Question

The heart loop test of measurement of fabric stiffness is especially used for \(\underline{\hspace{2cm}}\) fabrics.

• A. Heavy
• B. Stiff
• C. Limpy
• D. Knitted

Hint:

Remember the right tool for the job in stiffness testing: - Most Fabrics: Cantilever Test (Shirley Stiffness Tester). - Very Limpy/Soft Fabrics: Heart Loop Test. - Very Stiff Fabrics: Bending tests with higher force application.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understand the principle of stiffness testing. Fabric stiffness (or bending rigidity) is its resistance to bending. Different methods are suited for different types of fabrics. 
 

Step 2: Analyze the "Heart Loop Test". In this test, a strip of fabric is formed into a loop that resembles a heart shape and is hung on a stand. The length of the loop is measured. A stiffer fabric will resist bending and form a shorter, wider loop. A very flexible, non-stiff fabric will bend easily under its own weight, resulting in a long, narrow loop. 
 

Step 3: Relate the method to the fabric type. The Cantilever test is the standard method for most fabrics. However, for fabrics that are very soft, flexible, and drapeable (i.e., "limpy"), the cantilever method is not sensitive enough because the fabric strip just drapes vertically and doesn't bend in a measurable way. The Heart Loop test is specifically designed for these very flexible and limpy fabrics because it is more sensitive to small differences in stiffness in the low range. 

Conclusion: The heart loop test is especially suitable for measuring the stiffness of very flexible and limpy fabrics.