Acetate: A synthetic fiber made from wood cellulose like a bio fiber, but treated with acid to produce a strong, lightweight absorbent fabric often used in linings.
Acid Etched: Designs on or carved into glass by use of acids on the surface.
Acrylic: A synthetic fiber with the properties of very soft wool. Holds up well to machine washing.
Alpaca: Luxurious natural fiber made from the fleece of the alpaca (related to the llama).
Angora: Luxurious natural fiber made from the fleece of the angora goat or the combed soft hairs of the angora rabbit. Products sold by Soft Surroundings containing angora fiber are humanely harvested and confirmed cruelty-free. Our angora is sourced by combing and humane shearing, never from plucking. We use best practice standards to ensure animal welfare is always safeguarded, and we are committed to working closely with our suppliers to maintain this.
Applique: A piece of fabric, cut to shape and sewn on to a larger piece as decoration.
Arabesque: From the mideastern style - an intricate pattern or design featuring spiralling or serpentine lines.
Armoire: A large, sometimes ornate cabinet or chest.
Artisan: Made by, or having the visual appeal of the work of skilled craftsmen, using time honored methods.
Asymmetrical: Varying in length or pattern from one side to the other. Different on each side, not symmetrical.
Ball Fringe: Corded fringe ending in tufted pom poms.
Bamboo: The latest of the bio fibers, Bamboo (rayon made from bamboo) fiber comes from the cellulose of bamboo plants. It is a very soft yarn that blends well with other fibers. Bamboo is the most absorbent and quickest drying of this fiber group. The bamboo used is an easily renewable crop and not taken from the wild. Bamboo is the fastest growing plant on earth.
Bateau: Boat neck - a neckline with a straight horizontal opening at front and usually back.
Batik: Originally, a hand dyeing process using wax to create intricate patterns. A print in the ethnic style of batik work.
Batiste: A fine, sometimes sheer, linen or cotton fabric. Handkerchief weave.
Battenburg: An intricate form of flat, cutwork lace.
Batting: Synthetic or natural filling in a quilted piece or pillow.
Beading: The decorative application of ornamental beads, including seed beads (small spheres), bugle beads (tubes), charlotte beads (with single facet) or any variety of novelty shapes.
Bed Cap: A coverlet with squared, fitted corners at the foot.
Bedskirt: Fabric used to cover the area from bottom of mattress to floor. May be tailored (straight fabric, with or without pleats) or gathered. "Drop" refers to the length of the fabric from mattress bottom to hem. Puddling occurs when a longer drop (usually 18" plus) is used that causes the fabric to bunch at floor level.
Bedspread: A (usually) unlined covering for the bed that reaches completely to the floor and has additional length at top to fold over bed pillows.
Beetling: Hammering fabric (usually linen) to achieve a smooth, polished finish.
Bengaline: Fabric woven not unlike taffeta, but with a slightly raised directional cord or rib, usually of blended fibers.
Berber: A fairly flat woven carpet with varying woven loop sizes and minor color variations for a textured effect.
Bias Cut: Fabric cut at a diagonal angle to enhance the drape and curve appeal.
Biofiber: Any yarns of a family made from plant cellulose that is treated chemically to produce monofilament fibers (rayon, tencel, modal, etc.).
Bleeding: Fabric losing dye when exposed to water.
Bodice: The area of a garment covering the upper torso.
Bolster Pillow: A long, often cylindrical, cushion or pillow for a bed, sofa, etc.
Bouclé: Fabric woven of a curled yarn, for a textured, "Chanel" effect.
Bouillon Fringe: Fringed trim ending in thick, twisted individual cords.
Braid: Applied trim in a braid or loop pattern.
Broad Cloth: A heavy, sturdy woven fabric, with a slightly felted surface.
Brocade: A jacquard style weave in which some thicker yarns are used for a substantial tapestry or chenille surface in some areas.
Brocante: An antique fair or flea market (French).
Brushed Cotton: Cotton fabric that has been brushed after weaving, for a soft, peached surface.
Brushed Fringe: Simple fringe ending in full, unraveled yarn at a uniform length.
Burlap: Woven jute in a basic canvas weave to an almost open weave. Textured and sturdy.
Burn-Out: A process of printing which uses chemicals, rather than color, to "burn out" or dissolve away one fiber in a cloth. Purpose is to achieve a sheer lacy & intricate design. Also used to obtain eyelets or other type patterns in a fabric.
Canoodle: Canoodle lounging chair. To canoodle is to snuggle up playfully.
Capodimonte: Literally "top of the mountain", from an old legend of an Italian prince whose castle set too high in the mountains to maintain a garden. Ceramic flowers were created by artisans to mimic the beauty of nature. An Italian born ceramic technique in which individual clay pieces (petals, leaves, roping or cutwork) are hand formed and placed before the piece is fired.
Cashmere: Luxurious natural fiber made from the fleece of the cashmere goat. The fine hairs are removed by combing, not shearing.
Chenille: A fabric with a deep nap that looks like soft, tufted yarns that has a fuzzy surface. Most commonly made of cotton, but can be made from many fibers.
Chiffon: Sheer, soft, flowing fabric often made of silk or silk-like synthetic fibers.
Chintz: A glossy, glazed fabric, usually cotton, printed with large, bright flower motifs.
Cluny Lace: A type of bobbin lace with a pattern of high loops, developed in Cluny, France.
Coir: A coarse, stiff fiber from the husk of coconuts.
Cotton: The most commonly used fiber in the world. Cotton is a natural fiber that is highly absorbent and soft.
Cotton Voile: A soft, sheer fabric, usually cotton, with a crisp finish. Similar to organdy.
Crewel: An elaborate form of chain stitch embroidery, done on a heavy fabric.
Crochet: Handworked fabric made by looping thread with a hooked needle.
Cuff: The turned-back portion of a sleeve or pant leg.
Cushion: A stuffed pad or support; a throw pillow.
Damask: A glossy jacquard fabric, usually made of silk, with a pattern visible from either side.
Denim: A rugged cotton twill fabric, usually blue, used for jeans, jackets, and work clothes.
Dobby: A pattern in cloth made by a special loom that raises and lowers warp threads.
Down: The soft, fluffy feathers from the breast of ducks or geese, used in pillows, comforters, etc.
Downy: Soft and fluffy, like down.
Drawstring: A cord or ribbon run through a hem or casing to tighten, fasten, or close an opening.
Drop: See Bedskirt.
Drop Needle: A knitting technique in which some needles are purposely not used, creating a lacy effect.
Duvet: A quilt or comforter, usually with a removable cover.
Elastane: A synthetic fiber known for its exceptional elasticity, commonly referred to as Spandex or Lycra.
Embroidery: The art of decorating fabric with needle and thread or yarn.
Embossing: A technique for creating a raised design in a fabric or paper.
Empire Waist: A high waistline that falls just below the bust, giving a long, slender look to the torso.
Enamel: A glassy substance applied to metal or pottery for decoration or protection.
Eyelet: A small hole or perforation, usually rimmed with stitched embroidery, as in broderie anglaise.
Fabric: Cloth made by weaving, knitting, or felting fibers.
Faggoting: A decorative embroidery or lace pattern in which thread is pulled and tied, creating a small, open area in the fabric.
Faux Leather: Artificial material designed to look and feel like genuine leather.
Fiber: The basic component in the form of a slender, elongated structure that is capable of being spun into yarn.
Flannel: A soft, napped fabric, usually wool or cotton, used for shirts, pajamas, and bedding.
Flatware: Eating and serving utensils that have flat, usually thin handles.
Flax: The plant from which linen is made.
Floral: Having to do with flowers.
Frond: The leaf or leaflike part of a palm, fern, or similar plant.
Fringe: Ornamental trim consisting of a series of hanging threads or strips.
Full/Queen: A size designation for bedding that generally fits both full and queen size mattresses.
Futon: A thin mattress, usually filled with layers of cotton batting, used on a floor or on a raised, foldable frame.
Gabardine: A durable, tightly woven fabric with a distinctive diagonal twill weave.
Gauze: A thin, sheer fabric with a loose open weave.
Gauzy: Like gauze, thin and sheer.
Gimp: A trim made of silk, wool, or cotton often stiffened with metallic wire, often braided or twisted.
Gingham: A cotton fabric, usually woven in checks or stripes.
Glazed Cotton: Cotton fabric with a smooth, shiny surface.
Grosgrain: A heavy, closely woven fabric with narrow horizontal ribs.
Guipure: A heavy lace made with a large pattern.
Gusset: A triangular or rhomboidal piece of fabric inserted into a seam to add breadth or reduce stress from tight-fitting clothing.
Hem: The edge of a piece of cloth, especially a finished edge, as for a garment or curtain, made by folding an edge under and stitching it down.
Hemp: A strong, durable fiber derived from the stem of the hemp plant, used to make rope, twine, fabric, and paper.
Hera: A handheld quilting tool used for marking quilt lines.
Houndstooth: A woven fabric pattern consisting of small, broken checks or abstract four-pointed shapes.
Hutch: A boxlike furniture with doors or drawers and shelves, often used for storage or display.
Incised: Cut into.
Interlock: A type of knit fabric with a smooth surface and a slight amount of stretch.
Iron: A heavy, flat-topped implement used for pressing clothes and linens.
Jacquard: A fabric with an intricately woven pattern produced on a Jacquard loom.
Jute: A strong, coarse fiber from the bark of a jute plant, used to make burlap, rope, and sackcloth.
Kapok: A silky fiber obtained from the seed pods of a tropical tree, used for stuffing mattresses, pillows, etc.
Kenaf: A plant of the hibiscus family, grown in the tropics, and used as a source of bast fiber.
Knit: A fabric made by looping yarns together, as in hand-knitting and machine-knitting.
Lace: A delicate fabric made of yarn or thread in an open weblike pattern, made either by hand or machine.
Laminate: A material constructed by uniting two or more layers of material.
Lap Quilt: A small quilt, often used as a throw or for a baby.
Lattice: A crisscrossed structure or pattern.
Linen: Fabric woven from flax yarns.
Lining: A protective inner layer, as in a garment or curtain.
Loom: A device used to weave fabric by interlacing a series of threads or yarns.
Louvers: Slatted panels, typically made of wood, metal, or glass, arranged in a frame, that allow light and air to pass through.
Lurex: A type of yarn or fabric that incorporates a glittering metallic thread.
Lycra: A trademarked brand name for a synthetic fiber known for its exceptional elasticity, commonly used in athletic wear.
Matelassé: A heavy fabric with a raised pattern, typically covering both sides.
Matte: Having a dull, lusterless surface.
Matting: A material, often straw or grass, used for mats or matting.
Mercerize: A treatment for cotton fabric that increases luster and strength.
Merino: A breed of fine-wooled sheep valued for its wool.
Mohair: The long, silky hair of the Angora goat.
Muslin: A lightweight, plain weave cotton fabric.
Nap: A soft or fuzzy surface on a fabric, usually created by brushing, as on flannel, or shearing, as on velvet.
Needlepoint: A form of canvas work created on an open-weave mesh canvas.
Netting: Fabric with an open mesh construction.
Neutrals: Shades of black, white, gray, brown, and beige.
Novelty Fabric: A fabric with an unusual design or texture.
Nylon: A synthetic polymer, known for its durability and resistance to abrasion, used in textiles, rope, and molded parts.
Oilcloth: A cotton fabric treated with oil and pigment to make it waterproof.
Organdy: A stiff, sheer fabric, usually cotton, used for blouses, dresses, and trimmings.
Organic: Produced or involving production without the use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, or other artificial agents.
Organza: A thin, stiff, transparent fabric made of silk or synthetic yarns.
Ottoman: A heavy, corded fabric with a large, ribbed weave.
Outdoor Fabric: Fabric designed to withstand outdoor conditions such as sun exposure and moisture, commonly used for patio furniture, umbrellas, and awnings.
Paillette: A flat, shiny decorative object, such as a sequin, used for ornamentation.
Paint: A liquid composition that, when spread over a surface, dries to form a hard, protective or decorative coating.
Paisley: A distinctive intricate pattern of curved, feather-shaped figures based on a pine-cone design from India.
Panel: A distinct section of fabric, often bordered or framed for use as a wall hanging or in the construction of garments.
Pantone: A standardized color matching system used in the design industry.
Parchment: A type of paper made from animal skin, usually sheepskin, calfskin, or goatskin.
Passementerie: Decorative trimmings such as tassels, fringes, and cords, often used on soft furnishings.
Patchwork: A technique in which fabric pieces are sewn together to form a pattern or design.
Pelmet: A decorative framework fixed above a window to conceal curtain fixtures.
Percale: A closely woven, plain-weave cotton fabric with a thread count of 200 or higher.
Petit Point: A form of needlepoint with small, precise stitches.
Pickstitch: A closely spaced line of small, diagonal stitches used as decoration on tailored garments.
Pieced: Made of or formed by a patchwork of fabric pieces.
Piqué: A cotton fabric with a raised, woven design, used for summer-weight clothing.
Plaid: A fabric with a pattern of stripes and intersecting bands, usually in multiple colors.
Plain Weave: A basic weave in which the weft and warp threads cross one another alternately.
Plush: A rich, soft fabric with a cut pile, typically used for upholstery and toys.
Pocket: A small bag or pouch-like receptacle, typically sewn into or on clothing for carrying small items.
Polyester: A synthetic fiber known for its durability, resistance to wrinkling, and quick drying time.
Poplin: A plain-weave cotton fabric with a corded surface.
Print: A pattern or design produced by printing onto fabric.
Provincial: Having to do with the provinces or countryside.
Quilt: A bed coverlet made of two layers of fabric stitched together with padding in between, usually in a decorative design.
Rag Rug: A rug made from scraps of fabric or yarn, often braided or woven together.
Ramie: A natural fiber similar to linen, made from the stalks of the Chinese plant Boehmeria nivea.
Rayon: A synthetic fiber made from cellulose, typically derived from wood pulp.
Ribbed: Having parallel ridges or grooves.
Rickrack: A flat, narrow braid used as trim on clothing or curtains.
Rotary Cutter: A tool with a round blade used for cutting fabric, typically used in conjunction with a cutting mat and ruler for accuracy.
Rug: A floor covering made of woven material, typically with a thick pile.
Sateen: A cotton fabric with a smooth, glossy surface produced by a satin weave.
Satin: A smooth, glossy fabric typically made of silk or polyester, woven with a satin weave.
Scrim: A lightweight fabric used for reinforcing or stiffening other materials.
Seersucker: A lightweight cotton fabric with a crinkled surface, typically striped or checkered.
Selvage: The self-finished edge of fabric that runs parallel to the warp (lengthwise) threads.
Sequin: A small, shiny disk sewn as one of many onto clothing for decoration.
Serape: A long, colorful blanket-like shawl, typically worn over the shoulders.
Serge: A type of twill fabric with diagonal lines or ridges on both sides.
Sheen: A soft, shiny, smooth texture or appearance.
Shirring: A sewing technique in which fabric is gathered along parallel rows.
Shirting: A plain or striped cotton fabric typically used for making shirts.
Shot: A variation in color that occurs when two different-colored threads are woven together.
Silk: A fine, lustrous fiber produced by silkworms, often used in textiles.
Sisal: A strong, stiff fiber derived from the leaves of the agave plant, used to make rope, twine, and durable textiles.
Slipcover: A removable fitted cover for a piece of upholstered furniture.
Solids: Fabrics with a single, uniform color.
Soutache: A narrow, flat decorative braid, typically used in embroidery or as trim.
Spandex: A synthetic fiber known for its exceptional elasticity, commonly used in stretch fabrics.
Spring Needle: A type of sewing machine needle designed for use with knits and stretch fabrics.
Stain: A discoloration that can be removed by cleaning.
Staple: A fiber of relatively short length, typically measured in inches or centimeters.
Stonewash: A process in which denim is washed with stones or sand to achieve a faded, worn appearance.
Stretch: The degree to which a fabric can be stretched without breaking.
Swatch: A small sample of fabric used for testing color, texture, or quality.
Synthetic: Made by chemical synthesis, especially to imitate a natural product.
Taffeta: A crisp, smooth fabric with a lustrous surface, typically made of silk or synthetic fibers.
Tapestry: A heavy, woven fabric, often with pictorial designs, used as wall hangings or furniture coverings.
Tassel: A bunch of threads, typically looped at one end and attached for decoration.
Terry Cloth: A soft, absorbent fabric with loops of yarn on one or both sides, typically made of cotton.
Thread Count: The number of threads per square inch in a woven fabric, typically used as a measure of quality.
Tie-Dye: A method of dyeing fabric in which sections are tightly bound with thread or string to resist dye, resulting in a variegated pattern.
Tieback: A loop or band, typically of fabric or cord, used to hold back curtains or drapes.
Toggle: A small bar or rod, typically of wood or plastic, used as a fastening, especially on clothing.
Toile: A type of printed fabric with a repeated pattern depicting scenes of country life.
Traverse Rod: A curtain rod with a pulley system that allows curtains to be drawn open or closed horizontally.
Tulle: A fine, lightweight netting fabric, typically used for veils and ballet tutus.
Twill: A type of fabric woven with a pattern of diagonal parallel ribs.
Upholstery: The covering of furniture, typically with fabric.
Valance: A decorative framework or drapery hung above a window to conceal curtain fixtures.
Velvet: A fabric with a soft, dense pile formed by looping the warp thread over a rod during weaving.
Vintage: Characterized by the best or most typical of its kind.
Viscose: A semi-synthetic fiber made from regenerated cellulose, typically used in textiles and fabrics.
Voile: A soft, sheer fabric, typically made of cotton or silk, used for making curtains or dresses.
Waffle Weave: A woven fabric with a recessed square or diamond pattern, resembling the texture of a waffle.
Wash: A liquid preparation used for cleaning clothes, utensils, or other objects.
Weave: A particular method or pattern of weaving cloth.
Weft: The crosswise threads on a loom that are passed over and under the warp threads to make cloth.
Wicker: A pliable plant material, typically willow branches, used for making baskets and furniture.
Wool: The soft, curly hair forming the fleece of sheep and certain other animals, used to make textiles.
Wrinkle: A small line or fold in something, especially fabric or the skin, typically caused by crumpling, folding, or contracting.
Yarn: Spun thread used for knitting, weaving, or sewing.
Yoke: A fitted or shaped piece at the top of a garment, especially one cut separately from the rest.
Zipper: A device consisting of two flexible strips of metal or plastic with interlocking projections closed or opened by pulling a slide along them, used to fasten garments.
