Practice question · Multiple choice
Strainers feature fixed joins whereas stretchers use keyed corners. Why does this structural difference matter more when preparing cotton duck than linen?
Hints
- How do the two textile fibres respond differently to shifts in ambient humidity?
- Which support demands physical tension adjustments to compensate for atmospheric changes?
Show the answer
D. Cotton contracts in dry air and slackens in damp air
Why
Cotton duck responds actively to atmospheric humidity swings by sagging or over-tightening, demanding expandable corners to correct tension. Linen resists moisture movement far better, while neither PVA nor moisture ingress at corners alters these structural behaviours.
Practise Supports, Stretchers, Sizing and Grounds
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