The fiber derived from the specialized skin cells, called follicles, of the animals in the Caprinae, principally sheep.  The hair of other mammals such as goats, llamas, rabbits, and keeshonds may also be called wool. Wool is crimped, it is elastic, and it grows in clusters.  Because of the crimp, wool fabrics have a greater ability to retain air t [..]

Fabrics, Fibers, & Constructions

A generic term for man-made fiber from cellulose acetate. Acetate yarn or thread has a silk like appearance, resists wrinkles and fading, and is low cost; used for dress and coat linings, blouses, lingerie, and shoe linings.  Acetate can shine from pressing and may snag easily. Acetate or triacetate is also further identified as acetate rayon or ju [..]

A generic name for man-made fibers and yarns from acrylic resins; acrylics are easy to wash; dry quickly, resist wrinkles, moths, and mildew, and has a high resistance to sunlight. However, with increased heat the fibers progressively discolor and decompose. Often used for sweaters and hosiery.  Acrylic loves oil so such stains require special atte [..]

Type of yarn spun from an alpaca, a sheep like animal of the camel family, related to the llama, native to the Andes in South America; alpaca yarn is lustrous and shiny, similar to mohair. Alpaca is often used in sweaters, coats, gloves, scarfs and sometimes upholstery fabric. Click Here For the Full How-To

Soft yarn made from the under hair of Angora goat or rabbit.  The fur fibers are usually blended with other fibers such as wool, silk, rayon or nylon and then spun. Click Here For the Full How-To

Classification of fabric woven on the Jacquard loom giving design a raised appearance. Design is usually satin weave with background in satin, rib, or plain weave.  Launder according to fiber content.  Cross reference Jacquard. Click Here For the Full How-To

Loosely constructed, plain woven fabric made of Jute or other minor bast fibers. Originally considered a utility fabric for bags and sacks. Also called Hessian in Great Britain and Europe. Cross reference Jute. Click Here For the Full How-To

An extremely soft luxurious fabric made from the hair of the cashmere goat, native to Kashmir in northwestern India, Tibet, Turkestan, Iran, Iraq, and China; used in sweaters, suits, and overcoats. Cashmere is often blended with other wools, silk, cotton and lycra.  We recommend laundering accordingly to the highest % of fiber content. Click Here F [..]

Lightweight, smooth, semi lustrous, soft fabric with a crepe back. Made of cotton, silk, or man-made fibers and may be dyed or printed; used for dresses.  This fabric is often confused with satin. Wash according to fabric content. Click Here For the Full How-To