Descriptionary

acrylic a synthetic fiber derived from coal, water, petroleum, and limestone.

alpaca cousin of the llama, from which fleece of variegated color is obtained.

angora the hair of the Angora rabbit or Angora goat. antique lace see lace.

applique fabric pieces cut out and attached to another fabric for decorative effect.

argyle knit a decorative design pattern in which diamonds are crossed by narrow stripes, found on socks and sweaters.

artificial silk an early name for rayon.

awning stripes see stripes, awning.

bagheera a crease-resistant, uncut pile velvet.

bargello decorative needlepoint characterized by geometric designs, diamonds, and flames.

batik Indonesian dyeing method using wax to cover areas to be left undyed. It often has a streaked or veined appearance where dye has worked through cracks in the wax.

batiste a light, sheer, combed muslin.

beetling a method of pounding linen to produce a surface with a sheen.

bird's-eye a woven fabric with a bird's-eye or dot in the center of the pattern.

blister any design, such as a flower, that bumps out from the fabric.

bolt a quantity of fabric, usually from 15 to 20 yards. box pleat see pleat.

braid fabric made by interlacing three or more yarns or fabrics.

broadcloth a lustrous, tightly woven fabric having a fine rib.

brocade a heavy, jacquard-woven fabric having raised floral or other patterns, often made with metal­lic threads.

brushing a technique in which a fabric is combed by wire bristles to produce a nap, as in blankets or brushed denim.

buckskin deer or elk leather.

calico any fabric having small, bright, and colorful print designs.

canvas strong, plain-weave fabric, usually made of cotton. Also known as duck-cloth or sailcloth.

cashmere fabric or yarn made from the very soft wool that grows underneath the outer hair of the cashmere (Kashmir) goat.

cavalry twill a strong, twilled fabric used in uni­forms and riding breeches.

chalk stripe see stripes, chalk.

challis a soft, light fabric printed with bright floral patterns or paisley patterns.

chambray a fine, light gingham having a colored warp and a white filling.

chamois a soft, pliable leather from the chamois goat. Also, a cloth woven to imitate this leather.

chantilly see lace, chantilly.

check any small pattern of squares, woven or printed on a fabric.

check, houndstooth pointed checks.

check, pin very small checks.

chenille a soft, tufted cord used for fringes.

chiffon a sheer silk or rayon fabric, used in women's dresses.

chino a sturdy, twilled cotton fabric having a slight sheen, used in uniforms and men's work or casual pants.

chintz a glazed cotton fabric printed in bright designs, used mostly in drapes and upholstery.

cloque a blistered fabric.

corded a fabric having lengthwise ribs, as in cor­duroy.

corduroy corded, cut-pile fabric, usually made from cotton.

crepe a soft fabric having a crinkled surface.

damask a fabric having a heavy jacquard weave, used in tablecloths and in some clothing.

denim a coarse twill-weave fabric, used in jeans.

dobby a fabric with woven geometric figures.

duckcloth another name for canvas.

duffel cloth a thick, heavy fabric used in some coats.

dungaree heavy blue denim.

embroidery decorative stitches made with thread or yarn.

faille a finely ribbed, dressy fabric used in evening clothes and shoes.

fishnet a coarse fabric with holes, used for curtains and for hosiery.

flannel a soft wool or cotton fabric having a brushed surface.

fleece the wool of an animal.

flock waste fibers in near-powder form, applied in decorative patterns (flock printing) on other fabrics.

Fortrel trademark name for a polyester fiber.

foulard a plain or twill-weaved, lightweight, soft fabric used for neckties and scarves.

gabardine a strong, twill-weaved fabric, made from all types of fibers.

georgette a sheer, crepelike fabric, similar to chiffon.

gingham a yarn-dyed fabric woven with checks, plaids, or stripes.

glazed of a fabric, having a shiny surface. Also known as glace.

gossamer any very sheer, light fabric.

ground the background color on which other colors or designs are made.

harlequin a diamond design, from the original har­lequin costume of the 16th century.

Harris tweed hand-woven tweed, derived from yarns spun on islands off the coast of Scotland, including Harris Island.

heather resembling heather, referring to a misty effect on fabric produced by cross-dyeing or by using contrasting warp and filling yarns.

herringbone a twill weave with a V pattern.

honeycomb a weave that resembles a honeycomb pattern.

houndstooth see check, houndstooth.