Question 1

What are fabrics made from?

Accepted Answer

Fabrics are made from fibers. These fibers can come from plants, like cotton, or animals, like wool. They can also be made from chemicals to create synthetic fabrics like polyester.

Question 2

Why are some fabrics soft and some rough?

Accepted Answer

Some fabrics are soft because they are made from fine, smooth fibers. Other fabrics feel rough because the fibers are thicker or have a more uneven surface.

Question 3

How is cotton fabric made?

Accepted Answer

Cotton fabric is made from cotton plants. The fluffy white cotton is picked, cleaned, spun into threads, and then woven together to make fabric.

Question 4

What makes wool special?

Accepted Answer

Wool comes from sheep and is special because it can keep you warm even when it's wet. It's also soft and can stretch a little, making it comfortable to wear.

Question 5

Why do some clothes keep us warmer than others?

Accepted Answer

Clothes keep us warm by trapping heat from our bodies. Thicker fabrics or those with tiny air pockets, like wool, trap more heat, which keeps us warmer.

Question 6

What is synthetic fabric?

Accepted Answer

Synthetic fabric is made from chemicals in a lab. Polyester and nylon are common synthetic fabrics used to make things like sportswear and umbrellas.

Question 7

Why does silk feel smooth?

Accepted Answer

Silk feels smooth because it comes from the silk worm's cocoon. The fibers from these cocoons are long and shiny, which makes the fabric feel smooth and luxurious.

Question 8

Can fabrics protect us from the sun?

Accepted Answer

Yes, some fabrics can protect us from the sun. Darker colors and tighter weaves can block more sunlight, keeping our skin safe from sunburn.

Question 9

How does fabric dye work?

Accepted Answer

Fabric dye works by soaking the fabric in colored liquid. The color sticks to the fibers, which changes the fabric's color.

Question 10

Why do clothes sometimes shrink in the wash?

Accepted Answer

Clothes shrink in the wash because the fibers get hot and wet, which makes them tighten up. This can make the fabric smaller, so the clothes can seem smaller too.

Question 11

What is weaving?

Accepted Answer

Weaving is a way of making fabric by crossing threads over and under each other. This creates a strong piece of cloth from yarn or thread.

Question 12

Why are some fabrics stretchy?

Accepted Answer

Some fabrics are stretchy because they have elastic fibers like spandex or blends that can stretch and return to their original shape. This helps clothes fit better and move with your body.

Question 13

What makes denim different from other fabrics?

Accepted Answer

Denim, used to make jeans, is strong and durable because it's made with a special weaving technique. It's often blue because it's dyed with indigo.

Question 14

Why do we wear different fabrics in different seasons?

Accepted Answer

We wear different fabrics in different seasons because some are better at keeping us cool or warm. For example, cotton is light and breathable for summer, while wool is warm for winter.

Question 15

How do fabrics get their patterns?

Accepted Answer

Fabrics get their patterns through printing or weaving. Designs can be printed on the surface or created by weaving colored threads into specific patterns.

Question 16

Why does polyester dry faster than cotton?

Accepted Answer

Polyester dries faster than cotton because it's made from plastic-like fibers that do not absorb much water. This makes it ideal for quick-drying clothes.

Question 17

Why is linen fabric good for hot weather?

Accepted Answer

Linen is great for hot weather because it's light and breathable. It allows air to flow through, keeping you cool when it's hot outside.

Question 18

What is fleece fabric?

Accepted Answer

Fleece is a soft fabric that feels warm and cozy. It's made by spinning fibers very tightly, creating a plush texture, which is great for jackets and blankets.

Question 19

How can you tell the front from the back of a fabric?

Accepted Answer

The front of the fabric often has a pattern or a smoother finish, while the back may look plainer or rougher. Inspecting the edges can also help, as the smoother side is usually the front.

Question 20

What happens to fabric when it gets wet?

Accepted Answer

When fabric gets wet, it absorbs water and can feel heavier and colder. Some fabrics dry quickly, while others take longer and might shrink if washed in hot water.

The Science of Everyday Fabrics - 20 FAQs Explained Simply