Fabric Weaves : About Weaves, Weaves of Fabrics, Types of Weaves, Plain Weave, Satin Weave, Twill Weave, Basket

Weave, Jacquard weave, Rib Weave, Dobby Weave, Leno Weave, Oxford Weave, Cut Pile, Uncut Pile, Double Knit

About Weaves Plain Weave Satin Weave Twill Weave Basket Weave Jacquard Weave Rib Weave Dobby Weave Leno Weave Oxford Weave Cut Pile Uncut Pile Double Knit

Fabric Weave : Weave, About Weaves, Types of Fabric Weaves, Ancient Textile Art and Craft, Woven on Dobby and Jacquard Looms
Fabric weave is the pattern of weave or structure given to the fabric. It is an ancient textile art and craft, which places two, threads or yarn onto a warp and weft of a loom to produce a cloth. The woven cloth can be plain, in single color or in a simple pattern, or it may be woven in decorative or artistic designs. Fabrics are woven on jacquard looms or dobby looms. The simple weave is usually done on a dobby looms where as the complicated patterns are done on the jacquard looms. The weave on the jacquard looms is controlled by a computer. Jacquard looms are more popular and more economical. It weaves fast and in bulk.

Plain Weave : Weaves in Textiles, What is Plain Weave, Plain Weave Properties, Plain Weave Fabrics

What is Plain Weave

Plain weave is a basic style of weaves, which have the weft and warp threads interwined in an alternate way to produce a checkerboard effect. It is also known as one-up-one-down weave or over and under pattern. Plain weave is the simplest and most common interlacing of warp and weft. In this, the warp and weft are of equal tension and spacing and it is equally visible on the surface.

Plain Weave Characteristics / Plain Weave Properties

It is snag resistant. It wrinkles. It has lower tear strength.

Plain Weave Fabrics

Chiffon Cendal Habutai Honan Mousseline de Soie Ninnon Organza Pongee Rajah (trade name) - warp yarn is 4 thread organized - filling is heavier. Shantung Sharkskin Sheer - Mostly plain but could be various weaves. Spun Rayon Taffeta Tissue Taffeta Warp-print Taffeta Tussah - Usually plain but also in twill.

Satin Weave : What is Satin Weave, Satin Weave Properties, Satin Weave Fabric, Satin Weave Pattern

What is Satin Weave

Satin weave is a more flexible type of weave than the plain weave but it is more complicated. In this weave construction, the interlacing of the threads are arranged in such a way that the face of the cloth is covered with the warp yarn or filling yarn and no twill line is distinguishable. Satin Weave is made by "floating" warp or weft yarns across many yarns to bring them to the surface. The interlacing float over 4 or more than 4 yarns before a single interlacing like 4/1, 7/1 or 11/1. If filament fibers are used such as silk or nylon, the resulting fabric is termed as "satin." If the short-staple yarns are used like cotton, the corresponding fabric is said to be a "sateen." In satin, the float is in warp direction where as in sateen, it is in the filling direction.

Satin Weave Properties | Properties of Satin Weave

It is flat and lustrous with a smooth surface. The surface slides easily for linings. The long floats like 7/1 or 11/1 and filament fabrics are subject to snagging and is poor resistant to abrasion. The shorter floats like 4/1 or and spun fabrics may be tough, compact and durable with low luster.

Satin Weave Fabric | Satin Weave Pattern | Satin Fabric Brocade

The pattern may be satin on a twill ground or twill on a satin ground.

Brocatelle
Satin or twill pattern on plain or satin ground

Camocas
It had a satin base and was diapered like fine linen.

Crepe-back satin, satin-back crepe, crepe-satin, or satin-crepe

Satin weave on the face and a crepe effect on the back

Duchesse Satin Double-face Satin

Yarn woven with two warps and one filling, to simulate a double satin construction. Has satin on both sides.

Paillette Satin Peau de Soie Satin-back

Satin on one side and anything on the other.

Satin-back Crepe
A reversible cloth with satin on one side and crepe on the other.

Satin Faconne Slipper Satin Velvet Satin

Twill Weave : What is Twill Weave, Twill Weave Characteristics, Twill Weave Fabrics
What is Twill | Define Twill | Twill Definition
Twill weave is characterized by the effect of parallel diagonal ribs formed left-to-right or right-to-left. It is created by the interlacing of 2 or 3 warp threads over 1 or 2 filling thread in an alternate rows. The resulting fabric is more pliable and drapeable than the plain or basket weave but less pliable than satin. Twill weave which has more warps than the wefts floating on the face of the fabric is called warp faced and those with wefts predominating is known as weft faced.

Twill Weave Characteristics | Twill Characteristics

It has fewer interlacing than plain weave. It is durable and heavier. It is wrinkle resistant.

It is resistant to showing soil and soiling. The twill direction is defined as left or right hand or variation. It is more raveling than plain weave. It is more pliable drape and hand than plain weave.

Twill Weave Fabrics

Bayadere Brocade - The pattern may be satin on a twill ground or twill on a satin ground. Brocatelle - Satin or twill pattern on plain or satin ground. Covert cloth Drill Duchess - twill on back. Foulard Gabardine Herringbone Jean Jersey Serge Surah Ticking Tussah Velvet - Mostly made with a plain back but some with a twill. Worsted cheviot

Basket Weave : Basket Weaving, What is Basket Weave, How to Basket Weave, Basket Weave Fabric
What is Basket Weave | How to Basket Weave
Basket weave is a variation of the plain weave. In this, two or more than two warps yarns cross alternately side-byside with two or more than two filling yarns. This type of weave resembles a plaited basket. In basket weave the fabrics have a loose construction and a flat appearance. The weave is more pliable and stronger than a plain weave but it is not as stable. It is less smooth but have a pleasant texture surface.

Basket Weave Fabric

Basket weave is typically used in composites industry. It is also used as outerwear, monk's cloth and drapery fabrics

Jacquard Weave : What is Jacquard Weave, Characteristics of Jacquard Weave, Jacquard Weave Fabric, Uses of Jacquard Weave
What is Jacquard Weave / Jacquard Weave Definition
Jacquard weave is used to produce patterned fabrics. The intricate patterns or figures are created all over the fabrics. It is woven on a jacquard loom. Jacquard loom differs with standard looms. It has a jacquard attachment or a punch card. In jacquard loom, the warp yarns is individually controlled and not in groups. This allows creating more complex designs. Jacquard weave was invented by a French named Joseph Marie Jacquired. Fabrics of jacquard weave are costly because it involves more time and skill in making the Jacquard cards to produce new pattern. Moreover the weaving operation is also very slow.

Characteristics of Jacquard Weave | Jacquard Characteristics

The fabrics have the tendency to have floats. It has luster contrasts. It has snagging potential. It is more stable and resilient than the basic weaves.

Jacquard Weave Fabric

Brocade

Brocatelle Matelasse Satin Faconne - Jacquard figured fabric with an all-satin weave background.

Uses of Jacquard Weave

Jacquard weave is used for upholstery and drapery materials like brocades, brocatelles, tapestries, and matelasses.

Rib Weave : Rib Weave Fabric, Characteristics of Rib Weave, Properties of Rib Weave, Fabrics with Rib Weave
Rib weave is a basic weave pattern which is characterized by prominent ribs in the weft. In this type of weave, the warp yarns and the filling yarns are of different widths. Usually the filling yarns are fatter than the warp yarns. Rib Weave Creates a series of horizontal ribs.

Properties of Rib Weave

Rib weave has a substantially higher number of yarns per inch only in one direction. Several yarns are grouped together to form one. The resulting fabrics of rib weave are abrasion resistant and have tear strength.

Rib Weave Fabrics

Bayadere Broadcloth Cord fabric Faille Ottoman Poplin Shantung Taffeta

Dobby Weave : What is Dobby Weave, Characteristics of Dobby Weave, Dobby Fabrics, Dobby Textiles, Uses of Dobby Weave

What is Dobby Weave / What is Dobby

Dobby weave is a patterned fabric like jacquard weave but the patterns are smaller. Dobby Weave produces an allover figured fabrics. The figures are bird's eye, small diamonds with a dot at the center, or smaller geometric patterns. The construction of the Dobby weave is very complex and the design is repeated frequently. Dobby weave is created on dobby machines. The machine selectively raises some warp threads and selectively depresses others with the help of a dobby card. Dobbies vary in weight or compactness. It ranges from very fine to coarse and fluffy yarns. The standard dobbies are generally flat and relatively fine or sheer.

Dobby Fabrics / Dobby Textiles

Brocade Moss Crepe Matelasse

Uses of Dobby Weave

A good example of dobby weave is stripes or waffle cloth but the designs need to be straight vertically or horizontally.

Heavyweight dobby fabrics are used as home furnishings and for heavy apparel.

Leno Weave : What is Leno Weave, Leno Weave Fabric, Mock Leno Weave, Leno Weaving, Uses of Leno Weave
What is Leno Weave / Leno Weaving
Leno weave has two or more warp threads crossing over each other and interlacing with one or more than one filling threads. A leno weave fabric is very sheer and durable with no yarn slippage. It is stronger and firmer permitting the passage of both light and air through it. Leno weave fabric is also called as gauze or doup weave. The fabric was primarily used to prevent shifting of fibers in the open weave fabrics. It maintains uniformity of threads and minimises the distortion of threads

Mock Leno Weave

A Woven Fabric Made On a Dobby Loom With an Open Mesh Design that Simulates a Leno Weave by Interlacing and Grouping the Warp and Weft Yarns with Spaces Between the Groups. Warp Yarns are Not Paired as in a true Leno Weave.

Characteristics of Leno Weave

It has open-weave effect. It has low yarn count. It is a good dimensional stability. It has lesser yarn slippage.

Leno Weave Fabric

Gauze Grenadine Net Tulle

Uses of Leno Weave

Grinding wheel reinforcement Light-weight membrane Laminating fabrics Merquisette Blankets (medium weight)

Types of Leno weaves

Mock Leno Weave

Oxford Weave : Oxford Weave Fabric, Characteristics of Oxford Weave, Uses of Oxford Weave, Oxford Fabric
Oxford weave fabric consists of two, thin warp yarns woven to every soft, thicker yarn in the filling direction. The unbalanced construction of the fabric causes the thin yarns to break and leave tiny holes. Oxford Weave is fine, soft and lightweight. Oxford weave is commonly found in cotton shirting but is also available in a wide variety of fibers and weights. It is mainly used in apparel.

Manufacturers make use of a high twist in the yarn to stop or minimise the development of holes, but oxford weave do develope tiny pinholes. All the yarns in shirts made of oxford weave receive the same care, but the constant abrasion in the wear causes the thin yarns to weaken and tear.

Characteristics of Oxford Weave

It is fine. It is soft. It is lightweight.

Uses of Oxford Weave

The primary use of oxford weave fabric is in cotton shirting. It is also used in other forms of apparel.

Cut Pile : Overview of Cut Pile, Characteristics of Cut Pile, Cut Pile Fabric
Cut pile is a carpet fabric. In this type of weave the face of the carpet is composed of cut ends of pile yarn. The tops of the loops are cut in an uniform length. Cut Pile is one of the most popular constructions for carpets. Cut Pile is durable but the durability depends upon the type of fiber, density of the tufts and the amount of twist in the yarn. The cut pile is always twisted so that the shape is maintained uniformly. The tighter the twist is, the less bulky is the carpet, which does not show the footprints. Looser twisting creates a luxurious look and feel but it does not hold its shape well.

Cut Pile Fabric

Cisele Velvet Velvet Satin Velour - Heavier than velvet. Saxony - This is a dense cut pile where the yarns are treated to make each tuft end distinguishable at the surface.

Uncut Pile : Loop Pile, Characteristics of Uncut Pile, Fabrics with Uncut Pile, Uses of Uncut Pile, Loop Pile Carpet, Loop Pile Fabric
Uncut pile, also known as loop pile or rounded loops, is a finish of the fabric without cutting the yarns. The Fabrics with uncut pile is very strong because the loops of the yarn run continuously from face of the carpet through its back.

Added backing helps to strengthen it further. The regularity or irregularity of the loops, the height and texture of the yarn is determined by the surface and texture of the uncut pile. The strongest carpet is made with uncut pile weave. Uncut pile has clear detail in design. It is soft, beautiful and hugs the floor better. It has more longevity than other carpet weaves. Hand towels, bath towels, extra large and beach towels are uncut piles for greater wear of the fabric

Loop Pile Fabric

Terry Cloth Terry Velour - A pile weave cotton fabric with an uncut pile on one side and a cut pile on the reverse side. Moquette - A warp-pile upholstery fabric. The pile may be either cut or uncut, or patterned with cut and uncut pile.

French Terry - A knitted fabric that is smooth on one side and has an uncut loop pile on the underside. Not quite as heavy as Fleece.

Frise - Made usually with uncut loops in all-over pattern. Cisele Velvet - A velvet with a pattern formed by contrast in cut and uncut loops

Double Knit : What is Double Knit, History of Double Knit, Characteristics of Double Knit, Uses of Double Knit, Cotton Double Knit, Wool Double Knit
What is Double Knit
Double knit is a circular knit fabric, which has loops on both sides, front as well as back. Double knit is made with a double set of needles to create a double thickness of fabric. Each thickness of the Double knit fabric is joined by interlocking stitches. An article of double knit is a two faced clothe. Either side can be utilized as the right side. Double knit fabrics a type of fabric originated in Milan and Florence. Double knit fabric is constructed on multi-feed circular knitting machines. The two layers of loops formed is not possible to separate. The Double knit fabric is very sturdily constructed and is heavier in weight. Double knit fabric controls the shrinkage and dry-cleans well.

Types of Double a Knit

Cotton Double Knit Wool Double Knit

Cotton, wool, worsted, silk, rayon and synthetics are favourable for double knit.

Uses of Double Knit

Pants Skirts Tunics Jackets Scarfs Hats Doublets Bandages (the single knit curls)

Fabrics : About Fabrics, Types of Fabric, Fabric Characteristics, Uses of Fabrics, Fabric Testing

About Fabrics Batik Fabric Dyed Fabric Embroidered Fabric Printed Fabric Painted Fabric Cotton Fabric Silk Fabric Wool Fabric Leather Fabric Hemp fabric Coir Fabric Jute Fabric Linen Fabric Ramie Fabric Fabric Blends Acetate Fabric Acrylic Fabric Latex Fabric Nylon Fabric Polyester Fabric Rayon Fabric

Spandex Fabric Fabric Textures Corduroy Fabric Denim Fabric Diaper Cloth Dimity Fabric Drill Fabrics Duck Fabric Flannel Fabric Gauze Fabric Lawn Fabric Matelasse Fabric Muslin Fabric Organdy Fabric Sheeting Fabric Terry Fabric Velvet fabric Poplin Fabric Chintz Fabric Chenille Fabric Chambray Fabric Velour Fabric Voile Fabric Silk Fabric Textures Brocade Fabric Crepe Fabric Chiffon Fabric Faille Fabric Georgette Fabric Pesu de soie Organza Fabric Broadcloth Fabric Charmeuse Fabric Taffeta Fabric Damask Fabric Tulle Fabric Wool Fabric Textures Beaver Cloth Challis Fabric Cheviot Fabric Chinchilla Cloth Gabardine Fabric Herringbone Wool

Homespun Wool Houndstooth Check Lambsdown Loden Fabric Oatmeal Cloth Panama Cloth Tweed Fabric Linen Fabric Characteristics Venise Fabric Butcher's Linen Leather Fabric Textures Aniline Leather Nubuck Leather Suede Leather Corrected Leather Crust Leather PU Coated Leather Distressed Leather Embossed Leather Sauvage Leather Split Leather Fabric Comparison Chart Fabric Finish Coated Fabric Felted Fabric Handmade Fabric Knitted Fabric Non Woven Fabric Stitched Fabric Woven Fabric Apparel Fabric Beachwear Fabric Blanket Fabric Curtain Fabric Drapery Fabric Home Furnishing Fabric Hosiery Fabric Industrial Fabric Interlining Fabric Mattress Fabric Outdoor Fabric Packing Fabric Pintuck Fabric

Quilting Fabric Rug and Carpet Fabric Tapestry Fabric Tent Fabric Tarpaulin Fabric Umbrella Fabric Upholstery Fabric Fiberglass Fabric Filter Fabric Carbon Fabric Vinyl Fabric PTFE Fabric Crewel Fabric Stretch Fabric Reflective Fabric Polyethylene Fabric Narrow Fabric Laminated Fabric Flocked Fabric Flame Resistant Fabric Marquees and Awnings Canvas Fabric Metal Fabric Fabric Finishes Identification Of Fabrics Fabric Testing Barre in Fabrics

About Fabrics : What is a Fabric, Define Fabric, Fabric Definition, Fabric Applications, Fabric Uses
What is a Fabric | Define fabric | Fabric Definition
A fabric is a flexible material formed as a result of interlacing of natural or synthetic fibers (thread or yarn) formed by weaving or knitting. In textile trade, the term fabric is often used as a synonym for cloth. Fabric is formed from different types of fibers sourced from vegetables, animals, minerals etc. These fibers are then processed into yarns, which are finally used for manufacturing different types of fabrics. A variety of fabrics are manufactured either wholly from a particular fiber or blended with different fibers for obtaining certain required properties. The last century has seen the formation of different types of fabric used in a large number of industries.

Fabric are manufactured in wide varieties and design. And the different design and effect is produced on the fabric with the help for various mechanism which is helpful to from different weaves and lots of design which enhances the look of apparels.

Fabric Applications | Fabric Uses

A variety of fabrics find application in

Home Furnishings Industrial Furnishings Apparels and Garments Draperies Automotives Medical Institutions Geo Textiles Boating Toys Furniture

Batik Fabric : Batik, What is Batik Fabric, What is Batik, Define Batik, Batik Definition, Meaning of Batik, Batik Process, How to Batik, Batik Method, How to Make a Batik, Uses of Batik

What is Batik Fabric | What is Batik | Define Batik | Batik Definition | Meaning of Batik
Batik is an art that applies specialized method to dye the fabric, commonly cotton or silk. The popular batik patterns are flowers, plants, birds, animals, insects and some of the geometric forms. There are more than 3,000 of such designs or patterns. The invention of computer has added more new and exciting patterns to the existing collections. The word batik is believed to be originated from the word 'ambatik', meaning 'a cloth with little dots'. 'Tik' also mean little dot, drop, point or to make dots. It is also thought that, batik may have been derived from the Javanese (in Java)

word 'tritik' which means a dying process where the patterns are done after tying and sewing the areas. It was similar to tie dye techniques. True origin of batik is a mystery. Evidence of batik has been found some 2000 years ago in Middle East, India and Central Asia. Batik is most prevalent on the Indonesian Island of Java. The batik of Indonesia is unique and unparalleled. Today, Malaysia and Indonesia is leading in batik industry. The industry is also thriving in the Philippines, Thailand, Germany, Dutch, China and some of the African countries. The finest batik cloth is still made in Java, Indonesia.

Batik Process | How to Batik

In the batik process, the area where the pattern is to be done is not painted. Instead, wax is applied to the area which has to go pattern-less. The fabric is then immersed in dye. The area, which is wax-free, gets colored. The fabric is dried and then heated to remove the wax from the fabric. The more number of colors the fabric has, the process has to be repeated. The ancient method of batik process involved drawing on the cloth with a wooden pen and then wax it, known as 'canting'. But with the rise of Industrial Revolution in the 19th century, large copper stamps, or 'caps' was developed, which allowed for large scale application of wax. Previously, batik fabrics and garments were worn by upper class people only but today it is available for general population

Batik Method | How to Make a Batik

There are different ways to create batik. The splash processes of batik splashes or pours the wax onto the cloth. Stencil is used in screen-printing process of batik. The hand painting is done with the help of a pen filled with wax. Scratch and starch resist is some of the other methods involved in batik painting.

Uses of Batik
Batik is widely used to apparel, home furnishing, canvas, wall hangings, tablecloths, scarves and household accessories. Batik sarees are very popular in India as well as around the world. Batik paintings by artists grace homes and offices.

Dyed Fabric : Types of Dyeing, Acid Dyeing, Basic Dyeing, Direct Dyeing, Substantive Dyeing, Mordent Dyeing, Vat Dyeing, Reactive Dyeing, Disperse Dyeing, Azoic Dyeing
Dyed fabric is the fabric, which has been made from the colored fibers. Dyed Fabric is colored by substances, which has an affinity to the substrate to the fabric it is applied to. These dyes are obtained from animal, vegetable or mineral origin with no or very little processing

Animal origin dyes are like Tyrian purple, Kermes, cochineal. Vegetable origin dyes are contributed by safflower, turmeric, indigo, woad, alizarin (madder), logwood, etc. Iron buff is a good example of inorganic dyes Mauveine was the first man made organic dye discovered by William Henry Perkin in 1856. Uncountable number of dyes have since then been prepared improving the properties with every attempt. The fastness of the color and its permanency depends upon the dye and the process used.

Types of Dyeing / Types of Dyes Acid Dyeing / Acid Dye

In Acid Dyeing process, water-soluble anionic dyes are applied to fibers from neutral to acid dyebaths. Usually fibers of silk, wool, nylon and modified acrylic are dyed.

Basic Dyeing / Basic Dye

In Basic Dyeing Process Water soluble cationic dyes are applied mainly to acrylic, wool and silk fibers.

Direct Dyeing or Substantive Dyeing / Direct Dye or Substantive Dye

Direct Dyeing process uses either sodium chloride or sodium sulphate in neutral or little alkaline dyebath. Usually cotton, paper, leather, wool, silk and nylon is dyed.

Mordant Dyeing / Mordant Dye

Mordant Dyeing process requires the use of mordent (a dyeing substance) to improve the fastness of the dye on the fiber like water, light and perspiration fastness.

Vat Dyeing / Vat Dye

In Vat Dyeing process dye is insoluble in water and does not dye fiber directly. Reduction in alkaline liquor gives the water soluble alkali metal salt of the dye. This form dyes the textile fiber.

Reactive Dyeing / Reactive Dye

In Reactive Dyeing dye contain a reactive group, haloheterocycle or activated double bond. It is applied to the fiber in a weakly alkaline dyebath, which forms a chemical bond with an hydroxyl group on the cellulosic fiber.

Disperse Dyeing / Disperse Dye

In Disperse Dyeing a substantially water insoluble, developed for dyeing cellulose acetate. The dyes are ground finely in the presence of a dispersing agent. It is in the form of paste, spray dried, or powders. It is used to dye nylon, triacetate, polyester and acrylic fibers.

Azoic Dyeing / Azoic Dye

In Azoic Dyeing an insoluble azo dye is produced directly onto or within the fiber in this process. This is achieved by the treatment with a diazo component and a coupling component.

Embroidered Fabric : Embroidery History, Types of Embroidered Fabrics, Assisi Embroidery, Bargello or Florentine Embroidery, Blackwork Embroidery, Bunka Sishu, Canvas Work, Counted Thread Embroidery, Crewel Embroidery, Cross-Stitch, Drawn Thread Work,
Embroidered fabric is made by stitching strands of a material on another material layer to give a decorative designs and patterns. Embroidery is done to decorate clothing and household furnishings like table linens, tray cloths, towels and bedding. It is also used as a form of art through the creation of pictures in tapestries and wall hangings. Most embroidery is done by using thread or wool stitched onto a woven fabric. Traditionally embroidery was done by hand but now it is also machine embroidered. Machine embroidery can be used for both, creative work on individual pieces as well as for mass produced clothing products. Literally any evenly woven fabric can be embroidered.

Embroidery History
The use of embroidered fabric dates back to 3000 BC in Egypt. Since then different culture has contributed their unique designs and technique. The Chinese mastered in silk-thread embroidery. Scandinavians counted techniques like Hardanger in evenweave fabrics. Indians elaborated in gold and metal embroideries where as Italians crafted delicate laces and cutwork.

Types of Embroidered Fabrics Assisi Embroidered Fabric / Assisi Embroidery

It is counted thread embroidery from Italian town of Assisi started in the 13th century. It is also known as voiding, a negative embroidery, where background is filled while the motif is left blank.

Bargello Embroidered Fabric or Florentine Embroidered Fabric / Bargello Embroidery or Florentine Embroidery
This is also called Flame stitch, which uses a unique stepped satin stitch.

Blackwork Embroidered Fabric / Blackwork Embroidery

This is a simple form of embroidery where black thread is used on white or off-white fabric.

Bunka Sishu Embroidered Fabric / Bunka Sishu Embroidery

This is a Japanese embroidery style originating in the 20th century. It creates very detailed pictures, which looks like oil paintings.

Canvas Work Embroidered Fabric / Canvas Work Embroidery

This is embroidery on canvas.

Counted-thread Embroidered Fabric / Counted thread Embroidery

This produces a symmetrical image because the warp and weft fabric threads are evenly spaced. Evenweave fabric is usually used and the fabric threads are counted by the embroidered before starting the embroidery.

Crewel Embroidered Fabric / Crewel Embroidery

This is at least a thousand years old. The word crewel is derived from the curl in the staple of the wool. Crewel wool has a long staple and can be strongly twisted apart from its being fine. It is free style embroidery.

Cross-Stitch Embroidered Fabric / Croos sttich Embroidery

This is a popular form of counted-thread embroidery where X-shaped are used to form a picture. Other stitches like , and are also termed as cross-stitch.

Drawn Thread Work Embroidered Fabric / Drawn Thread Embroidery

This is also a form of counted-thread embroidery, but here the threads from the warp and the weft of even weave fabric piece is removed and are grouped or bundled together into a variety of patterns.

Goldwork Embroidered Fabric / Goldwork Embroidery

The use of gold upon the fabric.

Hardanger Embroidered Fabric / Hardanger Embroidery

This is a form of embroidery which is worked in white yarn of a colored Hardanger cloth by using drawn thread work.

Whitework Embroidered Fabric / Whitework Embroidery

This is white embroidery done on white material in mercerized cottons.

Printed Fabrics : What is Fabric Printing, Types of Fabric Printing, Block Printing, Roller Printing, Pigment Printing, Copperplate Printing, Dye Sublimation, Direct Printing

A printed fabric has a pattern printed on it either with ink or dye. It is usually a flat fabric woven from a variety of threads such as acrylics, nylons, cottons and polyesters cotton. Printed fabrics are tightly woven with rich woven designs and patterns. It adds color and glamour to the fabrics with bright printed floral or subtle replicating patterns, simple earth tones or fake fur fluorescent. Printed fabric is a traditional choice for upholstered furniture. The printed designs are usually associated with thinner and delicate fabrics. It is the mainstay of the garment and soft furnishings industries.

What is Fabric Printing Fabric Printing / Types of Fabric Printing Block Printing
Block Printing was first developed in China. In this type of printing the carvers use to carve fine work on wooden block and then cover it with ink. The wood is pressed upon the fabric to create duplicate pattern of the original.

Roller Printing
In Roller type of printing, the fabric is fed into a giant set of rollers where a one of the rollers continually imparted a design on the fabric as it rolled past. Usually vertical lines are created on the fabric by this process.

Pigment Printing
Pigment Printing is the process where pigment is used for printing.

Copperplate Printing
Copperplate Printing process was used on silk which is a pattern printed by disposition. Pen is available in fabric stores that is used to draw on paper and then set the paper over the fabric and press it with hot iron. New technique use paper that is run through an inkjet printer and then ironed on to fabric.

Dye Sublimation
In Dye Sublimation Process, an image is digitally printed in reverse with a special type of dye sublimation toners or inks onto regular media. The image is placed on top of polyester. In scientific terms, a material is directly converted into a gaseous state from solid dying the threads.

Direct Printing
Direct Printing is a type of digital printing to fabric which accepts the ink from inkjet coated printer similar to inkjet paper

Painted Fabric : Fabric Painting Patterns, Fabric Floral Patterns, Fabric Geometric Patterns, Fabric Craft Patterns, Hand Painted Fabric

Painting on fabrics are a very old method of decorating the cloths made. It is done by hand. Painted fabric is popular in wall hangings, tablecloths and bedsheets. Different patterns in different colors are painted to add to the decor of the room. Garments are also painted to enhance the beauty of the cloth.

Fabric Painting Patterns

Fabric Floral Pattern Fabric Geometric Pattern Fabric Craft Patterns

Usually floral designs are popular. In wall hangings, religious figures are also painted and used for religious occasions.

Uses of Hand Painted Fabric

Wall hangings Table cloths Garments Upholstery

Cotton Fabric : Process of Creating Cotton Fabric, Ginning, Spinning, Weaving, Fabric Finishes and Treatments, Singeing, Desizing, Scouring, Bleaching, Mercerizing, Dyeing, Finishing, Characteristics of Cotton Fabric, Uses of Cotton Fabric

Cotton is a soft fibre that grows around the seeds of the cotton plant, a shrub native to the tropical and subtropical regions of both the Old World and the New World. The fibre is most often spun into thread and used to make a soft, breathable textile. Cotton Fabric is noted for its versatility and its natural comfort. Cotton cloth has been used since primitive ages dating back to about 3000 B.C. Today, the main uses of cotton is in the form of garments, home furnishings , and industrial cloths. Cloth made of cotton is more comfortable, durable and suitable to resist all kinds of weather. The comfort quality of the cotton is due to its twisted or coiled shape. It traps air within the fabric structure and help for a thermal insulation process, resulting protection from heat in summer and cold in winter For the fabrics strength, absorbency quality, capacity to be washed and dyed, cotton has become the principal clothing fabric of the world. It is obtained from a bushy plant scientifically known as Gossypium. The fruit (boll) part of the plant is used to make cotton fabric. There are four main types of cotton namely

American Upland Cotton Egyptian Cotton Sea Island Cotton Asiatic Cotton

In the world production of cotton, China is the leading followed by United States, India, Pakistan, Brazil, Turkey and Greece. Today, production of cotton is one of the major factors in world prosperity and economic stabilit

Process of Creating the Cotton Fabric

Cotton fiber undergoes several process to reach the stage of final cloth. The processes are as mentioned below:

Ginning
Ginning is the method of separating the cotton fibers from the seedpods, and sometimes with the sticky seeds. This is done in the cotton field with the help of machines.

Spinning
Spinning is the succeeding step to ginning. This process involves the making of yarn from the cotton fiber. The cotton yarns are made of different thickness in this stage.

Weaving
Weaving is the most important process in the making of cotton cloth. In this process, two yarn is placed to make warp and weft of a loom which successively turn them into a cloth.

Fabric Finishes and Fabric Treatments

After weaving the cotton fabric passes through different processing stages till it reaches to the state of final product. The stages are mentioned below, but it is not necessary for the fabric to undergo all the process for e.g. grain bags cloth are used unbleached.

Singeing
Singeing process burns off the fibers sticking in the goods.

Desizing
Desizing process involves removing the size material from warp yarns in woven fabrics.

Scouring
The cleaning part of the fabrics are involved in Scouring process.

Bleaching
The fabrics are bleached here to make it more whiter and lighter.

Mercerizing
In this process, the fabric is immersed in alkali to make it more strong, shining, durable, shrink free and stretch free.

Dyeing
Dyeing process involves the changing of the fabric color by the treatment with a dye.

Finishing
Finishing process, the fabric is treated with some chemicals or other useful agents to make it qualitatively more better, for e.g. cotton is made sun protected by treating it with UV protecting agent.

Characteristics of Cotton Fabric

It is soft and comfortable. It has good strength.

It is easy to handle and sew.It drapes well. It is flame retardant. It is machine-washable and dry-cleanable. It is hydrophilic, which means that cotton have excellent absorbing capabilities. Garments made of cotton absorb perspiration, thus keeping one more comfortable.

Cotton wrinkles easily. To resist this, cotton is being blended with many other natural or synthetic fibers. The blending of cotton also gives a bouncy and elasticity property to the cotton. 100% untreated cotton fabric has pleasant matte luster. It is hypoallergenic, which means it has a low tendency to cause allergic reactions.

Uses of Cotton Fabric Cotton Apparel / Garments

Garments made of cotton are very soft, comfortable and weather friendly. They are either 100% or blended with some natural or synthetic fibers. Normally all types of garments are made of cotton fabrics; formal, casual and even industrial clothing.

Cotton Home Furnishing

Cotton home furnishing is preferred because of the fabrics strength and durability characteristics. A good example of cotton home furnishing is rugs or durries, draperies and curtains, bedding products, etc.

Cotton Handbags and Luggages

Due to strength, cotton handbags and luggages are more widely preferred. The heavier cotton fabric is used in these kind of products.

Cotton Canvas
Medium to heavyweight cotton fabric is used in range of canvas products like shoes, tents, tarpaulins, etc. Apart from these, cotton fabrics are also used in medical and surgical products, bookbinding cloths and tobacco cloths.

Silk Fabric : What is Silk Fabric, Silk Production, Washing Silk, Silk Weaving, Silk Dyeing, Silk Fabric Properties, Silk Fabric Uses
What is Silk Fabric

Silk fabric is known for its softness, luster, beauty and luxurious look. It is one of the higher grade fabrics, which gives the wearer comfort in all types of weather. It keeps the body cool in summer and warm in winter. It is the strongest natural fabric in the world. It is said that silk was discovered during 2640 B.C. in China. Chinese Empress, Hsi Ling Shi studied the silkworm and learned the art of unwinding the silk from the cocoon and made silk fabric from it. This was the beginning of silk industry in China. Today it holds over 50% of the silk production in the world. Japan ranks second followed by Brazil and India. Indian silk textiles are popular worldwide because of its sheer variety of designs, weaving and quality. Thai silk is one of the most valued fabrics in the world. USA is the world's leading manufacturer of silk products and France and Italy are the leading manufacturers of high value sophisticated silk fabrics in Europe Luxurious and expensive dresses and home furnishings are made of silk fabric. Silk wedding gowns, sarees, kurtas, scarves, silk evening wear and suits are widely used for their elegant look, lustrous shine and sumptuous feel. The different varieties of silk are Chiffon, Georgette, Organza, Crepe de Chine, Duponi, Noil, Pongee, Shantung, Tussar, etc.

Silk Production From Cocoon to Yarn

Silk from cultivated silkworms is more used though silk of wild worms is also valuable. The worms feed on mulberry leaves and increases their body size by nearly 10,000 times in a short span of time. The worm ceases to eat by the end of thirty days and attach itself to a piece of straw and begins to spin its cocoon. After the spinning of cocoon and before the hatching of the worm into a moth, the cocoon is soaked in hot water unraveling and producing long size thread. This fine thread is the basic component of silk yarn and fabric.

Washing Silk and Bleaching of the Silk Threads

The natural fiber extracted from the silkworm holds some glutinous substance (gummy substance or glue) which is removed by washing and bleaching.

Silk Weaving
Weaving is a process where the fabric is created by interlacing the warp yarns and the weft yarns. It is either done by machines or hand. Hand woven fabric is better than the machine woven. It can make delicate designs with different colored thread. Modern machines use lances, projectiles, a jet of compressed air to shoot the weft-yarn between the warp-yarns. It leads to greater yield and productivity. A good quality of silk begins with a warp of approximately 2,000 threads for one meter width. 1,600 threads or 1,800 threads are considered to be poor quality fabric. Loosely woven fabrics are difficult to sew.

Silk Dyeing, Silk Printing, Silk Finishing

There are two main types of silk fabrics. One which is yarn-dyed or dyed-woven, like taffeta, duchess satin and many pattern-woven fabrics. The other type is piece-dyed fabrics, which is carried out after weaving, like crepes, twills, etc. The dyeing process gives the silk different shades. Printing is giving pattern to the fabric. It is either done by block-printing method, roller-printing method or screen printing. Screen printing is widely used in silk fabrics. Embroidery process gives embellishment and the perfect finish to the fabric to make it look more beautiful. All fabrics has to be finished. It is here the fabric gets the desired appearance and feel. Finishing process is either physical or chemical. It give treatments like crease-proofing, water-proofing, fire-proofing, etc.

Final Soaking in a Chemical Solution

This process helps to preserve the sheen and luster of the silk fabric. It adds weight and makes the fabric soft, smooth, easy to iron and wrinkle resistant.

Silk Fabric Characteristics / Silk Fabric Properties

Silk is very smooth and luxurious. Wild silks are an exception. They are dull with coarse hand and texture. It is comfortable and has a very good absorbent quality. It is the strongest natural fabric. It is not a good resistant to abrasion. Impurities in the air and direct sunlight fades the color of a silk fabric. Perspiration and sunlight weakens the silk fabrics. Cloth made of silk water-spots easily. Hence it is recommended that silk garments should be dry-cleaned. Silk fabric do not resist wrinkle. Silk fabric is also used in computerized clothing to conduct electricity.

Silk Fabric Uses Apparel/Garments

The soft, luster and supple feel of silk has made it widely used as apparels. The absorbent quality is an added advantage in silk cloth which keeps the body comfortable in all types of weather. All types of garments like sarees, shirts, skirts, blouses, suits, gown, etc. are made of silk. Silk made garments are of formal use.
Home Furnishing

Silk fabric is used in different products of home furnishing which gives the room a luxurious look like sheets, pillowcases, and throws. Since silk is not a good resistant to abrasion, it should be taken extra care.
Medical Textiles

A medicated silk fabrics has been developed which keeps the body part un-affected from cuts, burns, and bedsores. These medicated silk textiles are also antibacterial.

Wool Fabric : What is Wool Fabric, Types of Wool Fabric, Chenille Fabric, Felt Fabric, Flannel Fabric, Gabardine Fabric, Melton Fabric, Tweed Fabric, Worsted Fabric, Wool Fabric Characteristics, Wool Fabric Properties, Uses of Wool Fabric

What is Wool Fabric

Wool fabric gives warmth and attractive appearance. It is soft, yet strong and very durable. It wicks away perspiration from the body and keeps the wearer dry while sweating and cool when it is hot. It does not wrinkles easily and is a resistant to dirt and wear and tear. The fabric never burns over a flame but only smoulders. Wool fabric does not only come from sheep. A widely used cashmere sweaters are made from goats originated in Kashmir (India). Mohair wool fabric is obtained from angora goat and angora wool fabric from angora rabbit. The name angora has been derived from the place Angora (Ankara) in Turkey, where these animals originated. Alpaca wool fabric comes from the hair of alpaca animal, a member of the camel family. Wool, as clothing is being used for over twelve thousand years. The first wool factory was established in Winchester (England) in 50 A.D. by the Romans. In 1797, thirteen merino sheep was brought to Australia by the British to start merino sheep industry. Today, Australia is the leading producer of wool fabric.

Types of Wool Fabric Chenille Fabric

Chenille Fabric has a fur-like texture, which is created when warp threads are woven in groups. It gives a chunky feel and is used for both clothing and upholstery.

Felt Fabric
Felt Fabric is not a woven fabric but is created by matting or bonding fibers. Hats and occasional skirts or coats are made from felt.

Flannel Fabric
Flannel Fabric is soft and are made of a plain or twilled weave which are slightly napped on one side i.e. a little fuzzy on one side.

Gabardine Fabric
Gaberdine fabric has a clear-surface, twill weave and a fine diagonal rib effect. A good example of gabardine is coats, suits, trousers, skirts, and dresses.

Melton Fabric
Melton Fabric is thicker woolen fabric and is made of twill or satin weave with a smooth surface. Due to its thickness, it is used for coats.

Tweed Fabric
Tweed Fabric is heavier wool fabric with rough texture and used for suits and coats.

Worsted Fabric
Worsted fabric are woolen fabrics are hardy, made of smooth yarn and are used for suits and coats.

Wool Fabric Characteristics / Wool Fabric Properties

It is warm. It resists wrinkle. It resists wear and tear. It is light-weight and durable.

It absorbs moisture. It retains shape. It resists flames. It smoulders instead of burning. It is flexible and gets tailored easily. It has natural stretch and elasticity, which responds to the wearer's body movements.lored easily. It has natural stretch and elasticity, which responds to the wearer's body movements.

Uses of Wool Fabric

Today, every wardrobe contains garment made of woolen fabric. The warmth of the fabric has made it widely used during winter or in cold areas. It is used in sweaters, dresses, coats, suits, jackets, pants, etc.

Wool fabric is also used as blankets and carpets. Felt made of wool fabric is used as covers for piano hammers. It is also used in absorbing odors and noise in machinery and stereo speakers.

Leather Fabric : What is Leather Fabric, Leather Processing, Leather Tanning, Leather Dyeing, Leather Finishing, Leather Characteristics, Leather Uses, Vegetable Leather Tanning, Chrome Leather Tanning

What is Leather Fabric

Leather fabric never ages. With age, leather fabric becomes more beautiful. It becomes more comfortable and pleasant to touch, adding classic luxury. Leather fabric does not pick up surrounding temperatures, hence it is comfortable in both hot and cold condition. It is firm, soft and elastic. It retains to the original shape when stretched. It absorbs water vapour without losing the dryness Leather fabric is commercially obtained from cattle, calf, goat, sheep, lamb, horse, pig, kangaroo, deer, reptile, seal, and walrus. The major exporters of goatskin leather in the world are India, China and Pakistan. In sheepskin leather, China, New Zealand, Australia and Iran are the important exporters. USA, Europe, Brazil and USSR are key players in exporting leathers obtained from bovine

Leather Processing Leather Tanning Pre-Tanning

Animal skin is cleaned and salted to prevent decay. The hide or pelt then is sent to tannery for trimming and sorting. Next, it is soaked in water to restore moisture content, which is lost during salting process. It is treated mechanically with rollers and blades to remove fat/muscle and flesh (Fleshing). During liming the skin is soaked in lime solution to remove the hair, inter-fibrillary protein and epidermis. In De-liming the hide or pelt is washed in water containing ammonium chloride or ammonium sulphate to neutralise it.

Bating involves treating the leather with digestive enzymes to remove non-fibrous protein. Scudding is done with a blunt knife to remove remaining hair roots, skin pigmentation, and surface fats. Lastly, it is put in sulphuric acid to lower the pH.

Leather Tanning
Tanning is the process where the leather gets the necessary feel and physical characteristics. In this process, the collagen, an insoluble fibrous protein, which carries the major property of the hide or pelt gets less susceptible to decay and are kept flexible. This is done by removing the water molecules from the gap of protein molecules and replacing it with chemicals that retain flexibility. The main tanning processes are mineral / chrome leather tanning, vegetable leather tanning and oil tanning.

Mineral / chrome leather tanning is the most common and modern method, which uses chromium salts. This makes leather water proof and stretchable.

Vegetable leather tanning, or bark tanning is the process where the hide is soaked in a solution of bark of oak/chestnut which is chopped or boiled. The leather becomes moldable and can be tooled. Moreover when dry, the leather will not stretch.

Oil tanning is a process where fish and animal oil is used. The leather becomes very soft and flexible. It cope up with wetted condition without causing damage to the leather. Chamois leather is best example of oil tanning.

Lubricating, Leather Dyeing and Leather Finishing

After tanning, the leather undergoes different processes according to the use of the final product.

Vegetable-tanned leather which are used for shoe soles is bleached, lubricated and then run through rolling machines to make it firm and glossy.

Chrome-tanned leather, for shoe uppers, is split and shaved and then placed in a rotating drum for the dyeing process using several types of coloring materials to give color fastness and durability.

Before or after dyeing, it is rolled in a fat liquor containing emulsified oils and greases. Next, the leather is pasted on glass or ceramic frames and then passed through drying tunnels with controlled heat and humidity.

In the finishing process, the leather is coated with grain surface which contains finishing compound. This is brushed under a revolving brush-covered cylinder. For smooth finish, the leather is treated with a mixture of waxes, shellac or emulsified synthetic resins, dyes, and pigments (to avoid painted look). Glazing is done to achieve polished surface.

Characteristics of Leather Fabric

It has porosity and breathability. It is waterproof to a great extent. It is firm, soft and elastic. It retains its shape. It resists the aging process. It is durable. It is abrasion and wind resistant. It absorbs water vapour upto 30% of its weight without loss of dryness.

Uses of Leather Fabric

Leather fabric is very versatile. It is widely used. Soft leather is used in clothing and hard leather in products like shoe soles, machine belts, engine gaskets and harnesses. Calfskin leather, which is lighter and finer grained, is used in shoe uppers. Sheepskin leather, which is soft and supple is generally used in products like gloves, jackets, and other apparel.

Leather fabric is also used in upholstery, sofa, wallets, purses, bags, belts, rugs, tents, tepees, shields and weapon sheathes.

Hemp Fabric : What is Hemp Fabric, Hemp Cloth, Properties of Hemp Fabric, Uses of Hemp Fabric
Hemp fabric is noted for its warmth and softness with a durability, which is rarely found in other fabrics. hemp Fabric is highly versatile and is used in countless number of products like apparel, accessories, shoes, furniture, and home furnishing. Hemp is UV protected and has an insulative quality that allows clothing to be cool in summer and warm in winter. Apparel made of hemp fabric withstand harsh conditions and last longer. It has beautiful luster. The fabric accepts dyes readily and gets soft with every wash. It withstands water better than any other textile product. It blends well with cotton, silk, wool, polyester, etc. Blending with cotton improves the texture and whiteness of the fabric Hemp fabric is obtained from the stems of the plant. The stems of the plant are processed to dissolve the gum or the pectin found in it. The fiber is then separated and again processed. After the processing is over, it is woven into yarns and fabric. The finest hemp fabric is produced in Italy. China is the world's leading producer of hemp

Hemp Fabric Properties

It is strong and durable. It has beautiful luster. It is absorbent. It readily takes dye. It gets soft with every wash. It is warm. It is a resistant to UV rays. It is a very good insulator. It blends well with other fabrics. It wrinkles easily.It has poor drapability.

Uses of Hemp Fabric

Hemp Fabric is very versatile. This fabric is a great choice for comfortable work clothes, home decoration, or for anything where comfort and durability is needed.

It is used as clothing, curtains, draperies, upholstery, bedspreads, table linens, sheets, dish towels, canvas, etc.

Coir Fabric : Perfect Fabric for Controlling Soil Erosion, Coir Fiber, Brown Fiber, White Fiber, Uses of Coir Fabric

Coir fabric is known for its resilience and durable quality. It is the perfect fabric for controlling soil erosion. In horticulture coir fabric is used as a substitute for peat because it is bacteria free and free from fungal spores. It is an environmental friendly fabric and fully bio-degradable.

Process of Making Coir Fabric

The word coir is believed to be derived from the Malayalam word Kayar that means a cord (string). Coir fabric is obtained from the fibrous husk, which surrounds the coconut. Green coconuts are harvested after six to twelve months on the plant, which contain white fibers. Mature coconut contains brown fiber. The fibrous layer is separated from the fruit either manually or by machines. In case of brown fiber, the separated husks are soaked in a slow moving body of water allowing it to swell and to become soft. The coir bristle fiber is put apart from the shorter one and is send for washing in clean water. Sometimes, it is also cleaned by steel combs to make the fibers straight and remove any leftover of shorter pieces. If required, it is bleached and dyed to obtain the required shades. For white fiber, the husks are put into a river or water-filled pit for approximately ten months. In these ten months, the fibers are loosen. The longer fibers are separated from the shorter one by beating with hand. It is subsequently dried and then cleaned. The cleaned fiber is send for spinning into yarn.

Characteristics of Coir Fabric

It is buoyant. It is stress resistant. It is environmental friendly. It is biodegradable.

It is free of bacteria.

Uses of Coir Fabric

Brown coir fabric is used in floormats, doormats, mattresses, sack, twine, etc. White coir fabric is used as ropes. Since ages, coir fabric has been used to produce rope for ships and for making bags. Coir geotextiles is used for ground improvement of soft clays, construction of low height bunds and protection for canal banks and beaches, base separators for road construction and railway ballast protection.

Jute Fabric : What is Jute Made From, What is Jute, Jute Growing, Jute Plant, Jute Hessian, Jute CBC, Jute Sacking, Jute Webbing

Jute fabric is widely used fabric after cotton. It is very versatile and economical. It is eco-friendly and do not degrade on exposure to sun light. The fabric is very strong and durable. It is ideally being used as bags and sacks for packing since ages. Today, it is much soughted for fashionable cloths, home furnishing and fashion accessories At present Bangladesh is the largest cultivator of jute whereas India is the largest jute goods manufacturer. The other jute producing countries are China, Thailand, Myanmar, Bhutan and Nepal.

What is Jute made from

What is Jute Jute Growing / Jute Plant

Jute fabric is obtained from the jute plant. Jute is an annual plant, which thrives best in moist soil in a hot and humid climate. The seeds are hand-sown and the plants mature in 3 months with an average height of 10 to 12 feet. Jute gets light green leaves and small yellow flowers, blooming singly or in clusters. When these blossoms start shedding, the plants are harvested. The stalks which are cut is sorted according to the length and gathered into bundles. These stalks are placed in shallow pools of stagnant water to loosen the fiber from the woody tissue. After enough softness is achieved, the fibers are separated and hung on lines to dry. These fibers are then sorted, graded, and baled and send to mills for spinning it into final products. The strength, color and fineness of jute grown in different areas vary. To make it uniform, the different fibers are first blended. The jute is next fed into a softener where it is treated with oil and water and is passed between sets of heavy spiral fluted rollers. This process removes barky portions from the fiber. The fibers are carded in machines reducing the average length by teasing and combing.

The carded jute is fed into drawing machines where it becomes thiner and smoother. After this, it goes to the roving department, where it imparts a slight twist to the sliver and is send for spinning. Spinning converts it into a finished yarn.

Jute Fabric Products Jute Hessian Cloth / Jute Hessian

A plain weave cloth made wholly of Jute with single warp and weft interwoven weighing not more than 576 grms/m2. It is used for making bags or as a cover to pack the material.

Jute CBC
A cloth made wholly of jute not less than 104" wide, weighing not less than 169 gms/m2. Having oil content not more than 2%. It is used as primary and secondary backing for the carpets.

Jute Sacking
Either plain or twill weave cloth made wholly of jute, inter-woven, weighing not less than 407 gms/m2. It is used for packing of grains, chemicals, etc.

Heavy Fabric / Jute Canvas / Jute Tarpaulin

A plain weave cloth made of jute in a wide range of construction & weights. It is used for manufacture of different types of bags including postal mail bags, high quality seed bags. Bitumen coated tarpaulin bags are used in the fertilizer industry.

Jute Yarn
It is used for weaving as a filler yarn for carpet industry. For binding of the packed bags and for cable & explosive industry.

Jute Webbing
A narrow weave tape made of jute using single or plied jute yarn having width of not more than 6". It is used for the Cable industry.

Speciality Jute Items

Hydrocarbon Free Jute bags/fabric are used for packing Cocoa / Coffee / Shelled nuts. Odourless bags for Tea Packing. Speciality Jute fabrics are used for shopping bags, Carry Bags(printed or plain) with handles / chains Carpets, Rugs and FloorCoverings

Non Woven Jute Felt

It ranges from 250 to 1200 gms/m both supported and unsupported. It is used for industrial, moulded panels, insulation, acoustics, footwear, upholstry backing.

Characteristics of Jute Fabric

It is strong. It is a good insulator of heat and electricity. It is stable to sunlight. It does not degrade on exposure to sun light. It has a moderately high density. It is not sensitive to chemical attack. It is environmentally friendly. The burning emitted fumes have no adverse effects to human body. It is reparable and reusable.

Uses of Jute Fabric

It is ideally used as bags and sacks for packing. It is used as a carrier and backing fabric for carpets, linoleum, cordage and twines. It is used as webbing to cover inner springs of the auto seats. It is used as upholstery of furniture. It is used as roofing and floor covering apparel, footwear lining, wall covering and furnishing fabric. It is used for erosion control. It is used as fashion accessories. It is used for fashion garments, tapestries, soft luggage, etc.

Linen Fabric : Linen, What is Linen, Linen History, Linen Characteristics, Linen Uses
What is Linen Fabric / What is Linen
Linen fabric is noted as the fabric of luxury. Linen symbolises comfort and elegance. Linen Fabric is antibacterial and antifungi and does not cause irritation or allergies when worn. Linen gives protection against UV radiation. The Linen fabric carries tensile strength and is highly durable. Linen absorbs moisture 20 times of its weight but never gives a wet impression. After each wash, linen fabric gets stronger with better look. Since linen has low elasticity, linen cloths do not deform themselves. Linen fabric is 100% biodegradable and is waste-less

Linen Fabric History / Linen History

Linen fabric is being used for more than 10,000 years. It used to be called the fabric of the kings. Egyptians used it extensively. Wrapping mummies in long lengths of linen was very common. The ancient Phoenician's used to make sails from heavy weight linen fabric for their sails. In 15th century, linen fabric was used as canvas for painting Linen fabric is obtained from the flax plant. The major producer of linen fabric is Ireland. It manufactures 20% of the European Union linen yarn. The annual production of linen fabric in Ireland is 2,000 tons per annum. Ireland also produces the world's best linen fabric. Linen is widely blended with wool. The combination of linen and wool is known as linsey-woolsey. In linsey-woolsey fabric, linen is used as warp threads for strength and wool is used as weft threads to give bulk and warmth to the fabric.

Characteristics of Linen Fabric / Linen Characteristics

It is lustrous and flexible. It is beautiful, smooth and elegant. It is strong and durable. It supports painting when wet. It has a low elasticity. It has great tensile strength. It is highly absorbent. It can absorb up to 20 times of its weight.It dries quickly.

It is thermo-regulating. It is non-allergenic. It is antibacterial. It is resistant to wear and abrasion.

Uses of Linen Fabric / Linen Uses

Linen fabric is the first choice for summer wear. It absorbs humidity and allows the skin to breathe. The fabric is suitable for daily use clothing, like shirts, because it becomes softer after each wash. Apart from this, linen fabric is also widely used as home furnishings.

Linen fabric is also used as rugs because of its strength, durability and resistant to wear and abrasion. Linen fabric is used as canvas for painting since ages. Linen fabric when wet reacts well with the colors.

Ramie Fabric : Ramie, What is Ramie Fabric, Characteristics of Ramie, Uses of Ramie

What is Ramie Fabric / What is Ramie / Define Ramie

Ramie fabric is valued as a summer fabric because of its excellent quality of air permeability and moisture-absorption. The Ramie fabric is abrasion resistant and is stronger than cotton and linen. It is not harmed by mild acids and is resistant to alkali. Ramie fabric readily take dyes and does not fade easily. It is easily laundered and dries quickly. Ramie becomes smooth and lustrous with each wash. Blended ramie fabric is more common than pure one. It goes well with other fabrics. Blending with cotton makes it more resistant to wear than cotton alone. With polyester, ramie fabric becomes wrinkle resistant and shrinks less. Ramie-silk blends give firmness to the fabric. Ramie blends are used as both, knitted and woven fabrics. Blending also facilitates for easy care of the fabric. Ramie fabric is obtained from the ramie plant, a tall shrub grown in South-east Asia. It is also known as "rhea" or "China grass", a member of the nettle family, Boehmeria nivea. China is the leading producer of Ramie. Other major producers are Brazil, Korea, and the Philippines.

Characteristics of Ramie

It has permanent luster. It has great strength.

It is abrasion resistant. It wrinkles easily. It is extremely absorbent and dries quickly. It is resistant to alkalis and mild acids. It is resistant to rotting, light, mildew and insects. It readily accepts dyes.It can be blended well with other fabrics.

Uses of Ramie

Ramie fabric is used as clothing apparels, bedsheets, tablecloths, napkins, knit products, and pillowcases. It is also used as carpet backings, flag buntings, fire hoses, fishnets, naval cordage, sail cloth, canvas, cable insulation, sacks, etc.

Fabric Blends : Polyster Cotton, Nylon Wool, Ramie Polyster, Ramie Acrylic, Wool Cotton, Silk Wool, Rayon Cotton, Wool Synthetic, Rayon Synthetics, Cotton Polyster
Fabric blends are one which is made up of two or more different types of fibres twisted or spun together. Fabric Blending adds to the quality of the final product.

Characteristics of Fabric Blends

Fabric Blends are easy to care. Fabric Blends are more durable. Fabric Blends are more soft and luxurious. Fabric Blends are more resistant to wrinkles. Fabric Blends are more comfortable to wear. Fabric Blends does not shrinks. Fabric Blends are stronger to withstand lots of wear and multiple washing.

Types of Fabric Blends Polyester Cotton

The Blends are tough crease-resistance of polyester combines with the cool comfort of cotton. It is easily laundered, dries quickly and is ironed with lower temperature than pure cotton.

Nylon Wool
The blending of nylon with wool makes the fabric more absorbent and softer. It becomes more strong and durable.

Nylon Acetate
This combination makes the fabric more absorbant than nylon alone.

Ramie Polyester or Ramie Acrylic

These two blends help the fabric to be easily taken care of and it is less stiff than pure ramie fabrics.

Wool Cotton
These two fabrics benefit from the inherent qualities of each other after blending. It gives better comfort, better aesthetics and better performance.

Linen Silk or Linen Rayon

These blend helps the fabric to retain the characteristics of linen along with to make the fabric drape better and wrinkle less.

Silk Wool
The blending of silk with wool provides subtle texture to the fabric. It is generally used for ties.

Rayon Cotton
This fabric of rayon and cotton blend wears well and is washable. It is soft and has fuzzy surface. Dresses, suits, sportswear, men's shirts, etc. are made out of this fabric.

Wool Synthetics or Rayon Synthetics

These blends has a very clear finish and it drapes better and tailors easily. It has exceptional wearing qualities. The fabric is used for men's and women's suits and coats. Ski slacks are also made out of these blends.

Cotton Polyester
The quality of polyester helps cotton to give a permanent press property. It is extremely soft, resists wrinkling and are easy to care for. This fabric is widely used as men's dress shirts and christening apparel.

Acetate Fabric : Acetate, What is Acetate Fabric, What is Acetate, Acetate History, Acetate Characteristics, Acetate Properties, Acetate Uses
What is Acetate Fabric | What is Acetate
Acetate fabric is very soft and has a luxurious look like silk. It has an excellent drape-ability. The fabric dyes and prints well. Acetate does not absorb moisture readily but dries fast. It is resistant to shrinkage, moth and mildew. It has no pilling problem and very little static problem. 'Triacetate' is an improved fabric, which does not melt easily and is easy to take care

Acetate History
Acetate fabric is made from the cellulose obtained by deconstructing cotton or wood pulp. It was invented by Doctors Camille and Henri Dreyfus, Swiss brothers. In 1905, both of them developed commercial process to manufacture cellulose acetate. It was then mostly used in celluloid plastics and motion picture film. By 1913, their experiments in the laboratory produced samples of continuous filament acetate yarn. In the year 1924, first time, the acetate filament was commercially spun in United States and was trademarked as Celanese

Acetate Characteristics | Acetate Properties

It is crisp or soft touch. It dyes and prints well. It drapes well. It is shrink, moth, and mildew resistant. It is of low moisture absorbency and relatively fast drying. It has little static problem. It has no pilling problem

Acetate Uses

The major end use of acetate fabric worldwide is linings. It provides comfort against the outer shell. It takes up moisture and body oil from the body. It is also used as wedding and party attire, blouses, dresses, etc.

In home furnishings, it is widely used as draperies, upholstery, curtains, bedspreads and slipcovers.

Acrylic Fabric : Acrylic, What is Acrylic Fabric, What is Acrylic, Making Acrylic, Acrylic Characteristics, Acrylic Properties, Acrylic Uses
What is Acrylic Fabric | What is Acrylic
Acrylic is a fine, soft and luxurious fabric with a good drape-able quality. It gives warmth without weight. Acrylic fabric is traditionally a fall/winter fabric with a resemblance to wool. It dyes well, taking color beautifully. The fabric breathes, it absorbs and releases moisture quickly. It is comfortable to wear and is a easy care fabric. It resists moths, oil and chemicals, and also the sunlight degradation Acrylic fabric was first developed by DuPont in 1944 and in 1950 it was commercially produced for the first time. Initially it was used for outdoor purposes but with the advancement of technology, acrylic has come a long way, and is now commonly used in apparel and carpets.

Making Acrylic
Acrylic fabric is produced from petrochemical known as acrylontrile. The fibers produced from acrylontrile are either dry spun or wet spun. In the dry spinning process, the polymers are dissolved in a suitable solvent, which is forcefully pushed into warm air for solidification by the evaporation of the solvent. After the spinning part is over, it is stretched hot from 3 to 10 times of its original length and then crimped In the wet spinning process, the polymer is dissolved in solvent and extruded into a coagulating bath. It is then dried, crimped and collected as tow.

Acrylic Characteristics | Acrylic Properties

It is lightweight, soft, and warm. It dyes to bright colors with excellent fastness. It absorbs and releases moisture quickly, thus allowing the fabric to "breathe". It is resilient, retains its shape, and resists shrinkage and wrinkles. It has flexible aesthetics for wool-like, cotton-like or blended appearance.

It has excellent pleat retention quality. It is resistant to moths, oil and chemicals, and sunlight degradation. It is static. It suffers from piling and abrasion problems.

Acrylic Uses

Apparel - sweaters, socks, fleece, circular knit apparel, sportswear, and children-wear. Home Fashions - Blankets, throws, upholstery, awnings, outdoor furniture, rugs/floor coverings.

Latex Fabric : What is Latex, Latex Characteristics, Latex Uses

What is Latex
Latex fabric is obtained from fiber made from latex, a colorless or milky sap of certain plants. It is usually used with other fibers to make fabrics like spandex and foundation garments. Latex fabric has high waterproofing and dry cleaning property. It is resistant to heat and light.

Characteristics of Latex Fabric / Latex Characteristcis

It is waterproof. It has dry cleaning property. It is heat and light resistant.

Uses of Latex Fabric / Latex Uses

Latex is usually blended with other fibers and it is used as foundation garments. Latex mattress pads. Latex gloves. Latex wrist cuffs and integral socks. Latex armor. Latex soles.

Nylon Fabric : Nylon, What is Nylon Fabric, Nylon Characteristics, Nylon Uses, Types of Nylon, Ripstop Nylon Fabric, Cordura Nylon Fabric, Ballistic Nylon Fabric, Coated Nylon Fabric, Waterproof Nylon Fabric
What is Nylon Fabric / What is Nylon
Nylon fabric is a polyamide made from petroleum. It is lightweight, strong and durable. The fabric allows easy evaporation and dries quickly. The wearer feels less friction between garments and outer clothing. Nylon is widely used as apparel, home furnishings, industrial applications and geo-textiles. Nylon was first produced commercially in the year 1939 by the E. I. du Pont de Nemours & Company, Inc. It became a household word in the year 1940 when it was knitted first time into hosiery. In 1942, it was used as parachutes, flak vests, combat uniforms, tires and other such articles in the armed forces. Today, nylon is widely used worldwide next to cotton and polyester. Nylon blends well. The fabrics of nylon blended with other fibers have good dimensional stability, elastic recovery, shape retention, and abrasion resistance properties. Nylon is very resilient, hence after blending it helps in eliminating the crushing of napped fabrics such as velvet

Nylon Characteristics

It is lightweight and very strong. It is stretchable.It drapes well. It is durable. It is smooth. It dries quickly. It is easy to clean, as dirt does not cling. It is resistant to abrasion and chemicals. It does not absorb moisture well, hence it can be hot and clammy in the heat. It is static.

Nylon Uses

Nylon is widely used in women's hosiery and lingerie due to its high elongation and excellent elastic recovery quality. It is also used as sportswear, jackets, pants, skirts, raincoats, ski and snow apparel, windbreakers and children-wear.

Nylon is used in carpeting materials and upholstery fabrics because it is easy to clean and does not require special protection against moths and carpet beetles. Rugs, curtains, draperies and bedspreads are made from this fabric.

Nylon fabric is also used as luggage, back packets, life vests, umbrellas, sleeping bags and tents. As industrial product, nylon fabric is used as seat belts, tire cords, ballistic cloth and towropes because of its strength and good elasticity.

Types of Nylon

Ripstop Nylon Fabric Cordura Nylon Fabric Ballistic Nylon Fabric Coated Nylon Fabric Waterproof Nylon Fabric Denier Nylon Fabric Woven Nylon Fabric

Polyester Fabric : What is Polyester Fabric, Polyester History, Polyester Characteristics, Polyester Properties, Polyester Uses
What is Polyester Fabric / Define Polyester Fabric
Polyester fabric is a versatile and important man-made fabric. It has an outstanding characteristic of resisting wrinkle and springing back into its crisp smooth shape. It is strong, and soft hand. The Polyester fabric is resistant to stretching and shrinkage. These are quick to dry and are resilient. It has an excellent pleat retention property. Polyester requires minimum care and is easily washable.

Polyester History

Polyester is a polymer, which is produced from the coal, air, water, and petroleum products. It was first commercially produced in 1953 by E. I. Du Pont de Nemours & Company, Inc. in the United States. It is next to cotton in worldwide use. Polyester fabric blends well with fabrics. It blends with wool, acetate, or rayon to improve the durability of the fabric and even to make it easy washable, if the percentage of polyester is high. It adds the quality of wrinkle resistance to the fabric and eliminates crushing of napped fabrics, and reduces fading. The fabric aggravates pilling problems after being blended with wool.

Polyester Characteristics / Polyester Properties

It is strong, stretchable, and durable. It does not wrinkle. It does not shrink. It is resistant to crease. It is resistant to mildew. It is abrasion resistant. It is resistant to most chemicals. It is not damaged by sunlight or weather. It dries quickly. It is crisp and resilient when wet or dry. It is easily washed. It does not absorb moisture making it hot and clammy when worn in hot temperatures.

Polyester Uses

Polyester clothing has a good stability and strength and is resistant to stretching and shrinkage. It is not damaged by sunlight or weather. It is widely used as dresses, blouses, jackets, separates, sportswear, suits, shirts, pants, rainwear, lingerie, children-wear.

Polyester fabric is manufactured in many weights and it is used as fiberfill in pillows and upholstery. In upholstery, polyester is generally blended with wool to eliminate crushing and reduce fading.

Polyester is also used in casement curtains, draperies, floor coverings, throw rugs, bedding, and as a cushioning or insulating material

Rayon Fabric : What is Rayon, Define Rayon, Types of Rayon, High Wet Modulus Rayon, High Tenacity Rayon, Microfibers, Rayon Properties, Uses of Rayon
What is Rayon Fabric / What is Rayon / Define Rayon Fabric / Define Rayon
Rayon fabric is neither made from natural fiber nor from synthetic. It is made by regenerating natural materials into a usable form. It is economical and can be found in cotton-like end uses or that of sumptuous velvets and taffetas. The fabric absorbs moisture more than cotton and has a good breathable quality. It is soft to skin and is comfortable to wear. It is non-static and never pills Rayon was developed in France in the 1890s and was then named as 'artificial silk'. In the year 1924, it was named as 'rayon' and was officially adopted by the textile industry. It is made from wood pulp, which is a naturally-occurring cellulose-based raw material. Hence, the properties of rayon fabric are similar to natural cellulose fibers like cotton or linen.

Types of Rayon Regular Rayon

This rayon has the largest market share. It is typically used in apparel and home furnishing. It has low wet strength and becomes unstable and may stretch or shrink when wet.

High Wet Modulus (HWM)

This rayon has the same property as regular rayon but with high wet strength. It performs much like cotton in similar end uses. Like cotton, it can be mercerized for increased strength and luster.

High Tenacity Rayon

This is a modified regular rayon with exceptional strength (two times the strength of HWM rayon). It is primarily used in tire cord and industrial end uses. It is sometimes chemically coated, or rubberized for the protection from moisture. It resists loss of dimensional stability and strength during the use.

Microfibers
This is manufactured from either regular rayon or HWM rayons. Rayon microfibers are very fine. The fabrics from microfibers drapes better and are silk-like in hand and appearance.

Characteristics of Rayon / Rayon Properties

It is strong and durable.

It is extremely absorbent. It is soft and comfortable. It is breathable. It is easily dyed in vivid colors. It is abrasion resistant. It resists insect damage. It does not pill. It drapes well and does not have a problem with static. It wrinkles easily. It looses 30% to 50% of its strength when wet.

Uses of Rayon

Apparel - Blouses, dresses, jackets, lingerie, linings, millinery, slacks, sport shirts, sportswear, suits, ties, work clothes

Home Fashions - bedspreads, blankets, curtains, draperies, sheet, slip covers, tablecloths, upholstery.

Spandex Fabric : What is Spandex Fabric, Spandex Characteristics, Spandex Uses

What is Spandex Fabric / What is Spandex / Define Spandex / Spandex Definition
Spandex fabric is widely used as fashion fabric because of its shape retention quality. It can stretch up to 600 times and again bounce back to its original structure. Spandex Fabric has superior strength and is highly durable. It is resistant to dry heat and oil. It is the fabric of comfort and flexibility without putting weight on the body of the wearer. Spandex blends well with other fabrics because of its resiliency and elastic recovery quality. It enhances the features of other fabric with which it is blended. Many fabrics only use 3% to 30% of spandex content, depending on the type of the garment. Even the smallest content of spandex makes a marked difference to the fabric. After the blending, spandex creates a less confined feel and becomes more stronger and versatile piece of clothing. The Spandex fabric becomes more stable and durable adding a higher level of comfort and better resistance to perspiration and body oils.

The common blends with spandex are wool, silk and rayon. It creates a lighter and more flexible fabric. The dresses made out of this blend can be worn all day but still can be comfortable. Blended spandex fabrics feel better, fit better and make one look better.

Spandex Characteristics / Spandex Properties

It is elastic. It retains back to original shape. It is lightweight and strong. It is comfort and flexible. It is resistant to abrasion. It is resistant to dry heat. It is resistant to deterioration by body oils, perspiration, and detergents. It readily accepts dye.

Spandex Uses

Spandex fabric blended with wool, silk or rayon becomes lighter and more flexible, which is widely used as suits, blouses, jackets and stacks.

The highly shape retention quality of spandex is used in making undergarments and support hose

Fabric Textures : Feel of Fabric, Types of Fabric Textures, Cotton Fabric Texture
Fabric texture is the feel of the fabric. Fabric Texture can be smooth, rough, soft, velvetty, silky, lustrous, and so on. The different textures of the fabric depends upon the type of weaves. The Types of Fabric Texture sets the mood of the wearer. Rough Textured fabrics say "picnics," where as soft textured fabrics whisper for "formal dinners." Cotton damask, toile having sheer linen and silk cloth, chints, and soft chenille speak of formal and traditional spaces. Fabric Textures are given to all types of fabrics, cotton, silk, wool, leather, and also to linen. Few of the famous fabric textures are flannel, velvet fabric texture, organdy, chintz, crepe, damask, challis, venise, suede and embossed leather.

Cotton Fabric Texture

Cotton fabric is a very versatile natural fabric. It gives immense comfort to wearer and is very durable. Suitable for all kinds of weather, it traps air within the fabric structure and help for a thermal insulation process. For its strength, absorbency and washable property, cotton has become the principal clothing fabric of the world. With its versatility, a number of textures are created with cotton fabric. Each fabric Texture contribute to the final quality of the cotton.

Corduroy Fabric : What is Corduroy Fabric, Characteristics of Corduroy Fabric, Uses of Corduroy Fabric
Corduroy Fabric is a smooth and velvet like fabric made from cotton. It is warm and breathable. The fabric is easy to wash and is durable. It has distinctive vertical rows of soft pile. The row is referred to cords or wales, which varies in width. The pinwale corduroy fabric is the thinnest and the wide wale corduroy fabric is the thickest. Cotton corduroy fabric comes in different form like dyed corduroy fabric, printed corduroy fabric, tie-dyed corduroy fabric, wale corduroy fabric and so on. It is usually considered as casual wear and is favored in colder climates. The corduroy fabric is ideal for pants, shirts, and sport coats. Corduroy is said to be a French fabric, "Corde du roi", which literally mean "fabric of the king". It is believed that corduroy is an English invention of the late 18th century. In the 19th century, it was widely used by workers and became children's fabric in the early 20th century. In America, boys wore cord knickers to school in winter. Some schools in America and French Scouts adopted it as uniforms.

Characteristics of Corduroy Fabric

It is warm. It is durable. It is washable. It is thick and stiff. It absorbs and releases moisture quickly. It can be ironed at high temperatures.

Uses of Corduroy Fabric

Fine rib corduroy resembles velvet and does not cost much, so it is widely used for better cloths, draperies and upholstery.

Corduroy fabric is very durable. It is commonly made into pants or trousers, jackets (sports) and shirts. Corduroy is also used as skirts, suits, slacks, children's cloths and dresses.

Denim Fabric : Overview of Denim, History of Denim, Characteristics of Denim Fabric, Uses of Denim Fabric
Denim is a very strong and hardwearing fabric. It is used for longer wear and is very durable. The Denim fabric is stiff and unyielding but softens with wear. Denim Fabric has twill weave with un-dyed weft yarn and colored warp, usually indigo dyed. Denim looks better when it fades to whitish patches at creases, points of strain or hem edges.

History of Denim Fabric / Denim Fabric History

The word 'Denim' is believed to be derived from the French phrase "serge de Nimes", a serge fabric from the town named Nimes in France. In the 18th century, denim or jean was worn by slave labours or cotton plantation workers because of its strength and did not wear out easily. Denim is also known as blue jeans, dungarees, or levi's. A writer for American Fabrics magazine wrote in the year 1969 "denim is one of the world's oldest fabrics, yet it remains eternally young." Today, Denim is made all over the world but few major producers are United States, Mexico, Canada, Italy, Spain, Greece, Japan, China, Thailand, Pakistan, India and Australia.

Characteristics of Denim Fabric / Denim Fabric Characteristics

It is for long wearing. It is hard wearing. It is very strong and durable. It resists snags and tears. It creases easily.

Types of Denim Fabric / Denim Fabric Types

Stretch Denim Fabric Cotton Denim Fabric Lightweight Denim Fabric Printed Denim Fabric

Indigo Denim Fabric

Uses of Denim Fabric / Denim Fabric Uses

Denim fabric is used in numerous ways because of its hard wearing and durability. In apparel, it is used as jeans, skirts, shorts, light-weight jackets and suits, uniforms, work-cloths, overalls, sportswear, caps, evening wear and children's cloth.

In home furnishings, Denim Fabric is used as bedspreads, slipcovers, draperies, upholstery, etc.

Diaper Cloth : What is Diaper, Types of Diapers, Flat Diapers, Pre-Folded Diapers, Shaped Diapers, Fitted Diapers, All-in-one Diapers, Characteristics of Diaper Cloth, Uses of Diaper Cloth
What is Diaper
Diaper cloth is incredibly soft and lightweight. It is comfortable and breathable. Diaper cloth is a twill, dobby or plain woven with a loosely twisted filling so that it has a good absorbency quality. Diaper cloth launders well. It is washable and reusable.

Types of Diapers Flat Diapers

These diapers are large in squares or rectangles of cloth. It is a versatile diaper because it can be folded according to the baby fit, placing the thickest part where the baby needs the most. It dries fast and is cost efficient.

Pre-folded Diapers
These diapers requires very little or no folding at all. It is the easiest diaper to use. It has standard closing covers with pins, klips and snappy diaper fasteners. Several extra padding are placed down the center of pre-folded diapers.

Shaped Diapers
These diapers are comfortable for baby. It requires little or no folding. Fasteners like pins are rarely required. It contains velcro closing cover which fits easily.

Fitted Diapers
These diapers have elastic legs and waist with velcro, snaps, or ties. It requires no folding or pinning.

All-In-One Diapers
These diapers are the easiest one. It has waterproof backing and an extra inner layer or absorbent of fabric. It is convenient and mess-free.

Characteristics of Diaper Cloth

It is soft and lightweight. It is a very good absorbent. It is waterproof. It is breathable. It launders well.

Uses of Diaper Cloth

Diaper cloth is versatile. It is ideal burp cloths, changing pads, lap pads, washcloths and baby wipes.

Dimity Fabric : Dimity, What is Dimity, Characteristics of Dimity Fabric, Uses of Dimity Fabric, Dimities
What is Dimity
Dimity Fabric is a thin and translucent cotton fabric woven in checks or stripes or fancy figures. It is lightweight with a raised warp, which gives a stripped effect to the fabric. Dimity Fabric is a delicate and sheer fabric, having a crisp texture. Dimity fabric is easy to sew and is easily laundered. Dimity creases, but is generally treated with crease resistant. Mercerized dimity has a soft luster. Cotton demity fabric is easily bleached, dyed, or printed. The word 'Dimity' has been derived from the Greek word 'Dirnitos', which means 'double thread'. Demity cotton fabric is made from two or three yarns, which created ridges in plain areas. Demity had weft threads twice the thickness of the warp threads. Dimity was usually made from combed or carded yarns and the quality always depended upon the yarns used and the pick counts in the weaving. Dimity or dimothy is believed to be originally woven in India. By the 17th century it was also woven in England, especially in Lancashire. From the late 17th to 19th centuries, dimity fabric was used as bed covers and window curtains. In the early 19th century, it was used as dress materials.

Characteristics of Dimity Fabric

It is thin and has sheer.

It is lightweight but strong. It has crisp texture. It is easy to sew. It launders well. It creases. If it is mercerized, it has a soft luster.

Uses of Dimity Fabric

Dimity is a thin cotton fabric, so it is widely used for breathable sleepwear of all ages. The lightweight property of dimity is perfect for the use of children's dresses and infant's wear, aprons, pinafores, cloaks and morning gowns. It is also used as women's dresses, blouses, underwears, petticoats, stockings and sportswear.

In home furnishings, dimity cotton fabric is used as bedspreads, curtains, tablecloths, etc.

Drill Fabric : What is Drill Fabric, Cotton Drill Fabric, Characteristics of Drill Fabric, Uses of Drill Fabric, Poly Cotton Drill
What is Drill Fabric
Drill Fabric is a sturdy cotton fabric known for its strength and durability. Drill fabric breathes well and keeps the wearer cool. Drill Fabric is medium to light-weight. This property of Drill Fabric has made it a versatile fabric. The lightweight is used as summer clothing and household items where as the heavier one is made into work cloths and wall coverings. Drill fabric has a strong bias (diagonal) twill weave made with coarse carded yarns in a dense construction. The normal color is gray and can be used unbleached, but more often it is bleached or dyed. Khaki drill is used as uniforms. The name, 'drill' has been arrived from 'drilling,' from the German 'drillich,' or three threaded.

Types of Drill Fabric

Cotton Drill Fabric Poly Cotton Drill

Characteristics of Drill Fabric

It is medium to heavy-weight. It is strong. It is durable. It is breathable. It is cool and doesn't melt. It is tightly woven fabric.

Uses of Drill Fabric

The lighter weights drill is used for skirts, trousers, dresses, jackets, and household items. The heavyweight drill is used as work clothes, industrial uses and wall coverings. It is also used as pocketing, shoe linings, book bindings, corsets, backing for coated fabric, ticking, banners, slip covers and sportswear.

Khaki drill is used as uniforms and boat-sail drill is used as sails for sailing craft.

Duck Fabric : What is Duck Fabric, History of Duck Fabric, Duck Fabric Characteristics, Uses of Duck Fabric, Cotton Duck Fabric, Duck Canvas Fabric

What is Duck Fabric

Duck Fabric is a compact and firm fabric made from cotton. Duck fabric is one of the most durable fabrics, which is lighter than canvas and heavier than sail cloth. Duck Fabric is medium to heavy-weight with a plain weave. The heavier-weight duck is called 'duck canvas fabric'. Duck Fabric is tightly woven and is waterproof. Many of the Duck Fabrics are even wind and snag resistant The army duck fabric is more tightly woven than the normal duck to create excellent strength and durability. It is water and mildew treated. It is one of the top quality fabrics used for tents, which is dry finish and water repellent. The lightweight duck fabric is used as summer wear and blended duck is much favoured for cycling jackets and boating apparel. They are used as unbleached, white, dyed, printed, or in painted form.

Duck fabric originated in the 18th century and was actually made from linen. Then canvas for sails were imported from England. The canvas bore a trademark as 'duck'. Since then, this type of heavyweight fabric is termed as 'duck'.

Duck Fabric Characteristics

It is a heavyweight. It is strong and durable. It has a tight weave. It is washable.Often, it is waterproof. It is resistant to wind and snag

Uses of Duck Fabric

The lighter-weight duck fabric is used as utility clothing like trousers, jackets, aprons, etc. It is also considered for summer clothing. The heavyweight duck fabric is widely used as awnings, tents, and sails. The duck fabric is also used in making hats, men's and women's slack and children's play-cloths.

The army duck fabric is used as rugged jackets for hiking and hunting and work wear. Blended duck fabric is used as fashion rain capes, cycling jackets and boating apparel.

Traditionally, the duck fabrics are used as industrial garments.

Types of Duck Fabric

Cotton Duck Fabric Canvas Duck Fabric Duck Canvas Fabric Duck Cloth Fabric

Flannel Fabric : What is Flannel Fabric, Flannel Cloth, Flannel Uses

What is Flannel Fabric
Flannel Fabric is a soft and fuzzy fabric made of cotton, cotton blend or wool. Flannel Fabric is thick and very durable. It feels cozy and warm in cold weather. The Flannel fabric absorbs and releases perspiration, allowing it to breathe.

Flannel Fabric makes it a wonderful warm weather bedding material. Flannel Fabric is elastic and has a good draping properties. Flannel Fabric is made in tightly woven twill or plain weave. Flannel Fabric is finished with a light napping either on one side or both. The nap is achieved by brushing the fabric and it is usually non-directional. Flannel varies in closeness or firmness of the weave and in the degree of napping. For example, a French flannel is very fine twillweave and slightly napped on the right side where as suede flannel is napped on both sides. Flannel Fabrics are traditionally produced in white color or in a wool-dyed mixture. Top class flannel is made of all wool or worsted yarns. Worsted flannel is lighter but not as soft as the woolen flannel, and it has more visible and resistant weave. Flannel Fabric comes in bleached, unbleached, dyed or in printed form.

Characteristics of Flannel Fabric

Flannel Fabric is soft and fuzzy. Flannel Fabric is elastic Flannel Fabric is thick and warm. Flannel Fabric is very durable. Flannel Fabric drapes well Flannel Fabric is dull-surfaced Flannel Fabric is slightly fuzzy Flannel Fabric is scratchy Flannel Fabric absorbs and releases perspiration quickly.

Flannel Uses

Flannel Fabric is used as blazers, jackets, trousers, women's suits, men's suits, shirts, pajamas, sleeping garments, work gloves, linings, coverings, and bedsheets.

Gauze Fabric : what is Gauze Fabric, Gauze Uses, Types of Gauze, Cotton Gauze Fabric, Linen Gauze Fabric, Silk Gauze Fabric
What is Gauze Fabric

Gauze is a thin, sheer and loosely woven plain-weave fabric made from cotton, wool, silk, viscose, rayon or acetate. It is lightweight, transparent and airy fabric. Gauze fabric is fine and open-textured. Gauze fabric is suitable for summer wear. The word 'Gauze' has been derived from 'Gaza'. It is believed that gauze has been originated in Gaza city on the Mediterranean. In medieval times, the French imported gauze from Gaza. The Chinese spun gauze became familiar in Rome around 50 B.C.

Characteristics of Gauze Fabric

It is thin and lightweight. It is transparent. It is fine and airy. It is soft and comfortable. It is open-textured.

Gauze Uses
Lightweight property of the gauze has made it perfect for warm summer days. It is widely used as apparel, blouses, surgical dressings, and curtains. The heavyweight gauze fabric is used as diapers, which are exceptionally durable and comfortable. Gauze is a transparent fabric, which filters light, hence it is very much used as casual window dressings like panels and scarves.

Types of Gauze

Cotton Gauze Fabric Linen Gauze Fabric Silk Gauze Fabric Wool Gauze Fabric

Lawn Fabric : What is Lawn Fabric, Cotton Lawn Fabric

What is Lawn Fabric / Lawn Fabric Definition

Lawn fabric is is a finely woven fabric from cotton or linen. It gives unparallel comfort and is breathable. It is very soft, crisp and lightweight. The fabric is given a crease resistant finish. It is suitable in all kinds of weather. Today, lawn made of cotton is the world's finest cottons. The "lawn" was invented in Europe in the late 19th century. Lawn made from long-staple cotton gives a silky feel and is widely used as christening gowns.

Characteristics of Lawn Fabric

It is lightweight. It is soft. It is crisp. It is crease resistant. 100% cotton lawn gives a silky feel.

Uses of Lawn Fabric

Christening gowns Slips Day gowns Dresses

Types of Lawn Fabric

Cotton Lawn Fabric Tana Lawn Fabric

Matelasse Fabric : What is Matelasse, Characteristics of Matelasse Fabric, Uses of Matelasse Fabric, Cotton Matelasse
What is Matelasse
Cotton matelasse fabric is heavy and durable. It is a good wear and drapes well. It is very attractive and quite plain styles work excellent. The fabric is washable but has to be laundered with care. It comes in different colors, novelty effects and some even with metallic yarns

It is woven tightly on jacquard or dobby loom in double cloth weave, also known as compound fabric. The pattern gives a quilted puff effect. It has a pattern such as botanical like leaves, geometric like diamond or squares or that of abstract shape The word 'Matelasse' has been arrived from a French word 'Matelasser', which means to quilt or to pad. In 1880s, very fine silk matelasse were produced for dresses, mantles, and opera cloaks. Wool mantles were used for mantles and jackets.

Characteristics of Matelasse Fabric

It is heavy. It is durable. It is sumptuous. It is warm.

Uses of Matelasse Fabric

Matelasse is widely used as upholstery and drapery. Lightweight matelasse is used for dresses and apparel.

Muslin Fabric : Muslin, What is Muslin Fabric, Muslin Properties, Muslin Uses, Cotton Muslin Fabric, Printed Muslin Fabric, Organic Muslin Fabric
What is Muslin Fabric / What is Muslin Muslin Definition / Definition of Muslin / Define Muslin
Muslin is a soft and fine cotton fabric with a plain weave. It is sometimes printed or dyed. The fabric comes in medium to lightweight. It is cool, comfortable and very affordable. Muslin wears well. It has a simple and clean look. It has low count, less than 160 threads per square inch. Unfinished muslin is used in fashion design for making trial garments. Muslin fabric is also sometimes made out of silk or linen. Silk muslin has a beautiful crisp texture but it does not wears well. Linen muslin is absolutely much more historical. The weave of linen muslin was so fine that the Egyptian Pharaohs used it for wrapping mummies. The word 'muslin' has been originated from 'Mosul,' a city in Iraq where the fabric was originated. Through the centuries, India and Bangladesh became the home of exotic muslin. The muslin was legendary. A 50-meter long

muslin fabric could be squeezed and put into a matchbox. But today's muslin is a different fabric. Marco Polo once said that, "it is a cloth of silk and gold."

Muslin Properties

It is smooth and delicate. It is cool and comfortable. It wears well. It is medium to lightweight.It wrinkles.

Types of Muslin Fabric

Cotton Muslin Fabric Printed Muslin Fabric Organic Muslin Fabric

Muslin Uses
The upholsterers put muslin as the primary fabric of chair and sofa. The fabric is lightweight, so it is used as slipcovers, bedspread, bedskirt, throw pillow, table skirt, etc. Muslin curtains and window shade suits a country house. Muslin is also used as eveningwear, bridal wear, trimmings, backing for millinery and neckwear.

Organdy Fabric : What is Organdy, Characteristics of Organdy Fabrics, Uses of Organdy Fabrics

What is organdy Fabric / What is Organdy / Organdy Definition

Organdy is a sheer and lightweight plain weave cotton fabric. Organdy Fabric is stiffened fabric with a low yarn count. It is thin and transparent. Organdy fabric is a true durable finish cloth. Organdy is more shear than a batiste and equivocal to voile. Organdy Fabric withstands multiple washing, retaining its crispness.

Characteristics of Organdy Fabric

It is stiff.

It is lightweight. It is transparent. It is fine and sheer.

Uses of Organdy Fabric

The most common uses of organdy fabric is garment overlays in blouses, dresses, collars, puffed sleeves, full gathered skirts, petticoats and pinafores. Curtains are also made of organdy fabric.

Sheeting Fabric : What is Sheeting Fabric, Characteristics of Sheeting Fabric, Uses of Sheeting Fabric

What is Sheeting Fabric / What is Sheeting

Sheeting is a smooth flat and closely woven fabric in different weights and thread counts. It launders easily and comes in a wide range of colors and patterns. Sheeting fabric is very durable and it does not shrink. 50/50 blended sheeting fabric wrinkles less than 100% cotton sheets

Characteristics of Sheeting Fabric

It is very durable.It do not shrink. 100% cotton sheet wrinkles. It can be washed and dried.

Uses of Sheeting

Fabric Pillow cases Mattress cover

Terry Fabric : Terry Cloth Fabric, What is Terry Fabric, Terry Properties, Uses of Terry Fabric, Cotton Terry Fabric, French Terry Fabric, Bamboo Terry Fabric, Microfiber Terry Fabric, Stretch Terry Fabric
What is Terry Fabric

Terry fabric is made up of cotton and it is very absorbent. It is very soft and comfortable. The fabric withstands strain of rubbing, pulling, twisting and tugging by the user. It gets stronger in wet condition. It is easily washed in hot water using strong bleach or detergent. Terry fabric is constructed of a pile weave, sometimes with a jacquard pattern. The pile may be either cut or uncut. Generally the fabric is formed using two sets of warp yarns. The one sided pile is known as "Turkish toweling". Terry cloth is more absorbent when it has loops on both sides. Best quality of terry cloth have a close, firm and underweave with very close loops. The first mechanical loom for terry weaving was developed in England. The technique originated from the Orient around 1850. This mechanical loom served as the base for modern terry weaving machines of today.

Terry Properties

It is very absorbent. It is comfortable. It is easy to launder. It does not require ironing. It is used for long wearing.

Uses of Terry Fabric

Terry cloth is typically used as towels, bath robes and beach coverups due to its softness and highly absorbent quality. It is also used as sportswear, children's wear, slip covers, draperies, exercise wear, infant and toddler accessories and toys and apparels.

Types of Terry Fabric

Cotton Terry Fabric French Terry Fabric Bamboo Terry Fabric Microfiber Terry Fabric Stretch Terry Fabric

Velvet Fabric : Velvet, What is Velvet Fabric, Velvet Characteristics, Velvet Properties, Velvet Uses
What is Velvet Fabric / What is Velvet / Define Velvet / Velvet Definition
Velvet is a cut pile fabric made with an extra warp yarn. It is closely woven from silk, rayon, cotton, acetate, nylon, a little of wool or their blends. Originally it was an all-silk fabric. It wears well and drapes well with a tendency to add weight to the figure. It is resistant to crush and water. It comes in variety of weight and is less expensive. To get the maximum amount of depth in the color, the velvet is cut with the pile running up after woven over wires. By cutting this way, it wears well. It is cut with simple lines in the garment so that it do not destroys the beauty of the fabric

Velvet Characteristics / Velvet Properties

It is durable. It is thick. It is warm. It drapes well. It has short fuzzy surface. It is water-resistant. It is crush resistant.

Velvet Uses

Evening wear Home wear Upholstery Curtains Cushions

Poplin Fabric : What is Poplin, Poplin Definition, Poplin Characteristics, Poplin Uses

What is Poplin Fabric / What is Poplin / Poplin Definition

Poplin is a tightly woven plain weave fabric made of cotton, silk, wool or synthetic blends. Poplin Fabric is smooth, thin and lustrous fabric. The poplin made of 100% cotton is cool, comfortable and breathable. The rib variation of the weave gives the fabric a slightly ridge effect. It is heavyweight and durable. The heavier poplin is given a waterrepellent finish for good outdoor use. The poplin fabric is excellent for making large banners for tradeshows, museums or music concerts. Poplin fabric is considered to be an all-purpose fabric with its rich texture and a non-reflective finish. The flat finish of poplin has made it the best fabric when a very flat and tight look is desired. It is also an excellent fabric for draping. It is best used for table drape displays in stores or tradeshows. The word 'Poplin', has been derived from the Italian name papalino because cloth made of poplin was first manufactured in the papal town of Avignon in 14th century. Poplin fabric made of cotton was the preferred fabric for the British colonists when on safari. During World War II, U.S. military used poplin fabric on fronts because of its comfort, durability and crisp uniformity.

Poplin Characteristics

It is smooth and lustrous. It is soft. It is heavyweight fabric. It is durable. It has flat finish. It drapes well. It wrinkles less.

Poplin Uses

Poplin's flat finish has made it perfect for making banners or table drape displays in stores or tradeshows. It is also widely used as all kinds of sportswear, shirts, boy's suits, uniforms, blouses and dresses.

Chintz Fabric : Overview of Chintz Fabric, History of Chintz Fabric, Process of Making Chintz, Characteristics of Chintz Fabric, Uses of Chintz Fabric

Chintz is a closely woven plain weave cotton fabric with a shiny and lustrous finish. It usually has bright figures of large flower, birds, and other such designs. The fabric is processed with glazed finish to give it a polish look. It is widely used for curtains and upholstery. Cotton chintz fabric has several types of glaze. Resin finish chintz is a durable glaze. It withstands washing or dry cleaning. The wax and starch glaze washes out. It is produced by friction or glazing calendars. Some chintz also comes in semi-glazed form. Unglazed chintz is known as 'Cretonne'. The word 'Chintz' has been taken from the Indian word 'Chint', which mean 'broad and gaudily printed fabric'. In the west, it was brought by the British Raj. They imported chintz fabric as early as 1600. It became popular and was imitated there.

Process of Making Chintz

The fabric is sized with a preparation of fatty milk and extracts of plant which contain tannic acid. The fabric is dried thoroughly. The design outline is painted on the fabric with the help of an ink that turns black when comes in contact with the tannic acid on the fabric. To paint red, mixture of alum and brazilwood is used.

The fabric is next dyed in hot water, which contains madder root, or another red dye called chay (Oldenlandia umbellata).

The fabric is then cleaned to remove the tanning agent. Traditionally, it was done with cow dung. Next, it is again dyed in indigo. The portion, which was not to be dyed blue, is covered with wax resist. The fabric is then dipped in hot water to remove wax resist. It is then washed, dried, and sized.

Characteristics of Chintz Fabric

It has bright and large flora designs. It is shiny and lustrous. It has polished look.

Uses of Chintz Fabric

Curtains Draperies Slipcovers Dresses Sportswear

Chenille Fabric : What is Chenille Fabric, History of Chenille Fabric, Making of Chenille Fabric, Characteristics of Chenille Fabric, Uses of Chenille Fabric
Chenille fabric has a fur-like texture, which is created by weaving the warp thread in groups. It is made of cotton, silk or wool and is similar to velvet. The fabric has beautiful appearance and is soft. This has made it a fancy fabric and is preferred by fabric designers. The pile of the fabric is not flat, so it reflects and absorbs light in varying degrees. It is known as shading and mottled effect, which is found to some extent in all items of chenille fabric. The word 'Chenille' has been taken from a French word for caterpillar because the fuzzy pile yarn looks like a caterpillar. Chenille is commercially being produced since the 1970s. Chenille was first time made by Catherine Evans in 1895 when after being inspired by a family heirloom, made her first hand-tufted chenille bedspread. Five years later, she sold hand-tufted chenille spread for $2.50. Later with further demand, Evans Manufacturing Company was established in 1917.

Making of Chenille Fabric

The pile yarns are wrapped around a shorter stem of polished meta known as caliper. A blade passes cutting the pile yarns into short lengths. The core yarns are pressed into the shorter lengths with the help of a rotating metal wheel. Next, the yarn is fed onto a traditional ring-twisting take up mechanism. In this twisting process, both the ends of core yarn twist and trap the shorter ends of pile between the core yarns.

The caliper size determines the resulting yarn diameter. The size of the pile yarns and its number and quantity fed into the core determines the count of the yarn.

Characteristics of Chenille Fabric

It has fur like texture. It has beautiful appearance. It is soft.It is a fancy fabric. It resembles velvet. It reflects and absorbs light in varying degree

Uses of Chenille Fabric

Sweaters Outerwear Upholstery Curtains Throws and blankets Rugs

Chambray Fabric : What is Chambray, History of Chambray Fabric, Characteristics of Chambray Fabric, Uses of Chambray Fabric
Chambray is a closely woven plain weave fabric mostly made from cotton. It is soft and smooth with a slight luster. It wears well and is easy to sew and launder. It is lightweight, yet strong fabric with a denim look The fabric is made of dyed warp (down) and white or unbleached filling (across). Both carded or combed yarns are used. It has a white selvedge to prevent raveling and has a very soft coloring (often light blue), which creates a faded look. Some are also made in stripes, checks or embroidered. Chambray fabric originated from Cobrai or Cambrai, a city in north France where it was originally woven for farmer's wardrobes. This was actually the fabric choice for the working man's blue shirt. Hence, the term blue-collar worker came into use.

Characteristics of Chambray Fabric

It is soft and lightweight.

It is smooth. It is slightly lustrous. It is strong and durable. It wears well.It is easy to sew. It launders well.

Uses of Chambray Fabric

Children's wear Dresses Shirts Blouses Aprons All kinds of sportswear.

Velour Fabric : Velour, What is Velour Fabric, Velour Properties, Velour History, Uses of Velour Fabric
What is Velour Fabric / What is Velour / Define Velour / Velour Definition
Velour is thick, plush fabric with a plain or satin ground. It has a close and dense pile. It is sometimes also knitted. Velour is characterized with uneven lengths that give it a rough look. The uneven lengths of pile are usually two in number and it creates a light and shade area on the surface. It somewhat have a pebbled effect

Velour History
Velour was invented in 1844 in Lyons (France). The word "Velour" is derived from French which is a term for velvet. "Cotton velour" is simple known as cotton velvet. Ribbed velour is soft combination of cotton, spandex and nylon. Marvel velour is fire-retardant through a five dry cleaning before it is again re-treated Velour fabric is made from cotton, wool, or spun rayon. 100% polyester velour creates air pockets in the fabric that trap air and retains body heat. Woven velour is soft, yet rugged.

Velour Properties

It has a rough look. It has light and shaded areas on the surface. It has pebbled effect. It is soft. It is rugged.

Uses of Velour Fabric

Hats Dressing gowns Dresses Waist-coats Upholstery

Voile Fabric : Voile, What is Voile Fabric, Characteristics of Voile Fabric, Uses of Voile Fabric
What is Voile Fabric / What is Voile / Define Voile / Voile Definition
Voile is a sheer and very lightweight fabric. The weave is plain and approximately square. It is a loosely woven fabric. It is crisp and wiry hand. The fabric drapes as well as gathers very well. It is semi-transparent and has a clear surface, obtained by singeing away any fuzzy yarns. Voile is also called "Voile de laine", meaning wool voile. It was originally made from cotton or wool, but now it is also made from cotton, worsted, silk or manufactured continuous filament. It is usually made with cylindrical combed yarns. Higher-grade voile is made from highly twisted yarns. It has a hard finish and often preferred for sheer window treatments because of its drapability and soft flowing character.

Characteristics of Voile Fabric

It is sheer. It is very lightweight. It has hard finish.

It drapes and gathers very well. It is crisp and sometimes wiry hand.

Uses of Voile Fabric

Curtain Dresses Blouses

Silk Fabric Texture : Different Types of Textures in Silk Fabrics, Summer Textures, Textures for Cold Climates, Subtle Textures

Silk fabric, one of the higher grade fabric known for its softness, luster, beauty and luxurious look. It gives comfort in all types of weather and is the strongest natural fabric in the world. Indian silk is popular worlwide because of its sheer variety of designs, weaving and quality. The most valued is the Thai silk. Different textures are created with silk fabric according to the use. Summer textures are different from that which is worn in cold climates. In menswear, the fabrics are light with subtle textures.

Brocade Fabric : Brocade, What is Brocade Fabric, What is Brocade, Define Brocade, Brocade Definition, Brocade Meaning, Brocade History, Brocade Characteristics, Brocade Uses
What is Brocade Fabric | What is Brocade | Define Brocade | Brocade Definition | Brocade Meaning
Brocade or Brocade fabric is a rich, elegant and heavy fabric with an elaborate design effect. Brocade fabric has a raised and embossed texture. The raised and embossed texture of the brocade adds an extra layer of warmth. It is widely used in a satin background with metallic threading and embroidery. Often it is reversible. Brocades are dressy formal fabrics. Suits and dresses made of brocade are ideal for all occasion gatherings and eveningwear. Brocade was originally made of silk but now it is common with rayon, cotton or polyester. It is woven by a compact warp-effect background with either one or more than one fillings of gold or silver thread used to make the motif or figure. Motifs are of flowers, foliage, pastoral scenes, or other such designs. Sometimes, the richness of the fabric is enhanced by weaving verses from the Hindu scriptures of the Koran, making it appropriate for religious ceremonies.

Brocade History

Brocade is believed to be originated in the Shang Dynasty of China. Making brocade fabrics became an art in Europe during the 16th and 17th centuries. In India it is known as 'fabric of dreams' and is produced in Ahmedabad, Aurangabad, Benaras, Delhi, Lucknow, Bhopal, Murshidabad, Thanjavur (Tanjore), Tiruchirapally, Madras and Surat.

Brocade Characteristics

It is rich and elegant. It is heavyweight. It has raised and embossed texture. It has elaborate designs.

Brocade Fabric Uses | Brocade Uses

Historically, brocade garment is after five wear. It is appropriate for eveningwear and occasion gathering. Brocade fabric is used as apparel, state robes, sarees, church vestments, draperies and upholstery.

Crepe Fabric : What is Crepe Fabric, Characteristics of Crepe Fabric, Uses of Crepe Fabric, What is Crepe Fabric
Crepe is a light-weight and classic soft silk fabric with a good drapeability. Crepe Fabric is smooth and highly shapeable. Crepe fabric comes in different weights and degrees of sheerness. Crepe has a good slimming effect. The surface texture of the crepe fabric ranges from fine, flat to pebbled and mossy effects. Crepe fabric is durable and easy to cut and sew. crepe is ideally suited for dresses and blouses. Crepe fabric is either a plain weave of satin but it is of different types. Canton crepe is heavier with ribs while the Chiffon crepe is having a soft finish. Crepe de China has sheer and limp where as Crepon crepe has fine ribs. Flat crepe comes with smooth surface and Plisse crepe have puckered or crinkled surface. The crinkled of puckered surface of the crepe fabric is produced by number of ways. The short and irregular floats in warp and weft of the woven crepe fabric are arranged to create a full random pattern within the weave repeat.In woven crepe fabric or knitted crepe fabric, the crinkled or puckered appearance is obtained by the use of highly twisted yarns. The characteristics are also created by treatment of the crepe fabric with embossing rollers of heat and pressure engraved with a crepe pattern

Characteristics of Crepe Fabric / Properties of Crepe Fabric

It is lightweight and thin. It is soft.

It drapes well. It is smooth and shapeable. It has sheerness. It has a good slimming effect. It has crinkled or puckered surface. It shrinks.

Types of Crepe Fabric

Silk Crepe Fabric Wool Crepe Fabric Polyster Crepe Fabric Stretch Crepe Fabric Crepe de chine fabric Crepe Back Satin Fabric

Uses of Crepe Fabric

Indian Choli Bridal and Fashion leenghas Sarees Salwar kameez Long dinner dresses Light-weight suits Coats Skirts, scarves and slacks

Evening wear

Chiffon Fabric : Overview of Chiffon Fabric, Characteristics of Chiffon Fabric, Properties of Chiffon Fabric, Uses of Chiffon Fabric
Chiffon Fabric is an elegant and sheer fabric made of silk, rayon, cotton, or synthetics. The fabric is very fine, thin hand and lightweight. It is soft and supple, which gives a beautiful drape. It wears very well but is difficult to handle when sewing. It has slightly bumpy look and is best suited to shirring, draping, gathering and tucking. Chiffon is a plain weave fabric. It is made of loose and tightly twisted yarns. The yarns are either in the filling or the warp or both. It has crepe like texture because the threads are first twisted and then woven. It has very slight rough feel but is softer and thinner than Georgette. Polyester chiffon is very strong and dries quickly The word 'Chiffon' has been derived from a French word 'Chiffe', which mean 'rag'.

Characteristics of Chiffon Fabric / Properties of Chiffon Fabric

It is soft and supple. It is elegant and sheer fabric. It is very fine, thin and transparent. It is lightweight. It wears very well. It drapes well. It does not show pinholes. It is difficult to cut and sew. It has crepe-like texture

Uses of Chiffon Fabric

Chiffon is best used for special occasion dresses, nightgowns, linings, and under linings. It is also used as eveningwear, blouses and scarves. Often chiffon is used in a colored layer over a heavier fabric, background for embroidery, applique or beading.

Faille Fabric : Faille, What is Faille Fabric, Faille Fabric Definition, Uses of Faille Fabric

What is Faille / Faille Definition

Faille is a technique of fabric construction, which creates a corded effect. Faille is a medium weight fabric with noticeable cross-wise ribs. Faille is sometimes even referred to as flat-ribbed. Faille Fabric is glossy soft and dressy. Faille Fabric wears and drapes well. Faille Fabric is smooth with a lustrous finish. Faille belongs to a family of grosgrain, a strong close woven corded fabric, but it is finer. The ribs of faille are flatter than in grosgrain. Faille is a plain weave, woven from filament yarn. The weft-way ribs are formed by the intersection of a tine (close-set warp) with a coarser weft.

Characteristics of Faille Fabric

Faille has crosswise ribs. Faille is glossy. Faille is soft and smooth. Faille is dressy. Faille wears better. Faille drapes well. Faille has lustrous finish. Faille tailors well. Faille is difficult to launder.

Uses of Faille Fabric

Faille drapes and wears well, hence it is ideal for slacks and dress wear. Heavier weight faille is used for coats and suits. Faille is also used blouses and soft evening purses.

Georgette Fabric : What is Georgette Fabric, Georgette, Silk Georgette Fabric, Polester Georgette Fabric, Double Georgette Fabric, Printed Georgette Fabric
What is Georgette Fabric / What is Georgette
Georgette Fabric is a sheer lightweight plain weave fabric made of silk. It is characterized by its crispness, with some body and firmness. Georgette fabric is thin but strong and very durable. Georgette wears well and produces a very

elegant look. Georgette fabric has a dull creped surface with a grainy texture. Georgette snags easily and is difficult to sew. Georgette is slightly heavier and more opaque than the chiffon. Georgette fabric has a textured crepe surface because the threads are first twisted and then it is woven together. The twisted crepe fibers give a springy quality that makes it seem to move on its own. Georgette is also made of polyester or rayon. Polyester georgette is more strong and resistant to creases and wrinkles. The word 'Georgette' has been derived from a French dressmaker of the 20th century named Madame Georgette de la Plante.

Characteristics of Georgette Fabric

Georgette is a sheer fabric. Georgette is thin and lightweight fabric. It is strong and extremely durable. It wears well. It has elegant look. It has a dull face. It snags. It is not easy to sew.

Types of Georgette Fabric

Silk Georgette Fabric Polyester Georgette Fabric Double Georgette Fabric Printed Georgette Fabric

Uses of Georgette Fabric

Blouses Flared skirts

Dresses Eveningwear Scarves

Peau de Soie : Peau de Soie Fabric, What is Peau de Soie Fabric, Characteristics of Peau de Soie, Uses of Peau de Soie
What is Peau de Soie Fabric / What is Peau de Soie
Peau de Soie, also known, as "Paduasoy" is a stout, soft silk with fine cross ribs. Peau de Soie Fabric is medium to heavyweight drapeable fabric having a satin weave. It is extremely beautiful and smooth fabric with a satiny, lustered finish. The full luster Peau de Soie is more flattering to most of the body shapes and sizes than the higher luster satins. Peau de Soie is a traditional fabric generally used for wedding dresses, which is also used for bridesmaids gowns, mothers-of-the-bride dresses and also for elegant cocktail suits. It is a French word, which means, "skin of silk". It is also known as "Duchess Satin". The best quality of Peau de Soie is reversible, having finish on both sides. Peau de Soie do not get dyed to dark colors. Light color dye looks great. It is least affected by the ultra violet light. It gives a dramatic and stylish look

Characteristics of Peau de Soie

It is soft. It is stout. It is extremely beautiful and smooth. It has luster finish. It is medium to heavyweight.

Uses of Peau de Soie

Wedding gowns. Bridesmaids gowns. Shoes

Organza Fabric: What is Organza, Organza Properties, Organza Uses, Silk Organza Fabric, Sparkle Organza Fabric, Crystal Organza Fabric
What is Organza Fabric / What is Organza / Organza Definition
Organza is a crisp and sheer plain weave fabric. It is thin and lightweight. It has fine texture with a very slight sheen finish. Organza fabric is crisp and gives a wiry feel. Organza Fabric crushes or musses easily but is easily pressed. Organza is a stiff and transparent fabric and very dressy. Organza is produced from highly twisted yarn. The gum present on the raw silk holds together the weave creating a stiff fabric. It is easy to dye, but some minor distortion takes place after dyeing due to sheerness and irregularity of twisted yarns. Organza fabric is washable but in cold water to retain its crispness. Organza fabric is similar to cotton organdy except it is transparent.

Organza Properties

It is a crisp and sheer fabric. It is thin. It is lightweight. It is moderately wiry. It has fine texture. It is dressy. It is easy to press.

Organza Uses
Organza fabric is appropriate for interfacing or for underlining other sheer fabrics, which require a slight stiffness without weight. It is also used for sari materials, embroidered garments , trimming, neckwear and millinery.

Types of Organza Fabric

Silk Organza Fabric Sparkle Organza Fabric Crystal Organza Fabric

Broadcloth Fabric : Broadcloth, What is Broadcloth Fabric, Broad Cloth Fabric Definition | What is Broadcloth, Wool Broadcloth, Broadcloth Uses
What is Broadcloth Fabric | Broad Cloth Fabric Definition | What is Broadcloth
Broadcloth or Broadcloth fabric is a very closely woven plain weave fabric with a crosswise rib. It is made of cotton, cotton/polyester blends, silk or wool. It is soft and lustrous with a firm finish. It is similar to poplin, but finer. It wears better, drapes well and is dressy. Broadcloth fabric is cool, comfortable, functional and affordable.

Wool Broadcloth
The characteristics of wool broadcloth are slightly different from other broadcloth. Wool Broadcloth is usually twill with a two up and one down construction. The fabric is fulled after weaving. Fulling is a process where the cloth is cleansed, shrunk and thickened with moisture, heat and pressure. It has a napped face and is closely sheared and polished Broadcloth originally indicates a cloth woven on a wide loom. The thread count of the fabric ranges from a high quality 144 6 count down to 80 60. The filling yarn in the fabric is heavier with lesser twist than the warp yarn. It can be bleached, dyed, or printed. It is also very often mercerized.

Characteristics of Broadcloth Fabric

It is soft. It is lustrous. It is very fine. It is comfortable. It has a smooth finish. It is dressy. It wears and drapes well.

Broadcloth Uses
Broadcloth is used as shirts, dresses, blouses and summer wear of all kinds.

Charmeuse Fabric : What is Charmeuse Fabric, History of Charmeuse Fabric, Characteristics of Charmeuse Fabric, Uses of Charmeuse Fabric

Charmeuse fabric is a lightweight fabric commonly made from silk. It is soft with rich luster. It drapes beautifully and is very smooth. The back of the fabric is a flattened crepe with a dull appearance while the front is a shimmery satin weave. Sometimes it is also called as 'crepe backed satin'. It is made of high twisted yarn with a flexible finish. Charmeuse garments with pleats should be avoided, as it is too soft to hold folds. Patterns with loose and flowing or having soft gathers are appropriate. Charmeuse becomes dull but too soft after dry clean. The word 'Charmeuse' originated from a French word for 'Charmer', which is recognized from the fabrics supreme luster and beautiful drapability

Characteristics of Charmeuse Fabric

It is lightweight. It is lustrous on one side and dull the other side. It is smooth. It is soft. It drapes well.

Uses of Charmeuse Fabric

Charmeuse is commonly used for women's dresses like skirts, blouses, skirts and lingerie. Apart from this it is also used as pajamas, dresses, scarves and evening gowns

Taffeta Fabric : Taffeta, What is Taffeta Fabric, Taffeta Characteristics, Taffeta Properties, Taffeta Uses

What is Taffeta Fabric / What is Taffeta / Define Taffeta / Taffeta Definition

Taffeta is a medium to heavyweight lustrous fabric made from silk, wool, rayon or synthetics. It has good strength and durability. It is resistant to chemicals and abrasion. The fabric accepts color well and is easy to wash. It provides a crisp hand and produces a rustling sound when rubbed together. It is similar to satin, but is stiffer. It is a dressy fabric. Taffeta is a weft-way rib cloth. It is prepared by using a slightly thicker weft than warp. Wool taffeta is produced from worsted yarns. The stiffness of the fabric depends upon how closely it is woven. Hand woven taffeta is the best.

The word 'Taffeta' has been derived from a Persian word 'Taftah', which 'Twist'. Taffeta has originated in Persia (Iran) in the 16th century. Then, it was made from silk or linen. It used to be a luxury cloth for women and was used in all types of women's wear.

Taffeta Characteristics / Taffeta Properties

It is crisp. It is strong. It is durable. It is stiff. It is resistant to chemical and abrasion. It makes a rustle noise when rubbed together. It is medium to heavy-weight.

Taffeta Uses
Taffeta is used as suits and coats, slips, ribbons, blouses, dresses, umbrella fabric, and lining for jackets and bags. For formal wear, it is a favourite choice. Taffeta is also used as bedspreads and cushion covers.

Damask Fabric : Overview of Damask Fabric, History of Damask Fabric, Characteristics of Damask Fabric, Uses of Damask Fabric
Damask is a firm and glossy Jacquard patterned fabric made from silk, linen, cotton, rayon, or blends. Damask fabric is reversible and is characterized by the combination of satin and sateen weave. The figures or the designs are in weft and the background is in warp satin weaves. It has high luster and is very durable. Damask Fabric sheds dirt and launders well. Damask is similar to brocade, but is flatter. Both, the single damask as well as the double damasks is used. In the single damask, one warp thread goes over four and under one weft thread while weaving. In the double damask, one warp thread goes over seven or even more, and under one weft thread. The warp thread is finer than the weft to give a closer and stronger fabric. Double damask weave gives a more clear design.

History of Damask / Damask History

The word 'Damask' has been derived from the word 'Damascus'. In the 13th century, Marco Polo imported this fabric from China to the Western world. Then Damascus was the center for trade of fabrics between the East and the West. This fabric is believed to be one of the first elegant fabrics of the Renaissance. They used it as vestments. In Rome, damask was imported by the Crusaders from Damascus.

Characteristics of Damask Fabric

It has figures or patterns. It is lustrous. It is durable. It is reversible. It is firm and glossy. It launders better. It sheds dirt.

Types of Damask Fabrics

Cotton Damask Fabric Silk Damask Fabric Linen Damask Fabric

Damask Uses

Tablecloths Napkins Draperies

Tulle Fabric : Define Tulle Fabric, Tulle Characteristics, Tulle Uses

What is Tulle / Define Tulle / Tulle Definition
Tulle is a very fine and very cool net fabric made from silk, nylon or cotton. It is soft and elegant. The fabric is very light and stiff having a hexagonal mesh. It is dressy but also delicate. Tulle is a sheer fabric. It comes in white and colors and is widely used as veils and dresses.

The weave of tulle is either gauze, knotted or leno and is woven on a lace machine. It was first made by machine in the year 1768. The word 'Tulle' has been derived from the name of a town in SW France, the origin of tulle. Tulle is a stately type of fabric when used as formal wear and weddings

Tulle Properties

It is a net fabric. It is very fine. It is soft. It is lightweight. It is stiff. It is dressy. It is delicate. It has sheerness. It has hexagonal mesh.

Tulle Uses
Tulle is popularly used as ballerina costumes and wedding veils or trains. It is also used as underskirts or skirts and as embroidery of imitation laces

Wool Fabric Texture : Different Types of Wool Fabric Textures, Chellis, Loden, Houndstooth, Gabardine

Wool Fabric Texture

Wool fabric is known for its warmth. It is soft, strong and very durable. One of the important quality of wool fabric is that it wicks away perspiration from the body and keep the wearer dry. It do not wrinkle easily and is resistant to dirt and wear and tear. Wool never burns over a flame, instead it only smoulders Whatever be the source of wool, such as sheep, lamb, alpaca, camel, etc., the fabric of each can be given a different texture to make it more purposeful. For example Chellis is used to make women's and children's dresses and blouses where as Loden is shaped into capes and sportswear. Houndstooth Check is also used in sportswear, specially sportcoats but suits goes well with it. To make tailored suits for men and women, Gabardine is the best.

Beaver Cloth : Beaver Clothes, Beaver Clothing, Beaver Fabric, Beaver Characteristics, Beaver Properties, Beaver Uses
Beaver cloth or Beaver Fabric is a thick and heavy silk or cotton fabric with a smooth nap. Beaver Clothes are high quality and very soft cloth. Beaver clothes gives an excellent wear and is very warm. It is very luxurious and shiny. Beaver Clothing is mostly used as warm coats. Beaver cloth or Beaver Fabric is of twill weave. Of all the napped fabrics, it has the longest nap. The length of the nap varies from cloth to cloth and its uses. The nap is on both the sides - double faced. Usually light colored fibers are added to the nap to increase the shine of the cloth. Beaver Clothing is made to stimulate beaver fur. It is originally from English but mostly found in Europe and America.

Beaver Characteristics | Beaver Properties

It has heavy nap. It is furled. It is thick. It is an excellent wear. It is very warm. It is luxurious. It is shiny.

Beaver Uses
Beaver cloth made of wool is primarily used as warm coats. Cotton beaver is used as hats, shoe linings, work cloths, maritime cloths and sports cloths.

Challis Fabric : What is Challis Fabric, History of Challis Fabric, Characteristics of Challis Fabric, Uses of Challis Fabric
Challis or chalys is a soft and lightweight plain weave fabric commonly made from wool and sometimes from cotton or rayon. It has a slightly brushed surface with silky down finish and good drapeability. The true color of challis is brownish, but it is usually dyed or printed with floral or geometric patterns. It is a dressy fabric and is often washable. Challis is obtained from hair fiber of Kashmir goat found in India, Tibet, Iran, Iraq, and South west China. The fabric is knitted using single worsted spun yarns in warp and weft. The word 'Challis' is derived from Anglo-Indian word 'Shalee', which mean soft. Challis originated in Norwich, England in the year 1832.

Characteristics of Challis Fabric

It is soft and silky. It is lightweight. It drapes well. It is dressy. It is often washable

Uses of Challis Fabric

Challis is widely used as printed dresses and skirts. It is also used as women's and children's dresses and blouses, kimonos, necties, sweaters, pajamas, blouses and sportswear. In slacks or shorts, it has to be lined.

Cheviot Fabric : Overview of Chevoit Fabric, Characteristics of Chevoit Fabric, Uses of Chevoit Fabric
Cheviot Fabric is a very rugged and harsh wool fabric with an uneven and rough surface. It is a loosely woven tweed fabric made from thick and rough yarns. The cloth is very lightly milled and raised. After the finish, it gets a crisp feel. It has a heavy nap with no shine at all. It does not hold crease and sags with wear. It is coarser than saxony clothes but is more lustrous. The fabric is often sold as a homespun, which has a plain weave and is much heavier. Cheviot is obtained from the wool of cheviot sheep, known for its heavy fleece and found in the hills at the bordering area of England and Scotland. Today, it is also made from synthetics, crossbred and reused wool and blends. Often it comes with a herringbone pattern and it resembles serge. It is generally used as suits and coats.

Characteristics of Cheviot Fabric

It is coarse. It has rough surface. It is loosely woven. It has a crisp feel. It is not crease resistant. It is heavy.

It sags with wear.

Uses of Cheviot Fabric

Coats Sportswear Sport's coats. Blankets Knee rugs Knitted and crocheted garments

Chinchilla Cloth : Overview of Chinchilla Cloth, History of Chinchilla Cloth, Characteristics of Chinchilla Cloth, Uses of Chinchilla Cloth

Chinchilla cloth is a thick, dense and heavy pile fabric. Its surface has curls or nubs. It is very soft and warm despite being one of the lightest in weight furs. Often it is double faced with a knitted or woven, plain or fancy back. The fur is most fragile and most expensive. It is even one of the most prestigious fur. Chinchilla cloth is usually made from wool or blends of wool and cotton in twill weave. The name has been derived from 'Chincha', the South American Indians who used the hair of a rodent for cloth. The term 'Chinchilla' is also used to refer a knitted woolen fabric which has a napped surface. Chinchilla cloths are very difficult the manufacture but new dressing methods have made it easier to work. It has also improved its wearability.

Characteristics of Chinchilla Cloth

It is thick, dense and heavy. It has nap. It is very soft. It is very lightweight. It is often double faced.

Uses of Chinchilla Cloth

Chinchilla Cloth is primarily used as coats

Gabardine Fabric : What is Gabardine Fabric, Gabardine Definition, Gabardine, Cotton Gabardine, Wool Gabardine, Stretch Gabardine, Polyester Gaberdine
Gabardine fabric or gabardine is a style of weave which has a fine and distinct diagonal ribs caused by the interlacing pattern of yarns. It is tightly woven twill fabric with a clear finish. It is firm and durable. Sometimes it has high sheen. Gabardine is inclined to shine with wear but it is hard to press properly. It wears extremely well Wool gabardine is also known for a year-round fabric for business suiting. Cotton, rayon, polyester and some blends are also used in making gabardine. However, true gabardine has a tight twill on one side and a smooth and plain looking reverse side. Gabardine has two times as many threads per inch in the warp than what is there in the weft. The word 'Gabardine' has been taken from 'Gabardina'. Gabardina was a loose outer garment worn by Spanish pilgrims in the medieval times

Characteristics of Gabardine Fabric

It is fine. Gabardine Fabric has diagonal ridges. Gabardine Fabric is closely woven. It is firm. It is durable. Gabardine gets the shine with wear. Gabardine is hard to press properly.

Types of Gabardines

Cotton Gabardine Stretch Gabardine Polyester Gabardine Wool Gabardine

Uses of Gabardine Fabric

Tailored suits for men and women Coats Raincoats Uniforms Men's shirts Trousers

Herringbone Wool : What is Herringbone, Herringbone Cloth, Characteristics of Herringbone Fabric, Uses of Herringbone Fabric, Wool Herringbone Fabric
What is Herringbone / Herringbone Cloth
Herringbone Fabric is a broken twill weave created by alternating the diagonal pattern within the cloth. This reverse twill, at regular intervals, produces a zigzag effect. It has a spongy feel with hand loomed tweedy appearance. Herringbone is sometimes also called as 'Chevron' or 'Fishbone' or 'Arrowhead'. Herringbone is made of cotton or wool. The lengthwise and crosswise yarns of herringbone are of different colors, one for warp and the other for weft. The yarns are usually irregular, twisted and uneven. The twill changes its direction at the point where the weave breaks but balancing the overall pattern of the fabric. A true herringbone pattern has the same number of the yarns in each direction. The best herringbone is an ideal rough and ready type of cloth. The name has been derived from the skeleton of Herring because the fiber pattern of herringbone resembles it.

Characteristics of Herringbone Fabric

It has broken twill. It has zigzag pattern. It has spongy feel.

Uses of Herringbone Fabric

Herringbone is used as coats, suits, separates, sports coats and sportswear. It is also used for upholstery.

Homespun Fabric : What is Homespun Fabric, Characteristics of Homespun Fabric, Uses of Homespun Fabric, Homespun Cotton, Homespun Wool, Homespun Linen

What is Homespun Fabric

Homespun Fabric is a plain weave made from coarse and rugged yarns. The yarns are irregular, slightly twisted and uneven. Homespun Fabric is loosely woven in homes by peasants and country folk around the world. It has a spongy feel with substantial appearance and serviceable qualities. Homespun Fabric is made from wool, cotton or linen fabrics. Originally, homespun Fabric was undyed woolen cloth. But now it is dyed and is distinguished by the unevenness of the dyed color. The production of genuine homespun is very limited. Much are sold of powerloom with a 'genuine homespun' tag. Different qualities are made but the best quality is an ideal rough and ready to wear cloth

Characteristics of Homespun Fabric

It is loosely woven. It is a plain weave. It has a tweedy appearance. It has a spongy feel.

Types of Homespun Fabrics

Homespun Cotton Fabric Homespun Linen Homespun Wool

Uses of Homespun Fabric

Coats Suits Separates Sportswear

Houndstooth Fabric : Houndstooth, What is Houndstooth, Houndstooth Check, Houndstooth Apparel, Houndstooth Curtains, Houndstooth Dresses

What is Houndstooth
Houndstooth Fabric is a distinctively broken or jagged check pattern of small or medium size. The design woven looks like a four-pointed star. Houndstooth is usually made from wool with a broken twill weave. It has natural stretch than a jersey knit. Houndstooth Fabric has a soft hand and the same appearance and feel on both the sides

Houndstooth Check
The pointed check effect is produced by the 2 up - 2 down twill and yarns of contrasting colors in groups of four in both, the warp and the filling. The broken check patter resembles the jagged back teeth of a hound, hence the name Houndstooth Check

Characteristics of Houndstooth Fabric

It has broken check pattern.The design looks like a four-pointed star. It has natural stretch. It is soft.

Houndstooth Products

Houndstooth Apparel Houndstooth Curtains Houndstooth Dresses Houndstooth Bag Houndstooth Rug

Uses of Houndstooth Fabric

Sportcoats Suits

Lambsdown : Overview of Lambsdown, Uses of Lambsdown

Lambsdown is a heavy plaited knit fabric. It is made of soft twist woolen yarn and hard twist cotton yarn. The woolen yarn appears on one side giving it a heavy and spongy napped finish. The cotton yarn appears on the other side.

Uses of Lambsdown

Children's coats Blankets Robes

Loden Fabric : Overview of Loden Fabric, History of Loden Fabric, Characteristics of Loden Fabric, Uses of Loden Fabric
Loden Fabric is a thick and heavy fabric made from the fleeces of mountain sheep. Loden is soft and durable. Loden Fabric is resistant to water because of the oily and coarse rough wool, which prevents water penetration. Loden is also windproof and generally used for outerwear Loden fabric originated from Austria and Germany where it was woven from coarse grade wool. The word 'Loden' has been derived from a German word 'Loda', which means haircloth. Originally Loden was made from wool but now it is blended with alpaca, mohair or camel. Loden is traditionally of dark green color with a laid down and pressed pile finish.

Characteristics of Loden Fabric

It is soft. It is durable. It is water and wind resistant. It is thick and heavy.

Uses of Loden Fabric

Winter Cloth Sportswear Caps

Oatmeal Fabric : Oatmeal Cloth, Characteristics of Oatmeal Cloth, Uses of Oatmeal Cloth
Oatmeal is a soft, heavy and durable fabric. It has a crepe or pebbled effect resembling oatmeal paper. The fabric is usually made from wool but sometimes linen is also used. The word 'oatmeal' is an old fashioned term, which is used to describe any fabric (mainly wool) having a colored and pebbled effect like oatmeal.

Characteristics of Oatmeal Cloth

It is soft. It is heavy. It is durable. It has pebbled effect. It launders well.

Uses of Oatmeal Cloth

Drapery Upholstery

Panama Fabric : What is Panama, Panama Cloth, Panama Properties, Uses of Panama Cloth
What is Panama
Panama Fabric is a unique weave made from acrylic/cotton blend fabric. Panama Fabric has the barest trace of shrinkage and is very soft. It is warm and durable. It can be washed well and ironed at higher temperature with steam iron. With proper iron it gives a crisper look. Panama has a property of retaining its body. Babies cloth is a perfect choice out of panama cloth. Panama hat is very popular in three provinces of Ecuador, namely Manabi, Azuay and Canar. These places have developed distinct and different textures in panama hats

Panama Properties

Panama Fabric does not shrink. Panama Fabric is very soft.

It is warm. It is durable. It washes incredibly. It retains its body. It can be ironed with a hot steamy iron. It has a crisp look.

Uses of Panama Cloth

Panama cloth is very soft and it is perfect for babies. It is a preferable fabric by adult too. Panama hat is very popular because of its thickness and flexibility

Tweed Fabric : What is Tweed Fabric, Tweed Properties, Uses of Tweed Fabric
What is Tweed / Define Tweed / Tweed Definition
Tweed is a coarse, thick and rough surfaced wool fabric. It is mid-to-heavyweight with plaid, checked, striped, and other patterns. The weave of tweed is twill, novelty, variations, or plain. There are many varieties of tweed. Some are very closely woven with smoother and softer yarns. Few are of monotone. The word 'Tweed' is the Scotch name for twill. It originated along the banks of the Tweed river, which separates England from Scotland. Tweed is sometimes also known as 'Tweel'. Eventually, tweed was used for all carded homespun wool like Scotch tweed, Irish tweed, Donegal tweed, Cheviot tweed or Harris tweed.

Tweed Properties

It is coarse It is thick It has rough surface It is mid-weight to heavyweight

Uses of Tweed Fabric

Suits Coats Sportswear Slacks Outerwear

Linen Fabric Characteristics : Linen textures, Venice Linen, Damask Linen, Butchers Linen

Linen, symbolising comfort and elegance is also widely known for its antibacterial and antifungi properties. It is one of the most luxurious fabric, carrying tensile strength with high durability. It is completely biodegradable and is wasteless. It do not cause irritation or allergies when worn and gives protection against UV radiation. Linen fabric textures are not of wide variety but only known for Venice, Damask Linen and Butchers linen.

Venise Fabric : Venise, Overview of Venise Fabric, Characteristics of Venise Fabric, Uses of Venise Fabric

Venise is a kind of damask which is very fine and used for table linen. It usually consists large floral patterns. It was inspired by the work of an Italian painter Veronese of the 16th century. It is a hallmark for aristocratic upholstery. A fringed throw in either wool or silk adds to the lavish look of venise.

Characteristics of Venise Fabric

It is very fine. It has a lavish look. It is aristocratic.

Uses of Venise Fabric

Venise fabric is specially used for pillow covers, bed covers and other bedding articles.

Butchers Linen : Butcher Linen, History of Butchers Linen, Characteristics of Butchers Linen, Uses of Butchers Linen
Butchers linen is a strong and heavy. It is stiff and made of plain weave linen fabric. It launders well and sheds dirt easily in wear. The fabric is exceptionally durable. The warp and weft of the fabric are uneven, thick and thin yarns. Butcher's linen was originally made from linen but now it is created with cotton or manufactured fibers. The term 'Butcher Linen' has also been used to describe cotton cloth. This fabric was originally used for French butchers' aprons

Characteristics of Butchers Linen

It is strong. It is heavy. It is stiff. It has plain weave

Uses of Butchers Linen

Tablecloths Overalls Protective coats Interfacing

Leather Fabric Texture : Black Leather Texture, White Leather Texture, Brown Leather Texture, Red Leather Texture, Studded Leather Texture
It is well said that leather never ages. It adds to its quality with time. Leather fabric is weather friendly, gives comfort in both the weather, hot as well as cold. It is firm, soft and elastic. It retains to the original shape when stretched and absorbs water vapour without losing the dryness Leather fabric carries natural textures. Some has scars where as others show a grainy surface. Few of them have velvety appearance and some marbled or creased look. Many of them are given textures artificially, such as embossed leather.

Different Leather Textures

Black Leather Texture White Leather Texture Red Leather Texture Brown Leather Texture Old Leather Texture Seamless Leather Texture Blue Leather Texture Studded Leather Texture Crocodile Leather Texture

Aniline Leather : Aniline Dyed Leather, Semi Aniline Leather, Full Aniline Leather, What is Aniline Leather, Characteristics of Aniline Leather, Uses of Aniline Leather
Aniline leather is the most natural and beautiful form of leather. It is colored all through with a transparent dye. This is done by immersing the leather in a dye bath. It is free of heavy pigments, plastic fillings, surface coats and imitation grains that are found in lesser leathers. Aniline leather is very soft, luxurious and breathable. It shows the natural origins in the form of healed scars and varying surface texture. This distinguished aniline from its imitators. It has a variety of clear finishes which do not inhibit the softness or breathing of the leather. They are like oil finish, wax finish, nitrocellulose finish and urethane protective coatings. The leather which has a base coat of finish containing pigment, but the later coats contain a contrasting pigment giving a two-tone appearance is known as semi-aniline leather. It is made to imitate aniline leather. Semi-aniline leather is more durable. The increased durability is achieved by the application of a light surface coating containing a small amount of pigment. This ensures consistent color and also imparts some stain resistance.

Characteristics of Aniline Leather

It is very soft. It is extremely delicate. It has color variation.

It is sensitive to sunlight. It requires little care. It is susceptible to soiling. All characteristics of the hide is visible giving it a unique appeal.

Uses of Aniline Leather

Aniline leather is widely used as upholstery

Nubuck Leather : Nubuck, What is Nubuck Leather, Characteristics of Nubuck Leather, Uses of Nubuck Leather
What is Nubuck Leather
Nubuck leather is actually aniline leather. The surface of nubuck is brushed and polished and has a velvet like texture with lush appearance. The velvety textured surface show a difference in shading when one runs his hand over it. The effect also gives the leather a color depth and this shading is not found in any other type. The leather is sometimes also dyed with transparent dyes Nubuck leather is also known as Chaps, Distressed, Bomber, or Suede. But it should not be confused with suede or reversed leather. Suede is the flesh side of a piece of leather where as nubuck is an effect done to the grain side of the leather, making it incredibly soft. The brushing makes the leather more absorbent than aniline leathers. Nubuck leather reflects the natural leather grain or do have an endless variety of embossed patterns which are applied to them, and color vividly. Nubuck leather is made from the most formal and refined to rugged casuals. Sometimes, it is also treated with a Scotchgard chemical to make it stain resistant. It is the most durable and easily maintained leather.

Characteristics of Nubuck Leather

It is soft handle. It is beautiful. It has a lush nap. It exhibits noticeable natural marks and grain variation. It is durable.

It requires more care than natural leather. It is vulnerable to stains.

Uses of Nubuck Leather

Nubuck leather is widely used as upholstery apparel

Suede Leather : What is Suede Leather, Uses of Suede Leather

What is Suede Leather / Define Suede / Suede Definition
Suede is the finish applied to leather by buffing the underside of the hide heavily and creating velvet like nap. It is extremely strong and supple but at the same time it is delicate. Suede leather has proper porosity and is also very durable. It is not as expensive as top-grain leather. Suede leather is entirely different. No two pieces of suede leather will have same characteristics. Suede from moose will not stretch when wet while elk stretches greatly in one direction. Elk will not shrink while pigskin will, when dried The suede split leather gives long wearing properties. In footwear, the insole breathes to minimize foot perspiration. It also slip less compared to other footwear

Characteristics of Suede Leather

It is extremely strong but delicate. It is supple. It has maximum breathability. It is durable. It absorbs and holds moisture.

Uses of Suede Leather

Upper for shoes Soles for shoes Leather clothing and accessories for men and women.

Corrected Leather : Corrected Grain Leather, Overview of Corrected Leather, Characteristics of Corrected Leather, Uses of Corrected Leather
Corrected leather is also known as Corrected Grain Leather. It is the grain layer, which is buffed or sanded to minimise imperfections. An artificial grain is also applied to it to give a uniform look. This leather is fuzzy on one side and smooth on the other. The smooth side is the one where the hair and natural gain used to be Corrected leather is usually pigmented to cover the sanding. The resulting surface is little stiffer than pure aniline leather, but it softens with use. The leather offers the sturdiest finish and is often sold at a comparatively lower price than uncorrected leathers

Characteristics of Corrected Leather

It has a uniform look. It is fuzzy and smooth on alternate sides. It is heavily painted. It is stiff. It becomes soft with use.

Uses of Corrected Leather

Boot leather Furniture leather Garment leather

Crust Leather : What is Crust Leather, Overview of Crust Leather, Characteristics of Crust Leather, Uses of Crust Leather
Crust leather is a semi-finished leather. crust leather has been through the dyehouse processes but has not been finished, only dried. crust leather is tanned with vegetable, chrome or the combination of both. It is tanned to make it nonperishable. It is also some times referred to 'unfinished' leather. Crust leather is usually fit for prolonged storage and easy for transportation. This is an important stage in leather processing. At this point, all wet operations of the leather ends and there is less scope for any major alteration of both physical as well as chemical characteristics of the leather. Leather finishers opt to buy leather at this stage. Crust leather withstands hand washing and is also ironed on a low heat.

Characteristics of Crust Leather

It is only tanned and dried. It can be stored for a longer period. It is easy to transport. It withstands hand washing. It can be ironed at low heat.

Uses of Crust Leather

crust leather is used for Upholstery crust leather is used for Footwear

PU Coated Leather : Polyurethane Coated Leather, PU Leather, Characteristics of PU Coated Leather, Uses of PU Coated Leather
PU Leather Wiki / What is PU Leather
PU coated leather is made from the inner splits of the hide and is finished with a polyurethane coating. With the polyurethane treatment, the leather is made resistant to water penetration and also become a high resistance to scratches. It is soft, durable and easy to care. Upper made of PU coated leather is lightweight and comfortable. It is a fast drying leather. There are varieties of PU coated leather depending upon the technical standards they are required to meet. The coating is also sometimes embossed with a design to give the leather the widest variety of textures.

History of PU Leather
Invented in the late 1800s, early patent leather was heavily impregnated with linseed oil, then coated with a linseedbased lacquer. The oil created some flexibility, while the lacquer imparted the shine.

Characteristics of PU Coated Leather

It is water-resistant. It is resistant to scratches. It is soft and durable.

It is easy to care. It is lightweight and comfortable. It dries fast.

Uses of PU Coated Leather

Upper for shoe Upholstery

Distressed Leather : What is Distressed Leather, Characteristics of Distressed Leather, Uses of Distressed Leather, Distressed Leather Jacket, Distressed Leather Sofa
What is Distressed Leather
Distressed leather is aniline dyed leather, which shows the signs of wear and natural aging that have been artificially created. This is done by scraping the leather before it is dyed. In distressed leather, the natural characteristics of the hide like healed scars, wrinkles, and scratches are considered to be a positive characteristic. eight = 15; The distressed leather is dyed with darker color over the lighter one and creates rich highlights. Sometimes, the distressed appearance is also achieved with paraffin wax along with a specialized milling process. The subtle sheen of the leather is achieved with the final ironing process Distressed leather is also sometimes called as 'Antiqued Leather'

Characteristics of Distressed Leather

It has the signs of wear. It has natural aging. It has healed scars. It has wrinkles and scratches. It has subtle sheen.

Uses of Distressed Leather

Upholstery Jackets Blazers Cowboy boots Photo albums Bags

Distressed Leather Products

Distressed Leather Jacket Distressed Leather Sofa Distressed Leather messenger bag Distressed Leather Furniture Distressed Leather Boots Distressed Leather Briefcase Distressed Leather Handbags DIstressed Leather Chair Distressed Leather Blazer Distressed Leather Coat Distressed Leather Bomber Distressed Leather Couch Distressed Leather Belt

Embossed Leather : What is Embossed Leather, Characteristics of Embossed Leather, Uses of Embossed Leather, Embossed Leather Wallet, Embossed Leather Belts, Embossed Leather Hides
What is Embossed Leather How to Emboss Leather
Embossed leather is similar to corrected leather. Embossed leather is stamped under high pressure in a press to make unique designs. Embossed Leather is sometimes also made to imitate full grain characteristics. Embossed leather is made in a variety of designs and patterns like embossing an alligator, crocodile, ostrich, flowers, geometric and many Indian designs. High grade embossed leather has superior performance, handling and durability. The superior quality embossed grain leather is sometimes not distinguishable with costly hides. It performs well and is more cost effective.

Characteristics of Embossed Leather

Embossed Leather contains unique designs and patterns. Superior quality has good handling. Embossed leather is durable.

Uses of Embossed Leather

The main use of embossed leather is to imitate other types of leather.

Embossed Leather Products

Embossed Leather Wallet Embossed Leather Belts Embossed Leather Journal Embossed Leather Handbag Embossed Leather Hides Embossed Leather Photo Album Embossed Leather Vest

Embossed Leather bag

Sauvage Leather : Overview of Sauvage Leather, Characteristics of Sauvage Leather, Uses of Sauvage Leather

A sauvage is a top grain, semi-aniline leather. It has two-tone effect, which adds depth and character to the leather, producing a marbled or creased appearance. The fabric resists spills and provides long wearability. It is extremely soft The mottled or marbled appearance is created by blending two similar dyes in the coloring effect. The leather is dyed twice. The first time, a dark dye is introduced to the leather. Next, a lighter dye is used. It can be also done vice versa. The look is created because the hides are tumbled during the dyeing process Like aniline, sauvage is also an expensive type of leather and is taken from the most carefully selected skins.

Characteristics of Sauvage Leather

It has dual tone effect. It resists spills. It provides long wearability. It is very soft.

Uses of Sauvage Leather

Sauvage is usually applied to leather furniture. It is also used as upper of shoes as it is very soft.

Split Leather : What is Split Leather, Characteristics of Split Leather, Uses of Split Leather

What is Split Leather / Define Split Leather / Split Leather

Split leather is the lower or inner or the flesh side layer of a hide, which is split away from the upper, or the grain layer. The leather is split during the tanning process. It is usually given a suede or pigment finished. It is buffed to make the surface smooth. A coating of urethane is applied to make it more tough and uniform.

Split leather is usually thick and stiff with a much firmer feel. Sometimes embossing and color are applied to create unique looks but imprints with heavy details are difficult to achieve. It is economical than other types of leather.

Characteristics of Split Leather

It is thick. It is stiff and tough. It is uniform. It has firmer feel.

Uses of Split Leather

Split leather is used in making business cases or leather accessories. It is also used for upholstered furniture.

Fabric Comparision Chart : Identifying Fabrics, Comparision of Fabrics, Fabric Shrinkage, Fabric Durability, Wool, Voile, Velvet, Velour

Fabric Comparison Chart / Fabric Comparision / Identifying Fabrics

Identifying fabric is important. More important is the comparison of fabrics. This makes us know the true quality of a fabric by differentiating it from its substitutes. The following fabric comparison chart gives a complete information upon different types of fabric at a glance. Fabric Comparision gives information about the weaves of the fabric, its characteristics and the uses, the important part of comparison. Another table is given at the bottom, which shows the comparison of only the characteristics of few fabrics. For example, water retention is very high in cotton and the lowest in polypropylene. Same with the drying time taken, very long in cotton and vice versa in polypropylene. Cotton and wool shrinks more than polyester and nylon.

Acetate Acetate Characteristics

Soft, crisp feel and durable.

Acetate uses
Clothing, uniforms, lingerie, linings, interlinings.

Acrylic Acrylic Characteristics

Durable, soft and wooly feel.

Acrylic uses
Used as replacement of wool.

Alpaca Characteristics Alpaca Weaves

Various weaves, knits and weights.

Alpaca Characteristics
Fine, silk-like, soft, lightweight, and warm.

Alpaca Uses
Men's and Women's suits, coats, and sportswear, linings, sweaters.

Angora goat Angora Weaves

Various weaves and knitted.

Angora Characteristics
Smooth, very strong, and high luster.

Angora Uses
Carpet, upholstery, curtain, and automobile cloth.

Angora rabbit Angora Weaves

Various weaves and knitted.

Angora Characteristics
Long, very fine, light weight, extremely warm and fluffy.

Angora uses
Knit wear - gloves, scarves, sweaters, etc. for children and women.

Beaver Beaver characteristics

Soft, silky, shiny.

Beaver uses
Fur coats, trimming fur and fabric garments.

Broadcloth Broadcloth weaves

Plain weave.

Braodcloth characteristics
Closely woven with smooth finish.

Broadcloth uses
Shirts, dresses, particularly the tailored type in plain colors, blouses, summer wear.

Camel hair weaves

Twill or plain

characteristics
Light weight, lustrous and soft.

uses
Coats, women's suits, sports coats, sweaters, some blankets and put in some very expensive oriental rugs. Also used in (fine) overcoating, topcoating, hosiery and transmission belts.

Canvas canvas weaves

Plain.

canvas characteristics
Mostly rugged.

canvas uses
Hair canvas is an interfacing material in various weights.

Cashmere (Kashmir) cashmere weaves

All weaves but mostly plain or twill. All knits.

cashmere characteristics
Soft, silky and very lightweight.

cashmere uses
Knitted into sweaters for men and women, also women's dresses.

Challis challis weaves

Plain.

challis characteristics
Soft and very lightweight.

challis uses
Women's and children's dresses and blouses, kimonos, neckties, and sportswear.

Chiffon chiffon weaves

Plain.

chiffon characteristics
Lightweight, sheer, and transparent.

chiffon uses
Evening wear, blouses and scarves.

Crepe crepe weaves

Mostly plain but various weaves.

crepe characteristics
Crinkled and puckered surface with rough feel and appearance.

crepe uses
Depending on weight, it is used for dresses of all types, including long dinner dresses, suits, and coats.

Damask Damask weaves

Figured on Jacquard loom.

Damask characteristics
Reversible fabric with woven pattern. Sheds dirt.

Denim Denim weaves

Twill - right hand - may be L2/1 or L3/1.

Denim characteristics
Originally had dark blue, brown or dark gray warp with a white or gray filling giving a mottled look and used only for work clothes. Comes in heavy and lighter weights.

Denim uses
Pants, caps, uniforms, bedspreads, slipcovers, draperies, upholstery, sportswear.

Douppioni Douppioni weaves

Plain.

Douppioni characteristics
Irregular with many slubs. It is imitated in rayon and some synthetics

Drill Drill weaves

Twill.

Drill characteristics
Closer, flatter wales that gabardine.

Drill uses
Uniforms, work clothes, slip covers, sportswear, and many industrial uses.

Flannel Flannel weaves

Usually twill, some plain.

Flannel characteristics
Soft, with a napped surface that partially cancels the weave. Dull finish. Made in a variety of weights. Shrinks if not pre-shrunk. Sags with wear, unless underlined. Does not shine or hold a crease.

Flannel uses
Blazers, dresses, skirts, suits and coats. Boys suits, jackets, and shirts.

Gabardine Gaberdine weaves

Steep twill

Gaberdine characteristics
Clear finish, tightly woven, firm, durable. Wears extremely well. Inclined to shine with wear. Hard to press properly.

Gaberdine uses
Men's and women's tailored suits, coats, raincoats, uniforms, and men's shirts.

Georgette Georgette weaves

Plain.

Georgette characteristics
It is characterized by it's crispness, body and outstanding durability. It is sheer and has a dull face.

Herringbone twill Herringbone weaves

Twill.

Herrinbone characteristics
It is usually created in wool and has varying qualities.

Herringbone uses
Suitings, top coatings, sports coats.

Houndstooth Houndstooth weaves

Broken twill weave.

Houdstooth characteristics
Weaned into an irregular check of a four pointed star.

Houndstooth uses
sportcoats, suits.

Mohair Mohair weaves

Plain or twill or knitted.

Mohair characteristics
Smooth, glossy, and wiry.

Mohair uses
Linings, pile fabrics, suitings, upholstery fabrics, braids, dress materials, felt hats, and sweaters.

Nylon Nylon characteristics

Very strong, resistant to both abrasion chemicals. It is elastic, easy to wash and is quite lustrous. It returns easily to it's original shape and is non-absorbent. It is fast drying, resistant to some dyes.

Nylon uses
Women's hosiery, knitted or woven lingerie, socks and sweaters.

Organdy Organdy weaves

Plain.

Organdy characteristics
Made with tightly twisted yarns. Crispness is due to a finish with starch and calendaring which washes out, or a permanent crispness obtained with chemicals. Wrinkles badly unless given a wrinkle-free finish.

Organdy uses
Collars and cuffs, artificial flowers, millinery, summer formals, blouses, aprons.

Organza organza weaves

Plain.

Organza characteristics
Fine, sheer, lightweight, crisp fabric. It has a very wiry feel. It crushes or musses fairly easily, but it is easily pressed. Dressy type of fabric, sometimes has a silvery sheen.

Organza uses
Evening dresses, trimming, millinery, underlinings for delicate, sheer materials.

Oxford Oxford weaves

Plain variations - usually basket 2 x 1.

Oxford characteristics
Warp has two fine yarns which travel as one and one heavier softly-spun bulky filling which gives it a basket-weave look. Rather heavy.

oxford uses
Men's shirts mostly. Summer jackets, shirts, skirts, dresses, and sportswear.

Polyester polyester characteristics

It is lightweight, strong and resistant to creasing, shrinking, stretching, mildew and abrasion. It is readily washable and is not damaged by sunlight or weather and is resistant to moths and mildew.
Polyester uses

Vary, depending on blend.

Pongee Pongee weaves

Plain.
Pongee characteristics Light or medium weight. Pongee uses

Dresses, blouses, summer suits.

Rayon Rayon characteristics

Its drapability and dyeability are excellent and it is fairly soft. Rayon does have a tendency to shrink but does not melt in high temperatures. It is resistant to moths and is not affected by ordinary household bleaches and chemicals.
Rayon uses

Clothing, hose.
Sateen Sateen weaves

Sateen filling-face weave.

Sateen characteristics

Lustrous and smooth with the sheen in a filling direction. Better qualities are mercerized to give

a higher sheen.
Sateen uses

Dresses, sportswear, robes, pajamas.

Satin Satin weaves

Satin.
Satin characteristics

Usually has a lustrous surface and a dull back. Made in many colors, weights, varieties, qualities, and degrees of stiffness.
Satin uses

Slips, evening wear, coats, capes, and jackets, lining fabrics, millinery.
Spandex Spandex characteristics

It is lightweight and flexible. It resists deterioration from perspiration, detergent and body oils. It is characterized by its strength and durability.
Spandex uses

Athletic wear and foundation garments.

Taffeta Taffeta weaves

Usually plain with a fine cross rib.

Taffeta characteristics

It is smooth with a sheen on its surface. The textures vary considerably. They have a crispness and stiffness.
Taffeta uses

Dressy evening wear: suits and coats, slips, ribbons, blouses, dresses.
Tussah Tussah weaves

Usually plain but also in twill.

Tussah characteristics

It is coarse, strong, and uneven. Dull lustre and rather stiff. Has a rough texture with many slubs, knots, and bumps.
Tussah uses

In lighter weights, dresses. In heavier weights, coats and suits and ensembles.
Velour Valour weaves

Thick, plush pile, with a plain or satin ground, or sometimes knitted.

Velour characteristics

The pile is characterized by uneven lengths (usually two) which gives it a rough look. The two lengths of pile create light and shaded areas on the surface. A rather pebbled effect.
Velour uses

Dressing gowns, dresses, waist-coats.

Velvet Velvet weaves

Pile, made with an extra warp yarn.

Velvet characteristics

velvet may be crush resistant, water resistant, and drapes well. Has to be handled with care, and pressed on a velvet board.
Velvet uses

Eveningwear, at home wear.

Voile Voile weaves

Plain, loosely woven.

Voile characteristics

Sheer and very light weight. To obtain a top quality fabric, very highly twisted yarns are used. Voile drapes and gathers very well.
Voile uses

Dresses, blouses.
Wool Wool characteristics

It is very resilient and resistant to wrinkling. It is renewed by moisture and well known for it's warmth.
Wool uses

Clothing, blankets, winter wear.

Fabric Characteristics

--------------------------------------Cotton------Wool----Polyester----Polypropylene---Nylon Fabric Water Retention--------------------High-------High-----Low-----------Lowest------------Medium Fabric Drying Time-------------------------Long-------Long----Short----------Shortest----------Short Fabric Heat Conduction (Wet)------------High--------Low------Low-----------Low---------------Medium Fabric Comfort Level (Dry)---------------High--------Medium-High----------Medium----------Medium

Fabric Shrinkage--------------------------High--------High-----Low-----------High---------------Low Fabric Durability--------------------------Medium----Medium--High---------Medium-----------High Fabric Colour Choice----------------------High--------High------High---------Low---------------High Fabric Paddling Suitability---------------Low----------Low------High---------Medium-----------Medium Fabric Camping Suitability---------------Medium-----High-----High----------Medium-----------Medium

Fabric Finish : Type of Fabric Finishes, Fabric Finishing, Fabric Softeners, Fabric Raising, Fabric Napping, Fabric Shearing, Fabric Calendering
Fabric finish is an important factor. Fabric Finishing is done according to the need and purpose of the fabric. With the type of fabric finish, fabric enhances its quality. The fabric gets additional properties with the fabric finish. The following are few of the characteristics of fabric finish.

With Fabric Finish, Fabric becomes smoother. With Fabric Finish, Fabric becomes wrinkle free. With Fabric Finish, Fabric can speed moisture evaporation. With Fabric Finish, Fabric becomes flame retardant. With Fabric Finish, Fabric becomes soft. Fabric Finish adds body to fabric without adding stiffness

Types of Fabric Finishes Chemical Finishes - Resin Finishes

Used on cotton or rayon Keeps fabric smooth after washing and drying with little or no ironing needed Improves shrinkage control

Reduces fabric strength May have odor problem

Fabric Softeners

Generally used with resins to improve the way the fabric feels May cause fastness problems May cause yellowing or odor problems

Soil Release Finishes

Used extensively on carpets and upholstery fabrics Also used on apparel fabrics, especially thosecontaining polyester Very durable if applied at the finishing plant, little durability if applied by the consumer

Water Repellents

Wax finish Silicone finish Flame Retardant

Mechanical Finishing - Heatsetting

Using high temperatures to stabilize fabrics containingpolyester, nylon, or triacetate Not effective on cotton or rayon May be performed in fabric form or garment form May cause shade variation from side-to-side if done prior todyeing; may change the shade if done after dyeing

Fabric Raising - Fabric Napping

Using wire-covered rolls to "dig out" individual fiber endsto the surface Special type of raised surface fabric is corduroy

Fabric Shearing

Use of rotary blade(s) to trim raised surfaces, particularlynapped fabrics, to a uniform height This reduces the tendency of the fabric surface to mat and alsoreduces the pilling tendency Special types of blades and conveyer belts can produce pattern-- effects on the surface

Other Mechanical Finishes

Fabric Calendering Decating Sanforizing (Compressive Shrinkage)

Coated fabric : Overview of Coated Fabric, Characteristics of Coated Fabric, Uses of Coated Fabric
Coated fabric is a flexible composite material formed by applying coating agents to either one side or both sides of the fabric substate. After the coating it is oven cured creating an interphase between them. Interphase is a mixture formed when the coating agent penetrates into the fabric substate. The final product after coating and interphasing is solid and flexible. It has a good stability of viscosity. It is washable, flame retardant and is much stronger than uncoated fabrics. The surface can be finished with a specific texture such as leather, or it is left smooth with no texture at all. It is sometimes also embossed in imitation of leather.

Characteristics of Coated Fabric

It is washable. It is flame retardant. It is mildew resistant. It is stronger. It is durable. It is heavy. It is semi-rigid.

Uses of Coated Fabric

Household Upholstery Tarpaulins Billboards & Signs Wallcoverings Automotive and Marine Upholstery Luggage Pool Liners Airbags Geotextiles Industrial fabrics

Felted fabric : What is Felt, History of Felt, Felt Characteristics, Felt Uses

What is Felt
Felted fabric or Felt is a non-woven cloth that is produced by matting, condensing and pressing together animal fibers, deliberately, to create a thick sheet of cloth. The fiber shrinks and wraps each other tightly. It is much dense, yet flexible at the same time. Felt can be created of any shape or it can be cut in any direction without unraveling at the edges. The production process of the felted fabric has been improved a lot. Now it can produce felt with a uniform width and thickness adding a wide range of colors. Felt does not ravel, hence no edge finishing is required. If desired, binding the edges or overcasting with hand embroidery stitches is done.

History of Felt
Felted fabric is the oldest form of fabric known to mankind. Legend claims that the Chinese invented felted fabric accidentally by putting wool under a saddle for padding. The heat and sweat of the horse's body and the friction under the saddle caused the wool to form felt. The Europeans believe that felt was first made by a saintly pilgrim who had put the wool inside his sandals and made soles. The Arabs believe that a camel driver did the same. However, felted fabric has been found in the frozen tombs of Siberia which dates back to 2000 BC.

Felt Characteristics / Felt Properties

Felted Fabric is dense. Felted Fabric is flexible. Felted Fabric is strong. Felted Fabric is durable. Felted Fabric is wind-proof to some extent.

Felt Uses

Insulation Linings Paddings Filters Footwear Hats Garments

Handmade Fabric : Overview of Handmade Fabric, Uses of Handmade Fabric, Handmade Fabric Handbags, Handmade Fabric Purses, Handmade Fabric Flowers
Handmade fabric is woven on a loom, which uses vertical warps and horizontal wefts. The yarn spaces are not closer and it is loosely woven. Due to this, handmade fabric does not shrink like tightly woven fabrics produced with power spinning or power weaving processes. For centuries people have been using looms to weave cloth. Only 300 years ago, all cloth was made with handlooms. Today, people still make use of handlooms to make beautiful handmade fabric

Characteristics of Handmade Fabric

It is elegant.

It is luxurious. It does not shrink like power spun or woven fabrics.

Uses of Handmade Fabric

Apparels Handbags and purses Photo albums

Handmade Fabric Products

Handmade Fabric Handbags Handmade Fabric Purses Handmade Fabric Bags Handmade Fabric Flowers

Knitted Fabric : What is Knitted Fabric, Knitting History, Types of Knitted Fabrics, Weft Knitted Fabric, Warp Knitted Fabric, Cotton Knit Fabric, Polyester Knit Fabric
What is Knitted Fabric / What is Knit Fabric / Knitting
Knitting is one of the ways of turning thread or yarn into clothes. Knitted fabric completely consists of horizontal parallel courses (crosswise) of yarn. These courses are joined to each other by interlocking loops where a short loop of one course of the yarn is wrapped over the bight of another course Knitted fabric is obtained either by hand knitting process or then by machine. In hand knitting process, a base series of twisted loops of yarn are made on a knitting needle before starting the process. A second needle is then used to reach through each loop in succession to snag a bight of yarn and pull a length back through the loop. Knitting by machine use a different mechanical system producing nearly identical results.

Knitting History

Knitted fabric composites show higher impact tolerance compared to the traditional composites or even to woven fabric composites. It is believed that the hand knitting originated among the nomads of the Arabian Peninsula about 1000 BC

Types of knitted Fabrics / Types of Knit Fabrics Weft Knitted Fabric / Weft Knit Fabric
It is either made by hand or machine by looping together the lengths of the yarn. This supports the fabric to become stretchy and comfortable. Weft-knitted fabrics are uaed in socks, T-shirts and jumpers.

Warp Knitted Fabric / Warp Knit Fabric

It is made by machine only. The loops, in this kind of fabrics interlock vertically along the length of the fabric. It is only slightly stretchy and it do not ladders. These are used as swimwear, underwear and geotixtiles.

Other Types of Knitted Fabrics

Cotton Knitted Fabric / Cotton Knit Fabric Rib Knitted Fabric / Rib Knit Fabric Double Knitted Fabric / Double Knit Fabric Interlock Knitted Fabric / Interlock Knit Fabric Wool Knitted Fabric / Wool Knit Fabric Silk Knitted Fabric / Silk Knit Fabric Polyester Knitted Fabric / Polyester Knit Fabric Rayon Knitted Fabric / Rayon Knit Fabric

Nonwoven Fabric : What is Non Woven Fabric, Non Woven Properties, Non Woven Fabric Uses
Non-woven fabric is a sheet or web structure, produced by interlocking layers or networks of fibers or filaments (and by perforating films) mechanically, thermally or chemically. It is flat, flexible and porous. Non-woven fabric mimics the appearances, textures and strengths of a woven fabric and can be produced as bulky as the thickest padding.

Non-woven fabric is formed either by a one-step or two-step process. In the one-step process, the web formation and the bonding takes place continuously. A good example of one-step process is spunbond and melt blown process. In this process, the thermoplastic fibers are extruded through a spinneret and laid down on a conveyor belt, which forms a web. The web is then bonded by passing the fibers between two calendar rollers. In melt blown process, the fibers are blown onto a collector screen to form a web In the second process, the two-step process, a web is first formed and then bonded by a separate process. The web is formed by dry laid, air laid or wet laid method. Most of the web is fragile. To strengthen, the web is bonded by either an application of an adhesive, thermal exposure, needlepunching, hydroentanglement or stitchbonding

Non Woven Properties

Non-woven fabric can provide the following specific functions:

It can be absorbent. It can be liquid repellent. It can be resilient. It can be stretchable. It can be soft. It can have good strength. It can be flame retardant. It can be washable.

Non Woven Fabric Uses

Disposable diapers Sterile wraps, caps, gowns, masks and draping used in the medical field Laundry aids (fabric dryer-sheets) Apparel interlining Carpeting and upholstery fabrics, padding and backing Wall coverings

Automotive headliners and upholstery Insulation Roofing products Civil engineering fabrics/geotextiles

Stitched Fabric : Overview of Stitched Fabric, Characteristics of Stitched Fabric

Stitched fabric has drawn increasing attention as reinforcing materials for high performance composites due to the integrity and wide variety in them. It is lightweight, strong, tough and flexible. It has permeability property of its interbundle channels, even if stitch size is relatively small. The effect of the stitches is different for different stitch size, off-center position, slope, array, distribution density, and also the average darcy velocity in the fiber bundles. The stitched fabric process is known as "tackle twill". It produces more vivid colors and it is much more durable.

Characteristics of Stitched Fabric

It is lightweight. It is strong. It is tough. It is flexible. It has permeable. It is durable.

Woven Fabric : Overview of Woven Fabric, Common Weaves of Woven Fabric, Plain Weave, Twill Weave, Satin Weave, Basket Weave, Leno Weave, Mock Leno Weave, Leno Weave
Woven fabric is created by the interlacing of warp fibers and weft fibers in a regular pattern or weave style. The integrity of the fabric is maintained by the mechanical interlocking of the fibers. The drapeability quality, the surface smoothness and the stability of the fabric is controlled primarily by the weave style

Common weaves of woven Fabric Plain

The warp and weft are so aligned that they form a simple criss-cross pattern. Plain weave fabric is strong and hardwearing. It is generally used for fashion and furnishing fabrics.

Twill
The crossings of weft yarns and warp yarns are offset to give a diagonal pattern on the surface of the fabric. It is strong and drapes well and is used for jeans, jackets and curtains.

Satin
It is fundamentally twill weave which is modified to produce fewer intersections of warp and weft.

Basket
It is same as plain weave except that two or more than two warp fibers alternately interlace with two or more than two weft fibers. It is flatter, less crimp and stronger than a plain weave, but less stable.

Leno
It improves the stability in 'open' fabrics, which have a low fiber count. In this the adjacent warp fibers are twisted aroung consecutive weft fibers to form a spiral pair, locking each weft in place.

Mock leno
It is a type of plain weave where occasional warp fibers deviate from the alternate under-over interlacing at regular intervals and instead interlace every two or more fibers.

Apparel Fabric : Apparel Fabrics, Flame Retardent Fabrics, Wet Weather Clothing, Anti Static Fabrics, Fabrics for Apparel, Fabric, Acetate Fabric, Broadcloth, Brocade Fabric, Chambray, Chiffon, Cotton, Drill, Organza, Organdy
Today's apparel fabric has state-of-the-art performance. It maximises enjoyment and comfort in indoors as well as outdoor and in any kind of weather. Technical apparel has become tougher and stronger. Making the fabric waterproof, windproof and breathable through different finishing process is just a minute part of the long lasting properties in demand.

Characteristics of Apparel Fabric Flame Retardant | Flame Retardant Fabrics | What is Flame Retardant fabric
Flame retardant Fabrics usually have a coating or film lamination which provides a high level of protection and comfort. One of the protection is, providing insulation against flame or making it heat retardant.

Wet Weather | Wet Weather Clothing

Some fabrics are water-repellent finishes, which provides normal comfort in the foulest weather. It is also breathable and windproof. At the same time the fabric do have the quality of providing thermal insulation by holding insulating air layers in the garment, maintaining warmth in the cold weather.

Anti Static | Anti Static Fabrics

This is to protect from static charge in the environments of aviation, petrochemical, defense, automotive, mining, power generation and computer. Anti-static fabric is durable along with being serviceable. It withstands regular cleaning abreast of retaining effective functional performance.

Fabrics for Apparel Acetate | Acetate Fabric | What is Acetate Fabric

Acetate Fabric is used as uniforms, clothing and lingerie. It has a crisp feel with lustrous appearance of silk and excellent drapeability.

Acrylic | Acrylic Fabric | What is Acrylic Fabric

Acrylic Fabric is used as a substitute for wool. It is durable, soft, and has a wooly feel. It is resistant to sun and chemicals.

Broadcloth | Broadcloth fabric | What is Broadcloth | What is Broadcloth Fabric

Broadcloth is Closely woven and wears very well but wrinkles very badly. It is used as shirts, dresses, blouses, summer wear.

Brocade | Brocade fabric | What is Brocade fabric

Usually made fit for eveningwear, church vestments, interior furnishings, and robes. It has rich, heavy, elaborate design effect.

Challis | Challis fabric | What is Challis fabric

Challis Fabric is soft, very lightweight and is washable. It is used as women's and children's dresses, kimonos, neckties and sportswear.

Chambray | Chambray Fabric | What is Chambray Fabric

Chambray Fabric is smooth, strong, closely woven and soft. Used as children's wear, dresses, shirts and blouses, aprons and all kinds of sportswear.

Chiffon | Chiffon Fabric | What is Chiffon Fabric

Chiffon fabric is Used as eveningwear, blouses and scarves. It is lightweight, sheer, transparent and very fine.

Cotton | Cotton Fabric | What is Cotton Fabric

Cotton fabric is very elastic and withstand high temperatures. It has high washability and dyes well. It is comfortable in all weather. It is used as all types of clothing.

Crepe | Crepe Fabric | What is Crepe Fabric

All types of dresses finds a fit place like from long dinner dresses to suits and coats. Crepe fabric has a crinkled and puckered surface with a soft mossy finish. It has rough feel and appearance.

Damask | Damask Fabric | What is Damask fabric

Damask Fabric is very durable, made from silk in actual. It sheds dirt, launders well and holds high luster, especially in linen.

Denim | Denim fabric | What is Denim Fabric

Denim fabric is Used as pants, caps, uniforms, bedspreads, slipcovers, draperies, upholstery, sportswear. It resists snags and tears. It comes in heavy to lighter weights.

Drill | Drill Fabric | What is Drill Fabric

Drill fabric is a cotton fabric used for uniforms, work cloths, and sportswear.

Faille | Faille Fabric | What is Faille Fabric

Faille fabric has a lustrous finish. Used as dresses, blouses, and some dressy coats.

Flannel | Flannel fabric | What is Flannel Fabric

Flannel fabric is Used as blazers, dresses, skirts, suits and coats. It is soft with a napped surface. It shrinks if not preshrunk. It sags with wear.

Flax | Flax Fabric| What is Flax fabric

Flax fabric is of linen with a high absorbent quality, allowing moisture to evaporate quickly. It is easily washable but has a poor elasticity.

Gabardine | Gabardine Fabric | What is Gabardine fabric

Gabardine Fabric is Used as men's and women's tailored suits, coats, raincoats, uniforms, and men's shirts. It has a clear finish. It is durable and wears extremely well.

Georgette | Georgette Fabric | What is Georgette fabric

Georgette fabric is crisp with an outstanding durability. It is sheer and has a dull face.

Houndstooth | Houndstooth Fabric | What is Houndstooth fabric

Houndstooth Fabric is used to make Sportscoats and suits. It is usually of wool.

Moire | Moire fabric | What is Moire fabric

Moire Fabric is made of silk, rayon or cotton and has a watermarked finish. It is used as eveningwear, formals, dresses and coats.

Nylon | Nylon Fabric | What is Nylon Fabric

Nylon Fabric is used as women's hosiery, knitted or woven lingerie, socks and sweaters. It is elastic, easy to wash and is lustrous.

Organdy | Organdy Fabric | What is Organdy fabric

Organdy Fabric is used as summer formals, blouses and aprons. It is a tightly twisted yarn with a crisp.

Organza | Organza Fabric | What is Organza fabric

organza Fabric is Used as evening dresses. It is fine, sheer, lightweight and crisp.

Oxford | Oxford Fabric | What is Oxford Fabric

Oxford Fabric is Mostly used for men's shirts. It is made of cotton and sometimes even of rayon.

Polyester | Polyester Fabric | What is Polyester fabric

Polyester Fabric is smooth, crisp and springy. It is readily washable and is not damaged by sunlight. It is made for all weather and is resistant to moths and mildew.

Pongee | Pongee Fabric |What is Pongee fabric

Pongee Fabric is made of silk, cotton, or rayon and used for dresses, blouses and summer suits. It is lightweight.

Rayon | Rayon Fabric | What is Rayon Fabric

Rayon Fabric is a cellulose fiber based fabric and is highly absorbent. It drapes well and is resistant to moths, bleaches and chemicals.

Silk | Silk Fabric | What is Silk Fabric

Silk Fabric is very strong and absorbant. It has a brillient sheen and unique softness.

Beachwear Fabric : Beachwear, What is Beach Wear, Beachwear Fabrics, Cotton Beachwear, Lycra Beachwear, Nylon Beachwear, Beach wear Clothing

What is Beach wear

Beachwear is the clothing suitable to be worn on a beach, which is somewhere between swimwear and full cloths. Since it is worn outdoors, the fabric of swimwear has to be cool and comfortable. Softness and lightweight along with durability are necessary properties. It dries quickly and is breathable.

Beachwear Fabrics Cotton Beachwear | Cotton

It is the perfect to be worn in any season and is most practical and affordable clothes. It does not require extra care and it is allergy free.

Lycra Beachwear | Lycra

It is a synthetic fabric consisting of polymer, which have polyurethane in it. It is elastic and comfortable.

Nylon Beachwear | Nylon

It is highly durable and elegant swimwear.

Characteristics of Beachwear Fabric

It is cool and comfortable. It is lightweight. It is durable. It is soft. It is quick drying. It is breathable. It is anti-bacterial. It is UV protected.

Beach wear Clothing

Shorts Shirts Swim trunks swimsuits Beach pants Waterproof jackets Sarongs Pareos Bath robes T-shirts Tanks

Blanket Fabric : Fabric for Blankets, Blanket Fabrics, Characteristics of Blanket Fabric, Uses of Blanket Fabric

Blanket fabric is a thick heavily fulled, usually woolen fabric. It has a soft-brushed finish. Blanket used next to the skin is easily washable where as if used between a sheet and a bed cover requires a less launderable fabric. It is not a compulsion for dry cleaning. Fabric for Blankets consists of wool, cotton, synthetics and various blends, depending upon the various degree of care. The fabric is napped, either on one side or both sides. Synthetics made blankets are great. Blanket Fabrics are lightweight as well as warm.

Characteristics of Blanket Fabric

It is lightweight. It is fire resistant. It is easily washable. It is durable. It has high tensile strength.

Uses of Blanket Fabric

Blanket fabric is ideal for capes, work jackets, waistcoats, heavy petticoats and even for blankets. It is also used for erosion control blankets.

Curtain Fabric : Overview of Curtain Fabric, Characteristics of Curtain Fabric, Uses of Curtain Fabric, Types of Curtain Fabric
The first and foremost characteristic of curtain fabric is its full drape and fall. Curtain Fabric is lightweight and loosely woven to enable light to filter through. Curtain Fabric is also UV light protected. Lined curtain fabric keeps the cold air out in winters and hot air out in the summers. Curtain fabric for a formal sitting room ranges from brocade, damask, silk, velvet and moire. Informal window curtain fabric are chintz, linen, seersucker or cotton blends. Kitchen curtains are made of gingham, gabardine, denim, burlap and canvas. Curtains made of polyester wash well and are drip-dry. They are good even in sunlight. Acrylic curtain fabric has a wool-like feel to it. Linen is very versatile. The fine weave and drape of linen forms good pleats. Silk curtain retains rich vibrant colors.

Characteristics of Curtain Fabric

It is UV protected. It is dirt and dust protected. It is from lightweight. Sometimes it may be medium to heavyweight also. It allows light to pass through unless it is opaque curtain.

Types of Curtain Fabric

Lace Curtain Fabric Linen Curtain Fabric Velvet Curtain Fabric Silk Curtain Fabric Sheer Curtain Fabric Harlequin Curtain Fabric Cotton Curtain Fabric

Uses of Curtain Fabric

Curtain Fabric is used in doors and windows of rooms of houses and offices. Curtain Fabric is also used as sail clothe.

Drapery Fabric : What is Draperies, Characteristics of Drapery Fabric, Uses of Drapery Fabric, Silk Drapery Fabric, Linen Drapery Fabric
What is Draperies
Draperies are fabric, which is usually lighter weight and is not suitable for upholstery projects. Drapery Fabrics are more tailored with pleats and gathered headings. Draperies either covers the window completely or is pulled back to the sides of the window. Drapery Fabric may be lined or unlined. Improved drapery fabric is constructed of an open weave decorated fabric with a flexible solar control film. This film permits light transmission through the open weave but reduces the loss or gain of heat by reducing the flow of heat and air through it. This reduces the heat loss in winter.

Drapery fabric tends to be softer and to fall in folds.

Types of Drapery Fabric

Silk Drapery Fabric Linen Drapery Fabric Plaid Drapery Fabric Sheer Drapery Fabric Toile Drapery Fabric Velvet Drapery Fabric

Uses of Drapery Fabric

Upholstery Valences Headboards Pillows Curtains

Home Furnishing Fabric : Overview of Home Furnishing Fabric, Types of Home Furnishing Fabrics, silk furnishings, cotton furnishings, jute furnishings, rayon furnishings, wool furnishings, nylon furnishings, polyester furnishings

Home furnishing fabric is used for all the necessary articles at home. Be it from bedding to kitchen or from bathroom to drawing room. The fabrics used are very friendly. Bedding fabric are luxurious, warm, breathable and lightweight. Fabrics used in kitchen and bathrooms are soft, porous, elastic and dries quickly. For drawing rooms, it is soft, wrinkle and stretch resistant and non-absorbent.

Types of Fabrics for Home Furnishing Silk

Soft, lustrous and supple hand.

Cotton
Cool, soft and comfortable.

Jute
Long, soft and shiny.

Rayon
Moisture absorbent, breathable, comfortable and easily dyed in vivid colors.

Wool
Water-resistant.

Nylon
Smooth, non-absorbent and dries quickly.

Polyester
Quick to dry, wrinkle resistant and resistant to stretching.

Plastic
Tolerates temperature, hard, and resilient.

Leather
Firm, soft, porous, breathable, and elastic.

Satin
Thick, glossy surface and a dull back.

Organza
Sheer, thin open weave, heavy and crispy.

Organdy
Sheer, lightweight, and very fine.

Uses of Home Furnishing Fabric Bed and Bedding Furnishings

Throws, bed covers, cushion covers, blanket covers, bedspreads, bed sheets, bed coverlets, mattress covers.

Kitchen Furnishings
Aprons, kitchen towels, mittens, napkins, place mats, dish clothes, potholders.

Drawing and Dining Furnishings

Table clothe, tablemats, napkins, tea mats, tea cozy, curtains, sofa covers, pelmet, tassels, floor coverings.

Bathroom Furnishings
Shower curtains, bathrobes, bath towels, bath mats, bath rugs, face towels, hand towels.

Hosiery Fabric : What is Hosiery, Characteristics of Hosiery Fabric, Uses of Hosiery Fabric, Leggs Hosiery, Sheer Hosiery, Silkies Hosiery, Oroblu Hosiery, Fishnet Hosiery
What is Hosiery
Hosiery, also referred to as legwear, describes garments worn directly on the feet and legs. The term originated as the collective term for products of which a maker or seller is termed a hosier; and those products are also known generically as hose. The term is also used for all types of knitted fabric, and its thickness and weight is defined in terms of denier or opacity. Lower denier measurements of 5 to 15 describe a hose which may be sheer in appearance, whereas styles of 40 and above are dense, with little to no light able to come through on 100 denier items. Most hosiery garments are made by knitting methods. Modern hosiery is usually tight-fitting by virtue of stretchy fabrics and meshes. Older forms include binding to achieve a tight fit. Due to its close fit, most hosiery can be worn as an undergarment, but it is more commonly worn as a combined under/outer garment. Hosiery fabrics are fine and sheer fabric designed to fit closely to the skin, thigh, abdomen and foot. It is soft hand and elastic. Hosiery fabric is easily washable and it also dries quickly Hosiery fabric is graded in terms of 'denier'. The higher the denier, the thicker is the fabric. 15 denier is the standard hosiery fabric. Ten denier is thinner and easier to snag. Sometimes it is used for eveningwear. From 40 to 80 denier, the hosiery is opaque and it is preferred for winter use.

Most of the modern hosiery is made from nylon, which may contain elastic. Lycra is also used for an improved fit. Silk hosiery is available, but it is little expensive. Silk hosiery feels very gorgeous. Thicker hosiery is obtained from cotton or even wool which make them very warm. Support hosiery is made with special blends, which clings closely to the skin. Stocking made of this hosiery fabric make legs feel less tired and is mainly used by those who experience water retention, swollen legs, and varicose veins Hosiery fabric can be patterned either by weave or by print. Modern technology allow hosiery to be printed with any design. Hosiery is most commonly available in shades ranging from skin tones to gray, brown and dark blue or black.

Characteristics of Hosiery Fabric

It is fine. It is sheer. It is elastic. It clings to the skin.

Types of Hosiery

Berkshire Hosiery Leggs Hosiery Sheer Hosiery Silkies Hosiery Oroblu Hosiery Fishnet Hosiery Charnos Hosiery Nylon Hosiery Hanes Hosiery Seamless Hosiery

Uses of Hosiery Fabric

Tights Pantyhose Stockings Pop socks Hold-ups Knee-highs Ankle-highs

Industrial Fabric : Overview of Industrial Fabric, Classes of Industrial Fabric, Characteristics of Industrial Fabric, Uses of Industrial Fabric

Industrial fabric is a broad term for those fabrics which are used for non-apparel and non-decorative uses. It covers a wide variety of widths, weights and construction particularly made to meet a specific application. It is strong and woven textile with a high performance. Industrial fabric is usually made from man-made fibers like fiberglass, carbon, and aramid fibers. Fiberglass made industrial fabric utilized in those kinds of applications where high heat is present and there is a need for high strength and dimensional stability fabric. Industrial fabric is woven in various thicknesses and constructions in basic weave, namely plain, leno, satin and basket

Classes of Industrial Fabric

Fabrics employed in industrial processes. A good example of this is fabric used for filtration, polishing and absorption.

Fabrics combined with some other materials to form a new type of material. These are like rubberized fabric for hose, belting, tires, timing gears, bearings, and electrical parts.

Fabrics impregnated with adhesives and dielectric compounds. Fabrics which are incorporated directly in a finished product like tarps, tents, awnings and specialty belts for airplanes, conveyers and agricultural machinery.

Characteristics of Industrial Fabric

It is durable. It is soft. It is environmentally friendly. It is highly UV protected. It is acid and alkali resistant. It is water repellent. It is flame retardant. It is weaveset for added stiffness.

Uses of Industrial Fabric

Industrial fabric is primarily used for insulation, marine and recreational products, advanced composites, electronics, filtration, commercial & construction and protective garments

Interlining Fabric : Interlining, What is Interlining Fabric, Fusible Interlining, Drapery Interlining, Woven Interlining, Flannel Interlining, Wool Interlining, Polyester Interlining

What is Interlining Fabric / What is Interlining

Interlining fabric is a soft, but thick fabric which is inserted between the dress fabric and the back lining. Interlining fabric helps the main fabric to drape gracefully. It improves the shape retention quality of the fabric. It gives strength and the padded fabric gives warmth or bulk to the fabric. Interlining fabric is woven, or knitted, or non-woven. The use of adhesive coating is not necessary for all types of interlining fabric. The adhesive coating is a finished interlining fabric, which through a finishing process removes all shrinkage from the product and impart stretch to the fabric. Interlining fabric is made of pure cotton.

Characteristics of Interlining Fabric

It is soft.

It is thick. It retains the shape of the main fabric. It is strong and sometimes warm or bulk.

Types of Interlining

Curtain Interlining Fusible Interlining Drapery Interlining Non Woven Interlining Woven Interlining Bump Interlining Wendler Interlining Embroidery Interlining PCC Interlining Polyester Interlining Flannel Interlining Wool Interlining

Uses of Interlining Fabric

Interlining fabric is used for making thick, sturdy, smart coats, wind coats, suits and also officer suits

Mattress Fabric : What is Mattress, Types of Mattresses, Cotton Mattresses, Futon Mattress, Latex Foam Mattress, Foam Mattress, Wool Mattress, Crib Mattress

What is Mattress / Mattress Definition

Mattress is made of the best of fabric. It is luxurious, elegant and very smooth. Special treatment is given to make mattress fabric fire resistant and anti-microbial that eliminates bacteria, fungi, mildew, and mold. Sometimes it is quilted to give extra comfort. It repels liquids and resists stains. It breathes well and is durable The fabric used to cover the exterior of a mattress is called mattress ticking. Higher quality mattresses have higher coil counts, and a good cushion sewn into the mattress. The sagging in the mattress is by the padding. Thicker and higher quality padding makes good mattress. The mattress may be coiled or non-coiled. Coiled mattress has metal spring coil, which is layered between sheets of padding. In non-coiled mattress, the varieties are foam mattress, featherbed, futons, and waterbeds

Mattress Types / Types of Mattresses Organic Cotton Fabric

Contains no pesticides, defoliants, mineral oil or flame-retardant chemicals.

Pure Wool Fabric

Natural flame retardant. Dust mite and mold resistant.

Characteristics of Mattress Fabric

It is luxurious. It is elegant. It is smooth. It is fire resistant. It is anti-bacterial. It prevents microbially caused odors.

Types of Mattresses

Cotton Mattresses Futon Mattress Latex Foam Mattress Foam Mattress

Wool Mattress Crib Mattress

Outdoor Fabric : Overview of Outdoor Fabric, Characteristics of Outdoor Fabric, Uses of Outdoor Fabric, Sunbrella Outdoor Fabric, Waterproof Outdoor Fabric, Waverly Outdoor Fabric, Acrylic Outdoor Fabric, Duralle Outdoor Fabric
Outdoor fabric is soft, comfortable and breathable. It withstands exposure to sunlight and is resistant to mildew, mold, and soil. It repels water and oil and has moisture permeable property. Outdoor fabric has a good tearing strength and is stretchable. It is thermal, fire and abrasion resistant. It is very durable with crease resist and preshrunk finish. Outdoor fabric is a heavy-duty fabric which can be easily cleaned with soap and water. It is made from a wide variety of synthetic fibers, acrylic, olefin, polyester and various blends, including cotton. outdoor fabrics are made water repellant by the process of chemical treatment.

Characteristics of Outdoor Fabric

It retains its color and vibrancy for years. It is soft. It is comfortable. It is breathable. It has soil and stain resistant finish. It is easily cleaned. It resists mildew, rot and atmospheric chemicals.

Uses of Outdoor Fabric

Casualwear Sports wear Skiwear

Jackets Garments and industrial clothing Boating : Enclosures, biminis, dodgers, boat & sail covers. Commercial and residential awnings, outdoor furniture. Automotive canvas convertible topping.

Types of Outdoor fabric

Sunbrella Outdoor Fabric Waterproof Outdoor Fabric Waverly Outdoor Fabric Acrylic Outdoor Fabric Duralle Outdoor Fabric

Packing Fabric : Overview of Packing Fabric, Characteristics of Packing Fabric, Types of Fabrics used in Packing
Packing fabric is used for safeguarding several products, which are transported from one place to another. To fulfill this, packaging fabrics are treated with chemical to give a coating, which keeps the humidity out. Humidity always destroys goods in a closed box Packing fabric is strong and abrasion resistant so that it retains its shape and position until it reaches the destination point. It is also stretchable, which helps it in easy packing and also unpacking the material.

Characteristics of Packing Fabric

It is easily packed and also unpacked. It is strong. It is stretchable. It has humidity-independent coating.

It resists wear and tear.

Types of Fabric used in Packing

Cotton Jute Leather Polyester

Pintuck Fabric : What is Pintuck, Characteristics of Pintuck Fabric, Uses of Pintuck Fabric

What is Pintuck
Pintuck fabric is a small and narrow fold of fabric which are stitched together to create the appearance of a line or stripe. It is usually on on the right side of the face fabric. These are arranged in a series of parallel lines. The tiny tuck in the fabric also forms a raised ridge. It gives a decorative look to garments. Some blouses are made with pin tucking on the bodice to give it a more tailored look

Characteristics of Pintuck Fabric

It has a tailored look. It has a decorative look. It is arranged in series.

Uses of Pintuck Fabric

Pintuck fabric is used for decorating girls' and women's blouses and dresses and it is also used as a defining feature in the men's guayabera shirt.

Quilting Fabric : Overview of Quilting Fabric, Fabrics used in Quilting, Characteristics of Quilting Fabric, Uses of Quilting Fabric

Quilting Fabric
Quilting is a technique of padding a fabric. It consists of two layers, with batting between the top and the backing fabric. Next it is stitched with decorative designs or threads tied through all thickness in order to prevent the batting from shifting. The quilting stitches are spaced with regularity. The multiple lines of a running stitch is done by hand or by sewing machine. All fabrics used in quilting are pre-washed as well as pressed. The fabrics are easy to needle. They are lightweight and comfortable. Quilting fabrics for pillows and clothing are very luxurious. They drape and wear beautifully.

Fabrics used in Quilting

Cashmere Silk and wool blends 100% cotton 100% polyester

Characteristics of Quilting Fabric

It is durable. It is lightweight. It is comfortable. It is luxurious. It is easy needling. It is easy to handle. It drapes beautifully. It wears beautifully

Uses of Quilting Fabric

Clothing Wall hanging

Pillows Table runners Toys

Rug and Carpet Fabrics : Overview of Rug and Carpet Fabric, Characteristics of Rug and Carpet Fabrics, Uses of Rug and Carpet Fabrics

Rug and Carpet Fabrics

Fabrics for rugs and carpets are thick and heavy but easily movable. It is used to cover floors and stairs. It has cut or pile cut weave and can be easily vacuum cleaned. Rugs and carpets are also easily launderable. They are stain and chemical resistant. It lasts longer. It has a soft feel and appearance. It comes is beautiful colors and designs or patterns. Originally rugs and carpets were made of cotton or wool. Now it is also made with synthetic fibers.

Characteristics of Rugs and Carpets

It is easily movable. It is cleanable and launderable. It is soft and velvety. It carries good designs and colors.

Tapestry Fabric : What is Tapestry Fabric, History of Tapestry Fabric, Characteristics of Tapestry Fabric, Uses of Tapestry Fabric

What is Tapestry Fabric

Tapestry fabric is a heavy cloth, which is woven richly, often with various colored designs or scenes. It is usually hung on the walls for decoration and is sometimes also used to cover furniture. It has wonderful textures Tapestry fabric is one of the oldest forms of woven textiles. The term 'tapestry' means a thick textile fabric where the colored weft threads are woven, originally by hand, into fixed warp threads to form pictures of designs.

Tapestry fabric has been woven for hundreds of years in diverse cultures. Important civic buildings in the Greek Empire had walls covered with these fabrics. In the 13th and 14th centuries, the Church recognized tapestries value in illustrating Bible stories. Tapestry became the status symbol amongst the aristocracy in the Middle Ages.

Characteristics of Tapestry Fabric

It has beautiful designs or scenes. It has good textures.

Uses of Tapestry Fabric

Wall hangings Pillow covers Valence boxes Upholstery Bedspreads Slipcovers

Tent Fabric : Tent Fabrics, Characteristics of Tent Fabric, Uses of Tent Fabric
Tent fabric is an important outdoor fabric for shelter. It has to fulfil all the condition to fight against weather. For this reason, a fabric for tent is UV protected and resistant to moisture. It stands against rain and wind. It is simultaneously flame-retardant and breathable. Tear and abrasion resistant is also an important factor for tent fabric. The impermeability to water is achieved in various ways. Cotton made canopy expands as it absorbs moisture and tightens the weave, solving the purpose. Waterfastness is also achieved by treating the fabric with either water proofing compound or a silicon-based water-repelling compound. Polyester made tents use an acrylic "top coat". It helps to seal the fabric even more against moisture, but still breathable. Polyester reduces the tendency to shrink or stretch. It dries fast and its mildew resistance is very good. The very best fabric for tents is cotton or hemp canvas. It is light, but strong and very opaque to light with an indefinite water repelling property.

Characteristics of Tent Fabric

It is light and strong.

It is opaque to light. It is flame retardant. It has a certain degree of impermeability to water. It resists moisture to pass by. It is breathable. It is mildew resistant. It is resistant to tear and abrasion. It is durable. It is susceptible to stretch. It is UV protected.

Fabrics used for Tents

Cotton Hemp Polyester Nylon

Tarpaulin Fabric : History of Tarpaulin, Uses of Tarpaulin

What is Tarpaulin / Define Tarpaulin / Tarpaulin Definition
A Tarpaulin (or tarp in American English is a large sheet of strong, flexible, water-resistant or waterproof material, often cloth such as canvas or polyester coated with urethane, or made of plastics such as polyethylene. In some places such as Australia, and in military slang, a tarp may be known as a hootchie. Tarpaulins often have reinforced grommets at the corners and along the sides to form attachment points for rope, allowing them to be tied down or suspended.Inexpensive modern tarpaulins are made from woven polypropylene; this material is so associated with tarpaulins that it has become colloquially known in some quarters as polytarp.

History of Tarpaulin
The word tarpaulin originated as a compound of the words tar and palling, referring to a tarred canvas pall used to cover objects on ships. By association, according to one theory, sailors became known as tarpaulins and eventually tars. When used for a tarpaulin, the word hoochie (also hootchie, hootch, or hooch) comes from the Japanese uchi (house). Huts in various parts of rural Asia are known by this or similar names, and during the Korean and Vietnam Wars English-speaking soldiers came to use the word to refer to their own makeshift shelters, which often consisted of little more than a tarpaulin.

Uses of Tarpaulin
Tarpaulins have multiple uses, including as shelter from the elements, i.e., wind, rain, or sunlight, a ground sheet or a fly in camping, a drop sheet for painting, for protecting the infield of a baseball field, and for protecting objects, such as unenclosed road or rail goods carrying vehicles or wood piles. Such was the demand for tarpaulins by the New South Wales Government Railways, up until 1990, they operated their own tarpaulin factory. It is also used on outdoor market stalls to provide some protection from the elements of nature. Tarpaulins are also used for advertisement printing, most especially for billboards

Different kinds of Tarpaulin Polypropylene Tarpaulin

A polypropylene tarp ("polytarp") is not a traditional fabric, but rather, a laminate of woven and sheet material. The center is loosely woven from strips of polypropylene plastic, with sheets of the same material bonded to the surface. This creates a fabric-like material that resists stretching well in all directions and is waterproof. When treated against ultraviolet light, these tarpaulins can last for years exposed to the elements, but non-UV treated material will quickly become brittle and lose strength and water resistance if exposed to sunlight.

Polypropylene tarpaulins have also proven to be a popular source when an inexpensive, water resistant fabric is needed. Many amateur builders of plywood sailboats turn to polypropylene tarpaulins for making their sails, as it is inexpensive and easily worked. With the proper type of adhesive tape, it is possible to make a serviceable sail for a small boat with no sewing.
Perforated Tarpaulin

Typically used for large medium advertising, or for protection on scaffoldings, the aim of the perforations (from 20% to 70%) is to reduce wind vulnerability.

Umbrella Fabric : What is Umbrella Fabric, Characteristics of Umbrella Fabric

What is Umbrella Fabric
Umbrella fabric is sophisticated and at the same time also is waterproof. It retains the color for years even though it is exposed to sunlight and rain. It cleans easily with soapy water and is resistant to rot, mildew, pool chlorine and salt spray. Umbrella fabric undergoes a solution-dying process. This process locks the color into the fibers so that they can't wash out or fade. It is always tested for UV protection. Whites and lighter colored fabrics is less protective than the darker fabrics which have more depth of color. Umbrella fabric contains literally millions of tiny holes due to its open-weave knitting. These allow the air to flow freely through. The breathing effects reduce the temperatures underneath the umbrella. Umbrella fabric is made from canvas, linen, dupione, striped, and jacquard fabrics. These are all furniture grade fabrics and are used to make matching umbrellas. Awning fabric is typically used for umbrellas and umbrella covers as it is stiffer and stronger Umbrella fabric comes in various designs, either printed or embroidered. In embroidery, to give solid designs, heavy tearaway fabrics are used and a lighter tear away for open designs. After the embroidery, the umbrella is attached to spines.

Characteristics of Umbrella Fabric

It is waterproof. It has color retaining quality. It is easy washable. It is rot, mildew, pool chlorine and salt spray resistant. It is stiff. It is strong.

Upholstery Fabric : What is Upholstery Fabric, Upholstery Fabric Types, Upholstery Fabric Uses
What is Upholstery Fabric / Define Upholstery Fabric / Upholstery Fabric Definition

Upholstery fabric is tightly woven fabric. The thread count is more and it wears better. It does not wiggle or move around. It is often heavy. It is tough, durable and do not soil or fade. It is sometimes also known as home furnishings or decorator fabric and is usually 54 inches wide. Upholstery fabric usually has a balanced weave, where all the yarns are about the same size and strength. A twill weave upholstery fabric resists wear and shows soil less than a plain weave of similar quality. Flat-surfaced upholstery fabric shows the effect of abrasion. Pile fabrics withstand abrasion quite well. A latex backing is often applied to the upholstery fabric to help stabilize them. Latex forms a coating which helps keep soil from sifting through. It prevents seam slippage. Loosely woven upholstery fabric should have an applied backing inorder to ensure stability and longer wear.

Upholstery Fabric Types Leather

Though expensive, but is a wonderful choice.

Vinyl
It is tough and easy to wipe off, but is not good at skin. It feels cold in cool room and stick to skin in warm rooms. Polyurethane faux is better than polyvinyl chloride faux.

Nylon
It is resilient and last longer. Stains are removed easily. Nylon velvet is a very durable.

Cotton
It is absorbent, feels cool against skin in warm climate and is comfortable in colder climates. Heavier-weight cottons like canvas and denim wear well.

Linen
It is tough but wrinkles easily and tends to feel stiff. It is expensive and needs extra care while cleaning inorder to retain its color and shape.

Wool
It is strong and warm. It has moth problem and shrinkage potential.

Acrylic blends
It is washable and is resilient while deterring shrinkage. It has wooly appearance without the moth problem. Pure acrylics tend to pill.

Polyester
It is strong, resistant to wrinkles and is attractive. It neither stretches nor shrinks. It can pill but blend with cotton combines the advantage of both of these fabrics.

Characteristics of Upholstery Fabric

It is durable. It is easily cleanable. It is resistant to soil and fading.

Upholstery Fabric Uses

Autos Boats Furniture Home decoration

Fiberglass Fabric : Fiberglass Characteristics, What is Fiberglass, Fiberglass Uses, PTFE Coated Fiberglass Fabric, Woven Fiberglass Fabric, Teflon Coated Fiberglass Fabric, Silicone Coated Fiberglass Cloth
Fiberglass is a material that generally consists of extremely fine glass fibers and often used in manufacturing different products like fabric, yarns, insulators and structural objects.

Types of Fiberglass Fabric

PTFE Coated Fiberglass Fabric Woven Fiberglass Fabric Teflon Coated Fiberglass Fabric Silicone Coated Fiberglass Cloth

Filter Fabric : What is Filter Fabric, Geosynthetic Fabrics, Geotextile Filter Fabric, Non Woven Filter Fabric, Woven Filter Fabric, Drainage

Filter Fabric, Nylon Filter Fabric, Polypropylene Filter Fabric, Industrial Filter Fabrics

What is Filter Fabric

A filter fabric is well known for its functionality and longevity. However a filter fabric is known for its high temperature and chemical resistance. The main function of the filter fabric / membrane is to hold the engineered soil in place and still prevent small media particles, such as plant debris and fines, from entering and clogging the drainage layer below. Air and water are thus permitted to flow through while the drainage layer and the actual drains are protected. Geosynthetic fabrics, commonly known as geotextiles, are typically used and are available as woven and non-woven materials. These filters need to be tough to withstand abuse while other layers are installed, while being open enough to provide good flow for water into the drainage layer. In a granular or what is sometimes known as a single layer green roof the filter fabric is used to separate larger granular material for drainage from finer material in the growing media. The ability of the geotextile to allow water permeability is referred to as hydraulic conductivity by permittivity. The filter must allow good water flow in the normal direction (vertical for green roofs) while inhibiting the movement of soil medium particles into the drain layer. The apparent opening size, or the AOS, is a common physical property that is tested on geosynthetic fabrics used for filtering. This determines the size of the majority of the openings in a particular filter fabric and is determined by allowing very small glass beads of a known diameter (measured in millimeters) to pass through the fabric. The size is increased until a point when the fabric is able to hold back 95% of the beads. This is called the O95 or the AOS. It is desirable that some of the plant roots are able to pass through the filter.

Types of Filter Fabrics

Geotextile Filter Fabric Non Woven Filter Fabric Mirafi Filter Fabric Woven Filter Fabric Landscape Filter Fabric Drainage Filter Fabric Nylon Filter Fabric Dust Filter Fabric

Polypropylene Filter Fabric Industrail Filter Fabrics Soil Filter Fabric

Carbon Fabric : Overview of Carbon Fabric, Characteristics of Carbon Fabric, Uses of Carbon Fabric

Carbon fabric is generally used in different applications such as Brake linings, Aircraft interiors, Windmill blades, Tooling, Primary and secondary structures, Racing helmets and so on. Widely used in aerospace application, carbon fabric provides maximum degree of stiffness in aircrafts.

An exquisitely created carbon fabric is well known for its light weight and hight strength. A carbon fabric is also characterized by different types of features such as Fire resistant, Dimensionally stable, Lightweight, High strength etc.

Vinyl Fabric : What is Vinyl Fabric, History of Vinyl, Vinyl Uses, Vinyl Properties
What is Vinyl Fabric / Define Vinyl / Vinyl Definition
It is well observed that a large number of vinyl fabrics satin and spot resistant. Vinyls fabric is generally created with ultraviolet stabilized pigments and this segment proves much crucial if one's application regarding vinyl fabric involves direct exposure to sunlight.

History of Vinyl
In 1927, the first vinyl plastic to be commercially manufactured was PVC.

Vinyl Features
Vinyl can be as flexible as cloth or as rigid and stiff as wood. It can be made in any color, and it can even be transparent.

Vinyl Uses
Vinyl is used to make vinyl phonographic records, leather-like upholstery, toys, furniture, flooring, luggage, raincoats, milk cartons, and many other products.

Vinyl Properties

Vinyl is rugged and it does not easily tear or break. It can withstand exposure to some acids, oils, alcohol, and water.

Vinyl Types
There are different types of vinyl. All vinyl contains a chemical called vinyl, with the formual: CH2 CH.

PTFE Fabric : Polytetrafluoroethylene Fabric, PTFE Coated Fabric, What is PTFE, Uses of PTFE Fabric

What is PTFE
In chemistry, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is a synthetic fluoropolymer of tetrafluoroethylene that finds numerous applications. PTFE is most well known by the DuPont brand name Teflon. PTFE is a fluorocarbon solid, as it is a high-molecular-weight compound consisting wholly of carbon and fluorine. PTFE is hydrophobic: neither water and water-containing substances are wet by PTFE, as fluorocarbons demonstrate mitigated London dispersion forces due to the high electronegativity of fluorine. PTFE has one of the lowest coefficients of friction against any solid. PTFE is used as a non-stick coating for pans, cookware, fabrics. It is very non-reactive, partly because of the strength of carbon-fluorine bonds, and so it is often used in containers and pipework for reactive and corrosive chemicals. Where used as a lubricant, PTFE reduces friction, wear, and energy consumption of machinery.

Polytetrafluoroethylene Fabric
A PTFE fabric is well renowned for its excellent non-stick surface that allows user to carry his work smoothly and efficiently. It is well observed that a PTFE fabric is resistant to tears and abrasions. Long lasting durable, PTFE fabric remains stagnant even at high temperatures. PTFE fabric is resistant from chemical, corrosion, and moisture. The uniqueness and exquisiteness of PTFE fabric capable of impressing absolutely anybody. A high quality PTFE fabric has gained immense popularity in appreciation of increased market demand

Crewel Fabric : Kashmir Crewel Fabric, Characteristics of Crewel Fabric, Uses of Crewel Fabric, Crewel Work, Crewel Embroidered Fabric
A wide range of crewel fabric comes from Kashmir in north-western India. Because of crewel fabric versatility, a crewel fabric is widely used for the manufacturing of curtains, light upholstery, bedheads, cushions and bed covers and so on. Due to crewel fabric longevity, exquisiteness and with its aesthetic appeal, crewel fabric has been ruling the international market. The availability of crewel work fabric in subtle lustrous color and rich texture makes it one of the most demanding items. A crewel fabric possess the capability to complement various types of body tones with different crewel patterns.

Stretch Fabric : What is Stretch Fabric, Stretch Cotton Fabric, Stretch Twill Fabric, Stretch Satin Fabric, Stretch Twill Fabric, Stretch Knit Fabric, Stretch Poplin Fabric, Stretch Lycra Fabric

What is Stretch Fabric / Define Stretch Fabric / Stretch Fabric Definition

Stretch fabric is a fabric referring to the normal fabric, which stretches in all four directions. Simplifying the construction of clothing stretches fabrics are commonly used in swimsuits. They were originally being used in the mid 1980s by large number of fashion designers. Entering mainstream market in the early 1990, Stretch fabrics are widely used in sports wear. Sometime Stretch fabric is also termed as Stretch woven fabric when it is blended with stable fiber of cotton, wool or synthetic. When it comes to talk about stretching, then Stretch fabric is very easy to Stretch in one or both directions presenting the traditional look and lot of comfort. Stretch fabric have better shape retention and are wrinkle resistance because of which they are more comfortable to wear.

Types of Stretch Fabric

Stretch Cotton Fabric Stretch Twill Fabric Stretch Satin Fabric Stretch Twill Fabric Stretch Knit Fabric Stretch Poplin Fabric Stretch Lycra Fabric

Reflective Fabric / Reflective Clothing : Overview of Reflective Fabric, Characteristics of Reflective Fabric, Uses of Reflective Fabric
If few days back, someone asked what the usability of the fabrics was, one would have replied apparels! But in the modern times it is not so, fabrics are now used for a lot more purposes. Reflective fabric is the nicest instance of the expanded usability of the fabrics. This has been all possible just because of the continuous innovation in the science field. Reflective fabric is known for their ability to reflect the light to the farthest distance possible. That is why, reflective fabric is used in countless usability, few of them are listed below:

In the Streets
The reflectors and the alerts are made up of the reflective fabric. It is generally red in color as red has the largest ability to reflect. Also, it can be visible from the very long distance that makes the traffic flow smoothly. Especially in the night vision, reflective fabrics are proven to be the boon.

Security
Life jackets are made by the reflective fabrics. Also, other apparels are made by the reflective fabrics. Reflective fabrics help in notify the person in the crowd or any kind of situations. Coast guards and even police sometimes have their dresses made up of the reflective life jackets. There are many other numerous usability of the reflective fibers, making it the finest fabrics that are great in durability and usability as well.

Polyethylene Fabric : What is Polyethylene, Characteristics of Polyethylene Fabric, Polyethylene Uses

What is Polyethylene / Polyethylene Definition / Define Polyethylene
Polyethylene fabric is a distinct fabric that is highly acclaimed in the domestic and industrial sectors. Polyethylene fabric is known for its unmatchable density and strength that is superior to all others. Polyethylene fabric is a type of a synthetic fabric that is manufactured in the labs. The polymerizing the ethylene results in the stiffer product called polyethylene that is later used for the fabric. Polyethylene fabric is used for loads of purposes:

Domestic
Polyethylene fabric is the finest replacement of the traditional fabrics for all kinds of bags. Polyethylene fabric is able to hold a lot more weight than previous ones. People like it as is very light and is wear and tear resistant. Also, it is highly elastic that makes it stretchy. It is used in various toys like jumping pads.

Polyethylene Uses
Polyethylene fabric is used for machineries. Also, the tough woven fabric is used in the industries at the large scale. The newest technology in the polyethylene fabric has enhanced the usability of the fabric, like in manufacturing and packaging units Polyethylene fabric has many more purposes than above. Thats why in the market, the demand of the polyethylene fabric is climbing day by day.

Narrow Fabric : Narrow Fabrics, Fabric Lace, Fabric Tape

Fabrics are something that we daily come across. With the clothing to the seats, the fabrics are the integral part of the lives. There are several sorts of the fabrics like synthetic fabrics, natural fabrics and many more depending upon their designs and usability. Narrow fabric is also the most commonly utilized fabrics in our daily lives. Narrow fabrics are the thicker version of the fabrics as its strands are thicker and stronger. That is why narrow strands are used in the things that are used for heavy duties. The narrow fabric is availed in mainly in the following forms:

Fabric Lace
Fabric Laces are used in shoes and many other tying purposes. Narrow fabrics in the laces make it strong and easy to grip on. In the recent times, there has been a revolution in the designs and shapes of the Fabric laces composed of narrow fabric. Now, Fabric laces, like ropes are commonly used in the daily appliances.

Fabric Tape
Narrow fabrics are used to make the Fabric tape. These Fabric tapes are great in appearance and stiff in the quality. fabric tapes are used for wrapping, decorating and many other purposes. In the modern times, the usability of the narrow fabric has grown as it is light and has a splendid durability. That is why; narrow fabrics are hugely demanded in the global marketplace.

Laminated Fabric : What is Laminated Fabric, Laminated Cotton Fabric, PVC Laminated Fabric, Vinyl Laminated Fabric
Sometimes the apparels, bags, beds are needed to be protected from the dust and other outer particles. This can be carried out through the laminated fabric, used to laminate all kind of clothing, sheets, covers, hand bags and many more. Laminated fabric safeguards the core thing from any kind of external particles that hampers the quality and the glaze. Lamination is carried our by the covering the material with the protective film on all the sides. That does not let water to pass through, making the material completely safe. However it is not completely air tight as moisture is allowed to let in the for the longer life of the fabrics. Laminated fabric adds the durability and sustains the quality. In the recent developments, laminated fabrics, designs and shapes have been transformed with the undue assistance of the modern tools and techniques. Also, people have shown a great deal of zeal in the laminate fabrics because of its astounding glossiness and superior style. Today, laminated fabric is one of the prime fabrics used for the decoration and giving the interior a luxurious touch. In addition, the availability of the newest kind of the laminated fabric and those too at the most affordable prices has made it own by anyone.

Types of Laminated Fabric

Laminated Cotton Fabric PVC Laminated Fabric Vinyl Laminated Fabric

Flocked Fabric : What is Flocked Fabric, Characteristics of Flocked Fabric, Uses of Flocked Fabric, Velvet Flocked Fabric, Black Flocked Fabric
What is Flocked Fabric
Flocked fabrics are the fabrics composed of several fabrics. The combination of different elements makes the flocked fabric inherit all the nicest properties of them. The flocked fabric is greatly demanded in domestic and international market both making it the most money making fabric in the fabric industry. Flocked fabrics are manufactured and traded by the loads of the people as it is one of the fabrics thats demand is rising day and night. Also, the attractive offers for flocked fabrics have made consumers to make most of the profit. The reason behind such a reputable fame is its unending usability. Flocked fabric is used in clothing of all kinds and also in many others purposes as well. Flocked fabrics are used in shirts, pants, trousers, inner garments and etc. in addition is used in laces and as other packaging threads as well. Flocked fabrics are known for their extraordinary gripping capabilities and since are the finest material to carve shoes or others. In seats, carpets, the flocked fabric is the best component as it is resistible all kinds of tribulations. Flocked fabric is availed in loads of nonpareil designs and shapes and can be shaped in any kind of moulds easily.

Flame Resistant Fabric : Flame Resistant Clothing, Flame Retardant Clothing, Fire Resistant Fabric
Fire and many other casualties are very common in the daily lives. That is why people prefer fabrics that are flame resistable. The concept of the flame resistant fabric was possible due to the long research and experiments in the labs for several years. The first priority of the flame resistant fabric is that it should be convenient for the user. That means it should neither be too heavy nor too thin. Also, it should have a nice look that attracts the user. The good news is that such a high quality flame resistant fabric is now easily available. The latest flame resistant fabric is simply superb in fade and has the longest durability. Flame resistant fabric is used in variety of apparel and many others like curtains, sheets and many more. The flame resistant fabric is composed of chemicals and other components that make it easily hold in any amount of heat and flame. Also, does not loose the glaze or the quality level for a longer period of time. With the awareness in the masses, flame resistant fabric is becoming globally apt clothing and for many other usability. Also, with the pleasant intrusion of the big brands in the flame resistant fabric, has made it the latest trend amidst masses especially younger generation.

Marquees, Awnings : What is Marquee, Marquee Fabric, What is Awning, Awning Fabric, Fabric Awnings, Backlit Awnings
What is Marquee / What is Awning
Marquee material has changed dramatically from the first awnings that were available. Nowadays, increased light transmission, durability and breathability are key features. The materials utilised to meet this demand include canvas, blended polyester and cotton which provide high tensile and tear strength as well as maximum durability Materials are also available in lacquer finish making them less prone to dirt & spills, while providing easier cleaning.

Marquee Fabric is Mostly used for tents

Introduction of the Awning Fabric

Excellent awning fabrics offer endless possibilities for enhancing your home's beauty and decor. Awning fabrics add shape, dimension and color, and can be custom-designed to fit any home's unique character and style. Awnings can be stationary or retractable. They can echo the architecture of a traditional residence. Or, they can complement more modern-styled homes. Awnings fabrics can add drama and impact to an otherwise ordinary facade.

Fabric Awnings
Fabric awnings are the most practical and economic way to:

improve appearance and elevate customers' curb appeal, provide signage with dimensional impact and practical purpose, save energy by shading windows and walls, shelter against harsh weather, and protect customers, passers by, and the face of the building itself from sun, rain, and winter weather.

Fabric awnings are available in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, colors and architectural styles.

Backlit Awnings

Backlit awnings are a cost-effective alternative to traditional signage. Backlighting draws focus to the customer's name, increases visibility and improves recognition. Here's an attention-getting way to advertise the business, mark the location, and accent the decor--all at the same time.

Canvas Fabric : What is Canvas Fabric, Different Types of Canvas Available, Vehicle Hood Covers, Truck Covers, Cover Hoods for Marine Boats
Canvas is a plain weave fabric formed from cotton, linen, jute, cotton, hemp, or today, when canvas has become a generic term for heavy, tightly-woven fabric - polyester. Canvas is heavy and dense and has applications in making tents, sails, tarpaulins, awnings, upholstery, umbrellas, shoe uppers, embossed wall coverings that form a substratum for paint or gilding, and totes. Additionally, canvas serves as a support for oil painting, and is the name for the mesh fabric on which embroidery and needlepoint are done

Canvas is used in applications in which a thick, tough, durable fabric is required. Duck, from the Dutch word doek, which originally referred to a particular type of linen canvas used for garments for sailors - for instance, their white trousers - is now used for a selection of canvas, including army duck, awning duck, belting duck, boat duck, flat duck, hose duck, linen duck, number duck, ounce duck, sail duck, shoe duck, tent duck, and others. Canvas may be obtained untreated or with either flame-retardant treatment, water-resistant treatment, or both. Besides the name of the special type of fabric, if there is one, and the treatment, canvas is identified by its weight in ounces per square yard and by two grading systems based on the weight of a piece of duck 36 by 22 inches (about 92 by 56 cm). The first system, for fabric weighing less than 19 ounces (about 54 decagrams) per square yard (91.4 square cm), runs from 1 to 12, but the highest three odd numbers are not used anymore, so the numbered duck grades are 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, and 12, growing progressively lighter in weight. The sizing for fabric weighing 19 or more ounces per square yard is called naught duck and runs 1/0 to 6/0, with the largest number representing 24 ounces (about 68 decagrams) for the measure of duck. A 6ft roll canvas is available in matt sand, kaki and vat dyed black is used for vehicle hood covers. Truck covers use a blended 50/50 Polyester/Cotton canvas, which gives excellent stability, with a rip stop weave providing increased tear strength. Vat dyed polyester/cotton canvas cover hoods are an excellent choice for marine covers and boats as it provides excellent water resistance.

Metal Fabric : Bronze Fabric, Stainless Steel Fabric

Bronze Fabric
Bronze is an exciting and versatile fabric, the fine 400 mesh is easily manipulated by folding or pleating. Bronze Fabric is ideal for millinery, lampshade making, 3-dimensional embroidery and textile art work. Bronze Fabric can also be readily coloured with a blow torch to give golds and blues. Use in jewellery making and combine with other etched or discharged fabrics to good effect. They have a wonderful sheen which is accentuated when folded. Sold per metre length and 100cm wide

Stainless Steel Fabric

Stainless Steel Fabric is an exciting and versatile fabric, the fine 400 mesh is easily manipulated by folding or pleating. Stainless Steel is ideal for millinery, lampshade making, 3-dimensional embroidery and textile art work. Stainless Steel Fabric can also be readily coloured with a blow torch to give golds and blues. Use in jewellery making and combine with other etched or discharged fabrics to good effect. They have a wonderful sheen which is accentuated when folded. Sold per metre length and 100cm wide.

Fabric Finishes : Chemical Finishing for Fabrics, Functional Finishing for Fabrics, Aesthetic Treatments fro Fabrics, Temporary Finishes for Fabrics, Crease-Resistant Finish for Fabrics, Shrink-Resistant Finish for Fabrics

Chemical Finishing adds qualities to fabrics which they lack.It eliminates certain flaws or improves their touch and aspect. First of all, one has to distinguish between functional and aesthetic finishing. Functional finishing improves the product's performance under conditions of specific use whereas Aesthetic treatments improve the appearance or touch (sensation) of the fabric. Secondly, there is a distinction between chemical treatments (wet) and mechanical treatments (dry). A third way to classify treatments is done by their degree of permanency. These classifications are :

Temporary finish for fabrics

The finish is removed by washing or dry-cleaning; e.g. calendaring (similar to pressing).

Renewable finishes for fabrics

Finishes that may be applied again. Examples of this type of treatment are starch and dirt repellent finishes.

Durable finishes for fabrics

A treatment that will last the entire life of the product but with decreasing efficiency.

Permanent finishes for fabrics

Finish remaining entirely the same during the entire life of the product.

Chemical Finishing Treatment for fabrics

Chemical treatment adds particular qualities and characteristics to fabrics. The most commonly used treatments are : Crease-resistant treatment, allowing to avoid the tendency to crease of cotton fabrics. Shrink-resistant finish limits the tendency to shrink of cotton.

By applying the water repellent and oil repellent finish, one avoids that fabrics absorb water and oil. Other finishes add specific properties to fabrics to starch and reinforce them. The softening finish improves the touch of the fabric.

Fabric Calendering
Consists of submitting the fabric to a high pressure between two cylinders at high temperature, which will give a bright and ironed aspect. There is a variant to calendering called honeycomb by which embossed patterns are engraved on the surface of the fabric.

Fabric Raising and suede

It consist of cutting certain fibres on the surface of the fabric to give them a soft and velvety aspect. Raising is obtained by grating the fabric with metallic points, and sueding by the friction of sandpaper.

Sanforising
It allows to prevent the cotton from shrinking when washed. It is carried out by compressing the cotton to reduce its shrinking capacity .

Fabric Identification : Fabric Burn Test, Fiber Burn Test, Cotton Burn Test, Linen Burn Test, Silk Burn Test, Wool Burn Test, Nylon Burn Test, Rayon Burn Test, Polyester Burn Test
Fabric Burn Test / Fabric Burning Test / Burning Test of Fabrics / Fiber Burn Test
This should only be done by skilled burners! Make sure there is a bucket of water nearby and that you burn in a metal bucket or non-plastic sink. To identify fabric that is unknown, a simple burn test can be done to determine if the fabric is a natural fiber, man made fiber, or a blend of natural and man made fibers. The burn test is used by many fabric stores and designers and takes practice to determine the exact fiber content. However, an inexperienced person can still determine the difference between many fibers to "narrow" the choices down to natural or man made fibers. This elimination process will give information necessary to decide the care of the fabric.

WARNING
All fibers will burn! Asbestos treated fibers are, for the most part fire proof. The burning test should be done with caution. Use a small piece of fabric only. Hold the fabric with tweezers, not your fingers. Burn over a metal dish with

soda in the bottom or even water in the bottom of the dish. Some fabrics will ignite and melt. The result is burning drips which can adhere to fabric or skin and cause a serious burn.

Flammability Testing / Flammability Test

Cotton Burn Test
Cotton is a plant fiber. When ignited it burns with a steady flame and smells like burning leaves. The ash left is easily crumbled. Small samples of burning cotton can be blown out as you would a candle.

Linen Burn Test

Linen is also a plant fiber but different from cotton in that the individual plant fibers which make up the yarn are long where cotton fibers are short. Linen takes longer to ignite. The fabric closest to the ash is very brittle. Linen is easily extinguished by blowing on it as you would a candle.

Silk Burn Test

Silk is a protein fiber and usually burns readily, not necessarily with a steady flame, and smells like burning hair. The ash is easily crumbled. Silk samples are not as easily extinguished as cotton or linen.

Wool Burn Test

Wool is also a protein fiber but is harder to ignite than silk as the individual "hair" fibers are shorter than silk and the weave of the fabrics is generally looser than with silk. The flame is steady but more difficult to keep burning. The smell of burning wool is like burning hair.

Man Made Fibers Acetate

Acetate is made from cellulose (wood fibers), technically cellulose acetate. Acetate burns readily with a flickering flame that cannot be easily extinguished. The burning cellulose drips and leaves a hard ash. The smell is similar to burning wood chips.

Acrylic
Acrylic technically acrylonitrile is made from natural gas and petroleum. Acrylics burn readily due to the fiber content and the lofty, air filled pockets. A match or cigarette dropped on an acrylic blanket can ignite the fabric which will burn rapidly unless extinguished. The ash is hard. The smell is acrid or harsh.

Nylon Burn Test

Nylon is a polyamide made from petroleum. Nylon melts and then burns rapidly if the flame remains on the melted fiber. If you can keep the flame on the melting nylon, it smells like burning plastic.

Polyester Burn Test

Polyester is a polymer produced from coal, air, water, and petroleum products. Polyester melts and burns at the same time, the melting, burning ash can bond quickly to any surface it drips on including skin. The smoke from polyester is black with a sweetish smell. The extinguished ash is hard.

Rayon Burn Test

Rayon is a regenerated cellulose fiber which is almost pure cellulose. Rayon burns rapidly and leaves only a slight ash. The burning smell is close to burning leaves

Blends
Blends consist of two or more fibers and, ideally, are supposed to take on the characteristics of each fiber in the blend. The burning test can be used but the fabric content will be an assumption.

Fabric Testing : Physical Testing, Mechanical Testing, Chemical Testing, Weight Testing, Thickness Testing, Strength Testing, Pilling Testing, Tensile Strength Testing
Fabric Testing is central to the assessment of any fabric, results of which can be used for both determining quality or to meet industry standards. As consumers develop a heightened awareness of the ethical issues associated with textile manufacturing it is important for reassurances to be made which inevitable demands a greater level of testing.

Types of Fabric Testing Physical Testing and Mechanical Testing

This involves Fabric Weight and Thickness Testing, Strength Testing, Tensile Strength Testing, Tear Strength testing, Seam Strength Testing, Burst Strength Testiing, Fabric Stretch Properties, Fabric abrasion resistance, Testing the Aesthetic properties of fabrics

Fabric Chemical Testing

This involves Chemical identification of fibers. Fabric quality, Auxiliaries testing, Fabric sizing agents, Synthetic sizing agents, Fabric Surfactants, Fabric Fluorescent whitening agents, Fabric Colorants testing, Finishes testing, Degradation testing

Fabric Appearance Testing

Pilling testing and Evaluation, Fabric wrinkling testing and evaluation, Seam puckering evaluation, Fabric dimensional stability testing, Light reflectance of a fabric

Fabric Permeability Testing Dyeing and colouring tests for fabrics

Light Fastness, Wash Fastness, Fastness in relation to environmental factors, Fastness in relation to manufacturing processes, Printing tests

Fabric Barre : Barre Fabric, Barre, What is Barre, Causes of Barre in Fabric, Prevention of Barre in Fabric, Warp Streaks
What is Barre
In textile industry, one of the most common and perplexing quality cotrol problems is barre(repetitive yarn direction streaks). The factors which can cause or contribute to fabric barre are varied and diverse Fabric Barre is defined as unintentional, repetitive visual pattern of continuous bars or stripes usually parallel to the filling of woven fabric or to the courses of circular knit fabric. Fabric Barre is sometimes used as a synonym for warp streaks Fabric Barre can be caused by physical, optical or dye differences in the yarns, geometric differences in the fabric structure or by any combination of these differences. Fabric Barre is basically a visual phenomenon and any property of yarn which makes it 'look' different from the adjacent yarn in a fabric would result in this defect. Fabric Barre can be due to the following

Fibre properties Yarn characterisitics Knitting parameters

In weft knit fabrics Barre is taken to include only those fabric defects charecterised by coursewise (widthwise) repearing bars or stripes. In warp knits, the warp (or length) direction. This is symptomatic of the way in which the fabrics are produced.

Causes of Fabric Barre

All barre is the consequence of subtle differences in yarn reflectance between individual yarn in the knit structure. Any mechanism that can change the reflectance of a yarn in a knit structure is a potential barre source. Barre can be caused by physical, optical, or dye differences in the yarns, geometric differences in the fabric structure, or by any combination of these differences. A barre streak can be one course or end wide or it can be several - a "shadow band" It is not the inadequacy of the raw material property which results in Barre, It is the inconsistency or the variability of the particular property which results in Barre The properties which are the causes of Barre are given below.

Fibre Micronaire variation Fibre color variation Yarn linear density variation Yarn twist variation Yarn hairiness variation Knitting tension variation Improper mixing of cotton from different origin Improper mixing of cotton from different varieties Improper mixing of cotton grown in different seasons

Prevention of Fabric Barre

As outlined, Barre is caused by inconsistencies in materials, equipment, or processing. To prevent Barre form occuring, consistency must be maintained through all phases of textile production. Stock yarns should be properly and carefully labelled to avoid mixups. Fugitive tints can be useful for accurate yarn segregation. Inventory should be controlled on a First In/ First Out basis. All equipement should be properly maintained and periodically checked. Before beginning full scale production, sample dyeings can be done to check for Barre. Salvaging a fabric lot with a Barre problem may be possible through careful dye selection. Color differences can be masked by using shades with very low light reflectance (navy blue, black) or high light reflectance (light yellow, orange, or finished white). Dye suppliers should be able to offer assistance in this area. Also, if the cause of the barre is an uneven distribution of oil or wax, a more thorough preparation of the fabric prior to dyeing may result in more uniform dye coverage.

With close cooperation between production and quality control personnel, barre problems can be successfully analysed and solved.