Definitions for Types of Fabrics, Textiles, Materials

Listed below are properties and uses that individual textiles have.

Name: Batiste
Fibre: Cotton/ Synthetic
Weave / Construction:Plain
Weight: Sheer, thin
Lightweight, usually light colours, often printed. High count of fine yarns. More opaque than voiles. Usually composed of 100% polyester or a polyester blend.

Name: Boucle
French for curled, indicates a curled or looped surface.

Name: Broadcloth
Fibre: Cotton, Silk, Wool, Synthetics
Weave / Construction: Plain or Twill
Weight: Medium
Used for tablecloths, bedspreads and drapery

Name: Chenille
Weight: “Poor man’s velvet” Originally constructed of silk, then wool, now cotton. It was named after the French word for caterpillar. The yarn has a pile protruding all around it and is soft and fuzzy. It is looped onto the backing like a rug, not cut like velvet. Uses: upholstery, cushions, tablecloths, throws.

Name: Chintz
Fibre: Cotton
Weave / Construction: Plain
Weight: Light
Glazed cotton fabric often printed with gay figures and large flower designs. Some glazes will wash out in laundering. The only durable glaze is a resin finish which will withstand washing or dry cleaning. Unglazed chintz is called Cretonne.

Name: Corduroy
Fibre: Cotton, Synthetic
Weave / Construction:Pile
Weight: Heavy
A cut filling-pile cloth with narrow to wide wales which run in the warp direction of the goods and made possible by the use of an extra set of filling yarns in the construction. The back is of plain or twill weave, the latter affording the better construction. Washable types are available and stretch and durable press garments of curdory are popular. Usually an all cotton cloth, some of the goods are now made with a nylon or rayon pile effect on a cotton backing fabric or with polyester cotton blends.

Name: Crash
Fibre: Various
Weave / Construction:Pile
Weight: Heavy
A course fabric having a rough irregular surface obtained by weaving thick uneven yarns. Usually cotton or linen, sometimes spun rayon or blends.

Name: Cretonne
Fibre: Cotton
Weave / Construction: Twill
Weight: Medium
Usually printed in strong patterns, not glazed

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Fabrics and Textiles 1
Fabrics and Textiles 2
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Fabrics and Textiles 4

Natural Fibers
Artificial Fibers
Synthetic Fibers

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