Textiles (D-J)

Damask

A kind of jacquard weave; also a fabric with woven pattern similar to brocade, but flatter. Reversible figured fabric of silk, wool, linen, cotton or synthetic fibres. Woven with one warp yarn and one weft yarn, usually with the pattern in warp-faced satin weave and the ground in weft-faced or sateen weave.

Denim

A kind of heavy cloth, of a twill weave. Usually a small woven pattern is introduced, or warp and filler may be in contrasting colored threads. Originally called toile de Nimes. Used for upholstery and draperies.

Dotted Swiss

A sheer cotton fabric that is embellished with small dots.

Duck

A closely woven fabric, sometimes called awning stripe or awning duck, of plain or ribbed weave. The stripe may be woven in, or painted or printed on one side only. Often give finishes against fire, water, and mildew. Similar to canvas.

Embroidery

The art of decorating a fabric with thread and needle. Its origin is a source of conjecture, but the form known today was developed in Italy during the 16th century.

Faille

A kind of fabric with a slightly heavier weft than warp, producing a flat ribbed effect. It is often all silk and lusterless. Used for trimmings and draperies.

Felt

A material that is made by matting together and interlocking, under heat and pressure, woolen fibers, mohair, cowhair or mixed fibers

Fiberglass

Trade name for fabric or fine filaments of glass woven as a textile fiber. It has great strength, yet is soft and pliable, and resist heat, chemicals and soil. Used for curtains.

Filler

Threads which run crosswise of fabric from selvage to selvage

Flannel

Wool or cotton twilled fabric of coarse soft yarns, napped. The ends of the fibers are loosened by revolving cylinders covered with bristles. It is not a pile fabric. Used for interlinings.

Fringe

Trimming for draperies, and upholstery. Threads on cords are grouped together in various ways and left at one end

Frise

A pile fabric with uncut loops. The better quality is made with two sets of fillers to provide greater durability. Patterns are produced by cutting some of the loops, by using yarns of different colors, or by printing the surface. Comes from the french word that means "curled"

Gabardine

Hard-finished twill fabric, with a steep diagonal effect to the twill, which is firm and durable. The term is from Spanish for "protection against the elements".

Gauze

Thin, transparent fabrics made of a netlike or plain weave, or combination of the two. Originated in Gaza, Palestine. Can be made of silk, cotton, linen, wool, synthetic fibers, or combination of the above. Often used for glass curtains.

Gingham

A lightweight, yarn-dyed cotton material, usually woven in checks or stripes. Useful for trimmings, draperies, and bedspread.

Grenadine

A leno weave fabric like marquisette, but finer in texture. It is either plain, or woven with dots or figures, and is made of silk and cotton, silk and wool or all cotton.

Grosgrain

Ribbed or rep silk produced by weaving heavier filler threads so that they are covered with close, fine warps. Used for ribbons and draperies.

Gros-point

A coarse tapestry effect produced by using cross-stitching on net, canvas, or coarse linen. The embroidery threads are usually woolen and there are approximately twelve stitches to the lineal inch.

Guimpe

Originally a woven silk braid assorted designs. A binding material use on the outer edges of upholstered furniture to cover fabric joins or upholstery tacks, or as an enrichment. Is also used as a trim on draperies, bedspreads, etc.

Haircloth

A stiff, wiry fabric made with horse hair, mohair, or human hair filling and woven plain, striped, or with small patterns. It is very durable, but is usually woven in narrow widths. It was popular for uphosltery in Mid-19th Century England and America and is also used today for interlining and stiffening.

Homespun

Originally a fabric loomed by hand at home, but now the name of a loose, rough fabric with a tweedy look which is obtained by using unevenly spun fibers. It may be made of cotton, rayon, or wool. It is used for curtains and upholstery.

India Print

A printed cotton fabric with a Persian or Indian pattern handblocked in bright colors on a white or natural ground. It is used for draperies, bed throws, wall hanging, etc.

Indian Head

"Permanent" finish cotton, smooth and lightweight. Colors are vat-dyed and guaranteed fast. Shrinkage is reduced to a minimum. The trade name is so familiar that it is becoming known as special fabric.

Indienne

French interpretation of Indian printed cottons which were being imported into France in the late 17th century and during the 18th century. French designers produced them to supply the demand for this type of fabric at a lower cost than that of the imported originals.

Jardiniere velvet

A silk velvet of several depths of uncut loops set against a damask or silk background. It is usually a multicolored pattern resembling a flower arrangement against a light satin background. The velvet was originally produced in Genoa.

Jaspé

A streaked or mottled effect in a fabric produced by uneven dyeing of the warp threads. The name is derived from its resemblance to jasper.

Filet Net

Square mesh, used as a base for embroidery.

Filet

embroidered on a net

Hammered Satin

Type of satin, bengaline and faille woven with satin face ribs, giving a lustrous, broken surface. May have a moiré finish.

Embossed

Type of velvet that is patterned and imprinted by rollers.

Faconne

Same as brocaded velvet