The length of each individual natural or man-made fibre. See Staple length.

This term applies to the resistance to change or fading, either by water, washing with soap or detergent or by daylight, which the dye possesses. Sometimes referred to as colour-fastness.

Standard fabric widths in centimetres in the EU.

Fabrics are woven, knitted, felted, tufted, braided, embroidered, made of lace or net and some are produced by a range of non-woven processes. Sometimes referred to as cloth.

Alternating warp ends using yarns of similar counts and different colours. See pick and pick.

An individual warp yarn (single, plyed or corded).

The process of colouring yarn or cloth through immersion in a liquor containing either mineral, vegetable or animal dyes or synthetic chemical dye compounds together with other chemicals to fix the dye into the fibre.

The process of cleaning fabrics with organic solvents to remove dirt and some types of stains. In commercial dry cleaning, some water is included with the organic solvent.

An old type of loom was used for weaving figured fabrics. Cords were lopped around each warp end and then grouped according to pattern; the groups of cords were controlled by a drawboy and later by a mechanical device.

When making curtains or upholstering walls, the number of drops can refer to the number of fabric widths used, as well as the drop length required, taking into account the pattern repeat.

When a fabric hangs in soft, gentle folds. See handle.

Fabric was especially used for windows and beds in the 16th – 18th centuries.