Textiles Investigation Worksheet

1.  Collect 4 samples of textiles, which are as different from each other as possible. In your group you should have 12 different pieces of fabric.
2.  Carefully cut a piece 4cms X 8cms from each sample.
3.  Staple the samples into the four boxes below and label them as Samples 1, 2, 3, 4.
 
 

                                        
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

                                       

 
 
 
 
 

           
 
 
 
 
 

 

                               

4. Describe each sample using some of the following words: Light, heavy, thick, woolly, silky, lacy, scratchy, crisp, limp, fluffy, stretchy etc. You can get more help from the Textiles word bank, which is attached.

Sample 1 _________________________________________________________________________________________

Sample 2 _________________________________________________________________________________________

Sample 3
_________________________________________________________________________________________

Sample 4
_________________________________________________________________________________________

5.  Examine one of your samples in detail and look at how it is put together – Construction. Fill in the details below.

Sample No.
Woven /Knitted/ Bonded
Are all the threads the same? Yes/ No
Does it have a Nap like velvet or cord? Yes /No
Untwist a thread and separate out one or two fibres. Are they:
Long or Short
Sellotape them to this sheet.
What else can you say about the sample?

6.  Look carefully at each of your samples and state:
(a)  what would it be best used for (suitable for) ______________________________

(b)  what would it be unsuitable for. _______________________________________

Sample 1
Suitable______________________________________________________________

Unsuitable____________________________________________________________

Sample 2
Suitable______________________________________________________________

Unsuitable____________________________________________________________

Sample 3
Suitable______________________________________________________________

Unsuitable____________________________________________________________

Sample 4
Suitable______________________________________________________________

Unsuitable____________________________________________________________
 

7.  Bring in any garment or household item which has a fabric identification label, E.g. Tea towel, Pillowcase, Apron, Cushion cover, Blouse, T-shirt etc….
Name the item and the fabric from which it is made _________________________

Describe the fabric using terms from the word bank.____________________________________________________________________________________

State why you think it is suitable/unsuitable for its purpose / end use. _________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________

Could any of the samples you investigated earlier be used for this function? Yes/ No
If yes which ones and why? ________________________________________________________________________________________
 
 

Term/Word/Characteristics  Meaning
Absorbent Soaks up moisture relatively easily
Aesthetic qualities  What it looks like/pleasing/displeasing to the eye
Attractive  Nice to look at/pretty/pleasing to the eye
Clingy  Attaches to/adheres to the body
Colourfastness  Dyed fabrics resistance to colour running and/or fading
Comfortable  Snug/ easy to wear
Cool  Light in weight and suitable for activity wear – does not cause perspiration.
Crisp  Stiff finishes, sharp creases, and smooth surface
Crease resistance  Does not wrinkle easily
Durable  Long lasting/sturdy/hardy/well made
Feel Examine by touch – describe the characteristics
Finished well  Secure seaming/presented well/ironed neatly
Flame resistant  Fabric burns very slowly
Flammable  The fabric or item burns easily
Functional  Performs a specifically desired function/job
Handle  The feel of the fabric when touched e.g. crisp, dry, silky. Also refers to level of control when working with the fabric
Heavy  Weight of the fabric feels relatively heavy.
Insulating  Prevents heat loss from the body/keeps warm
Lacy  Light delicate fabric with lots of decoration/trimming
Light  Feels relatively light for the size of the piece of fabric.
Rough  Abrasive to touch, not smooth
Silky  Luxurious and soft to touch
Soft  Not hard to touch
Smooth  Surface/texture not rough or coarse
Specifications  Detailed description of the desired end product
Stain resistance  Does not stain easily
Stretchy  Elastic properties in the fabric – can extend.
Thick  Fabric is constructed of dense/compact yarn
Warm  Feels comfortable in cooler weather
Washability  Is not affected by frequent washing without damage
Waterproof  Does not allow water through to the other side.
Water repellent  Finish, which helps shed water but air permeable
Well made  Constructed carefully/secure stitching/
Windproof  Keeps the wind out
Woolly  Fuzzy, fleecy yarn.