Fabrictionary

/ˈfæb.rɪk/ /ˈdɪk.ʃən.er.i/

It's easy to get lost in this big, wide world of words. To make it easier for you, we've created a list of notes and reminders to get you back on track with the things that matter most.

Anti-Pilling

A treatment reducing loose fibres on a fabric's surface to avoid the formation of little balls, pills, or threads during wearing and laundering. A polymeric coating is usually applied to the fabric's surface to make it more durable.

Anti-Microbial

Also known as anti-bacterial or odor control, this treatment inhibits the growth of bacteria to prevent damage due to sweat.

Bamboo

Bamboo is a natural bast fibre obtained from the pulp of bamboo plants. It can be processed into two major types of fibre: bamboo linen and bamboo viscose, which is the method used for the majority of bamboo fabric. Bamboo fibre is usually blended with other materials to make fabric.

Chiffon

A sheer, slightly rough fabric often used to make elegant evening wear.

Cotton

Cotton is a seed fibre grown as a protective case around the seed of the cotton plant. Known to be the most popular natural fibre in the world, it is soft and fluffy to the touch and is usually off-white in colour.

Double Jersey

Double Jersey, also known as double rib, full needles ribs, and 1x1 all needles rib.

Durable Water Repellent

A treatment that adds a coating to the exterior shell of fabric or is infused with the fibres, thereby resisting water absorption or penetration of the fabric. Retreatment is needed to maintain water repellency.

Hemp

Hemp is a natural plant fibre extracted from the bast of Cannabis sativa. It is often considered a "super fibre". True hemp is fine, light-coloured and lustrous. It is naturally one of the most environmentally friendly fibres. Fine-quality hemp fabrics can be compared to linen. It is also used to blend with other fibres to improve its touch.

Herringbone

A distinctive fabric featuring a V-shape pattern, commonly used as suiting fabric.

Interlock

Interlock is an alternative double bed 1x1 rib jersey, but with a faint twill pattern.

Jersey

Jersey also called single knit, or stockinette is one of the most basic forms of weft knitting. The back side is known as reverse knit.

Microfibre

Microfibre is commonly made from nylon, acrylic, and polyester, microfiber can vary in composition and combinations of synthetic fibres. Although having a wide range of applications, they are somewhat controversial due to being non-biodegradable and the damage they can have on the oceanic food chain.

Moisture Wicking

A treatment to pull sweat or moisture outside of fabric by weaving hydrophilic fibres into hydrophobic fibre or changing the structure of synthetic fiber into structured trilobal fibres.

Nylon

Nylon, also called polyamides (PA), is derived from petroleum. The two most common types of nylon are nylon 6 and nylon 6.6. Originally created as a thermoplastic substitute for silk, it is one of the strongest fibres and is very elastic. It is often blended with other fibres to improve properties.

Polyester

Being a synthetic fibre derived from petroleum, polyester is generally available in two types: polyethene terephthalate (PET) and Poly-1, 4-cyclohexylene terephthalate (PCDT). PET is a stronger type of polyester, which is more popular for clothing and commonly blended with natural fibres. PCDT is more often used in furnishings due to its elastic and resilient properties.

Poplin

A tightly woven, finely ribbed broadcloth-like fabric often used for shirting.

Rayon

Rayon was the first manufactured semisynthetic fibre. It blends well with other fibres to create fabrics that feel soft and silky. There are many varieties of rayon, each of which differs slightly in both the manufacturing process and the properties of the finished product.

Rib Knit

A double-faced knit with distinct vertical columns on both sides. It can be formed by various numbers of plain and purl stitch ridges.

Satin

A glossy. Luxury fabric is often used for nightgowns.

Satin Crepe

A reversible satin fabric, sometimes called “crepe-back satin”.

Silk

Silk is a very special natural fibre. Textile-used silk was often obtained from moth caterpillars. Long considered a luxury fibre, it is sometimes referred to as the "queen of fabrics". Silk is the only natural filament fibre and is soft, lustrous, shiny, and smooth to the touch.

Spandex

Spandex, also known as elastane, is segmented polyurethane and is also a by-product of petroleum. It is a white-coloured synthetic fibre made to provide elasticity. The fibre can stretch to over 500% of its length and recover to its original length immediately. It is often blended with other fibres to offer additional stretch.

Terry Cloth

A popular towelling fabric with highly absorbent loops on its surface.

UV Protection

A treatment to reduce fabric exposure to UV rays through the application of a UV-blocking agent that absorbs or scatters UV rays. a. Organic UV Blocker Used to absorb UV rays but only suitable for specific applications due to its flammable and toxic characteristics. b. Inorganic UV Blocker Used to scatter UVA and UVB rays. Inorganic agents are non-toxic and more stable under UV radiation than organic agents.

Voile

A soft, sheer fabric often used to make lightweight curtains.

Wrinkle Resistance

A treatment to prevent the fabric from wrinkling using resin. Resistance tends to loosen after 25 to 30 washes.