Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Fabric count (or thread count) is the number of warp (ends) and weft (picks) yarns per square inch of woven fabric.
It is expressed as "warp count \(\times\) weft count."
The density of this weave directly influences the physical properties of the fabric.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us analyze how a high fabric count affects these material properties:
Dimensional Stability (A): In a high-count fabric, the yarns are packed tightly together, reducing yarn slippage and distortion. This makes the fabric highly stable.
Cover (B): Denser packing reduces the open spaces between yarns, making the fabric less porous, more opaque, and improving its cover.
Reduced Seam Ravelling (C): Tightly packed yarns have less room to slide or fray at cut edges, which reduces seam ravelling during garment construction.
Drape (D) and Flexibility (E): High-count fabrics are stiff and rigid because the closely packed yarns restrict movement.
This rigidity decreases both the flexibility and the drape of the fabric.
Therefore, a high fabric count leads to greater stability, better cover, and reduced seam ravelling, but decreases drape and flexibility.
Step 3: Final Answer:
A high fabric count indicates dimensional stability, good cover, and reduced seam ravelling (A, B and C only).