Quick questions on Natural fibres - SQA Higher Fashion and Textile Technology

Cotton is highly absorbent, cool, soft and strong (and stronger when wet), and it washes well at high temperatures, which is why it is used for items worn next to the skin and washed often: T-shirts, underwear, bedding and towelling. Its weakness is that it creases easily and can shrink, and it burns readily, so it is often blended with polyester or given an easy-care finish.

Linen is the strongest and coolest of the natural fibres and very absorbent, with a crisp handle, so it is prized for summer suits, jackets, dresses and table linen. Its major drawback is that it creases very badly, so it is often blended or finished to improve crease resistance.

Wool is warm because its crimped fibres trap air, it is naturally crease-resistant and flame-resistant (it tends to smoulder and self-extinguish rather than flare), and it can absorb up to about a third of its weight in moisture while still feeling warm and dry. This makes it ideal for jumpers, coats, suits, blankets and carpets. Its weaknesses are that it can shrink and felt if washed incorrectly, is weaker when wet, and can feel itchy, so it needs careful (often hand or wool-cycle) washing.

Silk is strong, smooth, has a natural lustre, drapes beautifully and is warm for its light weight, so it is used for luxury blouses, ties, scarves, lingerie and evening wear. Its weaknesses are that it is expensive, weakens when wet, is damaged by sunlight and perspiration, and needs gentle care.

State the origin of wool and one property that makes it suitable for a winter coat. [2 marks]

Explain two reasons silk is suitable for an evening blouse. [4 marks]