AS Level Materials & Components: Fibres & Fabrics Example Questions
Some answers in this document may require knowledge from areas other than fibres and fabrics. Images are not
included here for copyright reasons
Sorting Questions
January 2011 Q2
Place each of the fibres listed below in the correct box of the table. You should use each
fibre once only.
(6)
Trevira
Mohair
Polyamide
Coolmax
Ramie
Tencel
Natural Cellulose
Natural Protein
Regenerated
Synthetic
January 2012 Q1
Place each of the fibres listed in the correct box of the table. You should use each fibre once
only.
(6)
Viscose
Tactel
Silk
Linen
Tencel
Ramie
Natural Cellulose
Natural Protein
Regenerated
Synthetic
January 2013 Q1
Place each of the fibres listed in the correct box of the table. You should use each fibre once
only.
Nylon
Bamboo
Mohair
Cotton
Tencel
Elastane
(6)
Natural Cellulose
Natural Protein
Regenerated
Synthetic
January 2013 Q3
Place each of the fabrics listed below in the correct box of the table.
Polar Fleece
Felt
Gingham
Corduroy
Single Jersey
(5)
Description of fabric
A non woven fabric often made from wool
A weft knitted fabric with different face and reverse sides
A cut pile fabric with raised cords which run down the fabric
length
A soft, thick knitted fabric which is brushed on both sides
A plain weave fabric made with dyed yarns to form a checked
pattern
Fabric name
Identifying Diagrams (Diagrams are not included here for copyright reasons)
January 2011 Q8b
A card swing ticket with a diagram of cotton boll on it has been attached to cotton towelling
fabric.
Explain what it tells the consumer
(2)
January 2013 Q2c
Indicate if the following is true or false. The symbol below tells a consumer that a product is
made from 100% wool (Symbol shown for a wool blend and not 100% wool so the answer to
this question is ‘false’)
(1)
Knowledge & Remembering Questions
May 2011 Q1
Give 3 reasons why linen fabrics are popular for summer clothing
(3)
May 2012 Q1
Give 3 reasons why silk fabrics are popular for special occasion dresses
(3)
June 2013 Q1a
What is meant by the term regenerated fibre?
(2)
June 2013 Q1b
Give one example of a regenerated fibre
(1)
June 2013 Q4
Elastane fibres are often added to fabric blends. What special qualities does an elastane
fibre give a fabric?
(2)
Questions with Structure in Them
January 2012 Q7a
Many textile products are thrown away because they are not durable enough for their
intended purpose. A pair of weft knitted socks made from a blend containing 60% cotton
and 40% polyamide wore away at the heel leaving a thin net like mesh of polyamide fibre.
Explain the reason the socks wore away at the heel, leaving a thin net like mesh of
polyamide fibre.
(4)
January 2012 Q7b
Many textile products are thrown away because they are not durable enough for their
intended purpose. A polyester satin table covering was quickly snagged but did not wear
into a hole. Polyester is a very strong fibre yet the satin fabric was quickly spoiled. Analyse
the reasons for this.
(3)
January 2012 Q7c
Many textile products are thrown away because they are not durable enough for their
intended purpose. Seat covers have been made from woven acrylic yarn but the surface of
the fabric was spoiled by pilling. Explain what is meant by pilling and why it occurred in this
fabric.
(3)
January 2012 Q7d
Many textile products are thrown away because they are not durable enough for their
intended purpose. Bald patches appear on cotton velvet trousers before a hole has
developed. Explain the reasons why bald patches appeared before a hole developed in the
trousers.
(4)
Product Analysis Questions
May 2012 Q9a
The photograph shows a fashion top made of weft knitted fabric. The fibre content of the
fabric is 73% Acrylic, 27% polyamide. Critically evaluate the suitability of this fabric for the
top.
(8)
June 2013 Q8a
Dress A is made from polyester chiffon with a polyester satin lining. Evaluate the suitability
of these fabrics for special occasion dresses.
(6)
June 2013 Q8b
Dress B is made from silk crepe. Evaluate the suitability of this fabric for special occasion
dresses.
(6)
January 2013 Q7a
The main fabric on a tea cosy is plain weave cotton and cotton needlecord. Critically
evaluate the suitability of the plain weave cotton and the needlecord for the tea cosy.
(6)
January 2013 Q8b
Skirt A is made from a twill weave fabric. Skirt B is made from a weft knitted fabric. The fibre
content of both fabrics is 65% polyester and 35% viscose. Critically evaluate how far the
school skirts shown meet the requirements a parent or carer would have when buying a
school skirt for a primary aged child.
(10)
Essay Type Questions
January 2011 Q8a
A designer has a choice of the following fabrics for dressing gowns: cotton towelling,
polyester satin, polyester fleece
Critically evaluate the suitability of the cotton towelling fabric for children’s dressing gowns
(6)
January 2011 Q8c
The designer has the following fabric specification for a new range of dressing gowns aimed
at the luxury end of the market. The fabric must: feel comfortable against the skin, be easy
to launder, have a luxurious feel, be reasonably hardwearing. Compare and contrast the
suitability of a polyester satin fabric and the polyester fleece fabric against the specification
points given above.
(9)
January 2011 Q9a
Fabrics used for soft furnishings in the home must be suited to their purpose.
Describe, with reasons, the qualities which will be needed in fabrics to be used for curtains
in a living room
(6)
January 2011 Q9b
Velvet fabric made from acrylic fibre is often used for seating in the home. Critically evaluate
the suitability of this fabric for cushion covers used on a sofa
(6)
January 2011 Q10a
A sports t.shirt is advertised as being: soft on the skin, breathable, quick drying and suitable
for active sports. The fibre content of the sports t.shirt is: 36% cotton, 29% polyester, 27%
lyocell, 8% elastane.
Analyse how the fibre content of the sports t.shirt supports the claims made about its
performance.
(8)
May 2011 Q8b
Critically evaluate the suitability of cotton denim for the holder of an electronic product
(5)
May 2011 Q9bi
Analyse the reasons why polyamide fabrics are used in high performance applications such
as clothing and knee protection for skateboarders
(6)
May 2012 Q8d
A manufacturer is making a range of winter sports tops and has a choice of using a quilted
cotton fabric or a polyester polar fleece. Critically compare the effectiveness of the two
fabrics in relation to their intended use (6)
Designing & Planning Questions
June 2013 Q10d
The doorstop is in the shape of a caravan. The manufacturer wants to extend the range of
these doorstops to include different types of transport. Using this page and the next, show
how you could modify the basic design to make another doorstop in the range
(8)
AS Level Fabric Materials & Components: Fabric Properties Example
Questions
Some answers in this document may require knowledge from areas other than fabric
properties. Images are not included here for copyright reasons. Original exam papers,
images & answers can be viewed at http://goo.gl/ndkbv.
Identifying Diagrams
May 2011 Q2
Study the diagram the fibre (wool fibre shown). Name the fibre.
(1)
May 2011 Q2b
Name the parts of the fibre labelled in the diagram (see above question – scales are
indicated)
(1)
Knowledge & Remembering Questions
January 2011 Q1c
Explain how an electrostatic charge develops in some textile materials
(2)
May 2011 Q2c
Explain in detail how the scales on wool fibres affect the fibre if it is washed carelessly
(3)
January 2012 Q2a
Explain what is meant by light fastness in relation to textile products
(2)
January 2012 Q2b
Give one example of a textile product where light fastness will be especially important
(1)
May 2012 Q3
Explain why static electricity affects some fabrics and not others
(3)
Product Analysis Questions
May 2012 Q10d
The fibre content of a twill weave woven fabric is 70% polyester and 30% viscose. Critically
evaluate the use of this fabric for a skirt.
(8)
Essay Type Questions
January 2011 Q9a
Fabrics used for soft furnishings in the home must be suited to their purpose. Describe, with
reasons, the qualities which will be needed in fabrics to be used for curtains in a living room.
(6)
May 2012 Q8e
Giving examples, explain how the fibre content and the type of yarn can help to make a
fabric with good insulation qualities
(6)
January 2013 Q8a
Discuss the requirements that a parent or carer would have when buying a school skirt for a
primary school child (5)
June 2013 Q10f
The fabric for the base of a doorstop (photo included) has been tested to ensure it is durable
enough to stand up to wear and tear. Describe a test the fabric technologist might have
carried out to check the durability of the fabric. (6)
AS Level Materials & Components: Fabrics Finishes Example Questions
Some answers in this document may require knowledge from areas other than fabric
finishes. Images are not included here for copyright reasons. Original exam papers, images &
answers can be viewed at http://goo.gl/ndkbv.
Knowledge & Remembering Questions
May 2011 Q4
Give two effects that brushing will have on a fabric
(2)
January 2012 Q4
What effect will a Proban finish have on a fabric?
(1)
May 2012 Q9c
An image of a knitted fashion top is shown. The top has a fashionable creased appearance.
Explain how this has been achieved on this fabric.
(3)
Questions with Structure in Them
June 2013 Q9a
The following finishes are often used on fabrics: brushing, heat setting, calendaring. For each
of the finishes listed:
 Describe the effect it will have on a fabric
 Explain the reasons it is needed on some fabrics and products
Give some examples to support your answer.
(4)
Product Analysis Questions
January 2012 Q9b
Image of shirt in a woven, checked, cotton fabric. The fabric has a brushed finish. Evaluate
the use of the brushed finish on the shirt fabric.
(6)
AS Level Materials & Components: Fabric Construction Example
Questions
Some answers in this document may require knowledge from areas other than fabric
construction. Images are not included here for copyright reasons. Original exam papers,
images & answers can be viewed at http://goo.gl/ndkbv.
Identifying Diagrams
May 2011 Q7a
Name the fabric construction method shown in the two stages of manufacture in the
diagrams (pile weave & cut pile shown)
(1)
May 2011 Q7b
Name one fabric made using the construction method shown in the diagram (pile / cut
weave shown)
(1)
Knowledge & Remembering Questions
January 2011 Q10bi
The fabric is constructed using a weft knit. Describe the structure of a weft knit. You may use
a diagram.
(3)
January 2011 Q10bi
Explain why weft knit construction is appropriate for active sportswear garments
(3)
May 2011 Q5
Explain what is meant by melt spinning
(3)
January 2012 Q3a
Wool is a staple fibre with a crimp. What is meant by staple fibre?
(1)
January 2012 Q3b
Wool is a staple fibre with a crimp. What is meant by crimp?
(1)
January 2012 Q3c
What special qualities does the crimp give to the woollen fibre?
(2)
May 2012 Q2
Explain the importance of twist when spinning a yarn
(2)
May 2012 Q8c
Polar fleece is a good insulator. Describe the construction of polar fleece. You may use a
diagram
(3)
May 2012 Q10C
A skirt is made from a twill weave fabric. Describe a twill weave. You may use a diagram.
(3)
January 2013 Q2a
What is the difference between a fibre and a yarn?
(2)
January 2013 Q2b
Explain the difference between a staple fibre and a filament yarn
(2)
June 2013 Q2a
Indicate if the following statement is true or false. Velvet has a directional pile.
(1)
June 2013 Q 3
Explain the difference between the warp and weft yarns used to produce woven fabrics
(3)
Questions with Structure in Them
May 2011 Q8a
A manufacturer of novelty textile products is designing a range of holders for mobile phones,
MP3 players and other small portable electronic equipment. One of the fabrics for these
holders is cotton denim. Describe the structure of denim fabric. You may use a diagram.
(4)
Product Analysis Questions
January 2012 Q9a
The photograph shows a shirt made of a woven checked cotton fabric. The fabric is
constructed using a plain weave. Explain how the checked pattern is achieved on the fabric.
You may use a diagram. Where colour is used in any diagram you should label where colours
have been used.
(5)
May 2012 Q9a
The photograph shows a fashion top. The top is made from a weft knit fabric. Describe the
construction of a weft knit. You may use a diagram
(3)
June 2013 Q10a
A felted fabric has been used for the top of a doorstop (photograph included). Describe how
a felted fabric is made. You may use diagrams.
(4)
AS Level Design & Market Influence: New Developments in Materials
Example Questions
Some answers in this document may require knowledge from areas other than new developments in
materials. Images are not included here for copyright reasons. Original exam papers, images &
answers can be viewed at http://goo.gl/ndkbv.
Knowledge & Remembering Questions
January 2011 Q5
Is Gore-Tex a smart material? Explain your answer
(2)
Questions with Structure in Them
May 2011 Q9a
Modern fabrics and finishes are used for a variety of textile products and applications.
Explain two different uses of textile materials in modern cars. Give reasons for their use
(6)
(Question is laid out to indicate two separate answers are required each worth 3 marks)
Essay Type Questions
May 2011 Q9bii
Explain two different ways in which modern fabrics are used for other applications relating
to personal safety
(8)
June 2013 Q8c
Dress A (shown in a previous question) is from 2013 and Dress B was fashionable in 1925.
Since 1925 there have been many technical developments in textiles. Analyse the ways in
which modern materials and methods of manufacture have had an impact on fashion special
occasion wear.
(8)
June 2013 Q9b
Describe one modern or smart material which is used for high performance wear. Explain
how it can benefit the user.
(
5
)