View source for Glossary of textile manufacturing

:''For terms specifically related to sewing, see [[Glossary of sewing terminology]].''
The '''manufacture of [[textile]]s''' is one of the oldest of human [[technology|technologies]]. To make textiles, the first requirement is a source of [[fiber|fibre]] from which a [[yarn]] can be made, primarily by [[spinning (textiles)|spinning]].  (Both fibre and fiber are used in this article.)  The yarn is processed by [[knitting]] or [[weaving]], which turns yarn into [[cloth]].  The [[machine]] used for weaving is the [[loom]].  For decoration, the process of colouring yarn or the finished material is [[dyeing]].  For more information of the various steps, see [[textile manufacturing]].

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==A==
;'''Absorbency'''
:A measure of how much [[water]] a [[textile|fabric]] can [[Absorption (chemistry)|absorb]].

;'''Acetate'''
:[[Acetate]] is a [[synthetic fiber]].  

;'''Acrylic'''
:[[Acrylic fiber]] is a [[Synthetic fiber|synthetic]] [[polymer]] [[fiber]] that contains at least 85% [[acrylonitrile]].  

;'''Aida cloth'''
:[[Aida cloth]] is a coarse open-weave [[textile|fabric]] traditionally used for [[cross-stitch]].

;'''Alnage'''
:[[Alnage]] is the official supervision of the shape and quality of manufactured [[woolen]] [[cloth]].

;'''Alpaca'''
:[[Alpaca]] is a name given to two distinct things.  It is primarily a term applied to the [[wool]] of the Peruvian alpaca.  It is, however, more broadly applied to a style of fabric originally made from alpaca fiber but now frequently made from a similar type of fiber.

;'''Angora'''
:[[Angora wool|Angora]] refers to the hair of the [[Angora rabbit]], or the [[textile|fabric]] made from Angora rabbit fur. (Fabric made from [[angora goat]] is [[mohair]].)<ref>{{harvnb|Beech|Farnfield|Whorton|Wilkins|1986|p=5}}</ref>

;'''Appliqué'''
:[[Appliqué]] is a [[sewing]] technique in which [[textile|fabric]] shapes, [[lace]] or [[trim (sewing)|trim]], are sewn onto a foundation fabric to create designs.<ref>Picken (1957), p. 8</ref>

;'''Aramid''' 
:[[Aramid]] [[fiber]] is a fire-resistant and strong [[synthetic fiber]]

;'''Argyle'''
:An [[Argyle (pattern)|argyle]] pattern is one containing diamonds in a sort of diagonal checkerboard pattern.

==B==
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;'''Backstrap loom'''
:[[Loom#Back strap loom|Backstrap looms]], as the name implies, are tied around the weaver's waist on one end and around a stationary object such as a tree, post, or door on the other. Tension can be adjusted simply by leaning back. Backstrap looms are very portable, since they can simply be rolled up and carried.

;'''Baize'''
:[[Baize]] is a coarse [[woollen]] or [[cotton]] [[cloth]], often coloured red or green.

;'''Ballistic nylon'''
:[[Ballistic nylon]] is a thick, tough synthetic [[cloth|fabric]] used for a variety of applications.

;'''Batik'''
:[[Batik]] is an Indonesian traditional word and refers to a generic [[wax]]-resist [[dye]]ing technique used on [[textile|fabric]].

;'''Bedford-Cord'''
:Combination of two kinds of Weave, Namely Plain and Drill.

;'''Bias'''
:The [[Bias (textile)|bias]] direction of a piece of woven fabric, usually referred to simply as "'''the bias'''", is at 45 degrees to its [[Warp (weaving)|warp]] and [[weft]] threads.  Every piece of woven fabric has two biases, [[perpendicular]] to each other.

;'''Binding'''
:In [[sewing]], [[binding (sewing)|binding]] is used as both a noun and a verb to refer to ''finishing'' a seam or [[hem]] of a garment, usually by rolling or pressing then stitching on an edging or trim.

;'''Blend'''
:A [[Blend]] is a [[textile|fabric]] or [[yarn]] made up of more than one type of [[fiber]].

;'''Bobbin lace'''
:[[Bobbin lace]] is a delicate [[lace]] that uses wound spools of thread (the [[bobbin]]s) to weave together the shapes in the lace.

;'''Bobbinet'''
:[[Bobbinet]] is a tulle netting with hexagonal shaped holes, traditionally used as a base for embroidery and lingerie.

;'''Bombazine'''
:[[Bombazine]] is a [[cloth|fabric]] originally made of [[silk]] or silk and [[wool]], and now also made of [[cotton]] and wool or of wool alone. It is twilled or corded and used for dress-material.

;'''Braid'''
:To [[braid]] is to interweave or twine three or more separate strands of one or more materials in a diagonally overlapping pattern.

;'''Broadcloth'''
:[[Broadcloth]] -[[cloth|material]] of superior quality.

;'''Brocade'''
:[[Brocade]] is the term for forming [[pattern]]s in [[cloth]] with a supplementary [[weft]].

;'''Buckram'''
:[[Buckram]] is a stiff [[cloth]], made of [[cotton]] or [[linen]], which is used to cover, and protect, a [[book]], and although is more expensive than its look-a-like, Brella, is stronger and resistant to cockroaches eating it. Buckram can also be used to stiffen [[clothes]].

;'''Burlap'''
:[[Burlap]] is a type of [[cloth]] often used for sacks.

==C==
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;'''Calico'''
:[[Calico (fabric)|Calico]] is a type of [[textile|fabric]] made from unbleached, and often not fully processed, cotton. Also referred to a type of Printing.

;'''Cambric'''
:[[Cambric]] is a lightweight [[cotton]] cloth used as fabric for lace and needlework. 

;'''Camel's Hair'''
:[[Camel]]'s Hair is a natural [[fiber]] from the [[camel]]. Camel hair can produce a variety of different coarseness of [[yarn]]. This fiber is a novelty fiber [[spinning (textiles)|spun]] by hand-spinners.

;'''Canvas'''
:[[Canvas]] is an extremely heavy-duty [[textile|fabric]] used for making [[sail]]s, [[tent]]s, [[Tent#Marquees and larger tents|marquees]], and other functions where sturdiness is required. It is also popularly used on fashion handbags.

;'''Canvas work'''
:[[Canvas work]] is [[embroidery]] on [[canvas]].

;'''Carding'''
:[[Carding]] is the processing of brushing raw or washed [[fiber]]s to prepare them as [[textile]]s.  

;'''Carpet'''
:A [[carpet]]' is any loom-woven, felted textile or grass floor covering.

;'''Cashmere'''
:[[Cashmere wool|Cashmere]] is [[wool]] from the Cashmere [[goat]].

;'''Cellulose'''
:[[Cellulose]]; this [[fiber]] processed to make [[cellophane]] and [[rayon]], and more recently [[Modal (textile)|Modal]], a [[textile]] derived from [[beechwood]] [[cellulose]].

;'''Cheesecloth'''
:[[Cheesecloth]] is a loosewoven [[cotton]] [[cloth]], such as is used in pressing [[cheese]] curds.

;'''Chiffon'''
:[[Chiffon (fabric)|Chiffon]] is a [[sheer (textile)|sheer]] [[textile|fabric]] made of  [[silk]] or [[rayon]].

;'''Chino cloth'''
:[[Chino cloth]] is a kind of [[twill]] fabric, usually made primarily from [[cotton]].

;'''Chintz'''
:[[Chintz]] is [[calico (fabric)|calico]] [[cloth]] printed with flowers and other devices in different colors. It was originally of Eastern manufacture.

;'''Coir'''
:[[Coir]] is a coarse fibre extracted from the fibrous outer shell of a [[coconut]].

;'''Colorfast''' ('''Colourfast''')
:A term used to describe whether the colors bleed or not in washing. 

;'''Cord'''
:Cord is twisted fibre, usually intermediate between [[rope]] and string.  It is also used as a shortened form of [[corduroy]].  

;'''Corduroy'''
:[[Corduroy]] is a durable [[cloth]].

;'''Cotton'''
:[[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 [[yarn|thread]] and used to make a soft, breathable [[textile]].

;'''Crepe'''
:[[Crepe]] is a [[silk]] [[textile|fabric]] of a gauzy texture, having a peculiar crisp or crimpy appearance.

;'''Crazy quilt'''
:[[Crazy quilting]] is often used to refer to the [[textile arts|textile art]] of [[patchwork]] and is sometimes used interchangeably with that term.

;'''Crinoline'''
:[[Crinoline]] was originally a stiff [[cloth|fabric]] with a [[weft]] of [[horse|horse-hair]] and a [[Warp (weaving)|warp]] of [[cotton]] or [[linen]] [[yarn|thread]]. The fabric first appeared around 1830.

;'''Cross-stitch'''
:[[Cross-stitch]] is a popular form of [[counted-thread embroidery]] in which X-shaped stitches are used to form a picture. 

;'''Crochet'''
:The word [[crochet]] describes the process of creating [[textile|fabric]] from a length of cord, [[yarn]], or thread with a [[Crochet hook|hooked tool]]. 

;'''Crochet hook'''
:A [[crochet hook]] is a type of needle, usually with a hook at one end, used to draw thread through knotted loops.

;'''Cro-hook'''
:The [[cro-hook]] is a special double-ended [[crochet hook]] used to make double-sided [[crochet]]. Because the hook has two ends, two colours of thread can be handled at once and freely interchanged.

==D==
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;'''Damask'''
:[[Damask]] is a [[cloth|fabric]] of [[silk]], [[wool]], [[linen]], [[cotton]], or [[synthetic fiber]]s, with a pattern formed by [[weaving]]. Today, it generally denotes a [[linen]] texture richly figured in the weaving with flowers, fruit, forms of animal life, and other types of ornament.

;'''Darning mushroom'''
:A [[darning mushroom]] is a tool which can be used for [[sewing|darning]] clothes, particularly [[sock]]s. The sock can be stretched over the top of the (curved) mushroom, and gathered-tightly-around the stalk.

;'''Denim'''
:[[Denim]] denotes a rugged [[cotton]] twill [[textile]].

;'''Dimity'''
:[[Dimity]] is a lightweight, sheer [[cotton]] fabric having at least two warp threads thrown into relief to form fine cords.

;'''Dobby loom'''
:[[Dobby loom]] is a [[loom]] in which each [[harness]] can be manipulated individually.  This is in contrast to a [[treadle]] loom, where the harnesses are attached to a number of different treadles depending on the weave structure.

;'''Double weave'''
:[[Double weave]] is a type of advanced [[Weaving|weave]].  It is done by interlacing two or more sets of [[Warp (weaving)|warp]]s with two or more sets of [[weft|filling]] [[yarn]]s.

;'''Dowlas'''
:[[Dowlas]] is the name given to a plain [[cloth]], similar to [[Bed sheet|sheeting]], but usually coarser.

;'''Durability'''
:how [[durable]] a fabric or yarn is.

;'''Dyes'''
:[[Dye]] is used to color fabric. There are two main types: [[Natural dyes]], and [[synthetic dye]]s. The process is called [[Dyeing]].

;'''Dye lot'''
:[[Dye lot]] is a number that identifies yarns dyed in the same vat at the same time.  Subtle differences can appear between different batches of the same color yarn from the same manufacturer.

==E==
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;'''Elasticity'''
:[[Elasticity (fabrics)|Elasticity]]

;'''Embroidery'''
:[[Embroidery]] is an [[ancient]] variety of decorative [[needlework]] in which designs and pictures are created by [[Sewing|stitching]] strands of some material on to a layer of another material. See also: [[Machine embroidery]].

;'''Epinglé fabric'''
:A type of velvet fabric woven on a [[wire loom]] or épinglé loom.  The épinglé velvet is specific by the fact that both [[loop pile]] and [[cut pile]] can be integrated into the same fabric.  The art of épinglé weaving in Europe originates from Lucca (Italy) and later Venice and Genua.  Actually the term 'Genua velvet' is still in use.  The Flemish region of Kortrijk and Waregem (Belgium) is the area whereupon today the technique of épinglé weaving is still very actual.  The fabric finds it application mostly in upholstery, although in medieval times is was used as apparel for princes and kings as well as for bishops, cardinals and the pope.

;'''Even-weave'''
:[[Even-weave|Even-weave or evenweave]] fabric is used in [[counted-thread embroidery]] and is characterized by [[Warp (weaving)|Warp]] and [[weft]] threads of the same size.

;'''Eyelet'''
:[[Grommet]]s and [[eyelet]]s are [[metal]], [[plastic]], or [[rubber]] rings that are inserted into a hole made through another material. They may be used to reinforce the hole, to shield something from the sharp edges of the hole, or both.

==F==
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;'''Facing'''

;'''Felt'''
:[[Felt]] is a [[non-woven]] [[cloth]] that is produced by matting, condensing and pressing fibers.  The fibers form the structure of the fabric.

;'''Felting'''
:The process of making [[felt]] is called [[felting]].

;'''Fiber'''
:[[Fiber]] or '''fibre''' (see [[American and British English spelling differences|spelling differences]]) is a class of [[material]]s that are continuous filaments or are in discrete elongated pieces, similar to pieces of [[yarn|thread]].  Fibers are often used in the manufacture of other materials.  They can be spun into filaments, thread, or [[rope]].  They can be used as a component of [[Composite material|composite]] materials.  They can also be matted into sheets to make products such as [[paper]] or [[felt]].

;'''Filament'''
:A [[Filament (textiles)|filament]] is a fine, thinly spun thread, fiber, or wire.

;'''Filling'''
:See [[weft]]

;'''Finishing'''
:[[Finishing (textiles)|Finishing]] refers to any process performed on [[yarn]] or [[textile|fabric]] after [[weaving]] to improve the look, performance, or "hand" (feel) of the finished textile.<ref>Picken (1957), p. 130</ref>

;'''Fishnet'''
:[[Fishnet (material)|Fishnet]] is a material with an open, diamond shaped knit. 

;'''Flannel'''
:[[Flannel]] is a [[cloth]] that is commonly used to make [[clothing]] and bedsheets. It is usually made from either [[wool]], wool and [[cotton]], or wool and [[synthetic fiber|synthetic]] fabric.

;'''Flax'''
:[[Flax]] [[fiber]] is soft, lustrous and flexible. It is stronger than [[cotton]] fiber but less elastic.  The best grades are used for [[linen]] [[fabrics]] such as [[damask]]s, [[lace]] and sheeting. Coarser grades are used for the manufacturing of twine and rope.

;'''Frieze'''
:[[Frieze (textile)|Frieze]] is a coarse woollen cloth with a nap on one side, that was raised by scrubbing it to raise curls of fibre (French: frisé). In the 19th century rough cheap frieze was made of wool mixed with shoddy (see Shoddy).

;'''Fulling'''
:[[Fulling]] is a step in [[textile manufacturing|clothmaking]] which involves the cleansing of cloth (particularly wool) to get rid of oils, dirt, and other impurities. 

;'''Fustian'''
:[[Fustian]] is a term for a variety of heavy twilled [[woven]] [[cotton]] [[textile|fabric]]s, chiefly prepared for menswear. Usually dyed in a dark shade. Declined in popularity from 1813, being replaced by harder wearing and better quality wool cloths.

==G==
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;'''Gabardine'''
:[[Gabardine]] is a tough, tightly woven [[textile|fabric]] often used to make [[suit (clothing)|suit]]s, [[overcoat]]s and [[trousers]].  The fibre used to make the fabric is traditionally [[worsted]] (a [[wool]]en yarn), but may also be [[cotton]], synthetic or mixed.  The fabric is smooth on one side and has a diagonally ribbed surface on the other.

;'''Gauge'''
:A [[Gauge (knitting)|gauge]] is a set number of rows per inch (in [[knitting]]) or the [[thread-count]] of a woven fabric that helps the knitter determine whether they have the right size [[knitting needles]] or a weaver if the [[cloth]] is tight enough. 

;'''Gante'''
:Gante is a [[cloth]] made from [[cotton]] or tow warp and jute weft.  It is largely used for bags for sugar and similar material, and has the appearance of a fine hessian cloth.  

;'''Gauze'''
:A very light, sheer, fine woven fabric.

;'''Genova velvet'''
:A type of [[velvet]] where in Jacquard patterns are woven into the ground fabric and where the [[pile (fabric)|pile]] is made of a combination of cut and uncut (loop) pile. This fabric is also known as Venetian velvet, or more generally, as épinglé velvet.  In the actual terminology of furnishing fabrics it is mostly named with its French name "[[velours de Gênes]]".
:This kind of fabric is made on a [[wire loom]] or [[épinglé loom]].

;'''Geotextile'''
:A [[geotextile]] is a synthetic permeable textile.

;'''Gingham'''
:[[Gingham]] is a [[textile|fabric]] made from [[dye]]d [[cotton]] [[yarn]].

;'''Glass fiber''' ('''fibre''')
:[[Fiberglass]] is material made from extremely fine [[fiber]]s of [[glass]].  It is widely used in the manufacture of [[Thermal insulation|insulation]] and [[textile]]s.

;'''Gossamer'''
:A gossamer is a very light, sheer, [[gauze]]-like [[cloth|fabric]], popular for [[white wedding]] dresses and decorations.

;'''Grogram'''
:[[Grogram]] is a coarse [[Cloth|fabric]] of [[silk]] mixed with [[wool]] or with [[mohair]] and often stiffened with [[natural gum|gum]].

==H==
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;'''Heddle'''
:Common component of a [[loom]] used to separate [[Warp (weaving)|warp]] threads for passage of the [[weft]]. Commonly made of cord or wire.

;'''Hem'''
:To [[hem]] a piece of cloth (in [[sewing]]), a garment worker folds up a cut edge, folds it up again, and then sews it down. The process of hemming thus completely encloses the cut edge in cloth, so that it cannot ravel.
:A hem is also the edge of cloth hemmed in this manner.

;'''Hemp'''
:The main uses of [[hemp]] fibre are [[rope]], sacking, [[carpet]], [[Net (device)|net]]s and webbing. Hemp is also being used in increasing quantities in [[paper]] manufacturing. The [[cellulose]] content is about 70%.

;'''Huckaback'''
:Huckaback is a type of coarse absorbent [[cotton]] or [[linen]] [[cloth|fabric]] used for making [[towel]]s.

==I==
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;'''Ikat'''
:[[Ikat]] is a style of [[weaving]] that uses a [[tie-dye]] process on either the [[Warp (weaving)|warp]] or [[weft]]  before the threads are woven to create a pattern or design.  A '''Double Ikat''' is when both the warp ''and'' the weft are tie-dyed before weaving.

;'''Intarsia''' 
: [[Intarsia (knitting)|Intarsia]] is a [[knitting]] technique used to create patterns with multiple colours.

;'''Interfacing'''
:[[Interfacing]] is a common term for a variety of [[materials]] used on the unseen or "wrong" side of [[fabrics]] in [[sewing]].

==J==
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;'''Jacquard'''
:[[Jacquard]]

;'''Jacquard loom'''
:The [[Jacquard loom]] was the first machine to use [[punched card]]s. It uses punched cards to control the [[pattern]] being [[weaving|woven]]. It is a form of [[dobby loom]], where individual harnesses can be raised and lowered independently.

;'''Jamdani'''
:[[Jamdani]] is a kind of fine [[cloth]] made in [[Bangladesh]].

;'''Jute'''
:[[Jute]] is a long, soft, shiny [[plant]] [[fibre]] that can be spun into coarse, strong threads.  

:Jute is one of the cheapest natural fibres, and is second only to cotton in amount produced and variety of uses. Jute fibres are composed primarily of the plant materials [[cellulose]] and [[lignin]].

==K==
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;'''Knit fabrics'''
:[[Knits|Knit]] [[textile|fabric]]s are fabrics that were produced through the process of [[knitting]].

;'''Knitting needle gauge'''
:A [[knitting needle]] gauge makes is used to determine the size of a knitting needle. Some also double for [[crochet hook]]s. Most needles come with the size written on the needle, but many needles (like double-pointed needles) tend to not be labeled. Also, with wear and time the label often wears off. 

:Needle gauges can be made of any material, and are often made for metal and plastic. They tend to be about 3 by 5 inches. They contain holes of various sizes, and often have a ruler along the edge for determining the gauge of a sample.

==L==
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;'''Lace'''
:[[Lace-making]] is an ancient craft.   A lace fabric is lightweight openwork fabric, patterned, either by machine or by hand, with open holes in the work. The holes can be formed via removal of threads or cloth from a previously woven fabric, but more often lace is built up from a single thread and the open spaces are created as part of the lace fabric. 

;'''Lamé'''
:[[Lamé (fabric)|Lamé]] is a type of [[brocade]]d [[clothing]] [[Cloth|fabric]] with inwoven metal threads, typically of [[gold]] or [[silver]], giving it a [[metallic]] sheen.

;'''Lawn'''
:[[Lawn (fabric)|Lawn]] is a fine [[linen]] or [[cotton]] cloth.

;'''Linen'''
:[[Linen]] is a [[cloth|material]] made from the [[fiber]]s of the [[flax]] plant. Linen produced in Ireland is called Irish linen. [[Linens]] are fabric household goods, such as pillowcases and [[towel]]s.

;'''Lining'''
:Lining

;'''Loden'''
:[[Loden]] is water-resistant material for clothing made from sheep wool.

;'''Loom'''
:The [[Loom]] is a [[machine]] used for [[weaving]] [[textile|fabric]].

;'''Lucet'''
:[[Lucet]] is a method of cordmaking or braiding which is believed to date back to the [[Viking]] era.  Lucet cord is square, strong, and slightly springy.  It closely resembles [[knitting|knitted]] I-cord or the cord produced on a knitting spool.  Lucet cord is formed by a series of loops, and will therefore unravel if cut.

==M==
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;'''Macramé'''
:'''[[Macrame]]''' or '''macramé''' is a form of [[textile]]-making using [[knot]]ting rather than [[weaving]] or [[knitting]]. Its primary knots are the [[square knot]] and forms of hitching ([[full hitch]] and double [[half hitch]]es). 

;'''Mercerized cotton'''
:[[Mercerized cotton|Mercerization]] is a treatment for [[cotton]] [[Cloth|fabric]] and thread mostly employed to give cotton a lustrous appearance.

;'''Merino'''
:'''[[Merino]]''' is the [[Spanish language|Spanish]] name for a breed of [[sheep]], and hence applied to a [[wool]]en fabric.

;'''Mesh'''
:A [[mesh]] is similar to [[textile|fabric]] or a [[spider web|web]] in that it has many connected or weaved pieces.  In [[clothing]], a mesh is often defined as fabric that has a large number of closely-spaced holes, such as is common practice for modern sports [[jersey (clothing)|jersey]]s.

;'''Metallic fiber''' ('''fibre''')
:[[Metallic fiber]]s are [[fiber]]s used in [[textiles]] which are either composed of metal, or fibers of other materials with a metal coating.

:Their uses include decoration and the reduction of [[static electricity]].

;'''Microfibre''' ('''fiber''')
:[[Microfibre]] is a term for fibres with strands thinner than one [[denier (measure)|denier]]. Fabrics made with microfibres are exceptionally soft and hold their shape well.

;'''Millinery'''
:[[Millinery]] is women's [[hat]]s and other articles sold by a milliner, or the profession or business of designing, making, or selling hats for women.

;'''Mocado'''
:'''[[Mockado]]''' is a [[wool]]len [[pile (textile)|pile]] [[textile|fabric]] made in imitation of [[silk]] [[velvet]].<ref>Jenkins (2003), p. 434</ref><ref name="Dictionary of Traded Goods">{{Cite web|title=Dictionary of Traded Goods and Commodities, 1550-1820|date=2007|url=http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.aspx?compid=58820|accessdate=11 April 2010}}.</ref><ref>Montgomery (2007), p. 295</ref> 

;'''Modal'''
:'''[[Modal (textile)|Modal]]''' is a [[cellulose fiber]] made by [[spinning (textiles)|spinning]] reconstituted [[cellulose]] from [[beech]] trees.

;'''Mohair'''
:'''[[Mohair]]''' is a [[silk]]-like [[textile|fabric]] made from the [[hair]] of the [[Angora goat]]. It is durable, light and warm, although some people find it uncomfortably itchy.

;'''Mungo'''<cite id="Mungo" /><!--provide link from Mungo disambiguation page-->
:Fibrous woollen material generated from waste [[textile|fabric]], particularly tightly woven [[cloth]]s and rags. See also: shoddy.

;'''Muslin'''
:'''[[Muslin]]''' is a type of finely-woven [[cotton]] [[textile|fabric]], introduced to [[Europe]] from the [[Middle East]] in the 17th century.  It was named for the city where it was first made, [[Mosul]] in what is now [[Iraq]].

==N==
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;'''Nainsook'''
:[[Nainsook]] is a fine, soft [[muslin]] fabric, often to used to make babies clothing.

;'''Nap'''
:[[nap (textile)|Nap]] is a term for the raised surface of certain [[cloth]], such as [[flannel]].

;'''Needlepoint'''
:'''[[Needlepoint]]''' is a form of [[canvas work]] created on a mesh canvas.  The stitching threads used may be [[wool]], [[silk]], or rarely [[cotton]].  Stitches may be plain, covering just one mesh intersection with a single orientation, or fancy, such as [[Bargello (needlework)|Bargello]].  Plain stitches, known as [[Tent stitch]]es, may be worked as [[Tent stitch|basketweave]] or [[Tent stitch|half cross]]. 

;'''Needlework'''
:[[Needlework]] is another term for the [[handicraft]] of decorative [[sewing]] and [[textile arts]].  Anything that uses a [[Sewing needle|needle]] for construction can be called needlework.  

;'''Net'''
:[[Net (device)|Net]] is a device made by fibers woven in a grid-like structure, as in [[fishing net]], a [[soccer]] goal, a [[butterfly net]], or the court divider in [[tennis]]

;'''Nonwoven fabric'''
:[[Non-woven textiles]] are those which are neither [[weaving|woven]] nor [[knit]], for example [[felt]].  Non-wovens are typically not strong (unless reinforced by a backing), and do not stretch.  They are cheap to manufacture.

;'''Novelty yarn'''
:[[Novelty yarn]]

;'''Nylon'''
:'''[[Nylon]]''' is a [[synthetic polymer]], a [[Plastic#Nylon|plastic]]. Nylon fibres are used to make many synthetic fabrics and women's stockings.

==O==
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;'''Oilcloth'''
:Oilcloth was, traditionally, heavy cotton or linen [[cloth]] with a [[linseed]] [[oil]] coating: it was semi-water-proof. The most familiar use was for brightly printed kitchen tablecloths. Dull colored oilcloth was used for bedrolls, [[sou'wester]]s, and [[tent]]s. By the late 1950's, oilcloth became a synonym for [[vinyl]] (polyvinyl chloride) bonded to either a [[flannel]]ed cloth or a printed vinyl with a synthetic non woven backing.

;'''Organdy'''
:[[Organdy]] or organdie is the sheerest cotton cloth made. Combed yarns contribute to its appearance. Its sheerness and crispness are the result of an acid finish on greige (unbleached) lawn goods. Because of its stiffness and fiber content, it is very prone to wrinkling.

;'''Organza'''
:[[Organza]] is a thin, plain weave, sheer fabric traditionally made from silk, the continuous filament of silkworms. Nowadays, though many organzas are woven with synthetic filament fibers such as polyester or nylon, the most luxurious organzas are still woven in silk

==P==
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;'''Paisley'''
:[[Paisley (design)|Paisley]] is a droplet-shaped vegetal motif, similar to half of the [[taiji|T'ai Chi]] symbol, the [[India]]n [[bodhi tree]] [[leaf]], or the [[mango]] [[tree]]. The design originated in [[India]] and spread to [[Scotland]] when British soldiers brought home [[cashmere wool|cashmere]] shawls.

;'''Patchwork'''
:'''[[Patchwork]]''' is a form of [[needlework]] or craft that involves sewing together small pieces of [[textile|fabric]] and stitching them together into a larger design, which is then usually [[quilting|quilted]], or else tied together with pieces of yarn at regular intervals, a practice known as tying. Patchwork is traditionally 'pieced' by hand, but modern quiltmakers often use a [[sewing]] machine instead.

;'''Percale'''
:[[Percale]] refers to a closely woven, high thread count, [[cotton]] fabric often used for sheets and clothing.

;'''Persian weave'''
:[[Persian weave]] is a method of [[weaving|weave]] used in [[jewelry]] and other art forms.

;'''Pile knit'''
:[[Pile knit]]

;'''Pile weave'''
:[[Pile weave]]

;'''Pill'''
:[[Pill (textile)|Pill]]

;'''Plaid'''
:From a [[Scots language]] word meaning ''blanket'', plaid usually referring to patterned woollen [[cloth]] otherwise known as [[tartan]].

;'''Plain weave'''
:[[Plain weave]]

;'''Plied yarn'''
:[[plying|Plied]] [[yarn]] is yarn that has been plied, with the process called [[plying]].

;'''Plush'''
:[[Plush]] is a [[textile|fabric]] having a cut nap or pile the same as [[fustian]] or [[velvet]].

;'''Polyester'''
:[[Polyester]] is a [[synthetic fiber]]

;'''Poplin'''
:[[Poplin]]  is a heavy, durable [[textile|fabric]] that has a ribbed appearance. It is made with [[wool]], [[cotton]], [[silk]], [[rayon]], or any mixture of these. The ribs run across the fabric from selvage to selvage.  They are formed by using coarse filling yarns in a plain weave.

;'''Purl stitch'''
:a commonly used stitch in [[knitting]]

==Q==
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;'''Qalamkari'''
:[[Qalamkari]] is a type of hand-painted or block-printed [[textile]], produced in various places in [[India]].

;'''Qiviut'''
:[[Qiviut]] is the [[wool]] of the [[musk ox]].

;'''Quilt'''
:[[Quilting]] is a method of sewing or tying two layers of cloth with a layer of insulating batting in between. A bed covering or similar large rectangular piece of quilting work is called a [[quilt]].

==R==
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;'''Rayon'''
:'''[[Rayon]]''' is a transparent fibre made of processed [[cellulose]].  Cellulose fibres from [[wood]] or [[cotton]] are dissolved in [[alkali]] to make a solution called [[viscose]], which is then extruded through a nozzle, or spinneret, into an [[acid]] bath to reconvert the viscose into cellulose.  A similar process, using a slit instead of a hole, is used to make [[cellophane]].

;'''Rib knit'''
:[[Rib knit]]

;'''Rib weave'''
:[[Rib weave]]

;'''Rolag
:A [[rolag]] is a loose woolen roll of [[fiber]]s that results from using [[carding|handcards]].

;'''Roving'''
:A [[roving]] is a long rope of fibers where all of the fibers are going parallel to the roving.

;'''Rug'''
:A [[Carpet|rug]] is a form of carpet.  It is usually smaller than a carpet. See also: [[rug making]]

== S ==
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; Sailcloth: [[Sailcloth]]
; Sateen: [[Sateen]] is a [[textile|fabric]] formed with a satin weave where the floats are perpendicular to the selvage of the goods.
; Satin: A [[Satin]] is a [[cloth]] that typically has a glossy surface and a dull back. It is formed by a sequence of broken twill floats in either the warp or weft system, which respectively identify the goods as either a satin or a sateen.
; Satin weave: A satin is a broken [[twill]] [[weaving]] technique that forms floats on one side of the fabric.  If a satin is woven with the floats parallel to the selvedge of the goods, the corresponding fabric is termed a "satin."  If the floats are perpendicular to the selvedge of the goods, the fabric is termed a 'sateen.'"
; Seam: A [[Stitch|seam]], in [[sewing]], is the line where two pieces of [[textile|fabric]] are held together by [[yarn|thread]].
; Seam ripper: A [[seam ripper]] is a small [[tool]] used for unpicking [[stitch]]es.
; Selvage or Selvedge: The [[weaving|woven]] edge portion of a [[textile|fabric]] parallel to the [[Warp (weaving)|warp]] is called [[selvage]].
; Serge: [[Serge]] is a type of [[twill]] [[textile|fabric]] that has diagonal lines or ridges on both sides, made with a two-up, two-down [[weaving|weave]].  The [[worsted]] variety is used in making [[military uniforms]], [[suit (clothes)|suit]]s, great and [[trench coat]]s.  Its counterpart, [[silk]] serge, is used for linings.  French serge is a softer, finer variety.  The word is also used for a high quality [[wool]]en [[woven]].
; Serging: [[Serging]] is a [[sewing]] term, the binding off of an edge of [[cloth]].
; Sewing: [[Sewing]] is an ancient craft involving the stitching of [[cloth]], [[leather]], animal skins, [[fur]]s, or other materials, using [[Sewing needle|needle]] and [[yarn|thread]].  Its use is nearly universal among human populations and dates back to [[Paleolithic]] times (30,000 BC).  Sewing predates the weaving of cloth.
; Shag: [[Shag (fabric)]] is typically used to make a deep-pile [[carpet]]s. This is the oldest use of the term. Shag carpet is sometimes evoked as an example of the [[taste (sociology)#Taste and Aesthetics|aesthetic]] from the culture of the [[United States|U.S.]] 1970s. Also used to make carpets for mariners.
; Shed: In [[weaving]], the [[shed (weaving)|shed]] is the gap between [[yarn]]s on a loom when one or more, but not all, of the harnesses are raised.
; Sheer: [[Sheer (textile)|Sheer]] is a semi-transparent and flimsy cloth.
; Shoddy: Recycled or remanufactured [[wool]] which is of inferior quality compared to the original wool.  Historically generated from loosely woven materials.  [[Benjamin Law]] invented shoddy and mungo, as such, in 1813. He was the first to organise, on a larger scale, the activity of taking old clothes and grinding them down into a fibrous state that could be re-spun into yarn. The shoddy industry was centred on the towns of [[Batley]], [[Morley, West Yorkshire|Morley]], [[Dewsbury]] and [[Ossett]] in [[West Yorkshire]], and concentrated on the recovery of wool from rags. The importance of the industry can be gauged by the fact that even in 1860 the town of [[Batley]] was producing over 7000 tonnes of shoddy. At the time there were 80 firms employing a total of 550 people sorting the rags. These were then sold to shoddy manufacturers of which there were about 130 in the West Riding.
; Shot: The opal effect achieved on a fabric by dyeing the warp and weft threads different colours. The yarns are dyed first and then woven. When looking at the fabric from various angles it appears to alter in colour, this is more obvious in lustrous fabrics and more so in certain types of weaves.
; Shuttle: A [[shuttle (weaving)|shuttle]] in [[weaving]] is a device used with a [[loom]] that is thrown or passed back and forth between the [[yarn|thread]]s of the [[warp (weaving)|warp]] to weave in the [[weft]].
; Silk: [[Silk]] is a natural protein [[fiber]] that can be [[weaving|woven]] into [[textile]]s.  It is obtained from the [[Pupa#Cocoon|cocoon]] of the [[silkworm]] [[larva]], in the process known as ''[[sericulture]]'', which kills the larvae.  The shimmering appearance for which it is prized comes from the fibres triangular prism-like structure, which allows silk cloth to refract incoming light at different angles.
; Sisal: [[Sisal]] or sisal hemp is an [[agave]] ''Agave sisalana'' that yields a stiff [[fiber]] used in making [[rope]]. (The term may refer either to the plant or the fiber, depending on context.) It is not really a variety of hemp, but named so because [[Hemp (disambiguation)|hemp]] was for centuries a major source for fiber, so other fibers were sometimes named after it.
; Skein: [[Skein]] is when a length of yarn is bundled in a loose roll rather than put on a cone (as you would purchase from store)- usually done if yarn is going to a dye vat or needs a treatment in a manufacturing/knitting mill environment.
; Solution-dyed: [[Solution-dyed]]
; Spandex fiber: [[Spandex]] or elastane is a [[synthetic fiber]] known for its exceptional [[Elasticity (fabrics)|elasticity]] (stretchability).  It is stronger and more durable than [[rubber]], its major [[plant]] competitor.  It was [[invention|invented]] in 1959 by [[DuPont]], and when first introduced it revolutionized many areas of the [[clothing]] [[industry]].
; Spinning: [[Spinning (textiles)|Spinning]] is the process of creating [[yarn]] (or thread, rope, cable) from various raw fiber materials.
; Spread Tow Fabrics: [[Spread Tow Fabrics]] is a type of lightweight fabric. Its production involves the steps of spreading a [[tow]] of higher count, e.g. 12k, into thin-and-wide [[spread tow tape]] (STT) and weaving them into a lightweight [[fabric]] by employing the novel tape-weaving technique.
; Staple: [[Staple (textiles)|Staple]] is the raw material, or its length and quality, of [[fiber]] from which [[textiles]] are made.
; Stitch: A [[Sewing|stitch]] is a single turn or loop of the [[yarn|thread or yarn]] in [[sewing]], [[knitting]], and [[embroidery]].<ref name="Picken">Picken (1957), p. 322</ref> 
; Stuff: [[Stuff (cloth)|Stuff]] is a coarse cloth, sometimes made with a [[linen]] [[warp (weaving)|warp]] and [[worsted]] [[weft]].
; Super: The Super grading system is used to grade the quality of wool fabric. The higher the number, the more yarn is packed in per square inch, therefore all things being equal a super 120s yarn is better than super 100s.

==T==
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;'''Tablet weaving'''
:[[Tablet weaving]] is a process of [[weaving]] where tablets, also called 'cards', are used to create the [[Shed (weaving)|shed]] that the [[weft]] is passed through. It is generally used to make [[narrow work]] such as belts or straps.

;'''Tactel'''
:[[Tactel]] is the [[brand]] name of a man-made fibre made from [[nylon]].

;'''Taffeta'''
:[[Taffeta]] is a type of [[textile|fabric]], often used for fancy dresses.

;'''Tapestry'''
:[[Tapestry]] is a form of [[textile arts|textile art]].  It is [[Weaving|woven]] by hand on a weaving-[[loom]]. The chain thread is the carrier in which the coloured striking thread is woven.  In this way, a colourful pattern or image is created. Most weavers use a naturally based chain thread made out of [[linen]] or [[wool]].  The striking threads can be made out of [[silk]], [[wool]], [[gold]] or [[silver]], but can also be made out of any form of textile.

;'''Tarlatan'''
:Tarlatan is a [[starch]]ed, open-weave [[Cloth|fabric]], much like [[cheese cloth]].  It is used to wipe the [[ink]] off a plate during the [[intaglio (printmaking)|intaglio]] inking process.  The open weave allows for the tarlatan to pick up a large quantity of ink.  The stiffness imparted by the starch helps prevent the fabric from taking the ink out of the incised lines.  

;'''Tassel'''
:A [[tassel]] is a ball-shaped bunch of [[plait]]ed or otherwise entangled [[yarn|thread]]s from which at one end protrudes a [[cord (sewing)|cord]] on which the tassel is hung, and which may have loose, dangling threads at the other end.

;'''Tatting'''
:[[Tatting]] is a technique for handcrafting [[lace]] that can be documented approximately to the early 19th century.

;'''Terry cloth'''
:[[Terrycloth|Terry cloth]] is a type of [[cloth]] with loops sticking out. Most [[bath towels]] are examples of Terry cloth.

;'''Thimble'''
:A [[thimble]] is a protective shield worn on the finger or thumb.

;'''Threads per inch''' (TPI)
:Threads per inch is the measurement of the number of threads per inch of material, such as fabric, or metal in [[threads per inch|the case of screws and bolts]].

;'''Thread count'''
:The [[Thread_count#Thread_count|thread count]] is the number of warp threads per inch plus the number of weft threads.

;'''Tissue'''
:Tissue is a fine woven [[textile|fabric]] or [[gauze]].

;'''Trim'''
:[[Trim (sewing)|Trim]] or '''trimming''' in [[clothing]] and [[home decorating]] is applied ornament such as [[Gimp (thread)|gimp]], [[passementerie]], [[ribbon]], [[ruffle]]s, or, as a [[verb]], to apply such ornament.

;'''Tulle'''
:[[Tulle netting|Tulle]] is a netting, which is often starched, made of various fibers, including [[silk]], [[nylon]], and [[rayon]], that is most commonly used for [[veil]]s, [[gown]]s (particularly wedding gowns) and [[ballet tutu]]s.

;'''Tweed'''
:[[Tweed (cloth)|Tweed]] is a type of fabric using the [[twill]] weave.

;'''Twill tape'''
:[[Twill tape]] is a flat [[twill]]-[[weaving|woven]] [[ribbon]] of [[cotton]], [[linen]], [[polyester]], or [[wool]].

;'''Twill weave'''
:[[Twill]] is a type of [[textile|fabric]] [[weaving|woven]] with a pattern of diagonal parallel ribs. It is made by passing the [[weft]] threads over one [[Warp (weaving)|warp]] thread and then under two or more warp threads. Examples of twill fabric are [[gabardine]], [[tweed (cloth)|tweed]] and [[serge]].

==U==
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==V==
{{compactTOC8|name=no|nobreak=yes|top=yes|extlinks=yes}}
;'''Velour'''
:[[Velour]] is a [[textile]], a [[knits|knitted]] counterpart of [[velvet]].

:It combines the stretchy properties of [[knits]] such as [[spandex]] with the rich appearance and feel of [[velvet]].

;'''Velvet'''
:[[Velvet]] is a type of [[tufted]] [[textile|fabric]] in which the cut [[yarn|thread]]s are very evenly distributed, with a short dense pile, giving it its distinct feel.  Velvet can be made from any fiber. It is woven on a special [[loom]] that weaves two piece of velvet at the same time.   The two pieces are then cut apart and the two lengths of fabric are wound on separate take-up rolls.  

;'''Velveteen'''
:[[Velveteen]] is a [[cotton]] cloth made in imitation of [[velvet]]. The term is sometimes applied to a mixture of [[silk]] and cotton. Some velveteens are a kind of fustian, having a rib of velvet pile alternating with a plain depression. The velveteen, trade varies a good deal with the fashions that control the production of velvet.

;'''Viscose'''
:[[Viscose]] is an artificial cellulose-based [[polymer]], sometimes used as a synonym for [[#R|Rayon]]

==W==
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;'''Warp'''
:The [[Warp (weaving)|warp]] is the set of lengthwise threads attached to a loom before weaving begins, and through which the weft is woven.  

;'''Warp knit'''
:[[Knit]] fabric in which intermeshing loops are positioned in a lengthwise, or warp, direction. The fabric has a flatter, closer, less elastic structure than most weft knits and is run-resistant.

;'''Waterproof'''
:[[Waterproof]]

;'''Water repellent'''
:[[Water repellent]]

;'''Weaving'''
:[[Weaving]] is an ancient [[textile]] art and craft that involves placing two sets of threads or [[yarn]] made of [[fibre]] called the [[Warp (weaving)|warp]] and [[weft]] of the [[loom]] and turning them into [[cloth]]. This cloth can be plain (in one color or a simple pattern), or it can be woven in decorative or artistic designs, including [[tapestry|tapestries]].

;'''Weft'''
:The [[weft]] is the yarn that is woven back and forth through the warp to make [[cloth]].

;'''Weft knit'''
:[[Weft knit]]

;'''Wilton Carpet'''
: Wilton carpet is produced on a specific type of weaving machine called [[wire loom]].  Wilton carpets are pile carpets whereby the pile is formed by inserting steel rods in the pile warps of the fabric. After extraction of the rods the pile is looped (in case straight wires have been used) or cut (in case cutting wires are used).  Wilton carpet is generally considered as high quality and is used for heavy duty applications.

;'''Wire loom,'''  
:[[Weaving]] machine for pile fabrics or velvets whereby the pile is made by weaving steel rods or wires into the fabrics.  When the wires are extracted the warp ends that have been woven over the wires remain as loops on top of the fabric or will form cut pile if the wire is equipped with a cutting blade.  This technique is also known as "épinglé weaving". A wire loom in a much wider version (up to 5 meters of width) and in heavier construction is used for the manufacturing of carpets is called a "WILTON" loom, and the carpets made on such a loom are known as "[[Wilton Carpets]]"

;'''Woof'''
:The woof is the same thing as the [[weft]].

;'''Wool'''
:[[Wool]] is the fiber derived from the [[hair]] of [[domesticated animal]]s, usually [[sheep]]. 

;'''Woolen'''
:[[Woolen]] or '''woollen''' is the name of a [[yarn]] and [[cloth]] usually made from [[wool]].

;'''Worsted fabric'''
:[[Worsted]] is the name of a [[yarn]] and [[cloth]] usually made from [[wool]]. The yarn is well twisted and [[spinning (textiles)|spun]] of long staple wool (though nowadays also medium and short [[fibre]]s are used). The wool is combed so that the fibres lie parallel.

;'''Woven fabric'''
:A [[woven]] fabric is a [[cloth]] formed by [[weaving]]. It only stretches in the [[bias (textile)|bias]] directions (between the [[Warp (weaving)|warp]] and [[weft]] directions), unless the threads are elastic. Woven cloth usually [[fray]]s at the edges, unless measures are taken to counter this, such as the use of [[pinking shears]] or [[hemming]].

==X==
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==Y==
{{compactTOC8|name=no|nobreak=yes|top=yes|extlinks=yes}}
;'''Yarn'''
:[[Yarn]] is a long continuous length of interlocked [[fiber]]s, suitable for use in the production of [[textile]]s, [[sewing]], [[crochet]]ing, [[knitting]], [[weaving]] and [[rope]]making. Yarn can be made from any number of [[synthetic fiber|synthetic]] or [[natural fiber]]s. 
==Z==
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;'''Zibeline'''
:[[Zibeline]] is a thick, soft [[Cloth|fabric]] with a long nap.

==Notes==
{{reflist|colwidth=20em}}

==References==
*{{cite book |editor1-last=Beech |editor1-first=S.R. |editor2-last=Farnfield |editor2-first=C.A. |editor3-last=Whorton |editor3-first=P. |editor4-last=Wilkins |editor4-first=J.A. |title=Textile Terms and Definitions |edition=8th |year=1986 |month=June |origyear=1954 |publisher=[[Textile Institute|The Textile Institute]] |location=Manchester |isbn=0 900739 82 7 |ref=harv }}
*{{cite book|editor=Jenkins, David|title=The Cambridge History of Western Textiles|location=Cambridge, UK|publisher=Cambridge University Press|date=2003|isbn= 0521341078}}
* {{cite book|last=Picken|first=Mary Brooks|link=Mary Brooks Picken|title=The Fashion Dictionary|publisher=Funk and Wagnalls|year=1957}}
* {{cite book|title=Textiles in America, 1650-1870: a dictionary based on original documents|first=Florence M.|last=Montgomery|publisher=W. W. Norton|date=2007|edition=2nd|page=295|isbn=039373224X}}
*{{Cite web|title=Dictionary of Traded Goods and Commodities, 1550-1820|date=2007|url=http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.aspx?compid=58820|accessdate=11 April 2010}}.

==External links==
*[http://www.isbona.com/vol5no1win01b.html Spinning techniques and textile terminology]
*[http://www.carrscorner.com/yabbse/membertools/glossary.php Carr's Corner Glossary]

{{Textile arts}}

[[Category:Weaving]]
[[Category:Textiles]]
[[Category:Glossaries|Textile]]

[[fr:Glossaire du tissage]]
[[io:Glosario di texado]]
[[it:Glossario di tessitura]]
[[Category:2Fix]]