Acetate
SyntheticApparel
Semi-synthetic fiber made from wood pulp. Has a silk-like appearance and drapes well.
Best For:Lining fabrics, evening wear, drapes
Care:Dry clean or gentle hand wash in cool water
Prone to water stains, avoid high heat
Alpaca
NaturalApparel
Natural fiber from alpaca animals. Softer and warmer than sheep's wool, hypoallergenic.
Best For:Sweaters, blankets, winter clothing
Care:Hand wash or dry clean, lay flat to dry
Less prone to pilling than wool
Applique
Sewing TermsQuilting
Decorative technique where fabric pieces are sewn onto a larger base fabric to create designs.
Best For:Embellishing garments, quilts, home decor
Care:Varies by base fabric
Batiste
NaturalApparel
Lightweight, soft cotton or polyester fabric with fine weave. Translucent and breathable.
Best For:Blouses, lingerie, baby clothes, summer dresses
Care:Delicate cycle, cool water, hang to dry
Batting
Sewing TermsQuilting
The middle layer of a quilt or comforter, providing warmth and loft.
Best For:Quilts, comforters, puffy jackets
Care:Varies by fiber type
Brocade
ApparelHome Decor
Rich, decorative fabric with raised designs woven into it. Often features metallic threads.
Best For:Formal wear, upholstery, curtains, special occasion garments
Care:Dry clean or gentle hand wash
Expensive, elegant fabric
Burlap
NaturalHome Decor
Coarse fabric made from jute or hemp. Rough texture, often tan or natural colored.
Best For:Crafts, home decor, eco-friendly bags
Care:Hand wash gently, air dry
Can be scratchy on skin
Calico
NaturalApparelSewing Terms
Heavy, unbleached cotton fabric. Traditionally used for making patterns (toile).
Best For:Pattern testing (muslin), toiles, crafts
Care:Machine wash and dry
Canvas
NaturalHome Decor
Heavy, tightly woven cotton or polyester fabric. Very durable and strong.
Best For:Tote bags, upholstery, outdoor furniture, shoes
Care:Machine wash, sturdy fabric
Very stiff, breaks in over time
Cashmere
NaturalApparel
Luxurious soft fiber from cashmere goats. Extremely soft, warm, and lightweight.
Best For:High-end sweaters, scarves, luxury garments
Care:Dry clean or gentle hand wash, lay flat
Expensive, delicate, requires gentle care
Chambray
NaturalApparel
Lightweight cotton fabric with colored warp and white weft. Similar to denim but lighter.
Best For:Shirts, summer dresses, casual wear
Care:Machine wash, may shrink first wash
Often mistaken for denim
Charmeuse
NaturalApparel
Smooth, shiny satin-weave fabric (silk or synthetic). Drapes beautifully, has a lustrous face and dull back.
Best For:Luxurious garments, evening wear, lingerie
Care:Dry clean or very gentle hand wash
Delicate, snags easily
Chenille
NaturalHome Decor
Soft, fuzzy fabric with a raised pile. Looks like caterpillar (chenille is French for caterpillar).
Best For:Blankets, upholstery, robes, decorative pillows
Care:Machine wash gentle, tumble dry low
Very soft and cozy
Chiffon
NaturalApparel
Sheer, lightweight fabric with slightly rough texture. Made from silk, polyester, or nylon.
Best For:Evening wear, scarves, overlays, formal dresses
Care:Dry clean or gentle hand wash
Very delicate, prone to tears
Chintz
NaturalHome Decor
Glazed cotton fabric with a glossy, shiny surface. Often features floral prints.
Best For:Curtains, upholstery, home decor
Care:Dry clean to preserve glaze
Glaze may wear off over time
Colorway
Sewing Terms
The specific color combination of a fabric design. "I love this floral print in the blue colorway."
Best For:Pattern selection, fabric matching
Care:N/A
Corduroy
NaturalApparel
Ribbed velvet-like fabric with wales (ridges). Durable and warm.
Best For:Pants, jackets, book bags, children's wear
Care:Machine wash cold, tumble dry low
Wales can crush over time
Cotton
NaturalApparelQuilting
Natural fiber from cotton plants. Most widely used fabric worldwide. Breathable, durable, comfortable.
Best For:T-shirts, jeans, bedding, quilts, everyday clothing
Care:Machine wash, tumble dry, high heat iron
Shrinks 3-5% first wash, pre-wash recommended
Crepe
NaturalApparel
Fabric with crinkled, pebbled surface. Can be silk, wool, or synthetic.
Best For:Dresses, blouses, tailored garments
Care:Varies by fiber, often dry clean
Wrinkled texture is intentional
Damask
NaturalHome Decor
Reversible fabric with pattern woven in. Classic, elegant designs.
Best For:Tablecloths, upholstery, curtains, formal apparel
Care:Usually dry clean
Reversible - pattern shows on both sides
Denim
NaturalApparel
Heavy cotton twill fabric. Traditionally dyed with indigo. Very durable.
Best For:Jeans, jackets, bags, workwear
Care:Wash inside out in cold water, air dry to preserve color
May fade over time, many never wash jeans
Dupioni Silk
NaturalApparel
Crisp silk fabric with irregular, slubby texture and natural sheen.
Best For:Formal wear, wedding dresses, evening wear
Care:Dry clean or gentle hand wash
Expensive, luxurious, has natural texture
Embroidery
Sewing TermsApparel
Decorative needlework using thread or yarn to create designs on fabric.
Best For:Embellishing garments, home decor, heirlooms
Care:Depends on base fabric
Eyelet
NaturalApparel
Fabric with embroidered holes (eyelets) often decorated with lace or thread.
Best For:Summer dresses, blouses, curtains, bedding
Care:Machine wash gentle, delicate cycle
Very feminine, airy fabric
Faille
NaturalApparel
Ribbed fabric with flattened ribs. Has a glossy sheen and subtle texture.
Best For:Formal wear, upholstery, evening dresses
Care:Usually dry clean
Stiff drape, elegant appearance
Felt
NaturalSewing Terms
Non-woven fabric made by matting, condensing, and pressing fibers together.
Best For:Crafts, applique, toys, decorations
Care:Hand wash or spot clean only
Doesn't fray, easy to work with
Flannel
NaturalApparelHome Decor
Soft, brushed fabric (cotton or wool). Brushed nap on one or both sides.
Best For:Pajamas, shirts, blankets, bedding
Care:Machine wash, tumble dry low
Very soft and cozy
Fleece
SyntheticApparel
Synthetic fabric with soft, fuzzy surface on both sides. Warm and lightweight.
Best For:Jackets, blankets, activewear, baby items
Care:Machine wash gentle, tumble dry low
Excellent insulator, doesn't absorb water
Gabardine
NaturalApparel
Tightly woven twill fabric, usually wool or cotton. Durable and wind-resistant.
Best For:Coats, pants, uniforms, outerwear
Care:Dry clean or machine wash carefully
Very durable, smooth surface
Gauze
NaturalApparel
Loosely woven, lightweight cotton or silk fabric. Very breathable.
Best For:Swaddling blankets, medical bandages, summer clothing
Care:Hand wash or delicate cycle
Almost transparent, very airy
Georgette
NaturalApparel
Sheer, lightweight fabric with crepe texture. Drapes well, slightly rough feel.
Best For:Evening wear, scarves, overlay garments
Care:Dry clean or gentle hand wash
Gingham
NaturalApparelHome Decor
Checkered pattern fabric, usually cotton. Classic checkerboard design.
Best For:Summer dresses, shirts, tablecloths, crafts
Care:Machine wash and dry
Classic American casual fabric
Herringbone
NaturalApparel
Distinctive broken zigzag pattern, reminiscent of fish bones.
Best For:Suits, outerwear, upholstery, menswear
Care:Varies by fiber
Classic pattern, versatile
Hue
Sewing Terms
A specific shade or tint of a color.
Best For:Color selection, fabric matching
Care:N/A
Interlining
Sewing TermsApparel
Layer of fabric between outer fabric and lining to add warmth and structure.
Best For:Coats, jackets, curtains
Care:Varies by fiber
Jacquard
NaturalHome Decor
Fabric with complex patterns woven in (not printed). Features raised designs.
Best For:Upholstery, formal wear, home decor
Care:Usually dry clean
Intricate, expensive fabric
Jersey
NaturalApparel
Knit fabric with smooth face and textured back. Stretchy and comfortable.
Best For:T-shirts, dresses, activewear, sportswear
Care:Machine wash cold, tumble dry low
Stretchy, comfortable, can curl at edges
Lace
NaturalApparel
Delicate fabric with open-work patterns, made by looping, twisting, or knitting threads.
Best For:Formal wear, lingerie, wedding dresses, decorative details
Care:Usually hand wash or dry clean
Very delicate, intricate
Lame
Apparel
Metallic fabric with glossy, reflective surface. Made with metallic threads.
Best For:Evening wear, costumes, decorative use
Care:Dry clean only
Very dramatic, eye-catching
Lawn
NaturalApparel
Fine, lightweight cotton fabric with smooth, crisp finish.
Best For:Summer dresses, blouses, handkerchiefs
Care:Machine wash delicate, can iron
Linen
NaturalApparelHome Decor
Natural fiber from flax plant. Strong, breathable, but wrinkles easily.
Best For:Summer clothing, table linens, curtains
Care:Machine wash, line dry, high heat iron with steam
Wrinkles constantly, becomes softer with washing
Melton
NaturalApparel
Heavy, dense wool fabric with felted surface. Wind and water resistant.
Best For:Coats, outerwear, military uniforms
Care:Dry clean
Very warm and durable
Microfibers
SyntheticApparel
Synthetic fibers finer than silk. Creates ultra-soft, absorbent fabric.
Best For:Athletic wear, cleaning cloths, activewear
Care:Machine wash gentle
Exceptionally soft and absorbent
Mohair
NaturalApparel
Natural fiber from Angora goats. Lustrous, warm, and elastic.
Best For:Sweaters, scarves, winter accessories
Care:Hand wash or dry clean, lay flat
Very warm and lustrous
Moire
NaturalApparel
Fabric with wavy, rippled watermark pattern. Created by pressing ribbed fabric.
Best For:Formal wear, evening dresses, curtains
Care:Dry clean
Luxurious, elegant appearance
Muslin
NaturalApparelSewing Terms
Plain weave cotton fabric. Used for testing patterns and as base fabric.
Best For:Pattern testing, toiles, practice garments
Care:Machine wash and dry
Inexpensive, perfect for pattern drafting
Nylon
SyntheticApparel
Synthetic polymer fiber. Strong, elastic, and quick-drying.
Best For:Activewear, lingerie, hosiery, swimwear
Care:Hand wash or delicate cycle, no bleach
Strong, stretchy, dries quickly
Organdy
NaturalApparel
Crisp, sheer cotton fabric with stiff finish. Translucent and crisp.
Best For:Underlining, formal wear, decorative details
Care:Hand wash or dry clean
Very crisp and stiff
Organza
NaturalApparel
Sheer, crisp fabric made from silk or synthetic fibers. Has a stiff, shimmering appearance.
Best For:Wedding dresses, evening wear, ball gowns, curtains
Care:Dry clean or gentle hand wash
Very stiff and transparent
Paisley
Sewing TermsApparel
Distinctive pattern resembling curved, teardrop-shaped designs.
Best For:Various garments, home decor
Care:Varies by fabric
Percale
NaturalHome Decor
Tightly woven cotton fabric with crisp, smooth finish. Usually 200+ thread count.
Best For:Bed sheets, high-quality quilts, summer clothing
Care:Machine wash and dry, can iron
Crisp, cool, and durable
Pique
NaturalApparel
Textured fabric with raised patterns, like honeycomb or cords. Absorbs moisture well.
Best For:Polo shirts, sportswear, collars
Care:Machine wash, can iron
Textured surface, absorbs moisture
Polyester
SyntheticApparel
Synthetic fiber that's durable, wrinkle-resistant, and easy care.
Best For:Wrinkle-free clothing, activewear, home decor
Care:Machine wash and dry, low heat iron
Easy care, but can pill with friction
Polypropylene
SyntheticApparel
Synthetic fiber that's lightweight, moisture-wicking, and quick-drying.
Best For:Athletic wear, thermal underwear, activewear
Care:Machine wash cold, air dry
Excellent moisture management
Poplin
NaturalApparel
Smooth, plain weave fabric with subtle sheen. Usually cotton or cotton-blend.
Best For:Shirts, dresses, blouses, summer clothing
Care:Machine wash and dry
Smooth and crisp
Primary Colors
Sewing Terms
Red, blue, and yellow - the three colors from which all other colors can be created.
Best For:Color theory, fabric selection
Care:N/A
Quilting
Sewing TermsQuilting
Technique of sewing three layers together (top, batting, backing) with decorative stitches.
Best For:Quilts, comforters, puffy jackets
Care:Depends on materials used
Ramie
NaturalApparel
Natural fiber from ramie plant. Linen-like but stronger and shinier.
Best For:Summer clothing, table linens, blending with other fibers
Care:Gentle machine wash or hand wash
Stiff when new, softens with washing
Railroaded
Sewing TermsHome Decor
Fabric printed or woven with pattern running across the width instead of length.
Best For:Directional patterns, upholstery
Care:Depends on fabric
Rayon
SyntheticApparel
Semi-synthetic fiber made from wood pulp. Soft, drapes well, feels like silk.
Best For:Dresses, blouses, linings, soft drapey garments
Care:Usually dry clean, some can machine wash
Wrinkles easily, weak when wet, shrinks
Satin
NaturalApparel
Smooth, lustrous fabric with glossy face and dull back. Usually silk, polyester, or acetate.
Best For:Evening wear, lingerie, home decor, formal apparel
Care:Usually dry clean or gentle hand wash
Slippery to work with, beautiful drape
Seersucker
NaturalApparel
Lightweight fabric with alternating puckered and smooth stripes. Cool and breathable.
Best For:Summer suits, dresses, casual wear
Care:Machine wash and dry, no ironing needed
Puckered texture is intentional
Sequins
Sewing TermsApparel
Small, shiny, decorative disks attached to fabric for embellishment.
Best For:Evening wear, costumes, decorative details
Care:Hand wash inside mesh bag or dry clean
Can be delicate, catch easily
Shantung
NaturalApparel
Rough-textured silk or synthetic fabric with characteristic slubs.
Best For:Formal wear, evening dresses, bridal wear
Care:Dry clean or gentle hand wash
Similar to dupioni, but lighter weight
Silk
NaturalApparel
Natural protein fiber from silkworms. Luxurious, strong, and lustrous.
Best For:Formal wear, blouses, scarves, lingerie
Care:Dry clean or gentle hand wash in cool water
Expensive, delicate, water spots easily
Slub
Sewing Terms
Thick spot or lump in yarn that creates subtle texture in fabric.
Best For:Textured garments
Care:Varies by fabric
Intentional texture, not a flaw
Spandex
SyntheticApparel
Synthetic polymer with exceptional stretch and recovery. Also known as Lycra or Elastane.
Best For:Activewear, swimwear, shapewear, fitted garments
Care:Machine wash cold, no bleach, no high heat
Provides stretch, returns to original shape
Taffeta
NaturalApparel
Crisp, smooth fabric with fine sheen. Rustles when moved.
Best For:Evening wear, wedding dresses, costumes, formal apparel
Care:Dry clean
Very crisp and noisy
Terry Cloth
NaturalHome Decor
Absorbent fabric with loops on one or both sides. Great moisture absorption.
Best For:Towels, robes, bathrobes, beach cover-ups
Care:Machine wash and dry
Very absorbent, comfortable
Tulle
NaturalApparel
Fine netting fabric, very stiff and transparent.
Best For:Wedding veils, tutus, costume netting, decorative details
Care:Hand wash or dry clean
Very delicate, tears easily
Tweed
NaturalApparel
Rough, woolen fabric with mixed colors. Associated with Scotland and Ireland.
Best For:Coats, jackets, suits, outerwear
Care:Dry clean or professional pressing
Durable, warm, casual elegance
Twill
NaturalApparel
Diagonal weave pattern. Strong, durable, drapes well.
Best For:Denim, chinos, work pants, jackets
Care:Varies by fabric
Diagonal pattern is characteristic
Velvet
NaturalApparelHome Decor
Plush fabric with dense pile and luxurious feel. Made from silk, cotton, or synthetics.
Best For:Formal wear, upholstery, evening wear, decorative items
Care:Usually dry clean, delicate
Pile can crush, requires special care
Velveteen
NaturalApparel
Plush fabric similar to velvet but made from cotton instead of silk.
Best For:Children's clothing, costumes, crafts, casual items
Care:Machine wash gentle, air dry or low tumble
Less luxurious than velvet but more durable
Voile
NaturalApparel
Sheer, lightweight cotton or silk fabric. Soft and breathable.
Best For:Summer dresses, curtains, scarves, blouses
Care:Hand wash or delicate cycle
Very airy and transparent
Wool
NaturalApparelHome Decor
Natural fiber from sheep. Warm, moisture-wicking, naturally insulating.
Best For:Winter clothing, sweaters, blankets, coats
Care:Hand wash in cool water or dry clean, lay flat to dry
Felts if agitated in hot water, naturally warm
Acrylic
SyntheticApparel
Synthetic fiber designed to mimic wool. Soft, warm, and easy care.
Best For:Sweaters, blankets, craft projects, budget-friendly options
Care:Machine wash gentle, tumble dry low
Often used as wool alternative, pills easily
Bias
Sewing Terms
Cutting fabric at a 45-degree angle to the grain. Allows for stretch and drape.
Best For:Garments requiring stretch or drape, bias tape
Care:Varies by fabric
Binding
Sewing TermsQuilting
Fabric strip used to finish edges of quilts, garments, or home decor items.
Best For:Quilt edges, garment finishing, home decor projects
Care:Varies by fabric
Boucle
Sewing TermsApparel
Knitted fabric with looped or curled surface texture.
Best For:Sweaters, jackets, textured garments
Care:Usually hand wash or dry clean
Distinctive loopy texture
Bamboo
NaturalApparel
Natural fiber from bamboo plants. Soft, breathable, and antimicrobial.
Best For:Activewear, bedding, baby clothing
Care:Machine wash gentle, cool water
Eco-friendly, very soft
Bunting
NaturalApparel
Lightweight cotton fabric with a napped surface, like flannel but lighter.
Best For:Baby clothes, pajamas, soft garments
Care:Machine wash cold, gentle cycle
Very soft and gentle
Camel Hair
NaturalApparel
Soft, lightweight fiber from camels. Warm and luxurious.
Best For:Coats, suits, winter accessories
Care:Dry clean preferred
Expensive, warm, and elegant
Crinkle
NaturalApparel
Fabric with intentional permanent wrinkles or texture.
Best For:Casual garments, travel-friendly clothing
Care:Machine wash, no ironing needed
Puckered texture is permanent
Damask Border
NaturalHome Decor
Decorative border pattern woven into damask fabric.
Best For:Table linens, curtains, formal home decor
Care:Usually dry clean
Dupatta
NaturalApparel
Long scarf or shawl worn in South Asian cultures. Often heavily embroidered.
Best For:Traditional wear, cultural garments
Care:Varies by fabric and embellishments
Gaberdine
NaturalApparel
Alternative spelling of gabardine. Tightly woven twill fabric.
Best For:Coats, pants, uniforms
Care:Dry clean or machine wash carefully
Grosgrain
Sewing Terms
Heavy, corded ribbon or fabric with prominent transverse ribs.
Best For:Ribbon trim, waistbands, belts
Care:Varies by fiber
Strong, decorative
Hemp
NaturalApparel
Natural fiber from hemp plant. Strong, durable, and eco-friendly.
Best For:Bags, durable clothing, eco-friendly products
Care:Machine wash, becomes softer with wear
Very strong, sustainable
Ikat
NaturalApparel
Resist-dyeing technique where threads are tie-dyed before weaving.
Best For:Decorative fabrics, ethnic textiles, upholstery
Care:Usually hand wash or dry clean
Beautiful blurred patterns
Interlock
NaturalApparel
Double knit fabric that's stable and doesn't curl at edges.
Best For:Baby clothes, activewear, T-shirts
Care:Machine wash cold, tumble dry low
Smooth on both sides
Khadi
NaturalApparel
Handspun, handwoven cotton fabric from India.
Best For:Traditional clothing, eco-friendly garments
Care:Hand wash or gentle cycle
Natural, rustic texture
Lycra
SyntheticApparel
Brand name for spandex/elastane. Stretchy synthetic fiber.
Best For:Activewear, form-fitting garments, swimwear
Care:Machine wash cold, no high heat
Mercerized Cotton
NaturalApparel
Cotton treated with caustic soda to increase luster, strength, and dyeability.
Best For:Higher quality cotton garments, sewing thread
Care:Machine washable
Stronger and more lustrous than regular cotton
Modal
SyntheticApparel
Type of rayon made from beechwood. Softer and stronger than viscose.
Best For:Blouses, dresses, underwear, activewear
Care:Machine wash gentle
More durable than regular rayon
Noil
NaturalApparel
Short fibers extracted from silk. Has a nubby texture similar to cotton.
Best For:Casual garments, shirting
Care:Machine wash gentle or dry clean
More casual than regular silk
Oxford
NaturalApparel
Basketweave cotton fabric. Classic, durable shirting material.
Best For:Button-down shirts, casual wear
Care:Machine wash and dry
Diagonal texture, very durable
Rib Knit
NaturalApparel
Knit fabric with alternating raised and recessed ribs. Stretchy and warm.
Best For:Cuffs, collars, waistbands, T-shirts
Care:Machine wash cold, tumble dry low
Very stretchy, returns to shape
Surah
NaturalApparel
Silk fabric with glossy face and dull back, twill weave.
Best For:Evening wear, scarves, lining
Care:Dry clean or hand wash
Softer than taffeta
Tencel
SyntheticApparel
Brand name for lyocell. Eco-friendly cellulose fiber from wood pulp.
Best For:Dresses, blouses, sustainable fashion
Care:Machine wash gentle, cool water
Soft, sustainable, less wrinkly than rayon
Tricot
SyntheticApparel
Fine warp-knit fabric with diagonal rib on one side, smooth on other.
Best For:Lingerie, lining, hosiery
Care:Machine wash gentle
Viscose
SyntheticApparel
Alternative name for rayon. Semi-synthetic fiber from wood pulp.
Best For:Dresses, blouses, summer clothing
Care:Usually dry clean, handle carefully when wet