Fabric Glossary F-L

F G H I J K L

F

Term: Filament Fibers

  • Definition: Long, continuous fibers, such as those in nylon.
  • Key Characteristics:
    • Smooth and lustrous.
    • Strong and durable.
    • Produce fabrics with a smooth drape.
    • Can be made from synthetic or natural materials (like silk).
  • Common Uses:
    • Hosiery.
    • Silk fabrics.
    • Synthetic sportswear.
    • Industrial applications.
  • Care Instructions:
    • Depends on the specific fiber.
    • Synthetic filaments are generally easy to care for.
    • Silk requires delicate handling.

Term: Finishing & Treatment

  • Definition: Processes applied to fabrics to enhance their properties or appearance.
  • Key Characteristics:
    • Can improve durability, water resistance, or wrinkle resistance.
    • Can add color, texture, or luster.
    • Includes processes like dyeing, printing, and calendaring.
    • Can change the hand of the fabric.
  • Common Uses:
    • All textiles.
    • Improving fabric performance.
    • Creating specialized fabrics.
  • Care Instructions:
    • Depends on the specific finish.
    • Some finishes are permanent, while others are temporary.
    • Follow care label instructions.

Term: Fulling

  • Definition: A process of shrinking and thickening wool fabrics.
  • Key Characteristics:
    • Creates a denser, more compact fabric.
    • Improves warmth and durability.
    • Can create a felted appearance.
    • Uses moisture, heat, and friction.
  • Common Uses:
    • Wool coats and jackets.
    • Blankets.
    • Felted wool items.
  • Care Instructions:
    • Fulling can make wool fabrics more prone to shrinkage.
    • Hand wash or dry clean recommended.
    • Avoid agitation and high heat.

Term: Flannel

  • Definition: A soft, woven fabric, typically made of cotton or wool.
  • Key Characteristics:
    • Soft and fuzzy surface.
    • Warm and comfortable.
    • Can be napped on one or both sides.
    • Plain or twill weave.
  • Common Uses:
    • Pajamas and bedding.
    • Shirts and dresses.
    • Baby clothing.
    • Blankets.
  • Care Instructions:
    • Machine washable.
    • May shrink if exposed to high heat.
    • Brush to maintain a nap.

Term: Fleece

  • Definition: A soft, napped fabric, typically made of polyester.
  • Key Characteristics:
    • Soft and warm.
    • Lightweight and breathable.
    • Quick-drying.
    • Can be made from recycled materials.
  • Common Uses:
    • Jackets and vests.
    • Sweatshirts.
    • Blankets.
    • Outerwear.
  • Care Instructions:
    • Machine washable.
    • Tumble dry on low heat.
    • Avoid high heat, which can damage the fibers.

G

Term: Grain

  • Definition: The direction of the warp and weft threads in a woven fabric.
  • Key Characteristics:
    • Includes lengthwise grain (warp), crosswise grain (weft), and bias grain (diagonal).
    • Affects fabric drape, stretch, and stability.
    • Important for pattern layout and garment construction.
  • Common Uses:
    • Garment construction.
    • Pattern making.
    • Upholstery.
    • Any application involving woven fabrics.
  • Care Instructions:
    • Generally not applicable to care instructions, but understanding grain is essential for proper garment construction and avoiding distortion.

Term: GSM (Grams per Square Meter)

  • Definition: A metric unit measuring the weight of a fabric. More gsm means thicker fabric and lower gsm means sheer and lightweight fabric.
  • Key Characteristics:
    • Indicates fabric density and weight.
    • Higher GSM = heavier, more durable fabric.
    • Lower GSM = lighter, more delicate fabric.
    • Useful for comparing fabric thickness and quality.
  • Common Uses:
    • Textile manufacturing.
    • Retail fabric sales.
    • Technical specifications.
    • T-shirts, and other clothing.
  • Care Instructions:
    • GSM itself doesn't determine care, but it relates to fabric thickness, which can influence care. Thicker fabrics generally withstand more wear.

Term: Gabardine

  • Definition: A tightly woven, durable fabric with a distinct diagonal rib.
  • Key Characteristics:
    • Diagonal rib weave.
    • Strong and durable.
    • Water-resistant.
    • Often made of wool, cotton, or synthetic blends.
  • Common Uses:
    • Suits and coats.
    • Uniforms.
    • Rainwear.
    • Trousers.
  • Care Instructions:
    • Dry clean recommended for wool gabardine.
    • Machine washable for cotton or synthetic blends.
    • Iron on a low setting.

Term: Guanaco

  • Definition: The fine, soft wool from the guanaco, a wild South American mammal related to the llama.
  • Key Characteristics:
    • Very soft and warm.
    • Rare and expensive.
    • Naturally hypoallergenic.
    • Similar to Vicuna.
  • Common Uses:
    • Luxury garments.
    • High-end knitwear.
    • Scarves and shawls.
  • Care Instructions:
    • Dry clean recommended.
    • Handle with care.

Term: Gingham

  • Definition: A woven fabric with a checkered or striped pattern, typically made of cotton.
  • Key Characteristics:
    • Checkered or striped pattern.
    • Plain weave.
    • Lightweight and breathable.
    • Often made of cotton or cotton blends.
  • Common Uses:
    • Shirts and dresses.
    • Tablecloths and napkins.
    • Curtains.
    • Children's clothing.
  • Care Instructions:
    • Machine washable.
    • Iron as needed.

Term: Gore-Tex (Waterproof, breathable)

  • Definition: A waterproof and breathable fabric membrane developed by W. L. Gore & Associates.
  • Key Characteristics:
    • Waterproof and windproof.
    • Breathable, allowing moisture vapor to escape.
    • Durable and long-lasting.
    • Laminated to other fabrics.
  • Common Uses:
    • Outdoor clothing (jackets, pants).
    • Footwear.
    • Tents and outdoor gear.
  • Care Instructions:
    • Machine washable on a gentle cycle.
    • Tumble dry on low heat.
    • Avoid fabric softeners and bleach.
    • Follow the specific garment manufacturer's instructions.

H

Term: Hand

  • Definition: The feel of a fabric.
  • Key Characteristics:
    • Subjective and descriptive.
    • Includes qualities like softness, smoothness, stiffness, drape, and texture.
    • Influenced by fiber type, yarn, weave, and finish.
    • Important for consumer perception and garment selection.
  • Common Uses:
    • Textile industry quality control.
    • Retail fabric sales.
    • Garment design and selection.
    • Consumer reviews.
  • Care Instructions:
    • Not applicable to care instructions directly, but the "hand" can be affected by care (e.g., harsh washing can stiffen a soft fabric).

Term: Hydrophilic

  • Definition: Attracting or absorbing water.
  • Key Characteristics:
    • Fibers or fabrics that absorb moisture.
    • Enhances comfort in humid conditions.
    • Can affect dyeing and finishing processes.
    • Examples: cotton, wool, rayon.
  • Common Uses:
    • Towels and absorbent products.
    • Comfortable clothing.
    • Medical textiles.
  • Care Instructions:
    • Hydrophilic fabrics may require longer drying times.
    • Can be prone to shrinking if not properly cared for.
    • Follow the care label.

Term: Hydrophobic

  • Definition: Repelling water.
  • Key Characteristics:
    • Fibers or fabrics that resist moisture.
    • Quick-drying.
    • Provides protection from rain and spills.
    • Examples: polyester, nylon, and certain fabric finishes.
  • Common Uses:
    • Outdoor clothing and rainwear.
    • Technical textiles.
    • Upholstery and protective fabrics.
  • Care Instructions:
    • Hydrophobic fabrics are generally easy to care for.
    • Avoid harsh chemicals that can damage water-repellent finishes.
    • Follow the care label.

Term: Hemp

  • Definition: Fibers are derived from the stalk of the hemp plant (Cannabis sativa).
  • Key Characteristics:
    • Very strong and durable.
    • Naturally resistant to mold and mildew.
    • Breathable and absorbent.
    • UV resistant.
    • Sustainable.
  • Common Uses:
    • Clothing and textiles.
    • Ropes and cordage.
    • Industrial applications.
    • Paper and building materials.
  • Care Instructions:
    • Machine washable.
    • Becomes softer with each wash.
    • Durable and easy to care for.
    • Can be ironed.

I

Term: Interlock Knit

  • Definition:
    • A variation of rib knit construction where two layers of rib knit are interlocked, creating a thicker, more stable fabric.
  • Key Characteristics:
    • Double-knit construction, making it thicker than single knits.
    • Smooth surface on both sides, making it reversible.
    • Greater stability and less curling than single jersey knits.
    • Good stretch and recovery.
    • Dense structure.
    • Generally a heavier knit than jersey.
  • Common Uses:
    • T-shirts and tops.
    • Dresses.
    • Sportswear (leggings, athletic tops).
    • Baby clothing.
    • loungewear.
  • Care Instructions:
    • Generally machine washable.
    • Tumble dry on low heat.
    • Iron on a low setting if necessary.
    • Follow the care label instructions for the specific fiber content.

J

Term: Jute

  • Definition: A natural vegetable fiber made of cellulose.
  • Key Characteristics:
    • Strong and coarse.
    • Biodegradable and recyclable.
    • Affordable.
  • Common Uses:
    • Environmentally friendly and sustainable.
    • Used for packaging, bags, burlap.
    • Ropes and mats.
    • Geotextiles.
  • Care Instructions:
    • Spot clean or hand wash.
    • Air dry.
    • Avoid prolonged exposure to moisture, as it can weaken the fibers.
    • May shed fibers.

Term: Jacquard Weave

  • Definition: A complex weave that allows for intricate patterns and designs. Created on a special loom that controls individual warp yarns. Example: Tapestries, brocades, damask.
  • Key Characteristics:
    • Intricate woven patterns.
    • Can create raised or textured designs.
    • Uses a Jacquard loom.
    • Can be made from various fibers.
  • Common Uses:
    • Tapestries.
    • Brocades and damasks.
    • Upholstery.
    • Decorative fabrics.
    • Clothing with patterned weaves.
  • Care Instructions:
    • Dry clean recommended for delicate Jacquard weaves.
    • Follow care instructions for the fiber content.
    • Iron on a low setting.

Term: Single Jersey

  • Definition: A basic knit fabric with a distinct right and wrong side.
  • Key Characteristics:
    • Smooth on the right side, with visible loops on the wrong side.
    • Stretchy and comfortable.
    • Can curl at the edges.
    • Relatively lightweight.
  • Common Uses:
    • T-shirts.
    • Underwear.
    • Casual wear.
    • Lightweight dresses.
  • Care Instructions:
    • Machine washable.
    • Tumble dry on low heat.
    • May shrink if exposed to high heat.

Term: Double Jersey

  • Definition: A knit fabric with two layers of loops, creating a thicker, more stable fabric than a single jersey.
  • Key Characteristics:
    • Smooth surface on both sides.
    • More stable and less curling than single jersey.
    • Thicker and heavier than a single jersey.
    • Good stretch and recovery.
  • Common Uses:
    • Dresses.
    • Sportswear.
    • Jackets.
    • Loungewear.
    • Clothing that needs more structure.
  • Care Instructions:
    • Machine washable.
    • Tumble dry on low heat.
    • Follow the care label instructions for the specific fiber content.

K

Term: Kapok

  • Definition:
    • Kapok is a natural fiber obtained from the seed pods of the kapok tree (Ceiba pentandra).
  • Key Characteristics:
    • Lightweight and buoyant.
    • Naturally hydrophobic (water-repellent).
    • Good thermal insulation.
    • Hypoallergenic.
    • Biodegradable.
    • Too brittle to be spun into yarns easily.
  • Common Uses:
    • Stuffing for pillows, mattresses, and cushions.
    • Filling for life jackets and flotation devices.
    • Insulation material.
    • Oil absorbent.
  • Care Instructions:
    • Generally, kapok-filled items are not washable.
    • Spot cleaning is recommended.
    • Air drying is essential to prevent mold or mildew.
    • Because it is used as a filling, the care instructions will mostly rely on the outer material of the item that contains the Kapok.

L

Term: Leno Weave

  • Definition: Warp yarns are twisted around each other, creating an open, airy weave. Used for sheer fabrics and netting. Example: Mosquito netting, sheer curtains.
  • Key Characteristics:
    • Open, mesh-like structure.
    • Strong and stable despite the open weave.
    • Sheer and lightweight.
    • Prevents slippage of yarns.
  • Common Uses:
    • Mosquito netting.
    • Sheer curtains and drapery.
    • Agricultural netting.
    • Industrial fabrics.
  • Care Instructions:
    • Depends on the fiber content.
    • Delicate leno weaves may require hand washing or dry cleaning.
    • Avoid snagging the open weave.

Term: Lea

  • Definition: A measure of the linear density of linen yarn. The higher the lea number, the finer the yarn.
  • Key Characteristics:
    • Specific to linen yarn.
    • Indicates yarn fineness.
    • Higher lea number = finer, thinner yarn.
    • Important for quality and fabric properties.
  • Common Uses:
    • Linen textile industry.
    • Yarn grading and classification.
    • Fabric specifications.
  • Care Instructions:
    • Not applicable to care instructions directly, but lea is a factor in determining fabric properties and therefore care.

Term: Linen (Flax)

  • Definition: A natural fiber derived from the flax plant (Linum usitatissimum).
  • Key Characteristics:
    • Strong and durable.
    • Cool and breathable.
    • Naturally lustrous.
    • Wrinkles easily.
    • Absorbent.
  • Common Uses:
    • Clothing (shirts, dresses, trousers).
    • Table linens (napkins, tablecloths).
    • Bed linens.
    • Towels.
  • Care Instructions:
    • Machine washable.
    • Iron while damp.
    • Can shrink if exposed to high heat.

Term: Lyocell (Tencel)

  • Definition: A regenerated cellulose fiber made from wood pulp.
  • Key Characteristics:
    • Soft and smooth.
    • Strong and durable.
    • Excellent drape.
    • Environmentally sustainable.
    • Breathable and absorbent.
  • Common Uses:
    • Clothing
    • Machine washable.
    • Tumble dry on low heat.
    • Avoid high heat.
    • Follow care label instructions.

Term: Leather (and Faux Leather)

  • It is important to notice that Genuine Leather and Faux leather have very different qualities, and therefore, very different care instructions.
  • Genuine Leather:
    • Definition: A material made from the tanned hides or skins of animals.
    • Key Characteristics:
      • Durable and long-lasting.
      • Natural variations in texture and appearance.
      • Breathable.
      • Develops a patina over time.
    • Common Uses:
      • Clothing (jackets, trousers).
      • Footwear.
      • Upholstery.
      • Accessories (bags, belts).
    • Care Instructions:
      • Clean with a specialized leather cleaner.
      • Condition regularly.
      • Avoid excessive moisture and direct sunlight.
      • Professional cleaning recommended for stains.

Term: Faux Leather (Vegan Leather):

    • Definition: A synthetic material made to resemble leather.
    • Key Characteristics:
      • More affordable than genuine leather.
      • Available in various textures and finishes.
      • Easier to clean than genuine leather.
      • Generally water resistant.
    • Common Uses:
      • Clothing.
      • Upholstery.
      • Accessories.
    • Care Instructions:
      • Wipe clean with a damp cloth.
      • Avoid harsh chemicals.
      • Check the care label for specific instructions, as faux leathers can vary.