Question

Sequence the steps for processing flax to obtain yarn:
• [A.] Retting
• [B.] Pulling and rippling
• [C.] Combing
• [D.] Breaking and scutching
• [E.] Spinning Choose the correct answer from the options given below :

• A. \( \text{A, B, D, C, E} \)
• B. \( \text{B, A, D, C, E} \)
• C. \( \text{D, C, B, A, E} \)
• D. \( \text{A, D, B, C, E} \)

Hint:

Think of the process as: Harvest (Pull) $\rightarrow$ Rot (Ret) $\rightarrow$ Beat (Break) $\rightarrow$ Comb $\rightarrow$ Spin. Retting is the most critical biological step in bast fiber extraction.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Concept: Flax processing involves several mechanical and biological steps to extract the bast fibers from the woody stalk of the plant before they can be spun into linen yarn.

Step 1: Arranging the processing stages in chronological order:
• Pulling and Rippling (B): The flax plant is pulled from the ground and passed through a comb (rippling) to remove seeds.
• Retting (A): A biological process using moisture to dissolve the pectin that binds the fibers to the woody stem.
• Breaking and Scutching (D): Mechanical processes to break the woody core and scrape away the remaining straw.
• Combing/Hackling (C): Aligning the fibers and separating long "line" fibers from short "tow" fibers.
• Spinning (E): The final step of drawing and twisting the prepared fibers into yarn.

Step 2: Conclusion: The sequence B-A-D-C-E correctly maps to the traditional extraction and production workflow, identifying option (2) as correct.