Fabric Glossary A-D

A B C D

Term: Abrasion Resistance

  • Definition: A fabric's ability to withstand wear from rubbing.
  • Key Characteristics:
    • Measured by the number of rubs a fabric can endure before showing wear.   
    • Influenced by fiber type, yarn structure, and fabric construction.   
    • High abrasion resistance indicates durability.   
  • Common Uses:
    • Upholstery fabrics.   
    • Carpets.
    • Workwear.   
    • Outdoor clothing.
  • Care Instructions:
    • Generally, fabrics with high abrasion resistance are durable and require standard care.   
    • Avoid excessive rubbing during cleaning.
    • Follow specific care labels for the garment or fabric.

Term: Acrylic

  • Definition: A synthetic fiber obtained from chemical substances, known for its wool-like feel.
  • Key Characteristics:
    • Lightweight and warm.   
    • Resistant to sunlight and weathering.   
    • Good drape and resilience.   
    • Can be prone to pilling.   
    • Low moisture absorbency.   
  • Common Uses:
    • Sweaters and knitwear.   
    • Blankets and throws.
    • Fake fur.
    • Outdoor fabrics.
  • Care Instructions:
    • Machine wash on a gentle cycle.   
    • Tumble dry on low heat or air dry.   
    • Avoid high heat, as it can cause shrinkage or damage.
    • Use a lint brush or fabric shaver to remove pills.

Term: Animal Fibers

  • Definition: Natural fibers derived from animals, made up of protein, such as silk and wool.
  • Key Characteristics:
    • Generally warm and insulating.   
    • Vary in texture and luster (e.g., wool is warm and crimped; silk is smooth and lustrous).   
    • Can be prone to damage from moths and insects.   
    • Absorb moisture.   
  • Common Uses:
    • Wool: Sweaters, blankets, carpets.   
    • Silk: Dresses, scarves, lingerie.   
    • Cashmere: Luxury garments.   
    • Leather: jackets, shoes, furniture.
  • Care Instructions:
    • Wool: Hand wash or dry clean; avoid agitation and high heat.
    • Silk: Hand wash or dry clean; avoid bleach and direct sunlight.
    • Cashmere: Hand wash or dry clean; avoid wringing or twisting.
    • Leather: Clean with a specialized leather cleaner; condition regularly.

Term: Asbestos

  • Definition: A mineral fiber used in fire-resistant clothing.
  • Key Characteristics:
    • Highly heat-resistant and fireproof.
    • Strong and durable.
    • Can be hazardous if inhaled.
  • Common Uses:
    • Firefighters
    • Due to health risks, specialized handling is required. In most modern applications safer alternatives are now used.
    • Items containing asbestos, should be handled only by specially trained professionals.   
    • Asbestos has now been heavily regulated, and its use is greatly diminished.

Term: Abaca (Manila Hemp)

  • Definition: Extracted from the leaf sheath of the abaca plant (Musa textilis).
  • Key Characteristics:
    • Very strong and durable.
    • Resistant to saltwater.   
    • Lightweight and flexible.
    • Coarse texture.
  • Common Uses:
    • Ropes and cordage.
    • Specialty papers (tea bags, filter paper).   
    • Textiles and handicrafts.
    • Matting and rugs.
  • Care Instructions:
    • Generally durable, but avoid prolonged exposure to moisture when used in textile form.
    • Clean with a damp cloth or sponge.
    • For ropes, allow the air to dry completely.

Term: Alpaca

  • Definition: Fleece of alpacas.
  • Key Characteristics:
    • Soft and silky.
    • Warm and insulating.
    • Naturally hypoallergenic.
    • Comes in a wide range of natural colors.
    • Stronger than sheep wool.
  • Common Uses:
    • Sweaters and knitwear.
    • Scarves and shawls.
    • Blankets and throws.
    • Outerwear.
  • Care Instructions:
    • Hand wash or dry clean.
    • Use cool water and a mild detergent.
    • Lay flat to dry.
    • Avoid wringing or twisting.

Term: Angora (Rabbit)

  • Definition: Fur of Angora rabbits.
  • Key Characteristics:
    • Exceptionally soft and fluffy.
    • Warm and lightweight.
    • Delicate and requires gentle care.
    • Can shed.
  • Common Uses:
    • Sweaters and cardigans.
    • Scarves and hats.
    • Baby clothing.
    • Decorative trims.
  • Care Instructions:
    • Hand wash in cool water with a mild detergent.
    • Roll in a towel to remove excess water.
    • Lay flat to dry.
    • Brush gently with a soft brush.
    • Dry cleaning is also recommended.

Term: Acetate

  • Definition: A manufactured fiber made from cellulose acetate, a derivative of wood pulp or cotton linters.
  • Key Characteristics:
    • Smooth and lustrous.
    • Drapes well.
    • Relatively inexpensive.
    • Poor abrasion resistance.
    • Can be damaged by acetone.
  • Common Uses:
    • Linings.
    • Dresses and blouses.
    • Ribbons and decorative trims.
    • Cigarette filters.
  • Care Instructions:
    • Hand wash or dry clean.
    • Use cool water.
    • Avoid bleach.
    • Iron on a low setting.

B

Term: Bias

  • Definition: The diagonal line across a woven fabric, at a 45-degree angle to the grain.
  • Key Characteristics:
    • Has the most stretch in a woven fabric.
    • Drapes and conforms to curves.
    • Edges are prone to fraying.
  • Common Uses:
    • Binding edges.
    • Creating flowing garments.
    • Adding decorative trims.
    • Creating shaped garment sections.
  • Care Instructions:
    • Handle with care to prevent stretching.
    • Finish raw edges to prevent fraying.
    • Follow care instructions for the fabric itself.

Term: Blend

  • Definition: A fabric made from two or more different types of fibers.
  • Key Characteristics:
    • Combines the properties of the constituent fibers.
    • Can enhance strength, durability, comfort, or appearance.
    • Can reduce cost compared to using a single expensive fiber.
  • Common Uses:
    • Everyday clothing.
    • Upholstery fabrics.
    • Industrial textiles.
    • Any textile where a combination of fiber properties is desired.
  • Care Instructions:
    • Follow the care instructions for the most delicate fiber in the blend.
    • Generally, blends are easier to care for than pure fibers.

Term: Basket Weave

  • Definition: A variation of plain weave where multiple warp and weft yarns are interlaced as one. Creates a textured, basket-like appearance. Example: Canvas, monk's cloth.
  • Key Characteristics:
    • Textured surface.
    • Durable and strong.
    • Looser weave than plain weave.
    • Can be bulky.
  • Common Uses:
    • Canvas bags and tents.
    • Upholstery.
    • Decorative fabrics.
    • Heavy-duty workwear.
  • Care Instructions:
    • Varies depending on the fiber content.
    • Generally, durable and easy to care for.
    • May shrink if made from natural fibers.

Term: Bamboo

  • Definition: Fibers are extracted from the pulp of bamboo plants (various species).
  • Key Characteristics:
    • Soft and silky texture.
    • Naturally antibacterial.
    • Highly breathable and moisture-wicking.
    • Eco-friendly and renewable.
    • Comfortable and gentle on the skin.
    • Naturally odor-resistant.
  • Common Uses:
    • Clothing (especially underwear and socks).
    • Bedding.
    • Towels.
    • diapers.
  • Care Instructions:
    • Machine wash on a gentle cycle.
    • Tumble dry on low heat or air dry.
    • Avoid bleach.

Term: Burlap (Jute or Hemp)

  • Definition: Typically made from jute or hemp fibers.
  • Key Characteristics:
    • Coarse and rough texture.
    • Strong and durable.
    • Biodegradable.
    • Relatively inexpensive.
  • Common Uses:
    • Bags and sacks.
    • Crafts and decorations.
    • Landscaping fabric.
    • Packaging.
  • Care Instructions:
    • Spot clean or hand wash.
    • Air dry.
    • May shed fibers.

Term: Batiste

  • Definition: Typically made from cotton or linen, but can also be made from synthetic fibers.
  • Key Characteristics:
    • Lightweight and sheer.
    • Soft and smooth.
    • Fine weave.
    • Delicate.
  • Common Uses:
    • Baby clothing.
    • Handkerchiefs.
    • Lingerie.
    • Sheer curtains.
  • Care Instructions:
    • Hand wash or machine wash on a gentle cycle.
    • Use cool water.
    • Air dry or tumble dry on low heat.
    • Iron on low heat.

Term: Broadcloth

  • Definition: Typically made from cotton or a cotton blend, but can also be wool or synthetic fibers.
  • Key Characteristics:
    • Smooth and tightly woven.
    • Fine ribs or crosswise ridges.
    • Durable and versatile.
    • Good for printing.
  • Common Uses:
    • Shirts and blouses.
    • Dresses.
    • Bed linens.
    • Quilting.
  • Care Instructions:
    • Machine wash and dry.
    • Iron as needed.
    • Follow care instructions for the fiber content.

Term: Brocade

  • Definition: Can be made from various fibers, including silk, cotton, or synthetic blends.
  • Key Characteristics:
    • Woven with raised patterns.
    • Rich and luxurious appearance.
    • Often features metallic threads.
    • Heavy weight.
  • Common Uses:
    • Formal wear.
    • Upholstery.
    • Drapery.
    • Decorative pillows.
  • Care Instructions:
    • Dry clean recommended.
    • Handle with care to avoid snagging.
    • Store carefully to prevent damage to raised patterns.

C

Term: Calendaring

  • Definition: A finishing process that smooths and polishes fabric by passing it through heated rollers.
  • Key Characteristics:
    • Creates a smooth, lustrous surface.
    • Can flatten fabric and reduce thickness.
    • Can impart a temporary or permanent finish.
    • Can create embossed or patterned effects.
  • Common Uses:
    • Cotton and linen fabrics.
    • Silk and synthetic fabrics.
    • Paper and plastic films.
  • Care Instructions:
    • Depends on the fabric and finish.
    • Some calendared finishes are temporary and may be lost with washing.
    • Follow care label instructions.

Term: Cellulose

  • Definition: The main structural component of plant cell walls, used to produce regenerated fibers.
  • Key Characteristics:
    • Natural polymer.
    • Provides strength and structure to plants.
    • Can be processed into fibers like rayon, lyocell, and acetate.
    • Biodegradable.
  • Common Uses:
    • Rayon, lyocell, and acetate fibers.
    • Paper and cardboard.
    • Cellophane.
  • Care Instructions:
    • Depends on the specific regenerated fiber.
    • Follow care instructions for the fabric.

Term: Composition of Fabric

  • Definition: The types of fibers used in a fabric and their percentage if it's a blend.
  • Key Characteristics:
    • Determines the fabric's properties (strength, drape, comfort, etc.).
    • Affects care requirements.
    • Important for labeling and consumer information.
  • Common Uses:
    • All textiles.
    • Understanding fabric performance.
    • Determining proper cleaning methods.
  • Care Instructions:
    • Follow the care instructions based on the fiber composition.
    • Pay attention to the most delicate fiber in a blend.

Term: Course

  • Definition: A horizontal row of loops in a knitted fabric.
  • Key Characteristics:
    • Determines the width of knitted fabric.
    • Affects fabric stretch and drape.
    • Works in conjunction with Wales(vertical rows of loops) to create knitted fabric.
  • Common Uses:
    • All knitted garments.
    • Hosiery.
    • Sweaters.
  • Care Instructions:
    • Depends on the fiber content.
    • Knitted fabrics can be prone to stretching or shrinking.
    • Follow care label instructions.

Term: Cotton

  • Definition: A natural vegetable fiber made of cellulose, a staple fiber. Grows in a protective ball around the seeds of the cotton plant (genus Gossypium).
  • Key Characteristics:
    • Soft and comfortable.
    • Breathable and absorbent.
    • Versatile and easy to dye.
    • Relatively strong.
  • Common Uses:
    • Widely available and affordable.
    • Comfortable for everyday wear.
    • Can be made into a variety of textiles.
  • Care Instructions:
    • Machine washable.
    • Can shrink if exposed to high heat.
    • Iron as needed.

Term: Coir (Coconut Fiber)

  • Definition: Extracted from the fibrous husk of coconuts (Cocos nucifera).
  • Key Characteristics:
    • Strong and durable.
    • Naturally resistant to rot and saltwater.
    • Coarse texture.
  • Common Uses:
    • Mats and rugs.
    • Ropes and cordage.
    • Geotextiles.
    • Potting soil.
  • Care Instructions:
    • Durable and easy to care for.
    • Shake or brush to remove dirt.
    • Can be rinsed with water.

Term: Cashmere

  • Definition: The fine, soft wool fibers obtained from the undercoat of cashmere goats.
  • Key Characteristics:
    • Extremely soft and luxurious.
    • Warm and lightweight.
    • Delicate and prone to pilling.
    • Expensive.
  • Common Uses:
    • Sweaters and scarves.
    • Shawls and wraps.
    • Luxury garments.
  • Care Instructions:
    • Hand wash or dry clean.
    • Use cool water and a mild detergent.
    • Lay flat to dry.
    • Avoid wringing or twisting.

Term: Canvas

  • Definition: A heavy, plain-woven fabric typically made from cotton or linen.
  • Key Characteristics:
    • Strong and durable.
    • Plain weave.
    • Can be treated for water resistance.
    • Relatively stiff.
  • Common Uses:
    • Tents and awnings.
    • Bags and backpacks.
    • Painting surfaces.
    • Upholstery.
  • Care Instructions:
    • Machine washable or spot clean.
    • May shrink if made from natural fibers.

Term: Chambray

  • Definition: A plain-woven fabric with a colored warp yarn and a white weft yarn, giving it a subtle heathered appearance.
  • Key Characteristics:
    • Lightweight and breathable.
    • Soft and comfortable.
    • Similar to denim but lighter.
    • Plain weave.
  • Common Uses:
    • Shirts and dresses.
    • Casual wear.
    • Lightweight workwear.
  • Care Instructions:
    • Machine washable.
    • Iron as needed.

Term: Chiffon

  • Definition: A lightweight, sheer fabric with a plain weave.
  • Key Characteristics:
    • Delicate and flowing.
    • Transparent or semi-transparent.
    • Can be made from silk, nylon, or polyester.
    • Prone to snags.
  • Common Uses:
    • Evening wear.
    • Scarves and shawls.
    • Lingerie.
    • Decorative overlays.
  • Care Instructions:
    • Hand wash or dry clean.
    • Handle with care.
    • Avoid rough surfaces.

Term: Chintz

  • Definition: A glazed cotton fabric, often printed with floral patterns.
  • Key Characteristics:
    • Glazed finish.
    • Printed patterns.
    • Can be shiny or matte.
    • Can be made of cotton or blends.
  • Common Uses:
    • Upholstery.
    • Drapery.
    • Home decor.
  • Care Instructions:
    • Dry clean recommended.
    • Avoid excessive moisture.

Term: Corduroy

  • Definition: A ribbed fabric with a distinctively raised "wale" or pile.
  • Key Characteristics:
    • Ribbed texture.
    • Wale size varies.
    • Durable and warm.
    • Often made from cotton.
  • Common Uses:
    • Pants and jackets.
    • Upholstery.
    • Children's clothing.
  • Care Instructions:
    • Machine washable.
    • Brush to remove lint.
    • Iron on the reverse side.

Term: Crepe

  • Definition: A fabric with a crinkled or pebbled surface.
  • Key Characteristics:
    • Crinkled texture.
    • Can be made from various fibers (silk, wool, synthetic).
    • Good drape.
    • Varies in weight.
  • Common Uses:
    • Dresses and blouses.
    • Suits.
    • Scarves.
  • Care Instructions:
    • Depends on the fiber content.
    • Hand wash or dry clean recommended for delicate crepes.
    • Iron on a low setting.

D

Term: Dobby Weave

  • Definition: A weave that produces small, geometric patterns. Created on a dobby loom, which controls a limited number of warp yarns. Example: Piqué, dotted Swiss.
  • Key Characteristics:
    • Small, repeating geometric patterns.
    • Textured surface.
    • Can create intricate designs.
    • More complex than plain or twill weaves.
  • Common Uses:
    • Dress shirts.
    • Table linens.
    • Upholstery.
    • Decorative fabrics.
  • Care Instructions:
    • Follow care instructions for the fiber content.
    • Generally durable and easy to care for.
    • Iron as needed.

Term: Denier

  • Definition: A unit of fineness for silk, rayon, and manufactured fibers, equal to the weight in grams of 9,000 meters of yarn. Lower denier means finer yarn.
  • Key Characteristics:
    • Measures yarn thickness.
    • Lower denier = finer, sheerer fabric.
    • Higher denier = thicker, more durable fabric.
    • Important for hosiery, technical textiles, and industrial applications.
  • Common Uses:
    • Hosiery (stockings, tights).
    • Technical textiles (parachutes, ropes).
    • Lightweight apparel fabrics.
    • Industrial fabrics.
  • Care Instructions:
    • Care depends on the fiber content.
    • Finer denier fabrics may require gentle care.

Term: Drape

  • Definition: The way a fabric hangs or falls.
  • Key Characteristics:
    • Influenced by fiber type, yarn structure, and fabric construction.
    • Can be fluid, soft, or stiff.
    • Affects the appearance and feel of a garment.
  • Common Uses:
    • Garment design.
    • Interior design (drapery).
    • Fashion design.
    • Any application where the fall of the cloth is important.
  • Care Instructions:
    • Care depends on the fiber content and fabric construction.
    • Delicate fabrics with good drape may require special care.

Term: Damask

  • Definition: A reversible figured fabric of silk, wool, linen, cotton, or synthetic fibers, with a pattern formed by weaving.
  • Key Characteristics:
    • Woven pattern visible on both sides.
    • Typically a glossy pattern against a matte background.
    • Woven on a Jacquard loom or dobby loom.
    • Often features floral or geometric designs.
  • Common Uses:
    • Table linens.
    • Upholstery.
    • Decorative fabrics.
    • Wall hangings.
  • Care Instructions:
    • Dry clean recommended for delicate damasks.
    • Follow care instructions for the fiber content.
    • Iron on a low setting.