KS3 textiles - materials made from types of fibres

Design/Technology Quiz - Textiles 02 (Questions)

Not all fabrics behave the same. Explore how fibres and fabrics are chosen for comfort, strength, warmth, and care, then match the right textile to a product’s job.

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Fascinating Fact:

Natural fibres come from plants or animals, while synthetic fibres are usually made from chemicals. Cotton and wool are natural, polyester is synthetic.

In KS3 D and T, pupils learn how different fibres and fabrics suit different uses. You compare properties such as durability, absorbency, insulation, stretch, and ease of care, then justify choices for a specific user and purpose.

Key Terms

Natural fibre: A fibre taken from a plant or animal, such as cotton, wool, or linen, which can be spun into yarn and made into fabric.
Synthetic fibre: A man-made fibre produced from chemicals, such as polyester or nylon, often designed for strength, low cost, or easy care.
Insulation: How well a fabric traps air and reduces heat loss, which affects warmth in clothing and household textiles.

Frequently Asked Questions (Click to see answers)

What is the difference between natural and synthetic fibres in KS3 textiles?

Natural fibres come from plants or animals, such as cotton and wool. Synthetic fibres are made from chemicals, such as polyester and nylon, and are often engineered to be durable and easy to care for.

Why do some clothes use a blend of fibres like cotton and polyester?

Fibre blends combine useful properties. Cotton can feel soft and absorbent, while polyester can add strength, reduce creasing, and help fabric dry faster, making the final textile more practical.

How do you choose a textile for a design in KS3 Design and Technology?

You choose a textile by matching properties to the product’s needs, such as durability for bags, stretch for activewear, or insulation for cold weather. Testing fabric samples helps you compare performance.

Try These Related Quizzes

When cutting patterns from fabric, why should you allow extra around the pattern?

[ ]	In case of accidentally cutting too small
[ ]	Seam allowance for joining pieces together
[ ]	The design will shrink, so it has to be made bigger
[ ]	The extra is where the buttons will be placed

What stitch length would you use on thick fabric such as cotton duck or corduroy to make a permanent seam?

[ ]	0.1 mm
[ ]	1 mm
[ ]	4 mm
[ ]	10 mm

Most bought garments have the inside edge neatened with stitching called .......

[ ]	adjoining
[ ]	finishing
[ ]	overlocking
[ ]	trimming

What is the channel called where a cord or elastic is threaded?

[ ]	Casing
[ ]	Funnel
[ ]	Subway
[ ]	Tube

Which of these fastenings is the easiest to use?

[ ]	Button
[ ]	Press stud
[ ]	Toggle
[ ]	Velcro

Stitching a pattern onto a fabric with coloured silky threads is .......

[ ]	applique
[ ]	batik
[ ]	embroidery
[ ]	tie dyeing

Which of these decoration techniques is a one-off?

[ ]	Block printing
[ ]	CAM Embroidery
[ ]	Screen printing
[ ]	Transfer painting

Painting wax onto the fabric before dyeing is called .......

[ ]	applique
[ ]	batik
[ ]	embroidery
[ ]	tie dyeing

Sewing different coloured shapes of fabric onto the main fabric using a close zig-zag stitch is .......

[ ]	applique
[ ]	batik
[ ]	embroidery
[ ]	tie dyeing

10.

What does a cross through a fabric care symbol mean?

[ ]	Do not
[ ]	Dry clean
[ ]	Handwash
[ ]	Wash separately

Design/Technology Quiz - Textiles 02 (Answers)

When cutting patterns from fabric, why should you allow extra around the pattern?

[ ]	In case of accidentally cutting too small
[x]	Seam allowance for joining pieces together
[ ]	The design will shrink, so it has to be made bigger
[ ]	The extra is where the buttons will be placed

Seam allowances are usually around 15mm

What stitch length would you use on thick fabric such as cotton duck or corduroy to make a permanent seam?

[ ]	0.1 mm
[ ]	1 mm
[x]	4 mm
[ ]	10 mm

Longer stitches will hold a thicker material together better than short ones. Very long stitches like 10 mm are only used to 'tack' fabrics on a temporary basis

Most bought garments have the inside edge neatened with stitching called .......

[ ]	adjoining
[ ]	finishing
[x]	overlocking
[ ]	trimming

There are many types of stitching, some are specifically designed for strength and others for a decorative effect

What is the channel called where a cord or elastic is threaded?

[x]	Casing
[ ]	Funnel
[ ]	Subway
[ ]	Tube

It is made by folding the fabric and stitching the base of the fold together

Which of these fastenings is the easiest to use?

[ ]	Button
[ ]	Press stud
[ ]	Toggle
[x]	Velcro

It is also strong

Stitching a pattern onto a fabric with coloured silky threads is .......

[ ]	applique
[ ]	batik
[x]	embroidery
[ ]	tie dyeing

Beginners can use fabric that has been printed very lightly with the final design - a bit like a colouring book or painting by numbers

Which of these decoration techniques is a one-off?

[ ]	Block printing
[ ]	CAM Embroidery
[ ]	Screen printing
[x]	Transfer painting

If the motif is simple, it also doesn't take long

Painting wax onto the fabric before dyeing is called .......

[ ]	applique
[x]	batik
[ ]	embroidery
[ ]	tie dyeing

The dye can't go where the wax is