Fabrics: Weaves, Fibers, Prints and more. A through C
PROUD MEMBER
OF THE VINTAGE
FASHION GUILD
2009
                  A
Acetate
A man-made fiber that is flexible, yet firm. Formed by a compound of cellulose. It resists shrinkage, moths and mildew, but is not a
strong fabric as it breaks easily and has poor resistance to abrasion. It has a soft crisp feel and a lustrous face, which are its signature
characteristics.
Acrylic
A manufactured fiber that has a soft, wool-like feel, and uneven finish, and its fibers create a strong weave that is machine washable,
dryable, and resists shrinkage.
Angora
The hair of the Angora goat. Also known as Angora mohair. May also apply to the fur of the Angora rabbit.
Appliqué
A cutout decoration fastened to a larger piece of material.
Argyle
A design featuring interlinking diamond shapes of varying colors, in a diagonal checkerboard pattern. Thought to have been derived
from the tartan of Clan Campbell,  Argyll, Scotland.

    B

Bark Cloth
A printed, textured cotton fabric, popular from the 1930s to 1950s, featuring floral and leaf designs.
Batiste
An extremely fine, semi-sheer, lightweight, plain weave fabric. It is almost transparent and is usually made of cotton or cotton blends.
Bengaline
A fabric with a crosswise rib, traditionally made from silk, cotton or wool, but now predominantly made from acetate or polyester.
Bengaline is similar to faille but heavier in weight.
Bias Cut  
A fabric cutting technique that is used to achieve the most possible give by following the body’s natural
curves. This happens when the fabric is cut at a 45 degree angle across the length and width.  
Boucle
A knit or woven fabric made from a rough, curly, knotted boucle yarn. The fabric has a looped, knotted, curly surface and is often used
in coats.
Brocade
A heavy, exquisite, jacquard-type fabric with an all-over raised pattern or floral design.
Burnout
Fabric with an alternating solid and sheer see-through design, often in a floral or animal print, commonly seen
in velvets.

    C
Calender
A process to flatten fabric involving alternating smooth metal and cloth-wrapped rollers, similar to ironing. The process can also be used
to apply different finishes to pre-treated textiles, as well as to coat fabrics with plastics or rubber.
Camel Hair
A premium luxury material, similar in look and feel to cashmere, made from the under wool of the camel. Extremely soft, camel hair is
typically found in dressy jackets and overcoats.
Cambric
A fine thin white linen fabric, slightly heavier than muslin, that is closely woven and calendered to give a slight sheen on one side. The
material was originally a linen fabric woven in Cambrai in northern France.
Canvas
An extremely heavy-duty, plain weave fabric. Made from plied yarns and has an even weave.
Cashmere
A luxurious, incredibly soft fiber obtained from the Kashmir goat of Tibet, Mongolia, China, Iran, Iraq, and India. Most commonly used
in sweaters, shawls, suits, coats, and dresses.
Chambray
A plain woven fabric that can be made from cotton, silk, or manufactured fibers, but is most commonly cotton. It incorporates a colored
warp (often blue) and white filling yarns.
Chantilly lace
This lace has a net background, and the pattern is created by embroidering with thread and ribbon to create floral designs. The pattern
has areas of design that are very dense, and the pattern is often outlined with heavier cords or threads.
Charmeuse
Trade name of silk and silk-like fabrics that are characterized by a shiny, soft, satin-like appearance and a crepe like backside.
Chenille
Soft, fuzzy yarns stand out around a velvety cord on this fabric, whose name means  "caterpillar." in French.
Chiffon
A plain, woven, lightweight, extremely sheer, airy, and soft silk fabric, containing highly twisted filament yarns. The fabric, used mainly
in evening dresses and scarves, can also be made from rayon and other manufactured fibers. Has a slightly bumpy texture.
Chintz
A usually glazed printed cotton fabric.
Cotton
Soft white fibrous substance harvested from the seed pod of the cotton plant. Cotton is a breathable, natural
raw material used on its own or in blends to create new fabrics.  The Pima and Egyptian varieties, produce the highest quality cotton
fabrics.
Corduroy
An exceptionally durable fabric, usually made of cotton or a cotton blend, composed of twisted fibers that, when woven, lie parallel to
one another to form the cloth's distinct parallel ribbed pattern, a "cord."
Crepe
A fine, almost gauzelike fabric made of synthetic or natural fibers that are twisted to give a slightly crinkled texture. It can be found in a
variety of different weights and levels of sheerness. Crepes are dull with a harsh dry feel.
Crepe-back Satin
A satin fabric in which the wrong side has the crinkled texture of crepe, while the right side has a smooth, shiny satin finish.
Crinkled
Forming many short bends or ripples.
Crocheted
Loose, open knit made by looping thread with a hooked needle. Used for light, summer sweaters.