In the Catholic tradition, the zucchetto is most commonly made of silk or polyester fabric. The design utilises eight triangular panels that are joined to form a hemispherical skullcap. Jutting from the centre of the zucchetto at the top is the "stem", known as "stirpis" or "stirpes". It is made of a twisted loop of silk cord and is meant to make the handling of the zucchetto easier. The "stirpes" is the primary visual distinction between the zucchetto and the Jewish kippah.