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 fabric in the condition in which it leaves the loom or knitting machine, i.e. before any bleaching, dyeing or finishing treatment has been given to it. NOTE: In some countries, particularly on...

The ability of a fabric to withstand permanent discoloration by the action of liquids. This property depends partly upon the chemical nature of the fibre but may be improved by proprietary...

A term describing a jacquard fabric, a term interchangeable with a brocade or damask. Can be two-tone or multicolor, the difference being that the design has a greater raised effect on the face of...

A process in which a series of interlooped stitches are inserted along the length of a pre-formed fabric, an array of cross-laid yarns or a fibre web. Proprietary systems include Arachne, Malipol and...

A stitch laid down before other design elements to help stabilize stretchy fabrics and tack down wales or naps on fabrics such as corduroy, so the design's details don't get lost. May also be used to...