Which fabric has a stiff hand and is similar to cheesecloth, used for book bindings and apparel?

Which fabric has a stiff hand and is similar to cheesecloth, used for book bindings and apparel?

• A. Drapery sheer
• B. Plisse
• C. Crinoline
• D. Glazed chintz

Answer: (C)

A fabric with a stiff hand feels crisp and resists draping, holding its shape instead. Crinoline fits this description because it’s a stiffened, open-weave fabric that stays crisp and structured, even though the weave can resemble something like cheesecloth in openness. This combination of openness and rigidity makes it ideal for providing volume and support, which is why it’s historically used to stiffen garments and, in some contexts, to reinforce book bindings. In contrast, drapery sheer is too soft and flowy, plisse has a puckered but still flexible texture, and glazed chintz is glossy and more substantial than soft but not truly stiff. So the fabric that best matches a stiff hand and an open weave, used for structure in apparel and bindings, is crinoline.

A fabric with a stiff hand feels crisp and resists draping, holding its shape instead. Crinoline fits this description because it’s a stiffened, open-weave fabric that stays crisp and structured, even though the weave can resemble something like cheesecloth in openness. This combination of openness and rigidity makes it ideal for providing volume and support, which is why it’s historically used to stiffen garments and, in some contexts, to reinforce book bindings. In contrast, drapery sheer is too soft and flowy, plisse has a puckered but still flexible texture, and glazed chintz is glossy and more substantial than soft but not truly stiff. So the fabric that best matches a stiff hand and an open weave, used for structure in apparel and bindings, is crinoline.