Textiles and Dress Designing — Exercise Solutions
Key Concepts Quick Recap
| Fibre | Source | Properties | Uses |
|---|
| Cotton | Seed hair of Gossypium | Absorbent, breathable, easy care | Summer clothing, bedlinen |
| Silk | Bombyx mori cocoon | Lustrous, smooth, protein, expensive | Sarees, formal wear |
| Wool | Sheep fleece | Warm, resilient, protein | Winter garments, blankets |
| Linen | Flax stem (bast fibre) | Strong, cool, crisp | Summer clothing, tablecloth |
| Polyester | Synthetic (PET) | Durable, wrinkle-resistant, quick dry | Sportswear, everyday clothing |
| Nylon | Synthetic (polyamide) | Strong, elastic, smooth | Hosiery, sportswear |
| Rayon (viscose) | Regenerated cellulose | Soft, drapes well, absorbent | Sarees, dresses |
I. Choose the Best Answer (MCQs)
1. Silk is obtained from: (a) Plant seeds (b) Cocoon of Bombyx mori silkworm (c) Sheep fleece (d) Petroleum products
Answer(b) Cocoon of Bombyx mori silkworm Silk: natural protein fibre. Silkworm larva spins cocoon → boiled in hot water → single continuous filament (300-900 m) unwound → raw silk.
2. The process of interlacing two sets of yarns at right angles is called: (a) Knitting (b) Weaving (c) Braiding (d) Felting
Answer(b) Weaving Weaving: lengthwise yarns = warp; crosswise = weft. Basic weaves: plain (most common, over-under), twill (diagonal lines — denim, gabardine), satin (lustrous surface, 4+ weft over 1 warp).
3. Which fabric type is most suitable for summer wear? (a) Wool (b) Polyester (c) Cotton (d) Nylon
Answer(c) Cotton Cotton: high absorbency, breathable, cool to wear. Ideal for hot and humid climates. Wool: insulating, warm — suited for winter. Polyester: low absorbency, retains heat.
4. The vertical lines in clothing tend to make a person appear: (a) Wider (b) Shorter (c) Taller and slimmer (d) Rounder
Answer(c) Taller and slimmer Vertical lines draw the eye up and down → create an illusion of height. Horizontal lines draw eye across → create width. Diagonal: suggests movement and dynamism.
5. The standard seam allowance in garment construction is: (a) 5 mm (b) 10-12 mm (c) 25 mm (d) 50 mm
Answer(b) 10-12 mm Standard seam allowance: 1.5 cm (15 mm) in home sewing; 10-12 mm in industry. Seam allowance is the distance between the seam line (stitching line) and the cut edge of the fabric.
6. Washing symbols on garment care labels use: (a) Numbers only (b) International Textile Care Labelling Code symbols (c) Written words only (d) Colour codes only
Answer(b) International Textile Care Labelling Code symbols Care labels: tub/bucket (washing), triangle (bleaching), square (drying), iron (ironing), circle (professional cleaning). A cross through the symbol = do NOT perform that care procedure.
7. The element of design that refers to the surface feel and appearance is: (a) Colour (b) Line (c) Texture (d) Shape
Answer(c) Texture Texture: visual and tactile quality. Visual texture: how fabric looks (shiny, dull, rough, smooth). Tactile texture: how it feels. Affects: how light reflects, comfort, drape, and the overall look of a garment.
II. Short Answer Questions
Q1. Describe the properties of cotton fibre and its uses.
Answer
Properties:
- Moisture absorption: High (hygroscopic) → comfortable in humid weather.
- Strength: Moderate when dry; stronger when wet (unique property).
- Heat resistance: Withstands high washing temperatures.
- Dyeability: Excellent affinity for dyes (cotton dyes easily).
- Allergenic: Hypoallergenic — suitable for sensitive skin.
- Biodegradable: Eco-friendly.
Disadvantages: Wrinkles easily, shrinks unless treated, mildew susceptible when damp.
Uses: Sarees, shirts, T-shirts, bed linen, towels, nappies, medical gauze.
Q2. What are the principles of design and how do they apply to dress designing?
Answer
1. Balance: Equal visual weight on both sides. Symmetrical (formal): both sides mirror image. Asymmetrical (modern/casual): different but visually balanced.
2. Proportion: Size relationship of garment parts to each other and to the wearer. Golden ratio (1:1.618) in clothing proportions.
3. Harmony: All elements (colour, texture, shape) work together; unified overall appearance.
4. Emphasis (Centre of Interest): Focal point that attracts the eye first. Achieved through: contrast, embellishment, colour, buttons.
5. Rhythm: Sense of movement through repetition of elements (repeated buttons, pleats, prints).
6. Unity: All design elements create a cohesive, complete look.
Exam Checklist
- Natural fibres: cotton (seed), silk (silkworm), wool (sheep), linen (flax stem).
- Synthetic fibres: polyester, nylon, acrylic (petroleum-based).
- Weaving: warp (lengthwise) + weft (crosswise). Basic weaves: plain, twill, satin.
- Cotton: absorbent, cool, breathable — best for summer.
- Elements of design: line, shape, colour, texture, space.
- Principles: balance, proportion, harmony, emphasis, rhythm, unity.
- Vertical lines: slimmer/taller effect; Horizontal: wider effect.
- Seam allowance: 10-15 mm.
