Glossary : fabric

Warp

Barbara Delaney — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 17:00:00 GMT

Also known as the lengthwise grain, straight grain, or straight-of-grain; the warp runs parallel to the selvage edges. It is made up of threads that run parallel to the length of fabric as it comes off the bolt.

Selvage

Barbara Delaney — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 16:52:00 GMT

Selvage edges keep fabric from fraying. The selvage is tightly woven and runs along the outermost edges of the lengthwise grain.

Grain

Barbara Delaney — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 16:19:00 GMT

The grain of the fabric refers to the way threads are arranged in a piece of fabric.

Color value

Barbara Delaney — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 16:08:00 GMT

Color value is how dark or light a color is. When quilting fabrics are cut from colors of the same value, they blend when sewn next to each other.

Water-soluble fabric

Barbara Delaney — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 12:28:00 GMT

Fabric that "disappears" in cold or hot water (depending on the brand and its use) after it has been stitched on, leaving only the stitching.

Tyvek®

Barbara Delaney — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 12:22:00 GMT

A "paper" that is made from high-density polyethylene fibers and has the characteristics of paper, film, and fabric. It can be stitched and when heated it shrinks and distorts.

PFD fabric

Barbara Delaney — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 11:41:00 GMT

Fabric that has been "prepared for dyeing," meaning it is cotton and free of whiteners or sizing. This makes the fabric better able to absorb and hold the color. It can be bought by the yard at fabric stores or online.

Overdye

Barbara Delaney — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 20:31:00 GMT

Literally, to dye or paint fabric over another dye or printed pattern. Many artists like to alter commercial and vintage textiles by overdyeing, thus creating unique "new" fabrics.

Kona cotton

Barbara Delaney — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 20:17:00 GMT

A 100-percent cotton broadcloth often used for dyeing.

Dupioni

Barbara Delaney — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 18:34:00 GMT

A type of silk known for its rich sheen and "slubbed" texture, caused when two silkworms form cocoons close together, crossing the threads.