[materials dictionary cont.]

microfibres

the name given to ultra-fine manufactured fibres and the name given to the technology of developing these fibres. fibres made using microfibre technology, produce fibres which weigh less than 1.0 denier. the fabrics made from these extra-fine fibres provide a superior hand, a gentle drape, and incredible softness. comparatively, microfibres are two times finer than silk, three times finer than cotton, eight times finer than wool, and one hundred times finer than a human hair. currently, there are four types of microfibres being produced. these include acrylic microfibres, nylon microfibres, polyester microfibres, and rayon microfibres.

nylon

produced in 1938, the first completely synthetic fibre developed. known for its high strength and excellent resilience, nylon has superior abrasion resistance and high flexibility.

organdy

a stiffened, sheer, lightweight plain weave fabric, with a medium to high yarn count. end-uses include blouses, dresses, and curtains/draperies.

organza

a crisp, sheer, lightweight plain weave fabric, with a medium to high yarn count , made of silk, rayon, nylon, or polyester. the fabric is used primarily in evening and wedding apparel for women.

peau de soie

a heavy twill weave drapeable satin fabric, made of silk or a manufactured fibre, and used for bridal gowns and eveningwear.

ply

number of yarn strands twisted together to produce the thread with which the fabric was woven.

polyester

a manufactured fibre introduced in the early 1950s, and is second only to cotton in worldwide use. polyester has high strength (although somewhat lower than nylon), excellent resiliency, and high abrasion resistance. low absorbency allows the fibre to dry quickly.

rayon

a manufactured fibre composed of regenerated cellulose, derived from wood pulp, cotton linters, or other vegetable matter. today, various names for rayon fibres are taken from different manufacturing processes. the two most commonly used production methods for rayon are the cuprammonium process and the viscose process.

satin fabric

a traditional fabric utilizing a satin weave construction to achieve a lustrous fabric surface. satin is a traditional fabric for evening and wedding garments. typical examples of satin weave fabrics include: slipper satin, crepe-back satin, faille satin, bridal satin, moleskin, and antique satin.

satin weave

a basic weave, characterized by long floats of yarn on the face of the fabric. the yarns are interlaced in such a manner that there is no definite, visible pattern of interlacing and, in this manner, a smooth and somewhat shiny surface effect is achieved. the shiny surface effect is further increased through the use of high lustre filament fibres in yarns which also have a low amount of twist. a true satin weave fabric always has the warp yarns floating over filling yarns.

shantung/thai silk

a medium-weight, plain weave fabric, characterized by a ribbed effect, resulting from slubbed yarns used in the warp or filling direction. end-uses include dresses and suits.

silk

a natural filament fibre produced by the silkworm in the construction of its cocoon. most silk is collected from cultivated worms; tussah silk, or wild silk, is a thicker, shorter fibre produced by worms in their natural habitat. all silk comes from asia, primarily china.

taffeta

a lustrous, medium weight, plain weave fabric with a slight ribbed appearance in the filling (crosswise) direction. for formal wear, taffeta is a favourite choice. it provides a crisp hand, with lots of body. silk taffeta gives the ultimate rustle, but other fibres are also good choices.

tulle

a lightweight, extremely fine, machine-made netting, usually with a hexagon shaped mesh effect. end-uses include dance costumes and veils.

velour

a medium weight, closely woven fabric with a thick pile. it can be made using either a plain weave or a satin weave construction. it resembles velvet, but has a lower cut pile. end uses include apparel, upholstery, and drapes.

velvet

a medium weight cut-pile constructed fabric in which the cut pile stands up very straight. it is woven using two sets of warp yarns; the extra set creates the pile. velvet, a luxurious fabric, is commonly made with a filament fibre for high lustre and smooth hand.

viscose

the most common type of rayon. it is produced in much greater quantity than cuprammonium rayon, the other commercial type.

voile

a crisp, lightweight, plain weave cotton-like fabric, made with high twist yarns in a high yarn count construction. similar in appearance to organdy and organza. used in blouses dresses and curtains.

wool

usually associated with fibre or fabric made from the fleece of sheep or lamb. however, the term "wool" can also apply to all animal hair fibres, including the hair of the cashmere or angora goat or the specialty hair fibres of the camel, alpaca, llama, or vicuna.