Textile Terminology

Grain

• The texture of the fabric's surface.

• The direction of the yarn in the fabric, including lengthwise (warp) and crosswise (weft) directions.

• The color pattern of the fabric.

• The weight of the fabric per square yard.

Semi-synthetic

• Fibers derived from a naturally occurring fiber through a chemical process.

• Fibers made entirely from synthetic materials.

• Fibers that are 100% natural and unprocessed.

• Fibers that are blended with other synthetic fibers.

Synthetic

• Fibers made through chemical processes.

• Natural fibers derived from plants and animals.

• Fibers that are biodegradable and eco-friendly.

• Fibers that are only used in textiles.

Weft

• The yarns that run parallel to the warp yarns in woven fabric.

• The filling yarns that run perpendicular to the warp yarns.

• The decorative threads used in embroidery.

• The type of fabric that is woven using only one yarn.

Pilling

• A type of fabric weave that enhances durability.

• A tangled ball of fibers that appears on the surface of a fabric, as a result of wear, abrasion, or continued friction or rubbing on the surface of the fabric.

• A method of dyeing fabrics to achieve vibrant colors.

• A technique used to strengthen the fibers in a fabric.

Bias

• Any direction in fabric that is parallel to the lengthwise grain.

• Any direction in fabric that is diagonal to the lengthwise and crosswise grains, with true bias at 45 degrees to the grain.

• A type of fabric that has no stretch.

• The direction in fabric that is perpendicular to the lengthwise grain.

Cellulosic

• A type of fiber derived from plant-based cellulose, commonly used in textiles such as cotton, linen, and wool.

• A synthetic fiber made from petroleum products.

• A type of fiber that is exclusively used in the production of plastics.

• A natural fiber derived from animal sources like wool and silk.

Colorfast

• The ability of a fabric to maintain its color and resist fading when exposed to water/washing, sun, light, atmosphere, or other environmental conditions.

• The process of dyeing fabric to achieve a specific color.

• The technique of weaving fabric to enhance its durability.

• The method of treating fabric to make it waterproof.

Absorbency

• The ability of a fabric to take in moisture.

• The ability of a fabric to resist tearing.

• The ability of a fabric to maintain its color after washing.

• The ability of a fabric to repel all liquids.

Finishing

• The process of cutting textiles to size.

• The final treatment or process applied to textiles to improve their appearance, performance, or feel, such as dyeing, printing, or coating.

• The method of weaving fabrics together.

• The initial stage of textile production.