ACETATE: A manufactured fibre formed by a compound of cellulose – refined from cotton linters and/or wood pulp – and acedic acid that has been extruded through a spinneret and then hardened.
ACRYLIC: A manufactured fibre
ACETATE: A manufactured fibre formed by a compound of cellulose – refined from cotton linters and/or wood pulp – and acedic acid that has been extruded through a spinneret and then hardened.
ACRYLIC: A manufactured fibre derived from polyacrylonitrile. Its major properties include a soft, wool-like hand, machine washable and dryable, excellent colour retention.
ALPACA: A natural hair fibre obtained from the Alpaca sheep, a domesticated member of the llama family. The fibre is most commonly used in fabrics for dresses, suits, coats, and sweaters.
ANGORA: The hair of the Angora goat. Also known as Angora mohair, Angora may also apply to the fur of the Angora rabbit. By law, any apparel containing Angora rabbit hair must be labelled as "Angora rabbit hair" on the garment.
APPLIQUE: A cut out decoration fastened to a larger piece of material.
BACKED CLOTH: A material with an extra warp or filling added for weight and warmth. Satin weave and twill weave constructions are frequently used in the design of backed cloth because they are relatively resistant to the passage of air
BALLISTIC: A thick woven, high denier fabric that is extremely abrasion resistant and tough. Used in apparel, packs, and gear.
BAMBOO: Bamboo fabric is a natural textile made from the pulp of bamboo grass. Bamboo fibre resembles cotton in its unspun form, a puffball of light, airy fibres. To make bamboo fibre, bamboo is heavily pulped until it separates into thin component threads of fibre, which can be spun and dyed for weaving into cloth. Bamboo is nature’s most sustainable resource. It is grown without pesticides or chemicals, is 100% biodegradable, and is naturally regenerative. Some bamboo species grow up to 4 feet per day.
BATISTE: A medium-weight, plain weave fabric, usually made of cotton or cotton blends. End-uses include blouses and dresses.
BEADED VELVET: Velvet with a cut-out pattern or a velvet pile effect, made on a Jacquard loom. This fabric is used primarily for evening wear.
BEFORD CORD: A cotton-like fabric with raised ridges in the lengthwise direction. Since the fabric has a high strength and a high durability, it is often used for upholstery and work clothes.
BENGALINE: A fabric with a crosswise ribbed effect made of rayon, nylon, cotton, or wool - often in combination.
BLEND: A term applied to a yarn or a fabric that is made up of more than one fibre. In blended yarns, two or more different types of staple fibres are twisted or spun together to form the yarn. An example of a typical blended yarn or fabric is polyester/cotton.
BOUCLE: A knit or woven fabric made from a rough, curly, knotted boucle yarn. The fabric has a looped, knotted surface and is often used in sportswear and coats.
BROADCLOTH: A plain weave tightly woven fabric, characterized by a slight ridge effect in one direction, usually the filling. The most common broadcloth is made from cotton or cotton/polyester blends. Originally a silk shirting fabric, it was so named because it was woven in widths exceeding the usual 29 inches.
BROCADE: A rich, Jacquard woven fabric with an all-over interwoven design of raised figures or flowers. The pattern is emphasized by contrasting surfaces or colours and often has gold or silver threads running through it.
BROCATELLE: A fabric similar to brocade with a satin or twill figure in high relief on a plain or satin background.
BUNTING: A soft, flimsy, loose-textured, plain weave cloth similar to cheesecloth. Can be either a cotton or wool fabric. Often used in flags.
BURLAP: A loosely constructed, heavy weight, plain weave fabric used as a carpet backing, and as inexpensive packaging for sacks of grain or rice. Burlap may also appear as a drapery fabric.
BUTCHER’S LINEN: A plain weave, stiff fabric with thick and thin yarns in both the warp and the filling. The fabric was originally made of linen but is now often duplicated in polyester or a variety of blends.
CALICO: A tightly-woven cotton-type fabric with an all-over print, usually a small floral pattern on a contrasting background colour. Common end-uses include dresses, aprons, and quilts.
CAMBRIC: A soft, white, closely woven, cotton or cotton blend fabric t