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.