Choosing which type of fabric to use in making an item is a very important decision. This is because fabrics have several qualities. Here are some of the different fabric types and how to recognize them.
Different Types of Fabric
Cashmere
Cashmere is a wool fabric created from pashmina goats and cashmere goats. Cashmere is well-known for its excellent insulation and highly soft feel. The natural fibers are extremely fine and delicate. It feels almost like a silk fabric when you touch them.
Cashmere is somewhat lighter and warmer compared to sheep’s wool. Cashmere is often turned into a wool blend and combined with other types of wool such as merino to add some weight since cashmere fibers are extremely fine and thin.
Canvas
Canvas is a type of fabric that has a plain weave. Generally, they constitute heavy cotton yarn and a bit of linen yarn. This fabric is famous for being sturdy, durable, and heavy-duty. If cotton is combined with synthetic fibers, then you can have a waterproof or water-resistant canvas, which is excellent for the outdoors.
Chenille
Chenille refers to the fabric and the type of yarn being used in making soft material. When the yarn is created, the threads are intentionally piled and have a similar look to the fluffy exterior of the caterpillar. Chenille also refers to the woven fabric that is created from various fibers such as silk, cotton, rayon, and wool.
Cotton
Cotton is an essential fiber that is composed of different fibers with various lengths. It comes from the natural fibers of cotton plants. Primarily, it includes cellulose, which is an organic compound vital to the plant structure. This material is fluffy and soft. Generally, cotton represents the part of the cotton plant that develops in the boil, which is the covering of the fluffy cotton fibers.
First of all, cotton is spun into yarn then they are woven into a soft, durable fabric. Cotton is typically used for creating everyday garments, such as t-shirts, as well as for home items like bedsheets. Cotton can be sold either in solids or prints.
Chiffon
Chiffon is a plain-woven fabric that is lightweight and is a bit shiny. Chiffon might be slightly rough to touch due to its small puckers. These puckers are due to the z-twist and s-twist crepe yarns. Crepe yarns have tighter twists compared to standard yarns. Plain weave is used for weaving the yarns. In this method, a single thread is being alternated over and under another thread. Different varieties of fabrics, both natural and synthetic, are being used in sheer fabrics, including polyester, rayon, nylon, or silk.
Crêpe
Crêpe is either wool, silk, or any synthetic fabric which has an uneven and wrinkled appearance. This fabric has a light-to- medium-weight. They are often used for making clothes such as pants, blouses, suits, dresses, etc. Crêpe is also used for making home items such as pillows, window treatments, curtains, etc.
Damask
Damask is a jacquard-patterned fabric that is reversible. This means that the pattern is not printed, but rather woven into the fabric. There are two types of weaving techniques that are used in creating the fabric’s design. Satin weave is used in creating the design while sateen, twill, or plain weave is used on the background. The patterns have either one color or multiple colors. Damasks can be created from different varieties of textiles such as wool, cotton, linen, silk, or synthetic fibers.
Georgette
Typically, georgette is a crêpe fabric that is made from pure silk, however, it can also be composed of synthetic fibers such as polyester, viscose, and rayon. Crêpe Georgette is created by weaving tightly twisted yarns, which can result in a crumpled surface. Georgette is thin and lightweight and appears to have a matte finish. While silk georgette is quite similiar to silk chiffon, it is not as thin as chiffon due to its tighter weave. Usually, georgette fabrics come in solid colors, however, there are also printed ones which are very colorful, mostly in floral prints.
Gingham
Gingham is typically made of cotton fabric or cotton blend fabric. They are composed of dyed yarn which is woven in plain weave to create a checked pattern. Usually, its pattern is composed of two colors, for instance, blue and white gingham or red and white gingham.
There are different sizes of the checked pattern. Since it is reversible, then the same pattern will appear on both sides. Gingham fabric is a popular choice since it is easy to produce and has a lower cost. You can frequently see Gingham being used in dresses, shirts, and tablecloths.
Jersey
Jersey is a knit fabric that is made from wool. Nowadays, this stretchy fabric can also be made from cotton blends, cotton, and synthetic fibers. The front side of the jersey fabric is smooth, while the back side is filled with loops. This fabric has a light-to-medium weight. It is used in making various clothing and household items such as bed sheets, sweatshirts, etc.
Lace
Lace is created from thread or yarn. This delicate fabric can be easily recognized by its open-weave patterns and designs which are achieved by using various techniques. Originally, lace fabric was created from linen and silk. But nowadays, synthetic fibers and cotton thread are also used. Lace is generally used for decorating home decor items and clothing. It is also considered as a luxury fabric since it will take some time and expertise in creating it.
Leather
Leather is a type of fabric that is created from animal hides or skins. There are different varieties of leathers depending on the types of animals and the treatment techniques that are used. One of the most well-known animal skins that are used for making leather is cowhide. It comprises almost 65% of all leather that is manufactured.
Although, almost any kind of animal can be turned into leather, for instance, stingrays, pigs, crocodiles, and many more. Leather is wrinkle-resistant and sturdy. It can provide you with different looks and feels, depending on the type of animal and treatment being used.
Linen
Linen is lightweight and super strong. They are usually made from flax plants. Linen is popularly used for bedsheets, napkins, tablecloths, and towels. Most often, the term “linens” is used in household items, even though these are not made from linen fabric. This fabric is also used as an inner layer of jackets, which is also known as “lining.” Linen is breathable and extremely absorbent, making it perfect for summer clothing. Since it is lightweight, the air can pass through easily, regulating your body temperature.
Merino Wool
Merino wool is made from the wool collected from Merino sheep. Although traditional wool is well known for being itchy, merino wool is very soft and does not irritate the skin. The reason behind this is that the merino fibers are extremely fine, making it more flexible and less itchy. It is known as a luxurious fiber that is commonly used for socks and outdoor clothing. This type of fabric is breathable, moisture-wicking, and odor-resistant.
Modal
Modal fabric is made from beech tree pulp. Basically, this semi-synthetic fabric is used for making clothing and household items such as pajamas, underwear, towels, bed sheets and many more. Modal is a type of rayon, although it is more flexible, and durable compared to rayon. Oftentimes, modal is combined with other types of fabrics such as spandex and cotton to achieve more strength. Due to its high cost and soft feel, it is often considered a luxurious fabric. It is even more expensive than viscose or cotton.
Muslin
Muslin is a type of cotton fabric that is loosely woven. The plain weave technique is used in producing this fabric. Muslin is usually used for making fashion prototypes before the final product is cut and stretched. It is perfect for testing patterns since it is lightweight and delicate. Hence, it fits well and is very easy to sew.
Organza
Organza is a type of fabric that is thin, lightweight, and plainly woven. Originally, it was created from silk, however, it can also be made from synthetic fibers such as nylon and polyester. Although synthetic fabrics are sturdier, it is also delicate. Organza is commonly recognized by the very tiny holes found on the fabric. The quality of organza will depend on the number of holes per inch. In other words, the more holes, the better. Organza is commonly used for making evening wear and wedding gowns. It is translucent and shimmery, which makes decadent silhouettes.
Polyester
Polyester is a synthetic fiber made from petrochemicals such as petroleum and coal. Polyester fabric is highly recognized for being durable. Unfortunately, it does not absorb liquids and is not breathable. However, polyester blends are quite popular since they provide additional strength to other fabrics. Additionally, other fabrics can offer breathability to polyester.
Satin
Satin is one of the three prominent weaves, along with twill and plain weave. The satin weave produces shimmering, elastic, and soft fabric along with a lovely drape. It is highly recognized for its lustrous surface on the front side and a dull surface on the back side. This is due to the satin weaving technique.
Spandex Warehouse sells different varieties of textiles, from polyester, lace, denim, rayon to fabrics for upholstery, curtains, lingerie, and many more. For more details, you can call us at 213-629-7416 or send us an email at [email protected]