Which fabric has excellent absorbency?

Which fabric has excellent absorbency?

• A. Glazed Chintz #110
• B. Muslin #108
• C. Quilted Fabric #106
• D. Bleached Muslin #109

Answer: (D)

Absorbency measures how well a fabric soaks up moisture, and it depends on the fiber and any surface finishes. Cotton fibers are naturally highly absorbent because water interacts with the cellulose in the fiber. Finishes can change that: a glaze creates a smooth barrier on the surface that resists water, so glazed fabrics tend to be less absorbent. Quilted fabric often has multiple layers and backing, which can dilute absorption on a per-surface basis. Muslin is a plain cotton weave and is fairly absorbent, but bleaching removes surface oils and waxes from the fibers, making them more hydrophilic and easier for water to penetrate. Bleached muslin thus shows excellent absorbency compared with the other options.

Absorbency measures how well a fabric soaks up moisture, and it depends on the fiber and any surface finishes. Cotton fibers are naturally highly absorbent because water interacts with the cellulose in the fiber. Finishes can change that: a glaze creates a smooth barrier on the surface that resists water, so glazed fabrics tend to be less absorbent. Quilted fabric often has multiple layers and backing, which can dilute absorption on a per-surface basis. Muslin is a plain cotton weave and is fairly absorbent, but bleaching removes surface oils and waxes from the fibers, making them more hydrophilic and easier for water to penetrate. Bleached muslin thus shows excellent absorbency compared with the other options.