Textiles AQA Revision Notes

Warmth
(comfort)
Absorbency
(comfort)
Comfort
(comfort)
Handle and drape
(aesthetics)
Strength
(functional)
Elasticity
(functional)
Aftercare
(functional)
Natural fibres
Wool
Warm to wear.
Slow, can absorb its weight in water and not feel wet. Repels water droplets. Very slow drying.
Fine wool, very comfortable. Coarse wool, scratchy.
Very soft or coarse handle. Good drape.
Medium strength, not durable.
Very good. Creases drop out.
Wash and iron with care, may shrink. Dry clean.
Silk
Cool, but good insulation so warm as well.
Fast, can absorb its weight in water.
Very comfortable.
Soft handle and elegant drape.
Good strength.
Very good, creases drop out.
Wash and iron with care, best dry cleaned.
Cotton
Cool to wear unless brushed.
Highly absorbent. Slow drying.
Very comfortable unless wet.
Soft handle. Good drape.
Good strength, abrasion resistance, and durability.
Poor. Creases easily.
Wash, boil, iron damp. May shrink.
Linen
Fresh and cool to wear.
Highly absorbent. Fast drying.
Stiffer and harder than cotton.
Firm handle. Smooth surface. Good drape.
Good strength and durability.
Poor. Creases very badly.
Wash, boil, easily ironed.
Manufactured fibres
Viscose
Low warmth.
More absorbent than cotton.
Comfortable to wear.
Soft or firm handle. Good drape.
Lower strength than cotton.
Poor. Creases easily.
Washable. Easy to iron.
Acetate
Low warmth.
Low absorbency. Fast drying.
Comfortable, but prone to static.
Soft handle and elegant drape.
Low strength. Poor abrasion resistance.
Higher than viscose, but creases.
Wash and iron with care. Thermoplastic.
Polyester
Low warmth, unless textured.
Very low absorbency. Hydrophobic. Fast drying.
Comfortable, but prone to static. Micro fibres breathable.
Soft or firm handle.
Very strong and abrasion resistant.
Very good. Crease resistant.
Machine washable. Iron with care. Thermoplastic.
Polyamide (Nylon)
Low warmth, unless textured.
Very low