Living in the Material World Trivia Quiz

Answer: False

Velvet is dense, tightly woven fabric that can be made from a variety of fabrics including silk, nylon, and cotton. The term velvet refers to the weaving method used, which results in a very smooth, plush fabric on one side with a plain underside. Velvet made from silk is very expensive and can cost over $100 (67 GBP) a yard.

The outfit in this image shows the versatility of the fabric as it was used to make the dress, hat, and muff. Velvet is also often used as the lining in music boxes, jewelry boxes, and display cases, due to its softness and smoothness. For centuries only nobility wore velvet as it was difficult to make and expensive to produce.

Answer: Persia

Paisley is thought to have originated in the Persian Empire around the first century A.D. Found in textiles from India, Iran, and Pakistan, paisley is thought to represent a droplet-shaped vegetable motif. The name is derived from the city of Paisley, Scotland, which was, at one time, a center for production of textiles with this motif. Paisley designs have been used in fabrics, jewelry, and pottery for centuries and can be found in many different Asian cultures.

Answer: The yarn or thread being used

The term satin refers to a type of weave, as opposed to the filament of origin. Satin is made from silk filaments, while sateen is made from other yarns, most commonly cotton or rayon. Both fabrics have one side with a high sheen and smooth finish on one side, and a plain side on the back. Both fabrics can be hand woven or machine woven. Satin/sateen are both used for ball gowns, jacket linings and sheets. Satin retains its sheen much longer than sateen and is one of the sturdier fabrics that is made from silk.

Answer: It is reversible

Damask is a reversible fabric that was originally only woven using silk. Damask can be dyed any color, and its name is derived from its early origins in Damascus, Syria. Today this heavy material can be woven from wool, linen, cotton, and even synthetic fibers.

The designs of early damask fabric usually involved a floral design that looked like a mirror image when the front was compared to the back. Often used for heavy winter gowns, curtains, and furniture, it was meant to withstand wear and tear, while retaining its elegant design. Designs were at one time different shades of the same color, while today they can be two different colors, as is seen in this image where red and gold are used to accentuate the weave.

Answer: Cotton

Cotton denim is one of the most popular fabrics in the world today. Occasionally spandex threads are added to make stretch jeans. Denim is famous for its dyeing/weaving process, which involves weaving blue threads with white threads to produce the familiar color pattern that is seen in most jeans.

It also facilitates the fading process in denim that can be observed in the photo. This fading is considered desirable by most wearers, and today, denim can be bought in any color.

Answer: Tatting

Tatting is the art of making lace. Lace is a delicate fabric which is made using silk or cotton thread. It is produced with a shuttle and sewing needle or by using a very small crochet needle. The open web-like pattern provides a unique look with unlimited patterns. Lace is usually used for decorative purposes and the art of making lace by hand is a disappearing art form.

The exact origin of lace is not known, but is known to have been worn in 15th century Belgium.

Answer: Terry cloth

Terry cloth is the fabric that is used in making most bath and hand towels. Sometimes called toweling, terry cloth is made with large threaded loops that help it absorb much more liquid than most fabrics. The longer the loops the more water/liquid it can hold. Terry cloth is often used for diapers and sweatbands, as well as for towels.

The first terry cloth was made in 1841 in France, using silk filaments. By 1848 it was being produced in England using cotton. By 1850 it was being produced in the U.S. and had become popular worldwide.

Answer: Taffeta

Taffeta is a type of silk fabric known for its stiffness, which is desirable in clothing designs involving intricate folds and pleating. Taffeta feels like cotton that has been very heavily starched. Until the 1950s most taffeta was woven on hand looms in India and Pakistan. Today, premier quality taffeta is woven in the United Kingdom, France and Italy. Taffeta is commonly used in bridal gowns and, when properly cared for, taffeta can retain its fine appearance for a century or more.

This quality and resiliency can be seen in this image of a ball gown that was made around 1760.

Answer: False

It is not known for sure where plaid fabrics were first created, but the word "tartan" is derived from the French term "tiretain" which is a reference to cloth that is woven as opposed to knitted. It has no relation to the Tartar population of Russia. Most tartan is made of wool, and the term can refer to the fabric, the weave, and the design. Tartan is usually associated with the Scottish highlands and is the fabric usually used when making kilts.

The colors used in different patterns were a reflection of which natural dyes grew in the area where the fabric was being woven. Old tartans were lighter in color and more opaque, with the new chemical dyes producing richer, brighter colors.

Answer: Hemp

The hemp plant has been used for centuries to make cloth. In fact the word "canvas" has its origins in the word "cannabis". Hemp cloth was often used to make boat sails, sturdy bags, and clothing. Hemp is an absorbent cloth that will allow spots to become permanent stains if it is not cleaned in cold water while the spot is still fresh.

It can be used to make almost anything that requires a sturdy fabric such as shirts, pants, dresses, curtains, and slip-covers.