellulosic – made from carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen and oxygen molecules)
10. How does a spinneret affect the characteristics of a manufactured fiber?
The different hole shapes of the spinneret give the fibers different characteristics.
11. What qualities make polyester a popular choice for fabrics?
Strong, high-performance, easily blends with other fibers, excellent resilience and
outstanding wrinkle resistance. Washes easily, dries quickly, needs little or no
pressing.
12. For what natural fibers are lyocell and acrylic sometimes substituted? Why?
Lyocell – silk, it has luster and drapability, comfortable to wear
Acrylic – wool, soft, resilient, adds warmth without weight
13. Why might olefin fabrics be a good choice for a road crew worker on a cold
morning?
It is strong and lightweight for working outdoors. Good resistance to abrasion,
soil and mildew (common for outdoor work). Wicks moisture away from the
body, keeps workers dry and warm when it is damp and cold.
14. On page 206, what disadvantage is common to most manufactured fibers? How
does it affect their care?
Heat-sensitive – hard to iron or dry on high heat
Why do you think that is?