When shopping for fabrics at cheapfabrics.co.uk, you may encounter a variety of terms that describe the material's characteristics, quality, and composition. Understanding these terms is essential for making informed purchasing decisions, ensuring you select a fabric that meets your needs and expectations.
Here I have compiled a small list of some commonly used terms in fabric glossary:
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Fibre - refers to the basic building block of a fabric, which can be natural (e.g., cotton, silk, wool) or synthetic (e.g., polyester, nylon).
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Yarn - a long, continuous strand of interlocking fibres used for weaving or knitting fabric.
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Weave - the way fibres are interlaced to form a fabric, which can be plain, twill, or satin.
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Weight GSM - the thickness of a fabric, measured in ounces per square yard or grams per square meter.
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Thread count - the number of threads woven into one square inch of fabric, which determines its quality and durability.
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Finishing - a term used to describe various treatments applied to fabric to improve its appearance, feel, or performance, such as shrink resistance, wrinkle resistance, or water repellent.
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Dye - a substance used to colour fabric, which can be natural or synthetic.
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Print - a decorative design applied to fabric using various printing techniques, such as screen printing, digital printing, or heat transfer printing.
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Stretch - the ability of a fabric to stretch and recover its original shape, which is important for comfort and ease of movement.
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Sheer - a fabric that is transparent or semi-transparent, allowing light to pass through.
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Breathable - a fabric that allows air to circulate, helping to keep you cool and dry.
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Durable - a fabric that can withstand wear and tear, retaining its shape and appearance over time.
I hope this helps to understand the descriptive characteristics of our products at cheapfabrics.