Agneline
Fibre:
Weave:Plain
Characteristics: A black woolen fabric with a very long nape. It is coarse and heavy. When stretched the fibres tighten and become water resistant.
Uses:
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Albert Cloth
Fibre:
Weave:
Characteristics: It has a double layer of wool and is reversible. Faces and backs may vary in colour and pattern. Provides additional warmth and body.
Uses: Outerwraps.
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Astrakhan
Fibre: Wool. Sometimes made with a mohair warp to add lustre and curl to the surface.
Poor grades often have cotton warp or back.
Fur: Luxuriant fur, curly and wavy. Most popular shade is brown. It is a caracul
lambskin form the Astrakhan section of Russia.
Weave: Good grades woven with a pile weave and cut. Cheap grades are knitted.
Characteristics: Resembles astrakhan fur. Deep pile with curled loops. Durable and
warm.
Uses: Coats, cloaks, trimmings and accessories.
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Barathea
Fibre: Worsted, silk, rayon or silk or rayon warp combined with cotton or wool.
Weave: An indistinct twill, plain or novelty. Usually a twilled hopsack weave.
Characteristics: Fine textured, slightly pebbled surface. Appears to be cut off-grain.
Very hard wearing. English in origin and originally made as a mourning cloth. It is still often dyed black.
Uses: Women's suits and coats, men's evening wear, dress goods in light fibres.
Also used in silk for cravat cloth and after five wear.
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Beaver Cloth
Fibre: Wool. Also sotton and napped on both sides - double faced.
Weave: Twill and very heavily napped, and fulled.
Characteristics: Originally English. Made to simulate beaver fur. Thick, gives excellent
wear and very warm - resembles kersey. Length of nap varies with the cloth and
its uses. Has a luxurious look. Has the longest nap of all the napped fabrics and
usually somewhat silky. Often light coloured fibres added to nap to increase
shine.
Uses: Mostly used for warm coats. Cotton beaver is used for caps, shoe linings,
work cloths, Maritime clothes and sports clothes where work is required.
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Bedford Cord
Fibre: Wool or worsted but worsted is more popular. Also made in cotton, silk
and rayon.
Weave: Lengthwise rib. Sometimes the ribs are emphasized by stuffing.
Characteristics: Both Bedford, England and New Bedford, Mass. claim the name.
Very pronounced rib. Very firm construction. Takes much hard wear. Has various
qualities and weights.
Uses: Suitings, coatings, riding breeches, uniforms and upholstery.
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Birdseye
Fibre: Worsted.
Weave: Usually dobby.
Characteristics: Smooth, clear finish. Has small diamond-shaped figures with a
dot in the centre of each. Pattern suggests the eye of a bird.
Uses: Fine quality suiting for men and women.
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Blanket Cloth
Fibre: Wool, worsted, cotton, blends, synthetics.
Weave: Plain or twill.
Characteristics: Soft, raised finish, "nap" obtained by passing the fabric over a
series of rollers covered with fine wire or teasels. Heavily napped and fulled on both sides.
Nap lose and may pill in laundering. Named in honor of Thomas Blanket (Blanquette), a
Flemish weaver who lived in Bristol, England in the XIV century, and was the first
to use this material for sleeping to keep warm.
Uses: Bed covering, overcoats, robes.
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Bolivia (Elysian)
Fibre: Wool. Sometimes contains alpaca or mohair.
Weave: Twill- usually 3 up and 3 down. A pile weave (cut) with a diagonal pattern.
Characteristics: Pile face which varies in depth. Soft and has a velvety feel. Usually
piece dyed. Usually has lines or ridges in the warp or in a diagonal direction on one side.
Comes in light, medium and heavy weights.
Uses: Cloakings and coatings and some suits.
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Bombazine
Fibre: Usually has silk or rayon warp and worsted filling. Imitations are made in
cotton.
Weave: Plain or twill.
Characteristics: Very fine English fabric. Name comes from Latin "bombycinum" which
means a silk in texture. It is one of the oldest materials known and was originally
all-silk.
Uses: Infants wear. When dyed black it is used in the mourning cloth trade.
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Boucle
Fibre: Wool, also in rayon, silk, cotton, linen, blends, hair fibres.
Weave: Any weave, knit.
Characteristics: From the French for "buckled" or "ringed". A drawn out or ringed,
looped yarn is used to give it a kinky appearance at intervals. Made in a variety
of weights. Boucle yarns are usually in both the filling and the warp. Fabrics
are usually springy to handle on account of the highly twisted yarns used to achieve
the boucle effect. Often ravels easily.
Uses: Coats, suits, dresses, sportswear.
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Broadcloth
Fibre: Wool. Also cotton and silk but very different from wool broadcloth.
Weave: Usually a twill with a two up and one down construction. Some also in the
plain weave.
Characteristics: Has a napped face, closely sheared and polished, producing a silky
gloss - in same group of fabrics as kersey, beaver cloth, melton. One way nap,
must be handled like velvet when cutting. It comes in a variety of colours and
weights. It is "dressy" fabric and must be handled with care - form fitting and
drapes well.
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Cavalry Twill
Fibre: Woolen or worsted.
Weave: 63 twill weave - right hand twill.
Characteristics: Pronounced narrow and wide wale, in groups of 2. Strong rugged cloth. Quite
elastic. Similar to U.S. elastique but elastique is smoother in rib, feel and effect, - (made of worsted yarn and a firmer
weave). Also resembles tricotine but tricotine is much finer with a double diagonal.
Uses: Riding habits, ski wear, sportswear, and uniform fabrics.
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Challis (Chalys)
Fibre: Wool-also made in cotton, hair fibre, rayon, and a silk warp and worsted filling.
Weave: Plain
Characteristics: Anglo-Indian word "Shallee" meaning soft. Soft, very lightweight.
May be dyed or printed with a delicate floral pattern, paisleys, or geometric
patterns and faint designs. Often washable. Originated in Norwich England in 1832.
Uses: Women's and children's dresses and blouses, comforters, kimonos, neckties, and
sportswear. In slacks or shorts it would have to be lined.
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Cheviot
Fibre: Wool originally and mostly made from wool from the Cheviot sheep but today
also made of blends, spun synthetics, crossbred and reused wools.
Weave: Twill (modern version sometimes plain).
Characteristics: Very rugged, harsh, uneven surface that does not hold a crease and
sags with wear. Resembles serge but is much more rugged and coarse and will not shine
because of the rough surface. Often sold as a homespun but true homespun has a plain
weave and very heavy. Also sold as a tweed.
Uses: Coats, suits, sportswear, sport's coats.
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Chinchilla
Fibre: Wool - also made in cotton, and some manmade and synthetics.
Weave: Sateen or twill construction with extra fillings for long floats.
Characteristics: Does not resemble true chinchilla fur. Has small nubs on the
surface of the fabric which are made by the chinchilla machine. It attacks the face
and causes the long floats to be worked into nubs and balls. Cotton warp is often
used because it cannot show from either side. Made in medium and heavy weights.
Very warm and cozy fabrics. Takes its name from Chinchilla Spain where it was
invented.
Uses: In wool, for coats. Dark shades in wool are most popular, particularly navy
and black.
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Covert
Fibre: Woolen or worsted, also cotton and spun rayon.
Weave: Twill
Characteristics: Made with two shades of colour e.g. (Medium and light brown).
The warp is 2 ply (1 light; 1 dark) and filling 1 ply (dark or same as warp).
Very rugged and closely woven. Has a mottled or speckled effect. First used as a
hunting fabric. Has a clear finish and hard texture. Wears exceptionally well and
has a smart appearance. Light in weight.
Uses: For overcoating for both men and women. It is also made waterproof and used a
great deal in rain water.
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Crepe
Fibre: Woolen, worsted cotton, silk, man-made synthetics.
Weave: Mostly plain, but various weaves.
Characteristics: Has a crinkled, puckered surface or soft mossy finish. Comes in
different weights and degrees of sheerness. Dull with a harsh dry feel. Woolen crepes
are softer than worsted. If it is fine, it drapes well. Has very good wearing
qualities. Has a very slimming effect.
Uses: Depending on weight, it is used for dresses of all types, including long
dinner dresses, suits, and coats.
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Doeskin
Fibre: Wool and also rayon.
Weave: A 5 or 8 harness satin weave.
Rayon: Twill weave and napped on one side, or a small satin-weave.
Characteristics: Very smooth, lustrous surface made with a slight short nap very
close and compact weave to look like fine leather. Weave not visible because of napping.
Very high quality wool used. Needs care in handling. Medium weight.
Uses: Women's suits and coats, and also in a lighter weight for dresses. Sportswear
and riding habits for both men and women. Trousers and waistcoats for men.
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Donegal
Fibre: Wool - also in rayons and cottons.
Weave: Mostly plain but some in twill.
Characteristics: Originally a homespun woven by the peasants in Donegal, Ireland. A
rough and ready fabric that stands much hard wear. Yarns are coarse with thick
slubs and coloured nubs. Now made in other places as well - particularly England.
Uses: Coats, heavy suits, sportswear. Has a tailored, sporty look.
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Duvetyn(e)
Fibre: Good quality wool. If made in cotton, is usually called suede cloth.
Weave: Satin, 7 or 8 shaft.
Characteristics: Close weave, brushed, singed, and sheared to conceal the weave.
Has a smooth plush appearance resembling a compact velvet. Similar to wool broadcloth
but heavier and thicker. Has a good draping quality, soft and wears well if looked
after. Spots easily and care must be taken when handling it. Back is often slightly
napped also. Name derived from the French word "duvet" meaning "down".
Uses: Women's coats, suits, and dresses, depending on the weight. Used a great
deal in the millinery trade.
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Eponge (Souffle)
Fibre: Wool, also rayon and silk.
Weave: any weave - usually a novelty - plain warp, novelty filling or reverse.
Characteristics: Derived from the French term eponge for "spongy". Very soft and
sponge-like in a variety of novelty effects with loose weave of about 20 x 20.
Also known as ratine in cotton. Rayon and silk is soft, loose, and spongy, something
like terry cloth. Does not have surface loops. Many stores now call eponge "boucle".
Uses: Suits, dresses, coats, sportswear, and summer suits.
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Felt
Fibre: Wool, reprocessed wool, reused wool, scrap fibre, can be mixed with other fibres,
cotton, rayon.
Weave: Not woven but felted.
Characteristics: A very compact fabric in various weights and thicknesses. Has
grain so can be cut any way. Needs no hemming or finishing, because it does not fray.
Uses: Many industrial uses, such as: piano hammers and in the printing industry. Many
novelties, such as: pennants, slippers, lining of many kinds, insoles, and toys.
Hats and felt skirts.
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Flannel
Fibre: Wool, worsted, cotton, rayon.
Wool Flannel
Weave: Usually twill, some plain.
Characteristics: Originated in Wales. Soft, with a napped surface that
partially cancels the weave. Dull finish. Made in a variety of weights. More
loosely woven than worsted flannel with a higher nap and bulkier hand.
Shrinks if not pre-shrunk. Sags with wear, unless underlined. Does not
shine or hold a crease. Watch pressing - if pressed too hard, it flattens
in the nap. Comes in many colours, weights, and fancy effects. Sometimes
has a prickly feel when worn.
Uses: Blazers, dresses, skirts, suits and coats. Boys suits, jackets, and
shirts. Shirts and sportswear.
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Worsted Flannel
Weave: Twill
Characteristics: Made in a variety of weights. More closely woven and harder than
wool flannel. Can have a very slight nap on one side. tailors very well.
Presses well and holds a hard crease.
Uses: Men's suits, jacksets and trousers. Women's coats, suits, skirts, and
tailored dresses.
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Fleece
Fibre: Wool specialty hair fibres, cotton.
Weave: Plain, twill, pile or knitted.
Characteristics: Has a deep, soft nap or pile, obtained by heavily napping with
wire brushes or with a pile weave. This provides air space giving good insulating
properties without too much weight. The inter-lacing s are will covered by the nap. The
nap wears out in time, but good quality cloth gives good wear. Range from cheap
to expensive clothes. Material is often cumbersome and bulky, therefore it may be
difficult to manipulate. Also, the name for the entire coat of wool taken from
a sheep at shearing time.
Uses: Mostly used for coats for men, women, and children.
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Gabardine
Fibre: Worsted cotton, rayon, or mixtures.
Weave: Steep twill (63 degrees).
Characteristics: Clear finish, tightly woven, firm, durable, rather lustrous. Can
be given a dull finish. Has single diagonal lines on the face, raised twill.
Wears extremely well. Also comes in various weights. Inclined to shine with wear. Hard to press
properly.
Uses: Men's and women's tailored suits, coats, raincoats, uniforms, and men's
shirts.
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Homespun
Fibre: Wool.
Weave: Plain.
Characteristics: Coarse, rugged yarn is used. Originally an undyed woolen cloth
spun into yarn and woven in the home, by peasants and country folk the world over.
Has a substantial appearance and serviceable qualities. Made with irregular, slightly
twisted uneven yarns. Has a spongy feel with a hand-loomed tweedy appearance.
Genuine homespun is produced in a very limited quantity and much powerloom cloth
is sold as genuine homespun. Many qualities made - the best is an ideal rough-and-ready
type of cloth.
Uses: Coats, suits, seperates, and sportswear.
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Hopsacking
Fibre: Wool, worsted, cotton, linen, rayon, silk, hem, jute.
Weave: Basket. In wool and worsted 2 x 2 basket usually or novelty basket to resemble hopsack cloth.
Characteristics: Made with coarse yarn. Has a rather rough texture and quite durable.
Often quite bulky but various weights.
Uses: Men's and women's sportswear, coats, suits, draperies. If fine, used for dresses.
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Houndstooth
Fibre: most commonly made with wool.
Weave: broken twill weave.
Characteristics: weaved into an irregular check of a four pointed star.
Uses: sportcoats, suits.
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Jersey
Wool Jersey
Fibre: Wool, worsted, silk, cotton, rayon, and synthetics.
Weave: Knitted on circular, flat-bed or warp knitted methods (later popular as a
tricot-knit).
Characteristics: Right side has lengthwise ribs (wales) and wrong side has crosswise
ribs (courses). Very elastic with good draping qualities. Has special crease-resistant
qualities due to its construction. Is knitted plain or has many elaborate tweed
designs and fancy motifs as well as printed designs. Can look very much like woven
fabric. Wears very well and if washable, it washes very well. First made on the Island
on Jersey off the English coast and used for fisherman's clothing. Stretch as you sew.
Uses: Dress goods, sportswear, suits, underwear, coats, gloves, sweaters, hats.
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Doubleknit
Fibre: Cotton, wool, worsted, silk, rayon, and synthetics
Weave: Circular or flat-needle bar type
Characteristics: A two faced cloth, either face may be utilized as the
right side. The fabric originated in Milan and Florence. Can be stabilized
for shrinkage control and dry cleans satisfactorily.
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Kersey
Fibre: Wool - poor quality, can also be made of re-used or remanufactured wool.
Weave: Double cloth.
Characteristics: Medium to heavy weight, similar to melton and beaver. Well
fulled in the finishing with a rather lustrous nap caused by the use of lustrous
crossbred wools. Nap often has direction. Gives good wear and is dressy looking.
Blues, browns and blacks are the most popular colours. Originated in Kersey,
England in 11th century. Very similar to beaver but it is fulled more, has a shorter
nap and a much higher lustre.
Uses: Men's overcoating, uniforms, women's coats, and skirts.
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Lambswool
Fibre: Wool
Weave:
Characteristics:This is the wool that is taken from sheep before they reach the age of 7 months. It is soft and smooth and has superior spinning properties.
Uses:
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Loden Cloth
Fibre: Wool or mixed-wool.
Weave:
Characteristics: Its name comes from the German word Loda, which means hair cloth. It was originally made exclusively from wool but is now found in a combination of wool with alpaca, mohair or camel. It is well known for its thickness, durability and resistance to water.
Uses: Winter clothes and sportswear.
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Mackinaw
Fibre: Wool. Ordinary grade of wool and often has shoddy re-used or remanufactured
wool mixed in. Sometimes a cotton warp is used.
Weave: Twill or double cloth. Weave is concealed.
Characteristics: Very heavily fulled or felted and napped on both sides to conceal
the weave. Much of the fabric is in a plaid or large check design or brightly
coloured, or different colours on each side. Heavy and thick, very similar to melton.
Named for MacKinac Island, Michigan. Also called ski cloth or snow cloth.
Uses: Miners, lumbermen, hunters, trappers, fishermen, and cowboys use much of the
fabric for jackets, mackinaws and coats. Also used for blankets, shirts, and some
heavy sportswear, windbreakers.
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Melton
Fibre: Wool, sometimes combined with synthetics.
Weave: Twill or satin weave.
Characteristics: Thick well fulled or felted wool with a smooth surface. Napped
and very closely sheared. Coarse meltons are similar to makinaws but made of finer
yarns and finished with a smoother, more lustrous surface - used for "under collar
cloth" in lighter weights. Very solid cloth due to the finishing processes that
completely conceal the weave. It wears very well. Wind resistant. if made in tan
or buff colour in a coarse quality, it is called "Box cloth". It is classed with
kersey, beaver, and broadcloth. Originated in Melton, Mowbray, England, which is
a fox hunting report in england. It was first made as a hunting cloth. Looks
like wool felt - pressed flat.
Uses: Mostly used for men in overcoating, uniform cloth of all kinds (army, navy, etc.,
as well as police and firemen), pea jackets, regal liverly. Used for heavy outer
sports garments and coats for women.
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Monk's Cloth
Fibre: Wool, cotton, linen, silk, rayon, or synthetics.
Weave: 4 x 4 basket weave.
Characteristics: Quite heavy, due to construction. It is difficult to sew and
manipulate as the yarns have a tendency to slide, stretch and fray. May sag in time
depending on the compactness of the weave. It can also be made in other basket weaves.
Quite rough in texture.
Uses: Draperies, all types of upholstery and house furnishings. Also used for coats and suits for
women and sports coats for men.
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Montagnac
Fibre:
Weave: Twill.
Characteristics: This luxurious textile is soft and lustrous. It is mainly created with Cashemere or Camel hair.
Uses: Overcoating.
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Pin Check, Pinhead, Pick and Pick
Fibre: Worsted, also made in cotton and rayon.
Weave: Twill.
Characteristics: A minute check effect caused by a combination of weave and colour.
It has the appearance of tiny white dots appearing in rows, vertically, and horizontally.
Holds a sharp crease, tailors and wears exceptionally well. In time, it is inclined
to shine with wear.
Uses: Men's suits, women's tailored suits and skirts. In cotton, it usually has a
white dot on a blue ground and it is used for work clothes.
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Pyrenees
Fibre: Wool
Weave:
Characteristics This fabric is made in France from the wool of Pyrenees'flocks of sheep. The Pyrenees is a mountain chain between France and Spain. The fabric is well known because it is a high quality fabric which keeps warm.
Uses: Men's and women's dressing gowns.
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Repp or Rep
Fibre: Wool, worsted, silk, rayon, wool ottoman, cotton or a blend.
Weave: Crosswise rib.
Characteristics: Has a pronounced narrow cylindrical rib in the filling direction -
less distinct than bengaline; more distinct than poplin. Sometimes a very distinct
rib is alternated with a small rib. It is similar to poplin but heavier in cotton.
Can be dyed, printed, or white. Frays badly. Difficult to press (may flatten rib).
Uses: Heavy suits, and coats for men's and boy's wear, and also for some women.
Also used for upholstery and drapery.
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Serge
Fibre: Worsted - also unfinished worsted, wool, cotton, silk, rayon, and synthetics.
Weave: A very distinct twill (2 up/2 down) which shows on both sides of the fabric.
Characteristics: On the face, the distinct diagonal runs from the lower left to the
upper right - piece dyed. Has a smooth, hard finish that wears exceptionally well
but will shine with use. The shine cannot ne removed permanently. It is a good cloth
in tailoring as it drapes and clings very well. Made in various weights. Unfinished
worsted and wool are not quite as clear on the surface. French Sere is made of very
fine soft yarns and has a very fine twill. It is used for dresses or very soft suits.
Uses: Coats, suits and sportswear.
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Shatush
Fibre:
Weave:
Characteristics: This is one of the finest textiles. It is created from white, silver or gray hair of wild goats. The supply of this hair is very limited so the textile is very rare. It is one of the most expensive fabrics in the world.
Uses:
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Sharkskin
Fibre: Worsted. Some wool. Also made in rayons and synthetics (particularly Arnel)
but they are quite different.
Weave: 2 x 2 twill weave (1 white, 1 black up and same down).
Characteristics: The yarns in both the warp and filling are alternately white (or
very light yarns) and coloured. The combination of weave and colour results in
coloured lines running diagonally to the left opposite to the twill lines in a
"step" effect. Has a very sleek, smooth, feel and appearance. Although it is fairly
light in weight, it has a very substantial feel. Gives excellent wear and sheds dirt
readily. Has many variations.
Uses: Used for men's and women's suits, lightweight coats and sportswear.
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Shetland
Fibre: Wool from Shetland sheep in Scotland. Sheep have a coarse outer coat and a
very fine undercoat which gives added warmth. The best is the undergrowth. It is not
shorn but pulled out by hand in the spring. Other wools sometimes called shetland
if they have a similar appearance.
Weave: Twill, plain, or knitted.
Characteristics: Has a very soft hand and a shaggy finish of protruding fibres. - a pulled wool;
the soft undergrowth of the shetland sheep. Very lightweight and warm. Much
is made by hand and comes in distinctive soft colouring. Often the natural colours
ranging from off-white, various grays to almost black and brown are used and not dyed.
Real Shetland wools are expensive, high quality products. - In the same family group
as homespun, tweed and cheviot.
Uses: Coats, suits, and sportswear for both men and women. Fine shetlands are made into
fine shawls, underwear crochet, work and hosiery.
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Suede
Fibre: Wool, cotton, rayon, synthetics and blends.
Weave: Plain, twill, or knitted.
Characteristics: Napped on one side to resemble suede leather. Short, close nap
gives a soft, smooth hand. When made in cotton, it resembles duvetyne, but heavier.
Uses: Cleaning cloths, gloves, linings, sports coats.
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Tricotine
Fibre: Worsted, wool, rayon, blends with synthetics.
Weave: 63 twill, left to right (double).
Characteristics: Has a double twill rib on the face of the cloth. Has a very clear
finish. It drapes well, and tailors easily. Medium in weight. Has exceptional
wearing qualities. Very much like cavalry twill, but finer. In the same family
as whipcords, coverts, and gabardines.
Uses: Men's and women's suits and coats. It is also used for ski slacks in a
stretch fabric.
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Tropical Worsteds
Fibre: 100% worsted. If just called tropical, it can be made up in any fibre or
blends of wool and a synthetic.
Weave: Plain and rather open weaves.
Characteristics: The yarns are very tightly twisted and woven to permit a free circulation
of air. It is lightweight ad is ideal for summer and tropical wear. It has a clear
finish. Wears and tailors very well.
Uses: Both men's and women's suits and coats.
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Tweed
Fibre: Wool, also cotton, rayon, silk, linen, and synthetics.
Weave: Twill, novelty variations, or plain.
Characteristics: It is the Scotch name for twill and originated along the banks
of the Tweed river, which separates England from Scotland. Sometimes known as
"tweel". Sistercloth of homespun cheviot and shetland. They are the same in texture,
yarn, weight, feel, and use. Originally only made from different coloured stock-dyed
fibres, producing various colour effects. There are a wide range of rough surfaced,
sturdy fabrics. There are also some closely woven smoother, softer yarn fabrics,
and many monotone tweeds. May also be plaid, checked, striped, or other patterns.
Does not hold a crease very well.
Uses: Wide range of suits, coats, and sportswear for men, women and children. Lighter
weight, used for dresses.
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Harris Tweed
All are hand woven on the islands off the Northern coast of Scotland (outer
Hebrides). There are two types of Harris Tweed:
1) Fabric woven from hand-spun yarn.
2) Fabric woven from machine-spun yarn.
Now very few are woven from hand spun yarns as it takes too much time and labor.
It is always stamped to that effect in addition to the label which any
Harris Tweed always bears. Much is woven in 27" and 28" widths,
but also in 54". When damp, it smells mossy and smokey.
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Venetian
Fibre: Worsted, wool worsted and wool, cotton.
Weave: 5 shaft satin, some in small repeat twill weaves, in cotton, 8 shaft satin
(warp face). 2 ply warp and single filling.
Characteristics: Clear finish. Has a very good lustre finish which resembles satin.
Some has a slight nap. Wears well - similar cloth has worsted warp and woolen
filling.
Uses: In a good quality used for expensive suits for women and sports jackets for
men. Also used for fine coatings for both men and women. In cotton, it
resembles very heavy sateen and is used mostly for lining.
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Viyella
Fibre: A blend of 55% wool and 45% cotton.
Weave: Twill.
Characteristics: Has the appearance of very fine flannel. It is soft, fine, and
warm. Holds a good pleat. Washable by machine. If made up in a slim skirt for
women, should be underlined, as it has not much body.
Uses: Excellent for all kinds of children's and baby's wear, sportswear, men's and women's
tailored shirts and dresses.
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Whipcord
Fibre: Worsted or woolen, also cotton and rayon.
Weave: Twill
Characteristics: Very much like gabardine, but the yarn is bulkier and much more pronounced.
The twill is steep 63 degrees and goes from left to right (except for cotton). It is
very durable, rugged and stands hard usage and wear. In time, it shines a bit with
wear. Some times back is napped for warmth. So named because it stimulates the lash of a whip.
Uses: Topcoats, uniform cloths, suitings, sportswear, riding habits. In cotton, it is also used
for automobile seat covers and little boys play suits.
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Wool
Fibre:
Weave:
Characteristics: This fibre is made from the hair of various animals such as sheep, llamas, camels and goats. It is very resilient and resistant to wrinkling. It is renewed by moisture and well known for its warmth.
Uses:Clothing, blankets, winter wear.
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Zibeline
Fibre: Wool from cross-bred yarns.
Weave: Satin.
Characteristics: The fabric is napped then steamed and pressed. The nap is long
and lies in one direction. It is very lustrous and sleek. It may or may not be
given a soft finish and feel. It is usually strong colored and sometimes stripings
(removal of color) is noted in the cloth. Named for the "zibeline" a small animal
found in Siberia. It belongs to the sable family and has fine black fur.
Uses: Coats, cloaks, capes and winter suits for women.
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