Credit: AVL
Permission granted
Textile
Merit Badge


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"The sage wears clothes of coarse cloth but carries jewels in his bosom; He knows himself but does not display himself; He loves himself but does not hold himself in high esteem."

- Lao-Tzu

Mr. R.

 
Mr. R's Textile Passport© (a 4"x5" pocket guide) will soon be available in PDF format to print out for non-profit use (requires free Adobe Acrobat© Reader).  Passports are copyrighted, but scouts and troops may use them free of charge if they create only one per scout.  BSA councils must first contact Mr. R. before creating large quantities for scout camps, merit badge fairs, etc. (a small nominal fee will be charged).

 
Req#
1
 Discuss with your merit badge counselor the importance of textiles. In your discussion define the terms fiber, fabric and textile. Give examples of textiles you use every day.   
 

 
Req#
2
 Do the following:

a. Get swatches of two natural fiber fabrics (100 percent cotton, linen, wool or silk; no blends) Get swatches of two synthetic fiber fabrics (nylon, polyester, acrylic, olefin, or spandex). Get a sample of one cellulosic fabric (rayon, acetate or lyocell).

b. Give the origin, major characteristics, and general content of each type of fiber obtained for 2(a). Explain the difference between a cellulosic manufactured fiber and a synthetic manufactured fiber.

c. Describe the main steps in making raw fiber into yarn, and yarn into fabric.

d. Assume you will soon buy a new garment or other textile item. Tell your counselor what fiber or blend of fibers you want the item to be, and give reasons for your choice.

  

Spinning Wheel
 

 
Req#
3

Do TWO of the following: 

a. Visit a textile plant, textile products manufacturer or textile school or college. Report on what you saw and learned.

b. Weave a belt, headband, place mat or wall hanging. Use a simple loom that you have made yourself.

c. With a magnifying glass, examine a woven fabric, a nonwoven fabric, and a knitted fabric. Sketch what you see. Explain how the three constructions are different.

d. Make a piece of felt.

e. Make two natural dyes and use them to dye a garment or a piece of fabric.

f. Waterproof a fabric.

g. Demonstrate how to identify fibers, using a microscope identification or the breaking test.

 
  • clothing

.
  • home use

Argaman Textiles
  • industrial

LINQ Industrial Fabrics
 

Photos.Travelog.org
 

 
Req#
4new
Explain the meaning of 10 of the following terms:
  • warp
  • harness
  • heddle
  • shed
  • aramid
  • spandex
  • sliver
  • yarn
  • spindle
  • distaff
  • loom
  • cellulose
  • sericulture
  • extrusion
  • carbon fibers
  • spinneret
  • staple
  • worsted
  • nonwoven
  • greige goods
  • Hallnet.com  How to build, warp, and weave a frame loom 
  • Incas.org  Traditional Textiles of Cusco - Weavers

Evelyn Curley, Weaver
Native American Treasures

 
Req#
5new
List the advantages and disadvantages of natural plant fibers, natural animal fibers, cellulosic manufactured fibers, and synthetic manufactured fibers. Identify and discuss at least four ecological concerns regarding the production and care of textiles. 

AuroraSilk.com

 
Req#
6new
Explain to your merit badge counselor, either verbally or in a written report, five career possibilities in the textile industry. Tell about two positions that interest you the most and the education, cost of training and specific duties those positions require. 
 
 

 
Textile
BSA Advancement ID#: 110 
Pamphlet Revision Date: 2003
Requirements last updated in 2004
 


 

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Web page updated January 2004

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Web master, Mr. R.