Fabric Glossary M- P
M N O P
Term: Man-Made Fibers
- Definition: Fibers produced synthetically.
- Key Characteristics:
- Designed for specific properties (strength, elasticity, durability).
- Can be engineered to mimic natural fibers.
- Wide range of textures and appearances.
- Examples: nylon, polyester, rayon, acrylic.
- Common Uses:
- Clothing.
- Upholstery.
- Industrial textiles.
- Carpets.
- Care Instructions:
- Varies depending on the specific fiber.
- Generally, easy to care for.
- Follow care label instructions.
Term: Mercerization
- Definition: A treatment for cotton that improves luster, strength, and dye affinity.
- Key Characteristics:
- Increases luster and smoothness.
- Strengthens cotton fibers.
- Improves dye uptake.
- Reduces shrinkage.
- Common Uses:
- High-quality cotton fabrics.
- Dress shirts.
- Fine cotton yarns.
- Cotton knit fabrics.
- Care Instructions:
- Mercerized cotton is generally easy to care for.
- Machine washable.
- Follow care label instructions.
Term: Mineral Fibers
- Definition: Natural fibers derived from minerals, such as asbestos.
- Key Characteristics:
- Highly heat-resistant.
- Strong and durable.
- Can be hazardous if inhaled (asbestos).
- Examples: asbestos, glass fibers.
- Common Uses:
- Fire-resistant clothing (historically asbestos).
- Insulation.
- Reinforcement in composites.
- Glass fibers are used in fiberglass.
- Care Instructions:
- Asbestos: Handled with extreme care by trained professionals.
- Glass fibers: Follow manufacturer's instructions.
Term: Merino (Sheep)
- Definition: The wool from Merino sheep.
- Key Characteristics:
- Fine and soft.
- Excellent warmth and insulation.
- Naturally crimped.
- Good elasticity.
- Breathable.
- Common Uses:
- Sweaters and knitwear.
- Socks.
- Sportswear.
- Base layers.
- Care Instructions:
- Hand wash or dry clean recommended.
- Use cool water and mild detergent.
- Lay flat to dry.
Term: Mohair (Goat)
- Definition: The fleece of the Angora goat.
- Key Characteristics:
- Lustrous and silky.
- Strong and durable.
- Warm and insulating.
- Naturally curly.
- Common Uses:
- Sweaters and scarves.
- Upholstery.
- Decorative fabrics.
- Outerwear.
- Care Instructions:
- Hand wash or dry clean recommended.
- Use cool water and mild detergent.
- Lay flat to dry.
Term: Modal
- Definition: A semi-synthetic fiber made from beech tree pulp.
- Key Characteristics:
- Soft and smooth.
- Excellent drape.
- Strong and durable.
- Absorbent and breathable.
- Resistant to shrinking.
- Common Uses:
- Underwear and lingerie.
- T-shirts and tops.
- Bed linens.
- Loungewear.
- Care Instructions:
- Machine washable.
- Tumble dry on low heat.
- Iron on a low setting if necessary.
Term: Muslin
- Definition: A plain-woven cotton fabric.
- Key Characteristics:
- Lightweight and breathable.
- Plain weave.
- Available in various weights.
- Often used for prototyping and test garments.
- Can be bleached or unbleached.
- Common Uses:
- Pattern testing and fitting.
- Backing for quilts.
- Curtains.
- Cheesecloth (when very loosely woven).
- Care Instructions:
- Machine washable.
- Can be bleached.
- Iron as needed.
N
Term: Napping
- Definition: A finishing process that raises the surface fibers of a fabric, creating a fuzzy texture.
- Key Characteristics:
- Creates a soft, fuzzy surface.
- Improves warmth and insulation.
- Can create a raised pile.
- Can be done on one or both sides of the fabric.
- Common Uses:
- Flannel fabrics.
- Fleece fabrics.
- Blankets.
- Winter clothing.
- Care Instructions:
- Machine washable.
- Tumble dry on low heat.
- Brush gently to maintain the nap.
- Avoid high heat, which can damage the raised fibers.
Term: Natural Fibers
- Definition: Fibers that originate from plants, animals, or minerals.
- Key Characteristics:
- Vary widely in properties depending on the source.
- Generally breathable and comfortable.
- Can be biodegradable.
- Examples: cotton, wool, silk, linen.
- Common Uses:
- Clothing.
- Home textiles.
- Industrial applications.
- Variety of textiles.
- Care Instructions:
- Varies depending on the specific fiber.
- Some require hand washing or dry cleaning.
- Follow care label instructions.
Term: Nylon
- Definition: A synthetic fiber obtained from chemical substances.
- Key Characteristics:
- Strong and durable.
- Elastic and resilient.
- Lightweight.
- Quick-drying.
- Resistant to abrasion.
- Common Uses:
- Hosiery.
- Sportswear.
- Outerwear.
- Carpets.
- Industrial applications.
- Care Instructions:
- Machine washable.
- Tumble dry on low heat.
- Avoid high heat, which can damage the fibers.
-
Can melt if exposed to very high heat.
O
Term: Organza
- Definition:
- A thin, plain weave, sheer fabric traditionally made from silk, but also commonly made from synthetic fibers like polyester or nylon.
- Key Characteristics:
- Sheer and lightweight.
- Crisp and somewhat stiff.
- Slightly lustrous.
- Has a fine, smooth texture.
- Can be delicate.
- Common Uses:
- Bridal wear (wedding gowns, veils).
- Evening wear.
- Formal wear.
- Decorative overlays.
- Curtains and decorative accents.
- Fashion design, to create volume.
- Care Instructions:
- Hand wash gently in cold water with a mild detergent.
- Dry clean is often recommended, especially for silk organza or embellished organza.
- Avoid wringing or twisting.
- Lay flat to dry or hang to dry away from direct sunlight.
- Iron on a low heat setting, using a pressing cloth to protect the fabric.
- Avoid tumble drying.
P
Term: Plain Weave
- Definition: Simplest weave: Each weft yarn passes over one warp yarn and under the next, creating a simple over-and-under pattern. Examples: Muslin, percale, poplin.
- Key Characteristics: Durable, breathable, and versatile.
- Common Uses: Bed linens, shirts, and lightweight clothing.
- Care Instructions: Machine washable, iron as needed. Follow care instructions for the fiber content.
Term: Pile Weave
- Definition: This type of weave creates a raised surface, or pile, on the fabric. This is done by looping the weft or warp yarns. Example: Velvet, terry cloth, corduroy.
- Key Characteristics:
- Creates a raised surface.
- Soft and plush texture.
- Can be cut or uncut.
- Varies in pile height and density.
- Common Uses:
- Velvet: Formal wear, upholstery.
- Terry cloth: Towels, robes.
- Corduroy: Pants, jackets.
- Care Instructions:
- Varies depending on the fabric and fiber content.
- Velvet: Dry clean recommended.
- Terry cloth: Machine washable.
- Corduroy: Machine washable, iron on reverse side.
Term: Pilling
- Definition: The formation of small balls of fiber on the surface of a fabric.
- Key Characteristics:
- Small, fuzzy balls of fiber.
- Occurs due to friction and abrasion.
- More common in staple fibers and blends.
- Affects the appearance of the fabric.
- Common Uses:
- Common in knit fabrics, sweaters, and upholstery.
- Occurs in areas of high friction.
- Care Instructions:
- Use a fabric shaver or lint brush to remove pills.
- Wash delicate fabrics inside out.
- Avoid excessive friction.
Term: Ply
- Definition: Two or more yarns twisted together.
- Key Characteristics:
- Increases strength and durability.
- Affects yarn thickness and texture.
- Can create a balanced yarn.
- Two ply, three ply, etc.
- Common Uses:
- Knitting yarns.
- Weaving yarns.
- Industrial textiles.
- Care Instructions:
- Care depends on the fiber content.
- Ply itself does not determine care.
Term: Polyester
- Definition: A synthetic fiber obtained from chemical substances.
- Key Characteristics:
- Strong and durable.
- Wrinkle-resistant.
- Quick-drying.
- Resistant to shrinking.
- Can be blended with other fibers.
- Common Uses:
- Clothing.
- Upholstery.
- Bedding.
- Industrial textiles.
- Care Instructions:
- Machine washable.
- Tumble dry on low heat.
- Avoid high heat.
Term: PLA (Polylactic Acid)
- Definition: A bioplastic derived from renewable resources, such as corn starch or sugarcane.
- Key Characteristics:
- Biodegradable and compostable.
- Can be used to create fibers.
- Relatively low melting point.
- Can be used in 3D printing.
- Common Uses:
- Packaging.
- Disposable tableware.
- Textiles.
- 3D printing filament.
- Care Instructions:
- Machine wash on a gentle cycle.
- Avoid high heat.
- Follow care label instructions.
Term: Piñatex (Pineapple Leaf Fiber)
- Definition: A natural leather alternative made from pineapple leaf fibers.
- Key Characteristics:
- Sustainable and eco-friendly.
- Natural texture and appearance.
- Durable and flexible.
- Breathable.
- Common Uses:
- Footwear.
- Accessories (bags, wallets).
- Upholstery.
- Clothing.
- Care Instructions:
- Wipe clean with a damp cloth.
- Avoid harsh chemicals.
- Condition with a natural wax.
Term: Poplin
- Definition: A durable, ribbed fabric typically made from cotton or a cotton blend.
- Key Characteristics:
- Fine, horizontal ribs.
- Smooth and lustrous.
- Durable and versatile.
- Plain weave.
- Common Uses:
- Shirts and blouses.
- Dresses.
- Trousers.
- Lightweight jackets.
- Care Instructions:
- Machine washable.
- Iron as needed.
- Follow care instructions for the fiber content.