Different Types of Fabrics

More Common Fabric Materials:

Polyester Fabric: Polyester is a synthetic fabric known for its durability, wrinkle resistance, and easy care. It is often used in upholstery, curtains, and bedding. Polyester fabrics are generally affordable and come in a wide range of colors and patterns. However, it's important to note that polyester is derived from non-renewable resources and has a higher environmental impact compared to natural fibers.

Nylon Fabric: Nylon is another synthetic fabric that is strong, durable, and resistant to abrasion and wrinkles. It is commonly used in upholstery, carpets, and outdoor gear. Nylon fabrics are easy to clean and maintain, making them suitable for high-traffic areas. Like polyester, nylon is derived from petroleum, which has environmental implications.

Crypton Fabric: Crypton fabric is a performance fabric that is engineered to be highly durable, stain-resistant, and easy to clean. It has a moisture barrier that prevents liquid spills from penetrating the fabric, making it suitable for homes with children or pets. Crypton fabric is often used in upholstery and is available in various colors and patterns. It is considered more environmentally friendly than traditional synthetic fabrics due to its stain resistance, which can reduce the need for harsh cleaning chemicals.

Sunbrella Fabric: Sunbrella fabric is a brand of performance fabric that is primarily used for outdoor applications. It is known for its durability, fade resistance, and ability to withstand harsh weather conditions. Sunbrella fabric is often used for outdoor furniture, cushions, and awnings. It is easy to clean and maintain, and its long lifespan contributes to sustainability by reducing the need for replacements.

Microfiber Fabric: Microfiber is a synthetic fabric made of polyester or a blend of polyester and polyamide (nylon). It is known for its softness, durability, and water-absorbing properties. Microfiber fabrics are commonly used for upholstery, cleaning cloths, and bedding. They are often treated with stain-resistant finishes and are easy to clean. However, it's important to choose microfiber made from recycled materials or consider natural fiber alternatives for sustainability.

Other Less Common Fabrics:

1. Crepe Fabric: Crepe fabric has a crinkled or pebbled texture, and is known for its drape, and flow. It can be made from various fibers and is commonly used in dresses, blouses, and evening wear. Typically made from silk, but can also be made from fibers like rayon, viscose, wool, synthetic fibers, and polyester. 

2. Damask Fabric: Damask fabric is a reversible fabric with a pattern created by weaving contrasting warp and weft threads. It is often used for upholstery, curtains, and table linens. Can be made from a number of materials including; wool, cotton, linen, silk, and polyester, or a blend of two or more of the materials listed above. . 

3. Chiffon Fabric: Chiffon is a woven fabric that can be made from a variety of different fibers including; cotton, silk, wool, and rayon. Examples are; Chiffon, crepe, denim, linen, satin, and silk. 

4. Velvet Fabric: Velvet is a luxurious and soft fabric with a dense pile. It has a rich appearance and is often used for upholstery, curtains, and formal or evening attire. Velvet can be made from cotton, linen, silk, nylon, or polyester. Can be inelastic, or stretchy. 

5. Muslin Fabric: Muslin is a loosely woven, plain-weave produced cotton fabric. Known for its lightness, and breathability. It is commonly used for apparel, quilting, and home decor. Can contain cotton, and cotton blends.

6. Tweed Fabric: Tweed is a durable, and heavyweight fabric with a coarse texture. It is commonly associated with traditional English and Scottish attire, such as suits, jackets, and skirts. This fabric is extremely warm, and can be woven with a plain weave, or twill weave. Can contain wool, silk, and polyester blends. 

7. Taffeta Fabric: Taffeta is a crisp, smooth fabric with a slight sheen. Often chosen for fashion and sewing projects because this material is known for its crisp and luxurious feeling. It is often used for formal dresses, wedding gowns, and upholstery. Woven mainly from silk, but can also be woven with polyester, nylon, acetate, or other synthetic fibers. 

8. Gingham Fabric: Gingham is a lightweight, plain weave cotton fabric characterized by a checkered pattern, typically in two colors. It is commonly used in clothing, tablecloths, and curtains. Mostly made from cotton, although some may have synthetic fibers as well. 

9. Brocade Fabric: Brocade is a richly patterned fabric with raised designs woven into it. It is often used for formal attire, upholstery, and home decor. Can be wool, cotton, silk, man made fibers, and other blended fibers. This is a heavy,  thick fabric made on jacquard looms. 

10. Gabardine Fabric: Gabardine is a tightly woven, durable fabric known for its smooth finish and resistance to wrinkles. It is commonly used in suits, trousers, and outerwear. Made from wool,  cotton, or a blend of the two. Firm twill weave that is quite durable. This fabric is more flowing, and lighter compared to classic twill.    

11. Georgette Fabric: Georgette is a type of crepe fabric that is lightweight, and sheer, with a slightly crinkled texture. It is commonly used in dresses, blouses, and scarves. Typically made from pure silk, but can also be made from synthetic fibers like rayon, polyester, and viscose. 

12. Chenille Fabric: Chenille is a soft, fuzzy fabric with a prominent texture. It is often used for upholstery, pillows, and throws. Usually a cotton material with pieces of fibers protruding from it. Designers use it to make sweaters, bedding, and rugs. 

13. Organza Fabric: Organza is a sheer, lightweight, plain woven, crisp fabric with a stiff drape. It is commonly used in formal attire, bridal gowns, and decorative accents for its sheer look, and luxury feel. Originally only made from silk, but can contain synthetic fibers, primarily polyester. It is woven from highly twisted threads which make it very strong. 

14. Dimity Fabric: Dimity is a collective term for figured clothes hairless looms decorated with designs and patterns. It is a strong cotton fabric with various stripes, illustrations, and raised stripes, or checks. It is often used for dresses, blouses, and curtains.It is typically bleached after looming, and is less often dyed. 

15. Chintz Fabric: Chintz is a medium weight, cotton fabric typically printed with colorful floral pattern, or woodblock pattern. It is commonly used for upholstery, drapery, and home decor. The cloth is printed with designs featuring flowers and other patterns in different colors, typically on a light, plain background. Normally a plain woven fabric made with pure cotton, has a glazed finish, and patterns in several colors. 

16. Corduroy Fabric: Corduroy is a thick, durable fabric with raised parallel ridges called wales. This fabric is a little stiff, but quickly absorbs, and releases moisture. It is commonly used for pants, jackets, and upholstery. Corduroy is a woven fabric with additional weft threads. After weaving the fabric is cut with rotary knives, creating the typical tuft rubbing. Can be made with cotton, or velvet. 

17. Madras Fabric: Madras is a lightweight cotton fabric with vibrant plaid or check patterns. It is commonly used in summer clothing like;  shirts, skirts, and dresses. It is made with semi-permanent vegetable dyes known for bleeding to give it the soft, muted colors for which it is known. Originally from Madras, India. 

18. Denim Fabric: Denim is a sturdy cotton, or cotton blended twill fabric typically used for jeans, jackets, and casual wear. Denim is durable, and sustainable. This sturdy material is stiff at first due to a warp-faced weave in which the weft passes under two or more wrap threads. This twill weave produces a diagonal ribbing that distinguishes it from cotton. 

19. Brilliantine Fabric: Brilliantine is a lightweight, mixed, lustrous fabric with a smooth finish. It is commonly used for dresses, blouses, and linings. Usually a cotton warp and a worst or mohair weft. Its appearance is similar to alpaca fur. 

20. Long cloth Fabric: Long cloth is a lightweight, plain-weave cotton fabric often used for undergarments, linings, and lightweight clothing. Normally made in long pieces, hence the name. 

21. Paduasoy Fabric: Paduasoy is a luxurious, strongly coded, or grosgrain, silk fabric with a fine ribbed texture. It is often used for fashion and sewing products for its fine properties. A French word to describe how paduasoy silk was woven in a variation of the satin weave, with bindings arranged to create fine cross-ridges across the fabric. 

22. Ticking Fabric: Ticking fabric is a tightly woven cotton or linen fabric known for its durability. It typically features a striped pattern and is commonly used for mattresses, bed pillows, and upholstery. The tight weave makes it more durable and hinders the stuffing from poking through the fabric. To make it even tighter some manufacturers wax, soap, or starch the fabric. Ticking is a Greek word meaning case, or covering. Usually made from cotton, or a cotton blend. 

23. Terry Cloth Fabric: Terry cloth is a highly absorbent fabric with loops on one or both sides. It is often used for towels, bathrobes, and other absorbent textile products.Can be woven or knitted. Usually contains cotton, rayon. 

24. Poplin Fabric: Also called tabinet, is a fine wool, cotton, or silk fabric that has a vertical warp and horizontal weft. Poplin is a lightweight and tightly woven fabric with a plain weave. It has a smooth, flowing texture, and is commonly used for shirts, dresses, jackets, raincoats, and lightweight upholstery. It can be made of natural materials, synthetic materials, or a combination. 

25. Serge Fabric: Serge is a durable twill-weave fabric known for its diagonal ribbed texture or lines on both inner and outer surface via a two-up, two-down weave. It is often used for Military suits, uniforms, gearcoats, trench coats, and outerwear.Can be made with silk, cotton, wool, and other synthetic fabrics. 

26. Polar Fleece Fabric: Polar fleece is a synthetic fabric known for its softness, warmth, and insulating properties. It is often used for blankets, jackets, and cold-weather accessories. Polar fleece is much thicker and warmer than microfleece. 

27. French Terry Fleece: French terry fleece is unbrushed raw cotton fabric on both sides, so it lacks the usual flappy nap of most fleeces. Made predominantly from cotton and is very absorbent. It is a flatter, less warm material than polyester fleece. Most commonly used to make casual clothing like; hoodies, sweatpants, sweatshirts, and shorts. 

28. Challis Fabric: Challis is a lightweight, breathable soft, and draping fabric with a slightly textured surface. It is commonly used for summer fashion including; dresses, full garments, garthers, elasticized shirring, unpressed pleats, cowls, skirts, and blouses. Usually made with a combination of silk and wool may now also contain; cotton, silk, wool, and rayon. 

29. Mohair Fabric: Mohair is a luxurious fabric, or yarn made from the hair of the Angora goat.  It is known for its softness, luster, sheen, and durability. This material has long fibers that can irritate more sensitive skin, but is still considered softer than wool by users. Originating from the Tibet mountains, Mohair fabric has been used for years. Due to its impact on wildlife though,  many stray from using this fabric, although some manufacturers do still use Mohair.  Mohair can be used for upholstery, blankets, and outerwear.

30. Broadcloth Fabric: Broadcloth is a tightly woven, dense, smooth fabric with a fine plain texture. Composed of 100% cotton. Also referred to as poplin, broadcloth is a tightly woven fabric with a very simple over- under weave, and very little sheet making it great for a number of uses.  It is commonly used for Quilts, crafts, childrens garments, table covers, decorations, dresses, shirts, blouses, and bedding. This material is designed to iron perfectly flat so it retains a polished, and professional look all day. This fabric is thin enough to allow your skin to breath, and be lightweight, but thick enough you cannot see through it.  

31. Foulard Fabric: Foulard is a lightweight, usually silk fabric, featuring a small repeating pattern, such as polka dots or paisley. It is often used for scarves, neck ties, and dresses. Either twill or plain- woven, and usually made of silk, or a combination of silk, and cotton. 

32. Cheviot Fabric: Cheviot is a coarse and sturdy wool fabric with a textured surface. Cheviot is a stout, twilled, cotton fabric woven with small geometrical patterns or warp strippes, and lines. It is commonly used for suits, coats, and upholstery. Known for its durability, texture, warmth, and breathability. Slightly coarse, but soft to the touch. 

33. Fustian Fabric: Fustian is a thick, heavy fabric woven from cotton with a ribbed or raised texture. Fustian means broad, varieties of fustian include fabrics such as; corduroy and denim. It is often made from cotton, linen, wool, or a cotton blend,   and is commonly used for menswear, upholstery, draperies,  and outerwear. Described as a thick cotton fabric material that lasts a long time. 

34. Camel Hair Fabric: Camel hair fabric is made from the hair of camels and is known for its softness and warmth. It is often used for coats, jackets, carpets, blankets, cloaks, and more.. It is also known for its durability, resistance to moisture,  and resistance to pilling. 

35. Lawn Cloth: Lawn cloth is a lightweight, crisp, and finely woven fabric made from fine combed cotton or linen. It is often used for infant wear, handkerchiefs, aprons, curtains, summer dresses, and blouses.This fabric is a great option for dressmaking projects as they are a durable, natural fiber. 

36. Charmeuse Fabric: Charmeuse is a lightweight and glossy fabric with a satin-like , and glossy finish. It is commonly used for evening gowns, lingerie, and scarves. Normally made where warp threads cross over four or more of the back threads, which gives the fabric a smooth, shiny finish on the front, and the back has a more dull finish. Can be made from silk, rayon, and polyester. 

37. Velour Fabric: Velour is a plush, knitted, and soft fabric with a fuzzy surface. Similar to velvet it is characterized as soft, plush fabric. It is usually made from cotton, but can also be made from synthetic material such as polyester.  It is often used for loungewear, upholstery, and drapery. Velvet is treated with stain repellents, making it easy to clean. Velour is a more affordable, velvet imitation. It looks and feels similar to velvet however velour is made with a pile knit structure, this is where the yarns are usually made from cotton or synthetics, and are knit into loops, much like a pile weave. 

38. Whipcord Fabric: Whipcord is a thin, durable and tightly woven fabric with corded, braided, twisted, or ribbed fibers. It is often made from wool, hemp, whipcord, or catgut.  Whipcord is a slow - growing, dwarf form of a  western red cedar that grows with pendulous whipcord-like green foliage which droops down. Often used for topcoats, uniforms, suits, and outerwear. Catgut- a material used for the strings of some musical instruments, made of the dried twisted intestine of a sheep, or horse, but not a cat thankfully. Used to be used in the medical field, but is now mainly used in undeveloped countries for medical purposes. It is still used for instruments, tennis racket strings, and archery bows. 

39. Matelassé Fabric: Matelassé is a thick and textured fabric that features raised patterns, often in a quilted or padded design. Made to have the appearance of being padded, without actually being padded, and flawlessly pull this off with one layer compared to the three layers for a quilt or comforter. It is commonly used for bedding, upholstery, and decorative accents. Usually 3-4 sets of yarn are used, all interlocking amongst each other at once in a specific pattern to produce a complex woven structure. Thick strands of yarn are used within the weave as “puff” material, so that when the fabric is washed it has a quilted appearance. 

40. Sateen Fabric: Sateen is a smooth and lustrous fabric with a subtle sheen. It is usually made from cotton and has a satin-like finish on one side. Sateen is commonly used for bed sheets, pillowcases, and apparel. Made with 100% cotton fiber, a high thread count, and lustouse feel. Think of slipping into your favorite silk rope. The difference between cotton, and sateen, is the treatment of the fibers. Sateen fibers are mercerized, meaning soaked in lye (sodium hydroxide), and then in acid. This seals the fibers making them last longer, and makes them more durable than traditional cotton fibers. 

41. Voile Fabric: Voile is a lightweight and sheer fabric with a crisp and smooth texture. It is often made from 99% cotton or cotton blended with linen or polyester. It is commonly used for curtains, mosquito nets, soft furnishings, window treatments, blouses, and lightweight dresses. Voile is French for Veil, called this due to its lightweightedness, and translucent properties. 

42. Organdy Fabric: Organdy is a sheer, and lightweight fabric with a stiff and crisp finish. It is mainly made from cotton, and is often used for colors, cuffs, aprons, formal dresses, blouses, and decorations. Shorter strands are used than what is used in voile, but it has the same properties as voile. This fabric is delicate, and must be hand washed in cold water. 

43. Tartan Fabric: Tartan is a woven fabric featuring a pattern of crisscrossed horizontal and vertical bands of different colors. It is commonly associated with Scottish kilts, and is used for various clothing items, accessories, and home decor. Originally only made with wool, but can be made with other synthetic materials. Tartan vs plaid: with plaids you can have any number of criss-crossed patterns or colors, tartans are plaids with a regular pattern, usually consisting of only two colors. 

44. Moleskin Fabric: Moleskin is a heavy, and densely woven fabric with a soft, and suede-like texture. It is a soft fabric with a thin layer of felt attached to a sticky backing.  It is commonly made from cotton, or synthetic fibers and is often used for the feet, to protect the skin from rubbing against itself, and helps cushion the feet. Can also be used for trousers, jackets, and upholstery. The feel of this material is described as suede like, less plush than velour, and more like felt, or chamois. “Moleskin” used to be a term for soft, dense adhesive pads stuck to the skin to prevent blisters.

45. Chino Cloth: Chino cloth is a medium-weight cotton fabric with a twill weave. It is known for its durability and versatility and is commonly used for Military, and casual;  pants, shorts, and jackets. Mercerized for a slight sheen, and durability.Described as comfortable,durable, wrinkle resistant, and lightweight. A lot of pants today are chino.  Chino is also stain, and water resistant. 

46. Bengaline Fabric: Bengaline is a sturdy and stretchy fabric with a crosswise ribbed texture. It is often made from a blend of rayon, viscose, elastane,  and nylon and is commonly used for tailored garments, skirts, wedding gowns, coats, tablecovers, bed sheets, and dresses. No creasing or bagging, they wash and wear like a dream. This material Never needs ironing, and is super versatile, and stylish. 

47. Alpaca Fiber: Alpaca fiber is a natural fiber obtained from the fleece of alpacas. It is known for its softness, warmth, and hypoallergenic properties. Alpaca fiber is often used for luxury knitwear, blankets, and accessories. Alpaca fur is expensive because it's harder to create, and process. It cost farmers about $32 dollars per alpaca just to shear them,compared to sheep which is $2-$4. There are 5.2 million sheep compared to just 248,000 alpacas, and zero alpaca  mills in the United States. This raises concerns about the sustainability of this fabric. 

48. Moiré Fabric: Moiré is a textile fabric characterized by a wavy or rippled pattern created through a special finishing process. This watered appearance is usually created by the finishing technique called calendering. It is commonly made from silk or synthetic fibers, but can be made from wool, cotton, and rayon. It can also be used for dresses, eveningwear, and upholstery. This material is delicate, and hard to take care of. Must be dry cleaned, or lightly wiped with a damp cloth with very mild detergent. 

While polyester, nylon, Crypton, Sunbrella, and microfiber fabrics offer durability and easy care, it's essential to consider their environmental impact. Whenever possible, choose fabrics made from recycled materials, natural fibers, or those with sustainable certifications to minimize the environmental footprint.

Definitions:

* Weft/Warp - Warp and weft are the two basic components used in weaving to turn thread or yarn into fabrics. The lengthwise or longitudinal section is referred to as warp, while the transverse section ins called weft, both are on a loom, the warp is stationary while the weft is drawn through and inserted over and under the warp. 

* Cowls - A draped neckline on  a woman's garment. The position a garment hangs on a person's neck. 

* Pilling - Those little lint balls on your fabric are actually small knots of broken fibers. These knots called pills, can form on any fabric, but often appear when the fabric is a blend of different fibers, or has a loose weave, like knit fabrics. 

* Pile Weave - A form of textile formed by weaving. Characterized by a pile, a looped, or tuft surface that extends above the initial foundation, or ‘ground weave’. A pattern of weaving strands. 

* Calendering - Fabric is passed between two cylindrical rollers at high temperatures, and pressures. Used to thin, coat, or smooth materials.