Textile Merit Badge Requirements

Requirements

1. # Copy link to requirement 1
   Discuss with your counselor the importance of textiles. Explain the terms fiber, fabric, and textile. Give examples of textiles you use every day.
   Resources:

   • Textiles: What Are They? Where Do They Come From? (video)
2. # Copy link to requirement 2
   Do the following:
   1. # Copy link to requirement 2.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).
   2. # Copy link to requirement 2.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.
      Resources:

      • Natural vs Synthetic Fibers (Which to Choose and Why) (video)
   3. # Copy link to requirement 2.c
      Describe the main steps in making raw fiber into yarn, and yarn into fabric.
      Resources:

      • From Cotton to Yarn (video)
      • Weaving Process (video)
      • Knitting Process (video)
      • Complete Process of Textile Manufacturing Fiber to Complete Garments (video)
   4. # Copy link to requirement 2.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.
3. # Copy link to requirement 3
   Do TWO of the following:
   1. # Copy link to requirement 3.a
      Visit a textile plant, textile products manufacturer or textile school or college. Report on what you saw and learned.
   2. # Copy link to requirement 3.b
      Weave a belt, headband, place mat or wall hanging. Use a simple loom that you have made yourself.
      Resources:

      • How to Make a Cardboard Loom (website)
   3. # Copy link to requirement 3.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.
      Resources:

      • Woven vs. Knit vs. Non-Woven Fabrics | Textile Talk w/ A Thrifty Notion (video)
   4. # Copy link to requirement 3.d
      Make a piece of felt.
      Resources:

      • Wet Felting Tutorial for Beginners (video)
   5. # Copy link to requirement 3.e
      Make two natural dyes and use them to dye a garment or a piece of fabric.
      Resources:

      • Natural Dyes From Plants and Vegetables | DIY Eco-Friendly Dyes | Homeschool with Everyday Food (video)
      • Short Tie Dye Demo - No Narration (video)
      • Short Tie Dye Demo - With Narration (video)
   6. # Copy link to requirement 3.f
      Waterproof a fabric.
      Resources:

      • A Simple DIY Way to Waterproof Anything (video)
      • DIY Seam Seal (video)
   7. # Copy link to requirement 3.g
      Demonstrate how to identify fibers, using microscope identification or the breaking test.
      Resources:

      • Identification of Basic Textile Fibers by Polarized Light Microscopy (video)
4. # Copy link to requirement 4
   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.
   Resources:

   • Loom and Weaving Terminology (video)
5. # Copy link to requirement 5
   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.
   Resources:

   • The Ultimate Fabric Guide - The Differences Between Natural vs Synthetic vs Semi-Synthetic Fibers (video)
6. # Copy link to requirement 6
   Explain to your 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.
   Resources:

   • Careers in the Fashion & Textiles Industry (video)
   • Want to Work in the Textiles Industry? (video)
   • Textile Engineering Careers (video)
   • Day in the Life of a Textile Engineer (video)