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Glossary of linen terms
from Domestications
acrylic
Manmade fiber frequently used as a substitute for wool.
combed cotton
Cotton that has been combed for the removal of short fibers and impurities. This
results in compact, smooth yarns that, when woven, create a softer, smoother
fabric that is less likely to pill.
comforter
A thick, quilted bedcover filled with feathers, down or other natural or
man-made fibers.
comforter cover
A sack-like covering, constructed with three closed sides and one open side for
the insertion of a comforter. May have button, tie or zipper closure. Can help
protect a comforter and offers expanded decorating options as it allows you to
change the look without the expense of purchasing a new comforter.
cotton
Plucked from the cotton plant, it is then woven into a wide range of patterns,
colors, weights and textures. It also stands ready to accept applications that
make it resistant to flame, water, stains and shrinking.
coverlet
A lightweight, decorative bed topper that is shorter than a bedspread, designed
to expose a bed skirt or bed frame.
damask
Fabric with a fine, jacquard-woven pattern that has a subtle sheen on the raised
surfaces and is reversible.
day bed set
An ensemble that includes a daybed-size comforter, bed skirt and two king shams
or three standard shams.
deep pockets
An ensemble that includes a daybed-size comforter, bed skirt and two king shams
or three standard shams.
down
The soft, fluffy substance, culled from the underside of a bird (usually goose
or duck) that is used to fill pillows, comforters, mattress toppers and
outerwear. It is prized for its light weight and unique thermal properties. As
the temperature decreases, down naturally contracts to retain warmth. White Down
is finer, fluffier than darker toned down. Goose Down: Considered a more opulent
fill than duck or hen’s down. White Goose Down: Finer, fluffier than
darker-toned goose down.
down-proof
Covers of tightly woven fabric used on pillows, comforters and featherbeds to
prevent the fine down fill from escaping or the quill/ribs of the down feathers
from poking through.
drop flounce bedspread
Bedspread created with a flat platform and an attached skirt that has been
gathered at the top seam to create a ruffled, flounce effect.
duvet (doo-VAY)
Bedspread created with a flat platform and an attached skirt that has been
gathered at the top seam to create a ruffled, flounce effect.
featherbed
A feather-filled topper placed over the mattress/under the sheet to increase the
comfort of a traditional mattress.
fleece
Fabric with a soft pile in imitation of a sheep’s furry coat.
hypoallergenic
Having a lower incidence of allergic reaction - either naturally or as a result
of special washing or treating.
jacquard
A weaving technique that creates a pattern within the fabric and results in a
textured appearance on both sides. Brocade, damask and matelassé are popular
examples of jacquard-woven fabrics.
matelassé
A soft, jacquard-woven fabric, which has a quilted, puckered surface appearance
that adds dimension and texture. Used most often in coverlets.
memory foam
Man-made foam than changes its shape in reaction to body temperature, thereby
“remembering” the shape of the person using it and providing more
comfortable/body-contouring support.
percale
High-grade sheeting that’s finely woven, smooth and lustrous with a thread count
of at least 180 threads per square inch.
piping
A thin decorative trim used to finish a hem, seam or as an outline. Can be the
same or contrasting fabric.
polyester
A man-made fiber created from resin. It’s easy-care, wrinkle resistant and
durable and can be woven or knitted to resemble a variety of natural fabrics.
Frequently used in a blend with cotton.
quilt
Bed covering created by sewing swatches of fabric together to create a patterned
top layer which is attached to a thermal (usually cotton or polyester fiberfill)
middle layer and contrasting or matching bottom layer.
resin
Oils occurring naturally in woody plants - frequently referring to manmade
petroleum-based substances that can be easily molded into usable shapes.
sateen
A luxury fabric woven very tightly, using the satin weave technique, which
imparts a subtle sheen and a soft, silky hand.
satin
Fabric woven and finished to create a very smooth, lustrous face appearance.
sheet set
Includes a flat sheet, fitted sheet and two standard pillowcases. Twin has one
pillowcase; king has two king cases or three standard cases.
split corners
On bed skirts, corners at the foot of the bed, from the platform to the hem,
constructed without seams to create an opening to accommodate bed posts. Used on
beds without posts, the edges at the corners overlap to conceal the opening.
thread count
The number of vertical and horizontal yarns per inch in a woven fabric. Higher
thread counts can result in a smoother, more durable fabric.
voile
A semi-transparent fabric made of combed, high twist yarns. Often preferred for
sheer window treatments for its drapability and soft, flowing character.
Consumer Guides
FabricLink's Shopping
Guide - information on fabrics and fibers, what to look for when reading a
label, fabric care, flammability and safety issues
FabricLink's Dictionary of
Fabric Terms - find out the difference between alpaca and angora, and chintz
and chiffon; what "burn-out" means in terms of fabric
New Page 1
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission - recalls and product safety news
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