Commercial Processes For Textiles (AQA GCSE Design & Technology): Revision Note
Exam code: 8552
Weaving
Weaving interlaces warp and weft yarns at right angles to produce fabric
How does weaving work?
Warp yarns are held lengthways under tension on a loom
Selected warp yarns are raised to create a shed
A weft yarn passes across the width
The yarn is beaten into place and the sequence repeats
Typical uses
Clothing fabrics, upholstery, curtains, bags and technical textiles
Quality and production
Yarn tension, thread count and weave pattern affect strength, appearance and dimensional stability
Worked Example
What is the difference between warp and weft?
[2 marks]
Answer
Warp yarns run lengthways on the loom; [1] weft yarns pass across them from side to side. [1]
Dyeing
Dyeing adds colour by allowing dye molecules to penetrate textile fibres, yarns or finished fabric
How does dyeing work?
The textile is cleaned and prepared
A suitable dye is selected for the fibre type
The material is immersed, sprayed or passed through dye solution
Heat, chemicals or time fix the colour before washing and drying
Typical uses
Fashion fabrics, furnishings, yarns and branded textiles
Quality and production
Correct temperature, concentration and time produce even colour and good colourfastness
Worked Example
Why must the dye be suitable for the fibre?
[2 marks]
Answer
Different fibres absorb and bond with different dye types. [1] An unsuitable dye may be weak, uneven or wash out. [1]
Printing
Textile printing applies coloured patterns to the surface of fabric
How does printing work?
A design is prepared as screens, rollers, digital data or transfer paper
The fabric is aligned and held flat
Ink, pigment or dye is applied in a controlled pattern
The print is dried or heat fixed and checked against the approved sample
Typical uses
Sportswear, furnishing fabrics, fashion garments and promotional textiles
Quality and production
Registration, repeat spacing, colour and curing are checked
Digital printing is flexible for short runs; rotary printing is fast for long runs
Worked Example
How can a repeating textile print be checked for dimensional accuracy?
[1 mark]
Answer
Measure the repeat spacing and compare the printed pattern with the approved original sample. [1]
Examiner Tips and Tricks
If a question asks how quality is controlled in commercial textile printing, describe the actual check: lay the new printed length next to (or over) an approved original sample and measure the repeat spacing at intervals to catch pattern, colour or seam drift before it runs through the whole batch.
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