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.