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      Sources and stock forms of textiles

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can describe where different materials come from and identify their common stock forms.

      Key learning points

      1. Raw materials need to be sourced and processed into a usable form.
      2. Materials are available in a range of stock forms, which influences material selection and production methods.

      Keywords

      • Source - where a material originates from

      • Raw material - a natural material in its original state

      • Process - changing a material to make it suitable for making products

      • Stock form - the standard shape or size a material is supplied in

      Common misconception

      All materials are ready to use in their natural state.

      Raw materials need to go through a range of processing stages to make them usable.

      Teacher tip

      Use real-life samples of raw and processed materials to reinforce the idea that materials go through significant changes before becoming stock forms.

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Lesson video

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      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Materials are chosen based on their physical and working ...

      Correct Answer: properties, property

      Q2.
      What does 'structural integrity' refer to in materials and structures?

      Correct answer: it can maintain its shape under normal conditions without breaking
      the aesthetic appearance of a structure
      it can resist environmental changes like temperature and moisture
      the cost-effectiveness of building a structure

      Q3.
      Which of these materials comes from a plant source?

      Correct answer: cotton
      wool
      aluminium
      PVC

      Q4.
      Match the material to its source:

      Correct Answer:aluminium,ores in rocks

      ores in rocks

      Correct Answer:polyester,crude oil

      crude oil

      Correct Answer:wool,sheep

      sheep

      Correct Answer:tissue paper,trees

      trees

      Q5.
      Which group includes only natural materials?

      polypropylene, nylon, wool
      Correct answer: gold, cotton, oak
      polyester, glass, corrugated cardboard
      acrylic, steel, linen

      Q6.
      Match the material category to its example:

      Correct Answer:timber,pine

      pine

      Correct Answer:metal,copper

      copper

      Correct Answer:textile,silk

      silk

      Correct Answer:paper and board,greyboard

      greyboard

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Put the stages in the correct order from source to stock form:

      1 - raw material is collected
      2 - material is processed to be usable
      3 - use material in manufacturing

      Q2.
      What is one main benefit of using standard stock forms in manufacturing?

      they are always made from recycled materials
      they are customised for each product
      Correct answer: they're easier to transport, store and use in different manufacturing processes
      they don't require specialised tools to work with

      Q3.
      Which of the following is an example of a renewable textile material source?

      polyester made from crude oil
      Correct answer: cotton grown on farms
      nylon made from chemicals
      acrylic fibre

      Q4.
      Put the following steps in order of converting a molten polymer into yarn.

      1 - melt polymer
      2 - force polymer though spinneret
      3 - cool filaments
      4 - twist filaments
      5 - stretch filaments
      6 - wind yarn

      Q5.
      Which of the following best describes sustainable textiles?

      textiles made from synthetic fibres that never biodegrade
      Correct answer: textiles made from renewable or recycled materials
      textiles that are always hand-made using traditional techniques
      textiles made from expensive materials for high-end fashion

      Q6.
      Match the stock form to its correct definition.

      Correct Answer:yarn,a thicker continuous fibre strand for knitting, crocheting and weaving

      a thicker continuous fibre strand for knitting, crocheting and weaving

      Correct Answer:roll,fabric wound around a tube, usually used for large quantities

      fabric wound around a tube, usually used for large quantities

      Correct Answer:bolt,fabric folded onto a flat board for easy storage and sale

      fabric folded onto a flat board for easy storage and sale

      Correct Answer:thread,a thinner continuous fibre strand, used for sewing and weaving

      a thinner continuous fibre strand, used for sewing and weaving

      Correct Answer:ply,number of strands twisted together to make a thicker yarn

      number of strands twisted together to make a thicker yarn

      Correct Answer:denier,measurement of the thickness of fibres (weight in grams per 9,000 m)

      measurement of the thickness of fibres (weight in grams per 9,000 m)


      To help you plan your 11 design and technology lesson on: Sources and stock forms of textiles, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...