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Tassel<br />
A tassel is a grouping of parallel, even-length yarns<br />
hanging loosely from a knob. It is used primarily as<br />
an ornament and is made in varying versions in cultures<br />
throughout the world. The word tassel comes<br />
from the Latin “tassau” which refers to a clasp.<br />
In the Middle East tassels were worn as talismans<br />
(charms to ward off evil spirits). In Oxford<br />
and Cambridge University tassels were traditionally<br />
worn by undergraduates on their caps. Graduation<br />
tassels have been used in the United States<br />
1. Explain why combed yarns are more costly than<br />
carded yarns of the same fiber content and size.<br />
2. What are novelty yarns? Comment on the use of<br />
novelty yarns for fabrics to be used for children’s<br />
play wear.<br />
3. Is it easier to make spun yarn from staple fibers or<br />
filament yarn from filament fibers? Explain your<br />
answer.<br />
4. What is meant by the term “growth” with regard to<br />
fabrics made from stretch yarn?<br />
5. What differences in performance would you expect<br />
in a jacket made from woolen yarns as compared to<br />
one made from worsted yarns?<br />
Textile Connection<br />
STUDY QUESTIONS<br />
FABRIC SCIENCE<br />
A 86 F<br />
since the 19th century. The tassel, hanging from<br />
the mortarboard, is moved from the right side to<br />
the left side upon graduation from college. The tassel<br />
also has been used as a status symbol that differentiated<br />
individuals in a group. This applied to<br />
military uniforms (rank), religious garments (positions),<br />
and colleges (level of learning).<br />
Today tassels are found on furniture, shoes,<br />
drapery, garments, and ornamental cords. Decorative<br />
knots and beads can be used to highlight<br />
the tassel.<br />
6. Rank the following five yarns from the lightest<br />
(thinnest) to the heaviest (thickest):<br />
a. 40/2 cotton<br />
b. 2/40 worsted<br />
c. 70-denier nylon filament<br />
d. 13-run-woolen<br />
e. 50-lea flax<br />
7. Explain how a sewn seam made from fine thread<br />
might actually be more serviceable than one made<br />
from heavier and stronger thread of the same fiber<br />
and type.<br />
8. Why are ply yarns more likely to be found in better,<br />
higher-priced garments than in moderate to lowercost<br />
items? Explain your answer.<br />
9. You are launching a line of junior dresses made of<br />
micro polyester. What advantages might yarns of<br />
this fiber have over dresses with yarns of silk?
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