TextileGlossary.com

Various processes used in extraction of linen fibers from the flax plant stem and bark.

(flax) The subjection of a crop of flax or deseeded flax straw to chemical or biological treatment in order to make fibre bundles more easily separable from the woody part of the stem.

The process of separating the fibre from the wood in flax. This is done either chemically or biologically (rotting down of the crop). A messy process.

Retting is a stage in the manufacturing of vegetable fibers. It is the process of submerging plant leaves such as flax or hemp in water, and soaking them for a period of time to separate the fibers from the other components of the leaves. Then they are removed and washed to remove the soft tissue and then dryed so that all that remains are the fibres.

A DuPont trademark for its spandex fiber. Any time you see this fiber listed on a label, expect comfort, movement, and shape retention that won't wash away. Lycra increases the life of a garment,...

A minimally processed cotton fabric. Bits of cotton seed, stems and other plant components are in the yarn. These specks of brown give the fabric its natural and rustic appearance. The yarns are...

Gabardine is a tough, tightly woven fabric used to make suits, overcoats and trousers, or a garment made from the material. The fibre used to make the fabric is traditionally worsted (a woolen yarn),...

A process of printing which uses chemicals, rather than color, to burn out or dissolve away one fiber in a sized cloth. Purpose is to achieve a sheer lacy and heavy design. Also used to obtain...

Any item manufactured from natural or man-made fibres or filaments, e.g. yarns, threads, cords, ropes, braids, lace, embroidery, nets and fabrics made by weaving, knitting, braiding, felting, bonding...