 Glossary
of Knitted Garments
| A |
A-line
A popular style in women's apparel, where the cut flares slightly
away from the body to form an 'A' shape.
Acrylic
A Synthetic, or man made fiber derived which is soft, lightweight
and wool-like, the fiber is popularly used for making winter wear,
like sweaters and fleece.
Angora
A Yarn from the long, incredibly soft hair of an angora rabbit or
goat. The yarn is popularly used for making winter wear, like hats,
gloves, scarves, socks and more.
Argyle
A diamond-shaped plaid pattern made for a knitted fabric and is
often used on socks and sweaters.
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| B |
Ballistic nylon
A thick and even weave of extremely durable nylon material. It is
commonly used in luggage for reinforcement and abrasion resistance.
Barn jacket
An overcoat made of durable cotton (usually twill) having a
corduroy collar and large front pockets.
Basket weave
A variation of the plain weave construction having two or more warp
and filling yarns woven side-by-side to resemble a pleated basket.
Batik
A method of dying fabric by hand-printing with textiles, said to
have originated in Indonesia.
Bedford
A strong, ribbed fabric made from a variety of materials, including
cotton, wool, silk or a combination of fibers. The fabric has the
same look as corduroy, but usually does not have the heavyweight
construction.
Bias cut
A diagonal cut across the fabric grain for creating garments that
closely trace the body's natural curves for a flattering look.
Boatneck
A narrow neckline having opening from shoulder to shoulder.
Bodice
The upper part of a female's dress.
Boy short
A type of panties or swim wear bottoms, offering maximum hip and
back coverage.
Broadcloth
A tightly woven fabric in a plain weave with a crosswise rib.
Burlap
A heavyweight and loosely constructed fabric in a plain weave. It
is usually made of jute and is therefore very coarse and durable.
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| C |
Camisole
A sleeveless undergarment with thin spaghetti straps that can be
made of silk or cotton.
Canvas
A medium-to-heavyweight type of cotton or linen in a plain or twill
weave. Used in across industries, right from apparel to footwear for
its durability.
Cap sleeve
A short-sleeved style that's popular on women's blouses and
dresses. The sleeve extends just over the shoulder for a touch of
femininity.
Cargo style
Loose-fitting shorts or pants with large, military-inspired pockets
sewn on the hips and knees.
Cashmere
An extremely soft wool combed from the fleecy undergrowth of the
Kashmir goat, and considered a "luxury" fiber.
Chemise
A loose-fitting, straight nightgown or undergarment. Usually ends
at mid thigh.
Chenille
A super soft yarn that stand out around a velvety cord. It is
popularly used for making sweaters, and home goods, like throws.
Chiffon
Lightweight, sheer fabric of twisted filament yarns and popularly
use for making evening wear, scarves, intimates etc.
Colorfast
This term is used to describe a dyed fabric's ability to resist
crocking, fading or crocking due to exposure to sunlight, washing,
and other environmental conditions.
Combed Cotton
This term is used to describe extra-soft cotton. Cotton (or any
other fabric) is "combed," to produce high-quality yarns
which are an excellent combination of strength and softness.
Corduroy
This refers to a medium-to-heavyweight fabric, which is usually
made of cotton. Corduroy is made using a cut-pile weave
construction. Extra sets of filling yarns are then woven into the
fabric to form ridges of yarn on the fabric surface. Corduroy is
used in women's, men's, and children's knitwear because it is
durable and provides warmth.
Crochet
Crochet is a loose, open knit made by looping thread with the help
of a hooked needle. Crochet is often used to make lightweight
knitwear that is for use in warm weather conditions.
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| D |
Dazzle
This is a lightweight, silky-soft fabric blend. It possesses a
slight shine, hence the name. Dazzle is found chiefly in
activewear/sportswear because of its ability to dry quickly.
Denier
Denier is a unit of measuring the weight/thickness of a thinly spun
fiber. It is also a unit of measuring the fineness of silk, nylon,
or rayon yarn. Denier indicates the durability and fineness of fiber
filaments and yarns. The lower the denier, the finer the fiber; the
higher the denier, the thicker the fiber.
Drop-needle Stitching
This is a type of knit where the needles are "dropped out"
in some places during stitching, thus producing an openwork pattern
in the fabric. Drop-needle stitching is similar to a wide, ribbed
finish.
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| E |
Empire Waistband
This term refers to a type of waistline that begins just below the
bust.
Eyelet
This is a type of embroidery in which small holes are cut out in
the fabric. The finishing is done by embellishing with thread around
the opening. Eyelets are used to add a touch of charm to women's
clothing.
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| F |
Fairisle
This refers to a knitting style that originated in the Shetland
Islands of Scotland. This knit is characterized by geometric
patterns.
Faux
This word has its origin in French, which means 'false'. Hence,
faux is a term used to describe an 'imitation'. For example, faux
leather, faux silk etc.
Fishnet
Fishnet is a coarse open-mesh fabric often found in fishnet
stockings.
Flounce Hem
This refers to a strip of fabric attached to one edge of a garment
(for example, a skirt) to create a wide ruffle at the hem.
French Terry
This is the knit jersey version of terry cloth. It features loops
of pile on one side, with a smooth, brushed finish on the other.
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| G |
Garment-washed
This term is used to describe garments that have undergone a
standard wash cycle in a commercial washing machine. The repeated
exposure of garments in water results in a softer, worn-in look on
the garments.
Georgette
This refers to a sheer, crinkled fabric woven from hard-twisted
yarns to produce a dull, pebbly surface. It creates a lightweight,
flowing look.
Gusset
When a narrow piece of fabric is inserted in the garment to allow
for more space or a bigger opening, it is called a 'gusset'.
Primarily found in cargo pockets to create a larger cavity.
|
| H |
Herringbone
A pattern made up of rows of parallel lines in opposite directions
forming a zigzag design.
Houndstooth
This refers to a small, distinctively broken-check pattern that
resembles the jagged back teeth of a hound.
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| I |
Interlock
This is a type of cut-and-sew knit fabric that is characterized by
the interconnecting of the knit stitches.
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| J |
Jacquard
A fabric made of this intricate knit or pattern.
Jersey
This refers to plain fabric that is knitted instead of woven. It is
soft, breathable, and comfortable. Jersey gets softer with every
wash. This kind of fabric was first manufactured on the island of
Jersey, off the coast of England, hence the name.
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| K |
Kangaroo Pouch Pocket
This refers to a large pocket formed by sewing a piece of cloth
over the center or stomach area of the garment leaving both ends
open.
Keyhole Neckline
A round/tear-shaped cutout that fastens at the front or back
neckline.
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| L |
Lapels
This refers to the folded area on the front of a coat. Usually a
continuation of the collar.
Linen
Coarse fibers taken from inside the woody stem of the flax plant.
Cool, absorbent, durable, and breathable.
Lyocell
A cellulose fiber manufactured from wood pulp. Lustrous and
color-rich, Lyocell feels like rayon, but it is more durable and
more absorbent (even when wet). It also has low-shrinkage and
wrinkle-resistant characteristics.
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| M |
Mercerization
This term is used to describe a process of treating a thread, yarn
or fabric to increase its luster, durability, and color retention.
Merino
This term refers to high-quality wool made from the fleece of
pure-bred merino sheep. It is fine, strong, dye-retentive, and
stretchy.
Mesh
This term refers to a type of knitted, laced, woven or crocheted
fabric with an open, net-like weave. Mesh is lightweight and
breathable. Hence, it is ideal for warm-weather garments.
Microfiber
This refers to a series of synthetic fibers that is extremely
lightweight, soft, breathable and durable. Microfibers are
ultra-fine. They are said to be two times finer than silk, and one
hundred times finer than a human hair. Currently, microfiber is
manufactured from rayon, acrylic, nylon, and polyester.
Microsanded
This term refers to a unique type of brushing done to fabric that
removes its roughness, resulting in an extra-soft feel.
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| N |
Nylon
It is a synthetic fiber known for its strength and excellent stain
resilience. Nylon also has superior abrasion resistance and high
flexibility. It is often added to natural fibers to boost the
durability of the garments produced.
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| O |
Ottoman Rib
This term refers to a heavyweight, stiff, warp rib (vertical
running yarns). It is also known as Ottoman cord.
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| P |
Patch Pockets
This refers to small pockets which are usually found on pants.
These pockets are made to look like pieces of material stitched onto
the pants as a patch.
Peter Pan Collar
A small collar with rounded ends. It is flat and close fitting.
This style is popular in children's clothing.
Picot
This refers to a row of tiny decorative loops cut or sewn along the
edge of a garment.
Pigment Dye
This is an ordinary type of dye which is applied and held to the
fabric with resins, which are then cured at high temperatures.
Pile Knit
This is a type of knit with a decorative pattern of yarns
interlaced to create loops.
Pill
This is a term used to describe the small balls of fibers that are
formed by the tangling of fleece. Pilling is generally caused by
wear and tear, and produces an uneven and worn look. Nowadays
manufacturers are producing fleece tops and bottoms with anti-pill
characteristics that resist fiber entanglement.
Pima Cotton
This is one of the best grades of cotton in the world after
Egyptian cotton and Supima cotton. It has long, luxurious fibers.
Pintuck
Pintuck refers to a small, narrow fold of fabric stitched together
to create the appearance of lines or stripes.
Piping
This term refers to a narrow fold of fabric with a bias cut. It
creates a corded outline on the garment, and is primarily used to
create a contrasting trim.
Pique
Woven or knitted fabric usually made of cotton, silk or rayon. It
may be midweight or heavyweight in nature. Such fabrics are
characterized by raised cords or ribs, in honeycomb or diamond
patterns.
Placket
This term refers to a piece of cloth that is used to reinforce an
opening that usually serves as the closure of a garment.
Plaited
This term refers to interwoven strands of a fabrication.
Pointelle
This is a type of stitch used in knitting. It creates a tiny,
openwork pattern and is characterized by geometric shapes (like
chevrons). This stitch adds a delicate, lightweight texture to
clothing.
Polypropylene
Polypropylene is a manufactured/man-made fiber. It is lightweight,
with moisture-absorbing and high-strength abrasive qualities. It is
also stain-resistant and and fade-resistant.
Preshrunk/prewashed
Preshrinking treatments are often performed on cotton fabrics or
garments to prevent them from additional shrinkage when washed. It
also adds softness to the garments/fabrics.
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| R |
Raglan
This term is used to describe a sleeve style. Raglan sleeves are
cut with the armhole seam running from under the arm to the
neckline.
Rayon
Rayon is a smooth textile fiber made from cellulose by extrusion
through minute holes. It is known for its softness, high absorption.
It also offers excellent drape and has a lustrous look.
Ribbed
This term is used to describe a type of knit fabric characterized
with a ridge effect in one direction (usually vertical). Rib knits
are extremely elastic and are used in apparel to provide a
comfortable, body-hugging fit.
Ringspun fabric
Term used for fiber (especially cotton) that is spun prior to
knitting. This makes the fabric softer, finer, and more durable than
ordinary fabrics.
Rosette
This term is used to describe a small ornament made of colored
ribbon or silk which is pleated and ruffled so it resembles a rose.
Roving
This term refers to wool that is spun loosely. Fabric made from
such wool pills and abrades as it is weak, and does not wear well.
Ruffle
This term refers to a strip of lace, cloth etc. that is gathered
along one edge to create frills. It is used as a trimming on women's
or children's garmnets.
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| S |
Satin
Satin is a fabric with a lustrous and silky finish. The fabric has
long, interlaced yarns, and is used to make women's garments, sheets
etc.
Sherpa (Fleece)
This term refers to knitted terry fabric that has been washed and
brushed to raise the fibers, resulting in a plush, fluffy look. The
thick terry loops grow more absorbent and soft over time. This
fabric is used to make blankets, garments etc.
Silk
This natural fiber is created by the silkworm. It is used to make
all kinds of garments, accessories, draperies etc. since it is soft
and possesses a natural luster. It is also popular because it
accepts dye easily, and does not shrink.
Slub Yarn
This term is used to describe yarn that has a textured, lumpy
surface. It has a smooth ply and is spun unevenly, creating lumps or
'slubs' in the ply.
Spaghetti Straps
These are very thin straps that are attached to the bodice of a
garment. They are very similar in appearance to spaghetti noodles,
hence the name.
Spandex
This refers to the stretchy textile fibers made chiefly of
polyurethane. A blend of spandex with other fibers adds
stretchiness/elasticity to the fabric.
Surplice Neckline
This neckline is formed when two pieces of fabric wrap around each
other so as to create a V-neck opening.
Sweetheart Neckline
This neckline has a curvy, scalloped trim similar to the top half
of a heart, hence the name.
Synthetic
This term is used for manufactured/man-made materials which are
made as imitations of other natural materials. Synthetic materials
also possess some of the characteristics of the original.
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| T |
Tricot
This is a knit fabric formed by adjacent, parallel yarns
interlooped with each other. It is soft and versatile, and is often
used to make ladies' undergarments.
Tricotene
This term refers to a tropic-weight wool. It is lightweight,
breathable, and smooth. It offers a beautiful drape and can also be
used to create garments suited for warm weather conditions.
Tunic
Tunics are simple blouses/jackets that reach hip-length.
Tweed
Tweed is a woolen fabric with slubbed, color-speckled yarns.
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| V |
Velour
This term is used for a tightly woven/knitted fabric. It is a
midweight fabric usually made of cotton, with qualities similar to
velvet.
Viscose
The most common type of rayon which is manufactured from wood pulp.
Also known as viscose rayon.
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| W |
Wool
Natural fiber that is heavy and thick, spun from the fleece of
lambs and sheep.
Worsted Wool
This term refers to a smooth, compact yarn made from long wool
fibers.
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| Y |
Yarn-Dyed
This refers to the dyeing process where yarns are dipped in
coloring solution. Then they are woven/knitted into fabrics.
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