Fabric FAQ Frequently Asked Questions

Posted by Texas Susannie on 1/1/2011

Corduroy - The width of the cord is commonly referred to as the size of the "wale". The lower the "wale" number, the thicker the width of the wale (i.e., 4-wale is much thicker than 11-wale). Wide wale is more commonly found on trousers; medium, narrow, and fine wale fabrics are usually found in garments used above the waist. Pincord is the finest cord around with a count that’s right at the upper end of the spectrum (above 16) and has a feel that’s as soft as velvet and superlight.

Double Rub - A durability rating used on fabrics. A testing method that uses a special machine that passes a testing pad back and forth over the fabric until it is worn out. Each back and forth pass is known as a double-rub. The greater the double rub rating, the higher the textile's ability to wear. In residential design, it's a good idea to stay at or above 9,000. It's not unusual to see residential ratings into the 30,000 range.

Duck Cloth - A medium to heavy weight cotton fabric commonly called "canvas". Duck is classified according to weight in a numerical system, with grade 1 the heaviest and grade 12 the lightest variety. The grades refer to the weight and thickness of the cotton. Like other textiles made from cotton, it is relatively easy to care for. In most cases, it can be washed and dried at any temperature. It will become more soft and flexible with time, ultimately breaking down at areas of high stress. When used as a garment, cotton can be stiff and unwieldy at first, but it will settle within a few washings and wearings.

First Quality Fabric Definition - NON PILE FABRICS: First-quality merchandise is merchandise in which the occurrence of flaws or defects is no more than an average of one flaw in every 9 linear yards, for a total of no more than 5 flaws in any 50 yard piece. PILE FABRICS: First-quality merchandise is merchandise in which the occurrence of flaws or defect is not more than an average of one flaw in every 7 linear yards, for a total of no more than 7 flaws in any 50 yard piece. Second quality merchandise doesn't adhere to these guidelines.

Lawn is a lightweight, sheer cloth, crispier than voile but not as crisp as organdy. Lawn is known for its semi transparency. Lawn cloth is commonly used to produce dresses, blouses, nightwear, underwear, lingerie, curtains, collar cuffs, shirting, infant wear and handkerchiefs.

Pique - A woven or knit fabric usually made of cotton, rayon or silk. Medium- or heavyweight, it's characterized by raised cords, or ribs, in all-over waffle, honeycomb or diamond patterns.

Railroaded Fabric - Refers to the way the pattern on a fabric is printed or woven onto the roll. Normally, fabric has the pattern running up and down the roll (vertically). A railroaded fabric will have the pattern running side to side (horizontally). A railroaded fabric is commonly used on furniture pieces like sofa cushions that are very long and exceed the width of a normal 54" to 60" fabric. This type of fabric would also work on sofa backs.

D/R - When a fabric is cut and shipped D/R that means it is doubled (folded) and rolled on a reel or short cardboard bolt.

ROT - When a fabric is cut and shipped "ROT" that means it is rolled on a long cardboard tube rather than folded.

Slub Fabric - Textured fabric created by using slightly irregular yarn. Slightly irregular yarn is produced by knotting or twisting or using different lengths of raw fiber during the spinning process. The result is small nubs of raised yarn throughout the fiber that creates a visually appealing effect.

Ticking (stripe) - Historically, ticking fabric was a sturdy and tightly woven fabric used for feather bed pillows to keep feather or straw shafts from working their way through and poking the skin. Most modern uses of the term "ticking" refer to a cotton or cotton\linen blend fabric that has printed narrow, vertical stripes — darker colors on a white or beige background. The ticking pattern is popular because it is a clean, neat design, and easily matched with solid color accessories.