Fabric Types

Crochet:  Crocheted fabric is created from yarn or thread using a crochet hook or machine, pulling loops of yarn or thread through other loops, creating a delicate lacey look.

Crepe: Crepe fabric has a crisp, crimped appearance. Crepe us a lightweight and has a fluid drape.  It has a flowy look and is great for summer dresses, tunics and evening wear.

Chiffon: Chiffon is a lightweight plain-woven fabric with a mesh-like weave that has a transparent sheer appearance.  Chiffon is airy and feminine.

Denim: Denim is typically a cotton or cotton blend fabric that is made from horizontal weft threads.  Denim is sturdy yet comfortable.

Faux Suede: Faux Suede is an animal friendly material made from polyester microfiber that is woven into a thin, soft but durable fabric.  The “feel” of this fabric is soft and luxurious.

Fishnet: Fishnet refers to the open, diamond-shaped knit pattern of the weave in the fabric.  This is most commonly used in hosiery.

Flock: Flocking is the process of putting many small fiber particles (called Flock) onto a surface, in this case, the surface of another fabric.  For example: a flocked satin would have a plain red satin fabric would have a raised black flocked pattern on the satin.  When you ran your hand across the fabric you can feel the black flocking pattern on the satin.  It gives the illusion of a pattern on the satin (almost like a raised lace pattern).

Gauze: Gauze fabric is an open-weave soft lightweight cotton.  It is breathable and great for warm weather.

Horsehair: Horsehair fabric (sometimes called crinoline) is a flexible netting that adds volume to hemlines, sleeves, etc.

Knit: Knit fabric is a textile the is created from knitting rather being woven. Knit fabric is more flexible (stretchy).

Lace: Lace is a delicate fabric made of yarn or thread in an open web-like pattern made by machine or hand. 

Mesh: Mesh fabric is made from loosely woven or knitted breathable material with closely spaced holes that has a sheer appearance.

Satin:  Satin fabric refers to a special type of weave: Twill weaving.  Weft threads, which are four horizontal yarns, are covered by a single lengthwise yarn, leading to fewer interlacing, which gives satin it unique softness.  The threads on the top are called warp strands, which run vertically, while the ones on the bottom are called weft strands (horizontal).  This process is calls “floating.”  Floating allows large portions of thread to reflect light, which make the fabric appear shiny. 

Taffeta: Taffeta fabric is known as a luxury fabric.  It comes in both a stiffer and softer form.  Taffeta is usually for formal dresses.  Taffeta is a crisp tightly woven plain weave fabric.

Tulle: Tulle fabric is a lightweight very fine sheer netting.  Tulle is most commonly used for wedding gowns and formals.

Velvet:  Velvet fabric is a distinctive soft fuzzy pile woven fabric.  Velvet is woven as a double cloth.  Two pieces of fabric are woven together face to face with long threads’ it is then cut in between these clothes with a sharp blade which make for the luxurious pile.  The pile is maintained at a height of less than ½ a centimeter throughout the surface making it very smooth and shiny.