FABRIC DICTIONARY - Fabricated Closet

It’s become more and more common for home sewists like you and me to buy fabric online. Whether there are no fabric stores in your area, or there simply isn’t enough variety, it’s becoming more and more necessary to buy fabric online.

That’s why I put together this fabric dictionary. I want you to be able to get a general understanding of a fabric and how to use it before you buy it. That way you won’t be disappointed when you buy something online and it’s not at all what you expected.

This whole project of putting together the fabric dictionary has been an incredible learning journey for me. I didn’t start as an expert in fabrics, instead I bought as many different types of fabric that I could, so that I could understand them, how they look, drape, and how to sew with them. I hope that everything that I’ve learned is also valuable and helpful for you in your sewing journey.

Not sure what fabric to choose? Start here to learn what works best for you and your sewing project

L = Lightweight, M = Mediumweight, H = Heavyweight, K = Knit

B

Bamboo ^(K/L/M)
Batik ^(M)
Bouclé ^(K/M/H)
Broadcloth ^(M)

C

Canvas^(M/H)
Challis ^(L)
Chambray^(M)
Charmeuse^(L)
Chiffon^(L)
Chintz^(M/H)
Corduroy^(M/H)
Crepe^(L/M/)
Crepe de Chine^(L)

D

Denim^(M/H)
Dobby ^(M)
Duck^(M/H)

F

Flannel^(M)
Fleece^(K/M/H)
Flocked^(L/M/H)
French Terry^(K/M/H)

G

Gauze^(L)
Georgette^(L)

H

Hemp^(M/H)
Herringbone^(M/H)
Homespun^(M)

I

Ikat^(M)
Interlock^(K/M)
ITY^(K/L)

J

Jacquard^(M/H)
Jersey^(K/L/M)

L

Lamé^(L/M)
Lawn^(L)
Linen^(L/M)

M

Muslin^(L/M/H)

N

Nylon^(K/L/M)

T

Taffeta^(L)
Tricot^(K/L/M)
Tulle^(L)
Twill^(M/H)

V

Velour^(K/M/H)
Velvet^(M)
Velveteen^(M/H)
Voile^(L)

*Note: All values are approximate. All fabrics will vary slightly in their weight and drape, but this a basic idea of what to expect.*

Learn more about fabric flow vs. structured drape and how to choose the right fabric based on it’s flow.

Understanding Fiber Characteristics:

The fiber is what makes up the individual yarns of a fabric (such as cotton, wool, or polyester). Different fibers will have different characteristics that effect the way the fabric feels, drapes, wrinkles, burn and so on. Learn about some of the common types of fibers and how they affect the final fabric.