Characteristic: Feel MCQs Quiz | Class 9
This is a Class IX Home Science (Code 064) quiz for Unit V: Fibre and Fabric, focusing on the topic of fabric characteristics and feel. This quiz covers key concepts such as hand feel, comfort, and texture perception. Attempt all questions and click ‘Submit Quiz’ to see your score. You can download a PDF of your answers after completing the quiz.
Understanding Fabric Feel and Comfort
The ‘feel’ of a fabric, often called its ‘hand’ or ‘handle’, is a critical characteristic that determines its suitability for different uses and its comfort level for the wearer. This perception is a combination of physical properties that we sense through touch. Understanding these properties helps in selecting the right fabrics for clothing, home furnishings, and other applications.
Key Concepts
- Hand Feel: This is a subjective assessment of a fabric’s quality by touching it. Key attributes of hand feel include softness, stiffness, smoothness, roughness, and coolness or warmth. For example, silk is known for its smooth and cool hand feel, while wool is known for its warmth and springiness.
- Comfort: Fabric comfort is a complex sensation that depends on several factors.
- Thermal Comfort: This relates to how a fabric helps regulate body temperature. Fabrics like cotton and linen are breathable and absorb moisture, making them feel cool in warm weather. Wool traps air, providing excellent insulation and warmth in cold weather.
- Moisture Management: How a fabric interacts with sweat is crucial. Good moisture-wicking fabrics pull sweat away from the skin to the fabric’s surface, where it can evaporate, keeping the wearer dry and comfortable.
- Tactile Comfort: This refers to the sensation of the fabric against the skin. A fabric that is rough or scratchy will be uncomfortable, regardless of its other properties.
- Texture Perception: This is how our brain interprets the signals from our sense of touch. The texture of a fabric is determined by its fiber type (e.g., smooth silk vs. fuzzy wool), yarn structure (e.g., tightly twisted vs. loosely spun), and fabric construction (e.g., a flat plain weave vs. a ridged corduroy).
Comparison of Common Fibres
| Fibre | Typical Feel / Texture | Key Comfort Property |
|---|---|---|
| Cotton | Soft, crisp, breathable | High moisture absorbency, feels cool |
| Silk | Smooth, lustrous, lightweight | Excellent drape, luxurious feel |
| Wool | Warm, springy, can be slightly coarse | Excellent thermal insulation, moisture-wicking |
| Polyester | Smooth, resilient, slightly slippery | Low absorbency, quick-drying, durable |
| Linen | Crisp, cool, gets softer with use | Very breathable, high absorbency |
Quick Revision Points
- Drape: Refers to how a fabric hangs under its own weight. Silk has excellent drape.
- Lustre: The amount of light a fabric surface reflects. Satin has high lustre.
- Resilience: A fabric’s ability to spring back into shape after being creased. Wool has high resilience.
- Absorbency: The ability to take in moisture. Natural fibers like cotton are generally more absorbent than synthetics like polyester.
- Finishes: Chemical or mechanical treatments applied to fabrics can drastically change their feel, such as ‘mercerizing’ cotton to make it smoother or ‘brushing’ flannel to make it softer.
Extra Practice Questions
- Which property refers to a fabric’s ability to return to its original shape after being stretched or compressed?
- Why does a linen shirt feel cool to wear in summer?
- What is the primary difference in feel between a satin weave and a plain weave using the same yarn?
- If a fabric is described as having good ‘wicking’ properties, what does this mean?
- How does the ‘yarn twist’ affect the feel of a fabric?
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