Fabric Glossary Q-W

Q R S T V W

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.