What revolutionary invention in 1794 dramatically sped up the process of separating cotton fibers from seeds?
- The sewing machine
- The spinning jenny
- The power loom
- The cotton gin
Correct Answer: The cotton gin
Correct Answer Explanation: The cotton gin, invented by Eli Whitney in 1794, revolutionized cotton production, making it much more efficient and increasing the production of cotton fabrics.
Which fiber, derived from the Angora goat, is known for its silky properties and durability?
- Wool
- Silk
- Mohair
- Flax
Correct Answer: Mohair
Correct Answer Explanation: Mohair, a silky and durable fiber, is produced by the Angora goat. It is often used for luxurious fabrics like sweaters and upholstery.
What is the process called that shrinks and thickens woolen fabrics using soap and friction?
- Carding
- Combing
- Fulling
- Bleaching
Correct Answer: Fulling
Correct Answer Explanation: Fulling is a process used to shrink and thicken woolen fabrics, making them denser and more durable. It involves using soap and friction to compress the fibers.
Which weave produces diagonal lines across the fabric and is often used for dress goods and suitings?
- Plain weave
- Twill weave
- Sateen weave
- Basket weave
Correct Answer: Twill weave
Correct Answer Explanation: The twill weave, known for its diagonal lines, creates a durable and textural fabric. It is frequently used for dress goods, suitings, and denim.
Before the invention of the cotton gin, how long did it take to separate four or five pounds of cotton from seeds?
- A few hours
- A day
- A week
- A month
Correct Answer: A week
Correct Answer Explanation: Before the cotton gin, the process of separating cotton fibers from seeds was labor-intensive, requiring a full week to process a small amount of cotton.
Which of these is NOT a bast fiber?
- Flax
- Ramie
- Silk
- Hemp
Correct Answer: Silk
Correct Answer Explanation: Bast fibers are obtained from the inner bark of plants. Flax, ramie, and hemp are all bast fibers. Silk is produced by silkworms and is an animal fiber.
What is the main protein found in wool and other animal fibers?
- Cellulose
- Keratin
- Nylon
- Polyester
Correct Answer: Keratin
Correct Answer Explanation: Keratin is the main protein found in wool and other animal fibers. It gives these fibers their unique strength, elasticity, and resilience.
What is the process called that removes natural pigments from fabrics to create a white background for dyeing or printing?
- Fulling
- Combing
- Bleaching
- Scouring
Correct Answer: Bleaching
Correct Answer Explanation: Bleaching removes natural pigments from fabrics, making them white and ready for dyeing or printing.
Which of these is NOT a type of weave?
- Plain weave
- Twill weave
- Sateen weave
- Spun weave
Correct Answer: Spun weave
Correct Answer Explanation: Spun weave does not refer to a weaving technique. The terms plain weave, twill weave, and sateen weave all describe different methods of interlacing warp and weft threads.
How much can wool absorb in water by weight without feeling damp?
- 10%
- 20%
- 30%
- 40%
Correct Answer: 30%
Correct Answer Explanation: Wool is highly hydroscopic, meaning it can absorb a significant amount of moisture without feeling wet. It can absorb up to 30% of its weight in water.
What is the process called that increases the weight of silk by adding metallic salts?
- Fulling
- Bleaching
- Scouring
- Loading
Correct Answer: Loading
Correct Answer Explanation: Loading is a process used to increase the weight of silk fabric by adding metallic salts. However, this weakens the silk fibers and can make the fabric less durable.
What is the standard bale weight of cotton in the United States?
- 250 pounds
- 500 pounds
- 750 pounds
- 1000 pounds
Correct Answer: 500 pounds
Correct Answer Explanation: A standard bale of cotton in the United States weighs 500 pounds.
Which of these was NOT a major fiber used in textiles in the early 20th century?
- Cotton
- Wool
- Nylon
- Flax
Correct Answer: Nylon
Correct Answer Explanation: Nylon was invented in the 1930s and was not a major fiber used in textiles until after the early 20th century. Cotton, wool, and flax were the primary fibers used in textiles in the early 1900s.
What is the process called that removes impurities from wool?
- Fulling
- Scouring
- Bleaching
- Carding
Correct Answer: Scouring
Correct Answer Explanation: Scouring is the process used to remove impurities like lanolin and dirt from wool fibers, making them cleaner and more suitable for spinning and weaving.
Which of these is NOT a type of stitch used in sewing?
- Running stitch
- Backstitch
- Slip stitch
- Worsted stitch
Correct Answer: Worsted stitch
Correct Answer Explanation: A worsted stitch is a type of yarn, not a sewing stitch. Running stitch, backstitch, and slip stitch are all common stitches used in sewing.
What is the most common weave used for textiles?
- Twill weave
- Sateen weave
- Basket weave
- Plain weave
Correct Answer: Plain weave
Correct Answer Explanation: The plain weave, characterized by alternating warp and weft threads, is the most basic and common weave used for textiles.
Which of these is NOT a common sewing fastening?
- Button
- Zipper
- Hook and eye
- Quilt
Correct Answer: Quilt
Correct Answer Explanation: A quilt is a type of bedding or wall hanging, not a sewing fastening. Buttons, zippers, and hook and eyes are all common methods for fastening garments.
What is the name for the fine wool fibers that are removed from long-staple wool during combing?
- Noil
- Flock
- Warp
- Weft
Correct Answer: Noil
Correct Answer Explanation: Noil refers to the short fibers removed from long-staple wool during combing. These fibers are often used in woolens, which are coarser than worsted fabrics.
What is the term for the weight added to the bottom of a spinning spindle to provide stability and improve rotation?
- Spindle whorl
- Spinning jenny
- Loom
- Shuttle
Correct Answer: Spindle whorl
Correct Answer Explanation: A spindle whorl is a weight attached to the bottom of a spinning spindle to help it spin smoothly and evenly.
Which of these is NOT a sewing technique?
- Darning
- Patching
- Embroidering
- Knitting
Correct Answer: Knitting
Correct Answer Explanation: Knitting is a separate textile technique used to create fabric by looping yarn together with needles. Darning, patching, and embroidering are all sewing techniques.
What is the process called that raises the nap on woolen fabrics using a revolving teazel?
- Carding
- Gigging
- Fulling
- Scouring
Correct Answer: Gigging
Correct Answer Explanation: Gigging is a process that raises the nap on woolen fabrics, giving them a softer and plusher texture. It uses a revolving teazel, a thistle-like plant with prickly heads, to brush the fibers.
What is the term for the thread that runs lengthwise in a woven fabric?
- Weft
- Warp
- Fill
- Selvedge
Correct Answer: Warp
Correct Answer Explanation: The warp threads run lengthwise in a woven fabric, forming the base upon which the weft threads are interlaced.
What is the term for the thread that runs crosswise in a woven fabric?
- Warp
- Weft
- Fill
- Selvedge
Correct Answer: Weft
Correct Answer Explanation: The weft threads run crosswise in a woven fabric, interlacing with the warp threads to create the fabric structure.
Which of these is a type of embroidery stitch?
- Backstitch
- Running stitch
- Satin stitch
- Slip stitch
Correct Answer: Satin stitch
Correct Answer Explanation: Satin stitch is a type of embroidery stitch that creates a smooth, lustrous surface. Backstitch, running stitch, and slip stitch are common sewing stitches.
What is the name for the process of creating yarn by twisting fibers together?
- Weaving
- Spinning
- Knitting
- Crocheting
Correct Answer: Spinning
Correct Answer Explanation: Spinning is the process of twisting fibers together to create yarn, which can then be used for weaving or knitting.
What is the name for the edge of a woven fabric that prevents the fabric from unraveling?
- Warp
- Weft
- Selvedge
- Fill
Correct Answer: Selvedge
Correct Answer Explanation: The selvedge is the edge of a woven fabric, often thicker and more tightly woven than the rest of the fabric, to prevent it from unraveling.
Which of these is NOT a common type of clothing ornament?
- Lace
- Embroidery
- Beading
- Sewing machine
Correct Answer: Sewing machine
Correct Answer Explanation: A sewing machine is a tool used for constructing garments, not a type of ornament. Lace, embroidery, and beading are all common forms of clothing ornamentation.
Which of these is NOT a common type of clothing fastening?
- Buttons
- Zippers
- Velcro
- Flock
Correct Answer: Flock
Correct Answer Explanation: Flock is a type of fine wool fibers used to add weight and fullness to fabrics, not a clothing fastening.
What is the term for the process of applying dyes to fabrics?
- Bleaching
- Scouring
- Dyeing
- Fulling
Correct Answer: Dyeing
Correct Answer Explanation: Dyeing is the process of applying dyes to fabrics to change their color.
Which of these is a type of silk fabric known for its softness and uneven weave?
- Satin
- Tussah silk
- Mohair
- Velvet
Correct Answer: Tussah silk
Correct Answer Explanation: Tussah silk is a type of wild silk, known for its natural, uneven weave and soft texture.
What is the name for a fabric that has a raised surface, often created by using a special weave or by looping threads?
- Plain weave
- Twill weave
- Sateen weave
- Pile fabric
Correct Answer: Pile fabric
Correct Answer Explanation: Pile fabrics have a raised surface, like velvet, corduroy, or plush. This texture is created by looping threads or by using a special weave.
Which of these is a type of clothing that was commonly worn in the early 20th century?
- Corset
- Jeans
- Tank top
- T-shirt
Correct Answer: Corset
Correct Answer Explanation: Corsets were common undergarments for women in the early 20th century, used to shape and cinch the waist.
Which of these is NOT a common sewing tool?
- Sewing machine
- Scissors
- Pins
- Paint brush
Correct Answer: Paint brush
Correct Answer Explanation: A paint brush is used for painting, not sewing. Sewing machines, scissors, and pins are essential tools for sewing.
Which of these is a common type of sewing needle?
- Sharp needle
- Blunt needle
- Tapestry needle
- All of the above
Correct Answer: All of the above
Correct Answer Explanation: Sewing needles come in various types, including sharp needles for general sewing, blunt needles for thick fabrics, and tapestry needles for embroidery.
What is the name for the type of fabric made from cotton fibers that are tightly woven and have a smooth, lustrous surface?
- Silk
- Linen
- Broadcloth
- Twill
Correct Answer: Broadcloth
Correct Answer Explanation: Broadcloth is a tightly woven cotton fabric known for its smooth, lustrous surface. It is often used for dress shirts and other formal garments.
Which of these is NOT a common type of fabric used for clothing?
- Cotton
- Wool
- Linen
- Concrete
Correct Answer: Concrete
Correct Answer Explanation: Concrete is a building material, not a fabric used for clothing. Cotton, wool, and linen are all common fabrics used for clothing.
What is the name for a fabric that is made from a blend of different fibers?
- Natural fabric
- Synthetic fabric
- Blend fabric
- Organic fabric
Correct Answer: Blend fabric
Correct Answer Explanation: Blend fabrics are made from a combination of different fibers, such as cotton and polyester or wool and silk. These blends often combine the best qualities of each fiber.
Which of these is a type of fabric that is typically used for upholstery?
- Cotton
- Wool
- Velvet
- Silk
Correct Answer: Velvet
Correct Answer Explanation: Velvet, with its soft, plush texture, is often used for upholstery, drapery, and clothing.
Which of these is a type of sewing thread that is made from silk fibers?
- Cotton thread
- Polyester thread
- Silk thread
- Nylon thread
Correct Answer: Silk thread
Correct Answer Explanation: Silk thread is made from silk fibers, known for its strength, luster, and smooth finish.
What is the term for the process of adding a decorative finish to a fabric, often using stitches or embroidery?
- Embroidering
- Dyeing
- Fulling
- Scouring
Correct Answer: Embroidering
Correct Answer Explanation: Embroidering is the process of adding decorative stitches to fabric, often using thread, yarn, or beads.
Which of these is a type of sewing stitch that is used to join two pieces of fabric together securely?
- Backstitch
- Running stitch
- Slip stitch
- All of the above
Correct Answer: All of the above
Correct Answer Explanation: Backstitch, running stitch, and slip stitch are all common sewing stitches used to join fabrics together, each with its own unique application and appearance.
What is the name for the process of making a garment by cutting and sewing fabric together?
- Spinning
- Weaving
- Dressmaking
- Embroidering
Correct Answer: Dressmaking
Correct Answer Explanation: Dressmaking is the process of creating garments by cutting, fitting, and sewing fabric together.