Complete Summary and Solutions for Fabrics Around Us – NCERT Class XI Human Ecology & Family Sciences, Chapter 5 Detailed summary and explanation of Chapter 5 “Fabrics Around Us” from NCERT Human Ecology and Family Sciences (Part I) for Class XI—covering fibres, yarns, fabric production, properties, textile types, finishing methods, and complete NCERT questions, answers, and practical exercises. Updated: 1 day ago
Categories: NCERT, Class XI, Human Ecology and Family Sciences, HEFS Part I, Chapter 5, Textiles, Fabrics, Summary, Questions, Answers, Home Science, Clothing & Fabrics
Tags: Fabrics Around Us, Human Ecology, NCERT, Class 11, Textiles, Fibres, Yarns, Fabric Production, Summary, Explanation, Questions, Answers, HEFS, Chapter 5, Clothing Science, Textile Properties
Fabrics Around Us - Class 11 HEFS Chapter 5 Ultimate Study Guide 2025
Full Chapter Summary & Detailed Notes
Key Definitions & Terms
Text Book Questions & Answers
Key Concepts
Fiber Classification
Yarn & Fabric Processes
Important Fibers
Interactive Quiz (10 Q)
Quick Revision Notes & Mnemonics
Key Terms & Finishing
Full Chapter Summary & Detailed Notes - Fabrics Around Us Class 11 NCERT
Overview & Key Concepts
Chapter Goal : Understand fabrics' role in daily life, from fibers to finishing. Exam Focus: Classification (natural/manufactured), properties, yarn/fabric production, key fibers (cotton, wool, etc.). 2025 Updates: Sustainable textiles, eco-finishing. Fun Fact: Cotton originated in India; rayon as "artificial silk" since 1895. Core Idea: Informed selection for end-use based on properties.Wider Scope : Diversity in fabrics; activities (collect samples, burning test); think/reflect (yarn twist effects).Expanded Content : Modern blends, care tips; point-wise for recall; add 2025 relevance like recycled polyester.
Introduction to Fabrics
Definition : Textiles from fibers → yarns → fabrics; essential for comfort, style.Everyday Role : Bedsheets, towels, school bags; varied textures for uses.Basic Structure : Unravel fabric → yarns (interlaced/interlooped) → fibers (tiny hairs).Example : Cotton towel (absorbent) vs bag (strong).Expanded : Finishing enhances appearance/durability; behavior depends on fiber/yarn/fabric.
Conceptual Diagram: Fabric to Fiber (Page 1)
Illustration: Fabric unraveling to yarns, then fibers; shows hierarchy.
Why This Guide Stands Out
Comprehensive: All classifications point-wise, processes step-by-step; 2025 with sustainability (e.g., organic cotton), analyzed for consumer choices.
Fiber Properties & Classification
Properties : Spinnability (length/strength), consumer (luster/moisture), care (abrasion/heat resistance).Natural Fibers : Cellulosic (cotton, linen, jute), Protein (wool, silk), Mineral (asbestos), Rubber.Manufactured : Regenerated (rayon), Synthetic (nylon, polyester); from 1895 rayon onward.Staple vs Filament : Short (cotton) vs long (silk).Think & Reflect : Why economical/large quantity? (Practical use).Expanded : Spinnerette process for manufactured; evidence: Historical "art silk".
Yarns & Fabric Production
Yarn Processing : Cleaning → Sliver → Attenuating/twisting → Spinning (for staples).Terminology : Number (fineness), Twist (t.p.i., loose/tight), Yarn vs Thread.Fabrics : Direct (felts/non-wovens); Yarn-based: Weaving (warp/weft), Knitting (weft/warp), Braiding, Nets/Laces.Example : Woven (strong selvedge), Knitted (elastic for sportswear).Expanded : Blends like polycot; activity: Compare shirt/towel structures.
Exam Activities
Collect fabrics (Act1); burning test (Practical 6); label matching (Act3).
Finishing & Important Fibers
Finishing : Routine (dyeing, scouring); Special (wrinkle-free, water-repellent); Printing (block/roller).Key Fibers : Cotton (absorbent, summer), Linen (lustrous, cool), Wool (warm, resilient), Silk (strong, sheen), Rayon (silk-like), Nylon (durable), Polyester (wrinkle-free), Acrylic (wool-substitute).Properties Table : Use for comparisons.Expanded : Elastomeric (spandex); blends improve care.
Summary Key Points
Fibers: Natural (cellulosic/protein) vs Manufactured; Yarns: Spinning stages; Fabrics: Weave/knit; Finishing: Enhances use.
Impact: Diversity for end-use; challenges: Care/maintenance.
Project & Group Ideas
Group: Burning test demo; Individual: Fiber properties chart.
Debate: Natural vs Synthetic (sustainability).
Ethical: Eco-friendly finishing.
Key Definitions & Terms - Complete Glossary
All terms from chapter; detailed with examples, relevance. Expanded: 30+ terms grouped; added advanced like "Spinnability", "Selvedge" for depth/flashcards.
Fibers
Tiny hair-like structures; basic building blocks. Ex: Cotton hairs. Relevance: Form yarns.
Yarns
Continuous strand of fibers/filaments. Ex: Twisted cotton. Relevance: For weaving/knitting.
Fabrics
Interlaced/interlooped yarns. Ex: Woven shirt. Relevance: End products.
Textiles
Fibers/yarns/fabrics collectively. Ex: All cloth items. Relevance: Broad category.
Finishing
Treatments for appearance/durability. Ex: Dyeing. Relevance: Improves usability.
Spinnability
Ease of fiber-to-yarn conversion. Ex: Length/strength sum. Relevance: Economic viability.
Cellulosic Fibers
Plant-based (cotton, linen). Ex: Absorbent. Relevance: Natural group.
Protein Fibers
Animal-based (wool, silk). Ex: Warm. Relevance: Insulation.
Staple Fibers
Short length (cotton). Ex: Spun yarns. Relevance: Blends.
Filament Fibers
Long continuous (silk). Ex: Smooth fabrics. Relevance: Sheen.
Rayon
Regenerated cellulosic (wood pulp). Ex: Art silk. Relevance: Silk substitute.
Spinnerette
Nozzle for filament extrusion. Ex: Manufactured fibers. Relevance: Production tool.
Sliver
Rope-like loose fibers. Ex: Post-carding. Relevance: Yarn prep.
Yarn Number
Indicator of fineness (higher = finer). Ex: 40s thread. Relevance: Quality label.
Twist per Inch (t.p.i.)
Twists holding fibers. Ex: Loose for luster. Relevance: Texture control.
Selvedge
Bound edge of woven fabric. Ex: Strong lengthwise. Relevance: Grain direction.
Weaving
Interlacing warp/weft at right angles. Ex: Denim. Relevance: Stable fabrics.
Knitting
Interlooping yarns. Ex: T-shirt. Relevance: Elasticity.
Felts
Direct from fibers (matted). Ex: Floor mats. Relevance: Non-woven.
Dyeing
Color application (durable). Ex: Fiber/yarn stage. Relevance: Appearance.
Printing
Localized color designs. Ex: Block printing. Relevance: Patterns.
Cotton
Seed hair, absorbent staple. Ex: Towels. Relevance: Summer wear.
Linen
Bast fiber, lustrous. Ex: Summer suits. Relevance: Cool/dry quick.
Wool
Protein, crimp for elasticity. Ex: Sweaters. Relevance: Warmth.
Silk
Filament secretion, sheen. Ex: Sarees. Relevance: Luxury.
Nylon
Synthetic, abrasion-resistant. Ex: Socks. Relevance: Durability.
Polyester
Synthetic, wrinkle-free. Ex: Blends. Relevance: Easy care.
Acrylic
Wool-like synthetic. Ex: Blankets. Relevance: Affordable warmth.
Carding
Straightening fibers. Ex: Pre-combing. Relevance: Parallel alignment.
Combing
Removing short fibers. Ex: Finer yarns. Relevance: Quality improvement.
Sanforisation
Anti-shrink finish. Ex: Jeans. Relevance: Fit retention.
Braiding
Plaiting yarns diagonally. Ex: Shoelaces. Relevance: Tubular strength.
Laces
Openwork knotted networks. Ex: Decorative trims. Relevance: Intricate designs.
Tip: Group by type (fiber/yarn/fabric); examples for recall. Depth: Properties links. Errors: Confuse natural/synthetic. Interlinks: To apparel chapters. Advanced: Burning tests. Real-Life: Label reading. Graphs: Fiber timelines. Coherent: Origin → Process → Use. For easy learning: Flashcard per term.
Text Book Questions & Answers - NCERT Review Questions
Direct from chapter (page 70). Answers point-wise for exams; includes practicals.
Review Questions
1. Name five articles of everyday use that are made from different types of fabrics.
Answer:
Bedsheets (cotton), Towel (terry cotton), School uniform (poly-cotton), Curtains (silk blend), Kitchen duster (linen).
2. How are textile fibres classified? Briefly discuss their characteristics.
Answer:
Natural: Origin in nature; Cellulosic (plant, absorbent e.g. cotton), Protein (animal, warm e.g. wool).
Manufactured: Man-made; Regenerated (rayon, silk-like), Synthetic (nylon, durable).
Characteristics: Staple (short, spun) vs Filament (long, smooth).
3. What is a yarn? Explain different methods of yarn processing?
Answer:
Yarn: Continuous strand for fabric.
Processing: (i) Cleaning (remove impurities), (ii) Sliver (carding/combing), (iii) Attenuating/drawing/twisting (roving/spinning).
4. List the processes in fabric production.
Answer:
Direct: Felts/non-wovens (matting).
Yarn-based: Weaving (warp/weft interlacing), Knitting (looping), Braiding (plaiting), Knotting (nets/laces).
5. Mention any three properties of each of the following fibres: Cotton, Linen, Wool, Silk, Rayon, Nylon, Acrylic.
Answer:
Cotton: Absorbent, dull, comfortable for summer.Linen: Lustrous, strong yarn, absorbs moisture quickly.Wool: Elastic, water-repellent scales, resilient.Silk: Sheen, strong, good elastic recovery.Rayon: Silk-like, uniform diameter, lower strength.Nylon: Abrasion-resistant, elastic, shiny.Acrylic: Wool-like, high elongation, affordable.
Practicals
Practical 5: Record fabrics in a day & suitability.
Sample Table:
Time Use Product Fabric Suitability 6 AM Self Towel Cotton Absorbent for drying. 8 AM Surrounding Curtain Polyester Wrinkle-free, light-blocking.
Practical 6: Burning test on fabrics.
Characteristics Table:
Fiber Approaching Flame In Flame Removed from Flame Odour Residue Cotton/Linen Does not shrink Burns quickly Continues, afterglow Burning paper Light soft ash Wool/Silk Curls away Burns slowly Self-extinguishing Burning hair Brittle curled ash
Tip: Use tables for properties (Q5); practice burning observations.
Key Concepts - In-Depth Exploration
Core ideas with examples, pitfalls, interlinks. Expanded: All concepts with steps/examples/pitfalls.
Fiber to Fabric Hierarchy
Steps: 1. Fibers (basic), 2. Yarns (twist), 3. Fabrics (interlace). Ex: Cotton → Yarn → Shirt. Pitfall: Skip finishing. Interlink: Properties. Depth: End-use selection.
Spinnability Essentials
Steps: 1. Length/strength, 2. Flexibility/surface. Ex: Cotton spins easily. Pitfall: Ignore economics. Interlink: Classification. Depth: Viability factors.
Natural vs Manufactured
Steps: 1. Natural (plant/animal), 2. Manufactured (chemical extrusion). Ex: Wool vs Nylon. Pitfall: Confuse regenerated. Interlink: Properties. Depth: Sustainability debate.
Yarn Twist Effects
Steps: 1. Loose (soft/lustrous), 2. Tight (ridged/strong). Ex: Denim ridges. Pitfall: Over-twist weakens. Interlink: Fabric type. Depth: Texture control.
Weaving vs Knitting
Steps: 1. Weave (stable, right angles), 2. Knit (elastic, loops). Ex: Jeans vs Socks. Pitfall: Ignore elasticity. Interlink: End-use. Depth: Production speed.
Finishing Functions
Steps: 1. Appearance (dye/bleach), 2. Behavior (wrinkle-free). Ex: Sanforisation. Pitfall: Forget durable vs renewable. Interlink: Care. Depth: Consumer satisfaction.
Moisture Properties
Steps: 1. Absorbent (cotton cool), 2. Repellent (wool warm). Ex: Summer linen. Pitfall: Ignore regain. Interlink: Climate suitability. Depth: Comfort science.
Blends Advantages
Steps: 1. Mix natural/synthetic, 2. Improve care. Ex: Polycot. Pitfall: Uneven blending. Interlink: Economics. Depth: Modern textiles.
Care Factors
Steps: 1. Abrasion/heat resistance, 2. Biological (mothproof). Ex: Wool blends. Pitfall: Dry-clean only. Interlink: Finishing. Depth: Longevity.
End-Use Selection
Steps: 1. Match properties, 2. Consider finishing. Ex: Absorbent towel. Pitfall: Ignore weight. Interlink: Activities. Depth: Informed consumer.
Advanced: Burning analysis, blend ratios. Pitfalls: Property mix-ups. Interlinks: To clothing chapters. Real: Label decoding. Depth: 10 concepts details. Examples: Daily items. Graphs: Fiber timelines. Errors: Natural all absorbent. Tips: Steps + example per concept.
Fiber Classification - Detailed Guide
Origin, types, characteristics; expanded with tables/charts.
Type Sub-Type Examples Characteristics
Natural Cellulosic Cotton (seed), Linen (bast), Coir (husk) Absorbent, eco-friendly, variable length Natural Protein Wool (hair), Silk (secretion) Warm, elastic, animal-derived Mineral/Rubber Asbestos, Natural rubber Heat-resistant, stretchy Manufactured Regenerated Rayon (viscose) Silk-like from cellulose Manufactured Synthetic Nylon, Polyester Durable, low moisture Protein-based Azlon Wool substitute Mineral Fibreglass, Lurex Strength, metallic sheen
Tip: Mnemonics: "Cows Love Silk" (Cellulosic, Protein). Depth: Staple/filament split. Examples: India cotton origin.
Yarn & Fabric Processes Step-by-Step
Actionable breakdowns; visual descriptions.
Process 1: Yarn Spinning (Natural Staples)
Step 1: Cleaning (remove seeds/twig).
Step 2: Carding/combing to sliver.
Step 3: Drawing/attenuating multiple slivers.
Step 4: Roving (slight twist, 1/4 diameter).
Step 5: Spinning (final twist, wind on cones).
Visual: Loose lap → Thin yarn coil.
Process 2: Weaving
Step 1: Set warp yarns on loom (tension/spacing).
Step 2: Pass weft over/under alternately.
Step 3: Reverse for next row (plain weave).
Step 4: Attachments (dobby) for designs.
Step 5: Cut loops for texture (velvet).
Visual: Vertical warp → Horizontal shuttle weave.
Process 3: Knitting (Weft)
Step 1: Form loops on needles/machine bed.
Step 2: Interloop successive rows.
Step 3: Shape during construction (flat/circular).
Step 4: Warp variant for continuous lengths.
Step 5: Elastic for fitted items.
Visual: Chain loops linking sideways.
Process 4: Textile Finishing (Dyeing)
Step 1: Scour/bleach for clean base.
Step 2: Apply dye at fiber/yarn/fabric stage.
Step 3: Fix for durability (heat/chemical).
Step 4: Print localized designs (block/roller).
Step 5: Special (wrinkle-free) for behavior.
Visual: White cloth → Colored pattern.
Process 5: Burning Test (Identification)
Step 1: Hold 0.5x5cm strip with tongs.
Step 2: Approach low flame (candle).
Step 3: Observe in flame/removed (burn/melt).
Step 4: Note odour/residue (paper/hair/plastic).
Step 5: Match to fiber (e.g., cotton ash).
Visual: Flame test → Ash bead analysis.
Tip: Practice steps hands-on; apply to activities.
Important Fibers - Properties & Examples
Detailed profiles; table for comparison.
Fiber Type Key Properties Uses/Examples
Cotton Natural Cellulosic Absorbent, dull, summer comfort Towels, shirts, sheeting Linen Natural Cellulosic Lustrous, strong, quick-dry Suits, tablecloths Wool Natural Protein Elastic, warm, resilient Sweaters, blends Silk Natural Protein Sheen, strong, crisp Sarees, ties Rayon Manufactured Regenerated Silk-like, uniform, low strength Dresses, linings Nylon Synthetic Durable, elastic, abrasion-resistant Socks, nets Polyester Synthetic Wrinkle-free, low moisture Blends, shirts Acrylic Synthetic Wool-like, affordable, elastic Blankets, knitwear
Example: Cotton vs Polyester Blend
Polycot: Absorbency + wrinkle resistance; for school uniforms.
Tip: Memorize 3 properties/use per fiber. Depth: Blends for 2025 eco-focus.
Interactive Quiz - Master Fabrics Around Us
10 MCQs; 80%+ goal. Covers classification, processes, properties.
Start Quiz
Quick Revision Notes & Mnemonics
Concise summaries; tables for scan.
Subtopic
Key Points
Examples
Mnemonics/Tips
Classification Natural: Cellulosic (C), Protein (P).Manufactured: Regenerated (R), Synthetic (S).Cotton (C), Wool (P), Rayon (R), Nylon (S)
CRPS (Cellulosic, Regenerated, Protein, Synthetic). Tip: "Cotton Really Prefers Silk".
Yarn Processing Cleaning, Sliver, Attenuate, Roving, Spinning. Carding cotton
CSARS (Clean, Sliver, Attenuate, Roving, Spin). Tip: "Cats Sleep And Roll Softly".
Fabric Production Weaving (W), Knitting (K), Felts (F). Shirt (W), Sock (K)
FWK (Felts, Weave, Knit). Tip: "Fabrics Weave Knits".
Key Fibers Cotton (Absorbent), Wool (Warm), Silk (Sheen). Towel (Cotton)
CWS (Cotton, Wool, Silk). Tip: "Cool Warm Shiny".
Finishing Dyeing (D), Printing (P), Special (S). Batik print
DPS (Dye, Print, Special). Tip: "Dress Pretty Smoothly".
Overall Tip: Use CRPS-FWK-CWS-DPS for scan (5 mins). Flashcards: Front (term), Back (mnemonic).
Key Terms & Finishing - All Key
Expanded table; quick ref.
Term Description Example Relevance
Fiber Hair-like basic unit Cotton hair Building block Yarn Continuous strand Twisted cotton Weaving base Selvedge Bound fabric edge Woven side Strength direction Sanforisation Anti-shrink treatment Jeans fit Care ease
Finishing Techniques
Durable: Dyeing (permanent color).
Renewable: Starching (temporary stiffness).
Special: Water-repellent (behavior change).
Tip: Terms for labels; finishing for use.
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