Fabric Dictionary

A–Z glossary of fabrics.

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

A

Abaca

Abaca

Abaca is a strong natural fiber from the banana plant family, grown mainly in the Philippines. It is known for durability and resistance to saltwater.

Uses
Rope
Marine textiles
Bags
Eco fabrics
Pros
Strong
Durable
Saltwater resistant
Cons
Can shrink if untreated
Not very soft
Natural fiber Shop this fabric →

Alpaca

Alpaca fabric

Alpaca fabric is a luxurious natural animal fiber obtained from alpaca fleece. Known for its softness, warmth, and lightweight insulation, alpaca is commonly used in coats, sweaters, scarves, and premium winter apparel. Compared to traditional wool, alpaca fabric is often smoother and less itchy, making it ideal for high-end fashion and cold-weather garments.

Uses
Coats
Sweaters
Scarves
Winter accessories
Luxury knitwear
Pros
Very warm
Soft texture
Lightweight insulation
Hypoallergenic
Durable
Cons
More expensive
Requires gentle care
Limited stretch
Animal fiber Wool family Luxury fabric Shop this fabric →

B

C

Canvas

Canvas

Canvas is a heavy-duty woven fabric typically made from cotton or linen. It is widely used for bags, upholstery, and home décor.

Uses
Tote bags
Upholstery
Shoes
Outdoor gear
Pros
Strong
Durable
Holds structure
Cons
Heavy
Limited drape
Heavyweight fabric Shop this fabric →

Chiffon

Chiffon fabrics

Chiffon is a lightweight, sheer fabric known for its soft drape. It is popular in formalwear and delicate garments.

Uses
Evening dresses
Blouses
Scarves
Bridalwear
Pros
Lightweight
Flowy
Elegant
Cons
Delicate
Slippery to sew
Lightweight fabric Shop this fabric →

Corduroy

Corduroy fabrics

Corduroy is a durable woven fabric featuring raised vertical ridges. It is commonly used in trousers, jackets, and casual wear.

Uses
Pants
Jackets
Children’s clothing
Workwear
Pros
Durable
Warm
Distinct texture
Cons
Heavier fabric
Limited stretch
Textured fabric Shop this fabric →

Cotton

Cotton 3 - End French Terry white color - Buy online at KAHANNE Fabrics

Cotton fabric is a breathable natural fiber widely used in sewing, apparel production, quilting, and home décor projects. This versatile fabric for clothing and fashion design is soft, durable, and easy to sew, making it ideal for beginners and professionals looking to buy cotton fabric by the yard.

Uses
Shirts
Dresses
Quilting
Bedding
Children’s clothing
Pros
Breathable
Soft
Easy to sew
Machine washable
Cons
Can shrink
Wrinkles easily
May fade over time
Natural fiber Shop this fabric →

D

Denim

6oz Denim Fabric 100% Cotton - KAHANNE fabrics

Denim fabric is a strong cotton twill textile known for its diagonal weave and durability. Commonly used for jeans, jackets, and casual apparel, denim is a classic fashion fabric available in multiple weights and washes for sewing projects.

Uses
Jeans
Jackets
Overalls
Bags
Pros
Very durable
Holds shape well
Fades attractively with wear
Cons
Heavyweight
Can be rigid initially

E

F

Fleece

Fleece

Fleece is a soft, warm synthetic fabric commonly used in outerwear and activewear. It provides insulation while remaining lightweight.

Uses
Jackets
Blankets
Sweatshirts
Outdoor wear
Pros
Warm
Lightweight
Soft
Cons
Less breathable
Can pill
Insulated fabric Shop this fabric →

French Terry

French Terry Fabric 320 GSM – Cotton Blend Loop Back Knit - KAHANNE fabrics

French terry fabric is a soft knit fabric with loops on the inside and a smooth surface outside. Ideal for hoodies, sweatshirts, and activewear, French terry is a comfortable stretch fabric perfect for modern apparel sewing.

Uses
Sweatshirts
Hoodies
Joggers
Loungewear
Children’s clothing
Pros
Soft and comfortable
Breathable
Moderate stretch
Easy to sew
Cons
Can lose shape if low quality
Not ideal for formal garments

G

Gabardine

Gabardine fabrics

Gabardine is a tightly woven twill fabric known for its durability and smooth surface. It is often used in suits and outerwear.

Uses
Suits
Coats
Uniforms
Trousers
Pros
Strong
Wrinkle resistant
Smooth finish
Cons
Limited stretch
Medium weight
Twill fabric Shop this fabric →

H

I

J

Jacquard

Jacquard fabrics

Jacquard is a woven fabric featuring intricate patterns created directly in the weave rather than printed. It is often used in decorative textiles and fashion.

Uses
Upholstery
Dresses
Jackets
Curtains
Pros
Decorative patterns
Durable
Structured
Cons
Heavier weight
More complex to sew
Patterned fabric Shop this fabric →

Jersey Knit

Cotton 3 - End French Terry black color - Buy online at KAHANNE Fabrics

Jersey knit is a soft, flexible fabric made using a single knit technique. It is widely used in casual apparel and stretch garments.

Uses
T-shirts
Dresses
Leggings
Activewear
Pros
Stretchy
Comfortable
Breathable
Cons
Can stretch out
Edges curl

K

L

Linen

linen fabrics kahanne

Linen fabric is a natural flax-based textile known for breathability and durability. Popular for summer apparel, dresses, and home décor textiles, linen is a premium choice for sewing lightweight garments and elegant interior design projects.

Uses
Summer clothing
Blouses
Tablecloths
Curtains
Napkins
Pros
Very breathable
Durable
Eco-friendly
Absorbent
Cons
Wrinkles easily
Can feel stiff initially
Natural fiber Linen Shop this fabric →

M

N

O

Organza

Organza fabrics

Organza is a lightweight, sheer fabric with a crisp finish. It is often used in bridal wear and decorative applications.

Uses
Bridal gowns
Evening dresses
Decorations
Overlay fabrics
Pros
Lightweight
Structured
Elegant appearance
Cons
Delicate
Can fray easily
Sheer fabric Shop this fabric →

P

Polyester

Polyester fabrics is a synthetic fiber commonly used in fashion

Polyester fabric is a durable synthetic textile widely used in fashion fabrics, activewear, and home décor. It is wrinkle-resistant, colorfast, and low-maintenance, making it a popular choice for everyday apparel fabric and upholstery.

Uses
Activewear
Dresses
Blouses
Home décor
Upholstery
Pros
Wrinkle resistant
Durable
Low maintenance
Colorfast
Cons
Less breathable
Can retain odors
Synthetic fiber Shop this fabric →

Q

R

Rib Fabrics

Premium Lyocell Rib Knit Fabric – Stretch, Soft & Sustainable (260 GSM)

Rib fabric is a stretch knit textile featuring vertical ribbed texture. Frequently used for cuffs, waistbands, and fitted apparel, rib knit fabric provides elasticity and structure for professional garment construction.

Uses
Cuffs
Necklines
Waistbands
Fitted tops
Pros
Excellent stretch
Holds shape well
Comfortable
Cons
Can lose elasticity
Limited structure

S

Satin

Satin is a smooth, glossy fabric

Satin is a smooth, glossy fabric known for its luxurious surface and elegant drape. It is frequently used in eveningwear and formal garments.

Uses
Evening gowns
Bridal wear
Blouses
Lining
Pros
Shiny finish
Elegant drape
Soft texture
Cons
Slippery to sew
Can snag easily
Luxury fabric Shop this fabric →

Silk

silk fabrics kahanne

Silk fabric is a luxury natural textile valued for its smooth texture, shine, and elegant drape. Frequently used in evening gowns, bridal wear, and fashion design, silk is a premium apparel fabric ideal for high-end sewing projects.

Uses
Evening gowns
Blouses
Scarves
Lingerie
Formalwear
Pros
Luxurious feel
Excellent drape
Lightweight
Naturally shiny
Cons
Delicate
Requires special care
More expensive
Luxury fabric Shop this fabric →

Single Jersey

Single Jersey fabric - KAHANNE fabrics

Single jersey fabric is a lightweight knit textile widely used in T-shirts, dresses, and stretch garments. This breathable apparel fabric offers comfort and flexibility for everyday clothing design.

Uses
T-shirts
Dresses
Undergarments
Sleepwear
Pros
Soft
Stretchy
Breathable
Lightweight
Cons
Edges curl when cut
May stretch out over time

T

Tulle

Tulle fabrics

Tulle is a fine netting fabric commonly used in bridal wear, tutus, and decorative designs. It adds volume without significant weight.

Uses
Bridal veils
Skirts
Costumes
Decorative layers
Pros
Lightweight
Adds volume
Affordable
Cons
Delicate
Can snag
Net fabric Shop this fabric →

Twill

Twill fabric

Twill fabric is a durable woven textile recognized by its diagonal weave pattern. Commonly used in trousers, jackets, uniforms, and workwear, twill is a strong fashion fabric for structured sewing projects.

Uses
Pants
Uniforms
Jackets
Workwear
Pros
Durable
Holds shape well
Resistant to wrinkles
Cons
Can be heavier
Limited stretch
Weave type Shop this fabric →

U

V

Velvet

Velvet fabrics

Velvet is a soft fabric characterized by a dense pile surface. It is used in fashion, upholstery, and decorative textiles.

Uses
Eveningwear
Upholstery
Blazers
Home décor
Pros
Luxurious feel
Rich texture
Warm
Cons
Requires careful care
Can show pressure marks
Pile fabric Shop this fabric →

Viscose

viscose

Viscose is a semi-synthetic fiber made from regenerated cellulose. It is soft, lightweight, and often used as an alternative to silk.

Uses
Dresses
Blouses
Linings
Skirts
Pros
Soft
Breathable
Good drape
Cons
Can shrink
Less durable when wet
Semi-synthetic Shop this fabric →

W

Wool

Wool is a natural fiber obtained from sheep. It provides insulation and warmth, making it ideal for winter garments and outerwear.

Wool fabric is a warm natural textile commonly used in winter clothing, coats, suits, and outerwear. This durable fabric for apparel offers insulation and structure, making it essential for cold-weather sewing projects.

Uses
Coats
Sweaters
Suits
Blankets
Scarves
Pros
Warm
Durable
Naturally insulating
Moisture resistant
Cons
Can shrink
May itch
Requires careful washing
Natural fiber/ wool Shop this fabric →

X

Y

Z

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