From pelmets to poplin, here you\u2019ll find a handy explanation of the common terms we use at Terry\u2019s Fabrics. Take a look and find the information you\u2019re looking for below, but don\u2019t hesitate to give us a call if there\u2019s anything else you\u2019re unsure of.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here we cover some of the specific terms related to curtain fabric<\/a>, covering over 30 terms and what they mean. These could be of use when making a purchase or considering which fabric is right for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Acrylic is a man-made fibre which has many uses given that it\u2019s soft, strong, lightweight and resistant to creasing. Acrylic has a texture similar to wool<\/a>, and thanks to being synthetic, is often a less expensive alternative.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Brocade fabrics usually display a raised pattern make from either silk, cotton, linen or wool, and occasionally from man-made fibres. It\u2019s a thicker, richer fabric than most, and often features two or more different colours. Brocade makes a great fabric for a curtain<\/a> and upholstery projects, thanks to its design and dense, sturdy feel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Brocatelle is fairly similar to Brocade, however with a few subtle differences. Brocatelle features linen to strengthen it, and often sticks to just two colours. As it\u2019s a stronger fabric, it doesn\u2019t drape well, making it a better choice for wall hangings than curtain fabric.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Calico is often used as a cheaper alternative to cotton. It\u2019s slightly thicker than cotton too, making it sturdy enough to carry fabric paints and stencils. The nature of the material means it shrinks well, making it a desirable choice for tight-fitting upholstery fabric<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Made from course jute threads, canvas is used to make a material called buckram<\/a>. It features a basket-weave, and can be made in various weights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Chenille fabric<\/a> is a is a soft, warm and cosy fabric with a similar texture to velvet. Its looped pile is what makes it so soft and fluffy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Usually, chintz fabric is cotton based, and features a colourful pattern of birds, fruits and flowers. It can sometimes have a glazed finish too. On its own, chintz is a fairly delicate fabric, but it can be lined to make it stronger. Thanks to its busy pattern, chintz is best suited to small upholstered items, or unglazed chintz can be used for curtains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Made from cotton, corduroy is a strong fabric that features its distinctive cords that run the length of the material. You can get corduroy with different width cords, as well as made from synthetic yarn with a cotton backing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Available in a wide range of weights and finishes. The unmixed version creases easily but a cotton\/synthetic mixture can be more practical. Furnishing cottons should always be used, as dressmaker’s cotton is simply not strong enough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Crewelwork is a type of hand-embroidered fabric, usually made from white cotton with woollen embroidery that often features trees, flowers and leaves. Thanks to its intricate detail and bold colouring, it\u2019s often best used for wall hangings, curtains for windows or four-poster beds, and cushions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Damask fabric<\/a> is a reversible material, as the detailed pattern which usually consists of two colours, is inverted yet still smart on its underside. It\u2019s a fairly formal fabric, often used in traditional settings such as full-length curtains or restoration pieces. The durability of Damask varies depending on what it\u2019s made of \u2013 silk, cotton, linen, wool or man-made fibres.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Dupion is mainly used for curtains. It\u2019s a soft material but has a rough textured appearance, often referred to as \u2018slubbed\u2019. You can get dupion in many different colours, making it a versatile fabric.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Furnishing cotton \u2013 rather than dressmakers cotton, is a stronger type of cotton used in upholstery. You can get it in a range of weights and finishes, and when mixed with synthetics, can result in a more practical fabric that\u2019s less likely to crease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The distinguished check pattern<\/a> of two colours that sits on a white background is famously known as gingham. It\u2019s light, often bright, and is a great fabric for kitchens, table cloths and children’s fabric<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Lace can be made from either cotton, viscose or nylon. It\u2019s identified by its light, open work appearance, which makes it the ideal fabric for increasing privacy through your windows, and can be used as delicate bedding<\/a> and scatter cushion covers<\/a>. You can also use lace as edging and frills, for more traditional pieces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Herringbone features an alternating diagonal pattern, created in the twill weave of the fabric. It\u2019s usually made from wool or tweed, and is a sturdy material that\u2019s ideal for upholstery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Made from cotton, Indienne fabric was first imported near the end of the 16th century. It features a print or embroidery incorporating flowers and leaves, often on a light-coloured background that brings out the contrasting colours of the design.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Herringbone features an alternating diagonal pattern, created in the twill weave of the fabric. It\u2019s usually made from wool or tweed, and is a sturdy material that\u2019s ideal for upholstery.<\/p>\n\n\n\nTypes Of Fabric Explained<\/strong>
<\/h2>\n\n\n\nAcrylic<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Brocade<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Brocatelle<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Calico<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Canvas<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Chenille<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Chintz<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Corduroy<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Cotton<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Crewelwork<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Damask<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Dupion<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Furnishing Cotton
<\/h3>\n\n\n\nGingham<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Lace<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Herringbone
<\/h3>\n\n\n\nHolland
<\/h3>\n\n\n\nIndienne<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Jacquard<\/h3>\n\n\n\n