Question 1

What is the difference between a blended fibre and a mixed-fibre textile?

Accepted Answer

A blended fibre is made by combining two or more different fibres (e.g., cotton and polyester) into a single yarn before weaving or knitting. This creates a fabric with combined properties, like the comfort of cotton and the durability of polyester. A mixed-fibre textile, on the other hand, uses different yarns or layers in the fabric construction—for example, a cotton warp with a nylon weft. The key difference is that blending happens at the fibre level, while mixing happens at the yarn or fabric level.

Question 2

Why is polyester considered bad for the environment?

Accepted Answer

Polyester is a synthetic fibre made from petroleum, a non-renewable resource. Its production is energy-intensive and releases greenhouse gases. During washing, polyester sheds microplastics that pollute waterways and harm marine life. It is not biodegradable, so it persists in landfills for hundreds of years. However, polyester can be recycled, and some brands use recycled polyester to reduce its footprint. Compared to cotton, polyester has a lower water footprint but higher carbon footprint.

Question 3

What are the working properties of wool?

Accepted Answer

Wool is a natural fibre from sheep. Its working properties include good elasticity (it can stretch up to 30% and return to shape), high absorbency (it can hold up to 30% of its weight in moisture without feeling wet), and excellent insulation (traps air for warmth). It is also flame-resistant (self-extinguishing) and has natural crimp, which gives it bulk and softness. However, wool can shrink in hot water (felting) and is prone to moth damage. These properties make it ideal for jumpers, suits, and carpets.

Question 4

How do I remember the difference between warp and weft?

Accepted Answer

Think of the warp as the 'w' for 'vertical'—it runs the length of the fabric (like the warp of a ship from bow to stern). The weft runs horizontally, woven across the warp. A mnemonic: 'Warp goes up and down, weft goes side to side.' In weaving, the warp threads are held taut on the loom, and the weft is passed through them. The warp is usually stronger because it bears more tension.

Question 5

What is the social footprint of textile production?

Accepted Answer

The social footprint refers to the impact on people and communities involved in making textiles. This includes labour conditions (e.g., fair wages, safe working hours, child labour), community displacement (e.g., cotton farming affecting local water supplies), and cultural impacts (e.g., traditional crafts). For example, fast fashion often relies on low-cost labour in developing countries, leading to exploitation. Ethical certifications like Fair Trade aim to improve social footprints by ensuring better wages and conditions.

Question 6

Why is cotton so popular despite its high water use?

Accepted Answer

Cotton is popular because it is soft, breathable, absorbent, and comfortable against the skin. It is also strong when wet, easy to dye, and biodegradable. These properties make it ideal for everyday clothing like t-shirts and jeans. However, conventional cotton farming uses large amounts of water (about 10,000 litres per kg of cotton) and pesticides. Organic cotton reduces chemical use but still requires significant water. Alternatives like hemp or lyocell (Tencel) have lower water footprints but are less common.

Textiles: The sources, origins, physical and working properties of natural, synthetic, woven, non-woven, knitted, blended and mixed-fibre textiles and their social and ecological footprint

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