BSI Education

Activity sheet 2 – Test sheet

Some of these tests will take time. Work in groups so that you can complete different tests at the same time. You will need LOTS of fabric samples.

Use fabric samples of the same size (100mm x 50mm approx) for testing and then compare them with an untested constant sample. Fabric sample could be made from wool, cotton (aprons, T-shirts, bed sheets), nylon, old waterproofs, acrylic jumpers, Lycra.

Make sure you check with the other group members – who has tested what samples and where are the results recorded?

Choose the tests that are linked closely to the product in your design brief. They should match the type of environment the product will be used in, or should mimic the damage likely to occur in the product.

Flammability Test

  • Burn only a small sample of fabric (no larger than the size of a CD).
  • Is there smoke or fumes?
  • How strong is the smell?
  • Does it melt in droplets or a large flame?
  • How long did it take to burn?
  • What’s left?

Abrasion test

  • Stretch your fabric sample over a small wooden block or tape it to a desk.
  • Rub a pumice stone or glass paper over the surface.
  • Record what happens as an increasing number of rubs are applied to the surface of the fabric.

Stain resistance test

  • Stain your fabric sample with tea, coffee or wine – liquid that might get spilt on it when it is a product.
  • Allow it to dry or carry out the test when still wet to see any changes.
  • Spray stain remover on the test sample.
  • Try a variety of different stain-removing products and see what happens with each one.

Shower proof (splash proof) and waterproof test

  • Stretch your fabric sample over the top of a jar or beaker.
  • Spray water over the surface using a fabric spray filled with cold water.
  • A shower proof or splash proof fabric will initially resist water and therefore the droplet will run off. Does this happen to your sample?
  • Eventually the water will seep through – measure how much water seeps through after a set period of time.

Stretch (elasticity) test

  • Cut your fabric into strips.
  • Hang the strips against some graph paper and add weights to the ends.
  • Mark the initial length and leave overnight, then remark the length. How great is the stretch that has been created?
  • Remove the weights – do the samples return to their start position?

Insulation test

  • Place a thermometer in a test tube of warm water.
  • Cover the test tube in a fabric sample.
  • Compare the drop in temperature over a set period of time, using a variety of different fabrics and also once with no fabric.

Absorbency test

  • Wet your fabric samples and hang them up.
  • Record how long it takes for each sample to dry. You could use a hair dryer to simulate body heat or a heavily heated room.

Crease resistance test

  • Crumple a fabric sample in your hand. Does it spring back again?
  • How crumpled does it look?

Devise a seven point scale and decide how each of your fabric samples differ.