Fabric Glossary Q-W

Q R S T V W 

Q

Term: Qiviut (Muskox)

  • Definition:
    • Qiviut is the fine, soft underwool of the muskox.
  • Key Characteristics:
    • Incredibly warm, often said to be significantly warmer than sheep's wool.
    • Exceptionally soft and silky, even softer than cashmere.
    • Hypoallergenic, as it lacks the scales found in sheep's wool.
    • Does not shrink in water.
    • Lightweight.
    • Very rare and therefore expensive.
  • Common Uses:
    • High-end knitwear, such as scarves, hats, and sweaters.
    • Luxury garments.
    • Specialty items.
  • Care Instructions:
    • Hand washing is generally recommended, using lukewarm water and a mild detergent.
    • Avoid wringing or twisting the fabric.
    • Lay the garment flat to dry on a towel.
    • Proper storage is essential; it's recommended to store it in a cool, dry place, and to take precautions against moths.
    • Because of the value of the material, professional cleaning is also a very good option.

R

Term: Rayon

  • Definition: A regenerated fiber made from cellulose.
  • Key Characteristics:
    • Soft and smooth.
    • Drapes well.
    • Absorbent.
    • Can mimic silk, cotton, or linen.
    • Weak when wet.
  • Common Uses:
    • Clothing (dresses, blouses, linings).
    • Home furnishings.
    • Industrial applications.
  • Care Instructions:
    • Hand wash or dry clean recommended.
    • Avoid wringing or twisting.
    • Iron on a low setting.

Term: Regenerated Fibers

  • Definition: Man-made fibers made from natural raw materials.
  • Key Characteristics:
    • Derived from natural polymers (cellulose).
    • Combine properties of natural and synthetic fibers.
    • Examples: rayon, lyocell, modal, acetate.
    • Can be more sustainable than synthetic fibers.
  • Common Uses:
    • Clothing.
    • Home textiles.
    • Industrial applications.
  • Care Instructions:
    • Varies depending on the specific fiber.
    • Follow care label instructions.

Term: Resilience

  • Definition: A fabric's ability to spring back after being crushed or wrinkled.
  • Key Characteristics:
    • Indicates wrinkle resistance.
    • Influenced by fiber type and fabric construction.
    • Affects fabric appearance and care requirements.
    • Important for travel clothing.
  • Common Uses:
    • Clothing.
    • Upholstery.
    • Carpets.
  • Care Instructions:
    • Fabrics with high resilience require less ironing.
    • Follow care label instructions.

Term: Raffia

  • Definition:
    • A natural fiber obtained from the raffia palm tree.
  • Key Characteristics:
    • Strong and flexible.
    • Natural straw-like texture.
    • Biodegradable.
    • Can be dyed.
  • Common Uses:
    • Crafts and decorations.
    • Hats and bags.
    • Gardening ties.
    • Basketry.
  • Care Instructions:
    • Avoid excessive moisture.
    • Spot clean with a damp cloth.
    • Air dry.

Term: Ramie

  • Definition:
    • A natural fiber derived from the ramie plant.
  • Key Characteristics:
    • Strong and durable.
    • Naturally lustrous.
    • Resistant to mildew and bacteria.
    • Less elastic than cotton.
    • Can be stiff.
  • Common Uses:
    • Clothing.
    • Home textiles.
    • Industrial applications.
  • Care Instructions:
    • Machine washable.
    • Iron while damp.
    • Can shrink if exposed to high heat.

Term: Rayon (Viscose)

  • Definition:
    • A regenerated cellulose fiber, commonly known as viscose rayon.
  • Key Characteristics:
    • Soft and smooth.
    • Drapes well.
    • Absorbent.
    • Can mimic silk, cotton, or linen.
    • Weak when wet.
  • Common Uses:
    • Clothing (dresses, blouses, linings).
    • Home furnishings.
    • Industrial applications.
  • Care Instructions:
    • Hand wash or dry clean recommended.
    • Avoid wringing or twisting.
    • Iron on a low setting.

Term: Rib Knit

  • Definition:
    • A knit fabric with vertical ribs created by alternating knit and purl stitches.
  • Key Characteristics:
    • Stretchy and elastic.
    • Good recovery.
    • Can be made with various rib widths (1x1, 2x2, etc.).
    • Thicker than a single jersey.
  • Common Uses:
    • Sweater cuffs and hems.
    • Necklines.
    • Socks.
    • Tops and dresses.
  • Care Instructions:
    • Machine washable.
    • Tumble dry on low heat.
    • Follow care label instructions.

S

Term: S-Twist

  • Definition: When held vertically, the spirals run diagonally from lower left to upper right.
  • Key Characteristics:
    • A direction of yarn twist.
    • Used in yarn manufacturing and fabric construction.
    • Can affect fabric appearance and performance.
  • Common Uses:
    • Yarn manufacturing.
    • Weaving and knitting.
  • Care Instructions:
    • Not applicable to care instructions directly, but twist can influence fabric properties.

Term: Sanforization

  • Definition: A process to minimize shrinkage in woven fabrics.
  • Key Characteristics:
    • Pre-shrinks fabric.
    • Reduces residual shrinkage.
    • Improves fabric stability.
    • Commonly used for cotton fabrics.
  • Common Uses:
    • Cotton clothing.
    • Bed linens.
  • Care Instructions:
    • Sanforized fabrics are less prone to shrinkage.
    • Follow care label instructions.

Term: Selvedge

  • Definition: The finished edge of a woven fabric that prevents fraying.
  • Key Characteristics:
    • Strong and tightly woven.
    • Runs along the lengthwise grain.
    • Prevents fabric unraveling.
  • Common Uses:
    • Fabric manufacturing.
    • Pattern cutting.
  • Care Instructions:
    • Not applicable to care instructions directly.

Term: Silk

  • Definition: A natural animal fiber made of protein, a filament fiber.
  • Key Characteristics:
    • Smooth and lustrous.
    • Strong and durable.
    • Drapes well.
    • Luxurious and elegant.
  • Common Uses:
    • Dresses and blouses.
    • Scarves and ties.
    • Lingerie.
    • Bed linens.
  • Care Instructions:
    • Hand wash or dry clean recommended.
    • Avoid bleach and direct sunlight.
    • Iron on a low setting.

Term: Staple Fibers

  • Definition: Short fibers, like those found in cotton.
  • Key Characteristics:
    • Short length.
    • Can be spun into yarns.
    • Produce fabrics with a fuzzy surface.
    • Examples: cotton, wool.
  • Common Uses:
    • Cotton fabrics.
    • Wool fabrics.
    • Spun yarns.
  • Care Instructions:
    • Varies depending on the fiber content.
    • Follow care label instructions.

Term: Synthetic Fibers

  • Definition: Man-made fibers obtained from chemical substances.
  • Key Characteristics:
    • Designed for specific properties.
    • Strong and durable.
    • Resistant to wrinkles and shrinking.
    • Examples: polyester, nylon, acrylic.
  • Common Uses:
    • Clothing.
    • Upholstery.
    • Industrial applications.
  • Care Instructions:
    • Generally easy to care for.
    • Machine washable.
    • Follow care label instructions.

Term: Satin Weave

  • Definition: Smooth and lustrous: The weft yarn floats over several warp yarns before interlacing, creating a smooth, shiny surface. Examples: Satin, sateen.
  • Key Characteristics: Soft, drapey, and luxurious.
  • Common Uses: For evening wear, lingerie, and bed linens.
  • Care Instructions: Varies depending on the fiber content. Hand wash or dry clean recommended for delicate satins. Iron on a low setting.

Term: Sisal

  • Definition: A natural fiber obtained from the leaves of the sisal plant.
  • Key Characteristics:
    • Strong and durable.
    • Coarse texture.
    • Biodegradable.
    • Resistant to saltwater.
  • Common Uses:
    • Ropes and cordage.
    • Mats and rugs.
    • Wall coverings.
    • Agricultural applications.
  • Care Instructions:
    • Spot clean or shake to remove dirt.
    • Avoid excessive moisture.

Term: Spandex (Elastane)

  • Definition: A synthetic fiber known for its exceptional elasticity.
  • Key Characteristics:
    • Highly elastic.
    • Strong and durable.
    • Lightweight.
    • Often blended with other fibers.
  • Common Uses:
    • Sportswear.
    • Swimwear.
    • Lingerie.
    • Activewear.
  • Care Instructions:
    • Machine washable.
    • Tumble dry on low heat.
    • Avoid bleach.

Term: Satin

  • Definition: A fabric with a smooth, glossy surface created by a satin weave.
  • Key Characteristics:
    • Smooth and lustrous.
    • Drapes well.
    • Can be delicate.
    • Can be made from various fibers.
  • Common Uses:
    • Evening wear.
    • Lingerie.
    • Bed linens.
    • Decorative fabrics.
  • Care Instructions:
    • Hand wash or dry clean recommended.
    • Iron on a low setting.

Term: Suede (and Faux Suede)

  • Genuine Suede:
    • Definition: A leather with a napped finish.
    • Key Characteristics:
      • Soft and velvety texture.
      • Delicate and prone to stains.
      • Natural variations in appearance.
    • Common Uses:
      • Jackets and shoes.
      • Accessories.
      • Upholstery.
    • Care Instructions:
      • Brush with a suede brush.
      • Use a suede protector spray.
      • Professional cleaning recommended for stains.
  • Term Faux Suede:
    • Definition: A synthetic fabric made to resemble suede.
    • Key Characteristics:
      • Soft and velvety texture.
      • More durable and easier to clean than genuine suede.
      • Available in various colors and textures.
    • Common Uses:
      • Clothing.
      • Upholstery.
      • Accessories.
    • Care Instructions:
      • Wipe clean with a damp cloth.
      • Machine washable for some faux suedes.
      • Follow care label instructions.

T

Term: Twill Weave

  • Definition: Diagonal pattern, The weft yarn passes over two or more warp yarns before going under, creating a diagonal line across the fabric. Examples: Denim, gabardine, corduroy.
  • Key Characteristics: Strong, durable, and wrinkle-resistant.
  • Common Uses: Often used for jeans, trousers, and outerwear.
  • Care Instructions: Machine washable, iron as needed. Follow care instructions for the fiber content.

Term: Thread Count

  • Definition: The total number of threads woven into one square inch of fabric.
  • Key Characteristics:
    • Indicates fabric density.
    • Higher thread count generally means finer and smoother fabric.
    • Important for bed linens and fine fabrics.
    • Can be misleading if not accurately measured.
  • Common Uses:
    • Bed linens.
    • Fine cotton fabrics.
    • Quality assessment.
  • Care Instructions:
    • Care depends on the fiber content, not the thread count itself.
    • Follow care label instructions.

Term: Taffeta

  • Definition: A crisp, smooth, plain-woven fabric made from silk or synthetic fibers.
  • Key Characteristics:
    • Crisp and smooth.
    • Slightly lustrous.
    • Produces a rustling sound.
    • Can be delicate.
  • Common Uses:
    • Evening wear.
    • Bridal wear.
    • Linings.
    • Decorative fabrics.
  • Care Instructions:
    • Dry clean recommended.
    • Handle with care.
    • Iron on a low setting.

Term: Terrycloth

  • Definition: A fabric with loops that create a soft, absorbent pile.
  • Key Characteristics:
    • Looped pile on one or both sides.
    • Highly absorbent.
    • Soft and plush.
    • Typically made of cotton.
  • Common Uses:
    • Towels.
    • Bathrobes.
    • Washcloths.
    • Beachwear.
  • Care Instructions:
    • Machine washable.
    • Tumble dry on medium heat.
    • Avoid bleach.

Term: Tulle

  • Definition: A fine, lightweight netting fabric.
  • Key Characteristics:
    • Netting structure.
    • Sheer and delicate.
    • Can be made from various fibers.
    • Often used for veils and decorative elements.
  • Common Uses:
    • Bridal veils.
    • Tutus.
    • Evening wear.
    • Decorative overlays.
  • Care Instructions:
    • Hand wash or dry clean recommended.
    • Handle with care.
    • Avoid snagging.

Term: Tweed

  • Definition: A rough, woolen fabric with a woven or twill weave, typically with a heathered appearance.
  • Key Characteristics:
    • Rough and textured.
    • Warm and durable.
    • Heathered appearance.
    • Often made from wool.
  • Common Uses:
    • Jackets and coats.
    • Suits.
    • Hats.
    • Upholstery.
  • Care Instructions:
    • Dry clean recommended.
    • Brush to remove lint.
    • Store carefully to prevent moths.

V

Term: Vegetable Fibers

  • Definition: Natural fibers derived from plants, made up of cellulose, such as cotton and jute.
  • Key Characteristics:
    • Vary widely in properties depending on the plant source.
    • Generally breathable and absorbent.
    • Can be strong and durable.
    • Biodegradable.
    • Examples: cotton, linen, jute, hemp, ramie.
  • Common Uses:
    • Clothing.
    • Home textiles (bed linens, towels).
    • Ropes and cordage.
    • Industrial applications.
  • Care Instructions:
    • Varies depending on the specific fiber.
    • Some are machine washable, while others require hand washing or dry cleaning.
    • Follow care label instructions.

Term: Vicuna

  • Definition:
    • The fine, soft wool from the vicuña, a wild South American mammal.
  • Key Characteristics:
    • Extremely soft and warm.
    • Very rare and expensive.
    • Naturally hypoallergenic.
    • Fine and delicate.
  • Common Uses:
    • Luxury garments.
    • High-end knitwear.
    • Scarves and shawls.
  • Care Instructions:
    • Dry clean recommended.
    • Handle with extreme care.

Term: Velvet

  • Definition:
    • A fabric with a short, dense pile, creating a soft, plush texture.
  • Key Characteristics:
    • Soft and luxurious.
    • Rich, deep color.
    • Can be made from various fibers (silk, cotton, synthetic).
    • Creates a nap that changes appearance based on the direction of the fibers.
  • Common Uses:
    • Evening wear.
    • Upholstery.
    • Decorative fabrics.
    • Theater costumes.
  • Care Instructions:
    • Dry clean recommended for most velvets.
    • Handle with care to avoid crushing the pile.
    • Steam to remove wrinkles.

Term: Velour

  • Definition:
    • A knitted or woven fabric with a soft, plush pile, similar to velvet but often with a more relaxed drape.
  • Key Characteristics:
    • Soft and plush.
    • Knitted or woven.
    • Stretchy and comfortable.
    • The pile is often longer than that of velvet.
  • Common Uses:
    • Loungewear.
    • Sportswear.
    • Upholstery.
    • Costumes.
  • Care Instructions:
    • Machine washable for most velours.
    • Tumble dry on low heat.
    • Brush to maintain the pile.
    • Follow care label instructions.

W

Term: Wale (knitting)

  • Definition: A vertical column of loops in a knitted fabric.
  • Key Characteristics:
    • Determines the vertical grain of a knitted fabric.
    • Affects fabric stretch and appearance.
    • Works in conjunction with courses (horizontal rows).
  • 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: Warp

  • Definition: The lengthwise yarns that run the length of the fabric.
  • Key Characteristics:
    • Stronger than weft yarns.
    • Provides the lengthwise grain.
    • Essential for fabric stability.
  • Common Uses:
    • All woven fabrics.
    • Industrial textiles.
  • Care Instructions:
    • Not applicable to care instructions directly, but warp is a factor in fabric properties.

Term: Warp Knitting

  • Definition: Knitting with warp yarns, creating stable and run-resistant fabrics.
  • Key Characteristics:
    • Stable and run-resistant.
    • Less stretchy than weft knits.
    • Can create intricate patterns.
    • Examples: tricot, raschel.
  • Common Uses:
    • Lingerie.
    • Sportswear.
    • Industrial fabrics.
    • Netting.
  • Care Instructions:
    • Depends on the fiber content.
    • Follow care label instructions.

Term: Weaving

  • Definition: Interlacing two sets of yarns, the warp and the weft, at right angles.
  • Key Characteristics:
    • Creates woven fabrics.
    • Produces a variety of textures and patterns.
    • Strong and durable.
  • Common Uses:
    • All woven textiles.
    • Clothing.
    • Home furnishings.
  • Care Instructions:
    • Depends on the fiber content and weave structure.
    • Follow care label instructions.

Term: Weft

  • Definition: The crosswise yarns that run across the width of the fabric.
  • Key Characteristics:
    • Interlaces with warp yarns.
    • Provides the crosswise grain.
    • Contributes to fabric width.
  • Common Uses:
    • All woven fabrics.
    • Textile manufacturing.
  • Care Instructions:
    • Not applicable to care instructions directly, but weft is a factor in fabric properties.

Term: Weft Knitting

  • Definition: Knitting with weft yarns, creating stretchy and comfortable fabrics.
  • Key Characteristics:
    • Stretchy and comfortable.
    • Can create a variety of textures.
    • Examples: jersey, rib knit.
  • Common Uses:
    • T-shirts.
    • Sweaters.
    • Hosiery.
  • Care Instructions:
    • Depends on the fiber content.
    • Follow care label instructions.

Term: Wool

  • Definition: A natural animal fiber made of protein.
  • Key Characteristics:
    • Warm and insulating.
    • Naturally crimped.
    • Absorbent.
    • Can felt.
  • Common Uses:
    • Sweaters and knitwear.
    • Blankets.
    • Carpets.
  • Care Instructions:
    • Hand wash or dry clean recommended.
    • Use cool water and mild detergent.
    • Lay flat to dry.

Term: Worsted

  • Definition: A fine, smooth yarn spun from long-staple wool.
  • Key Characteristics:
    • Smooth and strong.
    • Fine and even.
    • Produces fabrics with a crisp appearance.
    • Less fuzzy than woolen yarns.
  • Common Uses:
    • Suits and tailored garments.
    • Fine knitwear.
    • High-quality wool fabrics.
  • Care Instructions:
    • Dry clean recommended.
    • Follow care label instructions.

Term: Waffle Knit

  • Definition: A knit fabric with a distinctive grid-like or "waffle" texture.
  • Key Characteristics:
    • Textured surface.
    • Good insulation.
    • Breathable.
    • Can be made from various fibers.
  • Common Uses:
    • Thermal underwear.
    • Blankets.
    • Sweaters.
    • Loungewear.
  • Care Instructions:
    • Machine washable.
    • Tumble dry on low heat.
    • Follow care label instructions.