NCERT 6th Class (CBSE) Science: Fibre to Fabric

Question: Describe with examples the importance of other plants fibre, besides jute and cotton-

Answer: 

1. Coir: Coir is the fibre obtained from the outer covering or the husk of the coconut. Usually coconuts are left in water for a few months. The husk is then separated from the nut and beaten with wooden mallets to get the fiber. Then it is spun and dyed and ready for weaving. It is used as a stuffing in mattresses and pillows.
2. Silk Cotton: Silk cotton is obtained from the silk cotton tree also called kapok. The fruits of the kapok tree contain fibres that are light and fluffy. When the fruit ripens, it bursts open releasing the fibres. It is used as a stuffing in pillows, sleeping bags and life jackets.

Question: What do you observe when you are visiting a nearby tailoring shop?

Answer: In a tailoring shop we observe that there are many cuttings of fabrics left over after stitching. We see that some cuttings are of cotton, some are of silk or wool and some are of synthetic fibres.

Question: List the steps involved in the preparation of fabric.

Answer: The following steps are involved in the preparation of fabrics:

1. Obtaining fibre,
2. Preparation of yarn from fibres by spinning,
3. When two sets of yarn are involved, yarns are woven on looms to make a fabric. When a single yam is used, the fabric is prepared by knitting.

Question: What are natural fibres? Explain with examples.

Answer: The fibres obtained from plants and animals are called natural fibres. For example, cotton from cotton bolls, jute from jute plant, silk from cocoon of silkworm and wool from hair of animals like sheep or goat.

Question: What are synthetic fibres?

Answer: The fibres which are made from chemical substances or which are not obtained from the plant and animal sources are called synthetic fibres. For example, polyester, nylon, and acrylic, etc.