A
Absorbency
The ability of a fabric to take in moisture. Absorbency is a very important property, which effects many other characteristics such as skin comfort, static build-up, shrinkage, stain removal, water repellency, and wrinkle recovery.
Acetate
A manufactured fiber formed by compound of cellulose, refined from cotton linters and/or wood pulp, and acedic acid that has been extruded through a spinneret and then hardened.
Acorn
A decorative brass or wooden "handle" which slips onto the cords of a blind to cover the knotted ends.
Acrylic
A manufactured fiber derived from polyacrylonitrile. Its major properties include a soft, wool-like hand, machine washable and dryable, excellent color retention. Solution-dyed versions have excellent resistance to sunlight and chlorine degradation.
Agrafe
An ornamental clasp or hook.
Aigrette
Tail feathers from the white or cattle egret. An egret is a small wading bird similar to a heron, and extremely common in the deep South; it is also found in the Midwest, though, as far north as Chicago, Illinois. Aigrets are stiff, upright fans used to decorate hats and bonnets.
Alpaca
A cloth made from alpaca wool which was often mixed with cotton or silk. It normally has a plain weave, and tends to be thin.
Alpaca
A natural hair fiber obtained from the Alpaca sheep, a domesticated member of the llama family. The fiber is most commonly used in fabrics made into dresses, suits, coats, and sweaters.
Alter
- To change or revise a pattern or garment to suit individual sizing or desires. This could be making an item larger or smaller, adding darts, lengthening a bodice, etc.
Angora
The hair of the Angora goat. Also known as Angora mohair. Angora may also apply to the fur of the Angora rabbit. However, according to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission, any apparel containing Angora rabbit hair must be labeled as "Angora rabbit hair" on the garment.
Apparel
General term used to describe garments made by a person who sews.
Applique
A decoration or design made separately, then embroidered or sewn on a fabric.
Applique
French term meaning applying one piece of fabric to another. A cut piece of material stitched to another adding dimension, texture and reducing stitch count.
Applique
Sewing a piece of fabric atop another after folding under a small bit of the fabric to create a clean edge. When done by machine, many use a satin stitch (tight zig zag). By hand, blind stitching is often used. Applique can be done with or without a fusible or stabilizer.
Arched Valance
A valance which is shaped at the lower edge, the sides being longer than the centre.
Armscye Armhole
The story has it that the word is derived from the term "arm's eye", as in the eye of a needle. In this case, though, the arm goes through, not the thread.
Austrian Blind
A gathered blind made longer than necessary. The extra fabric forms ruching at the bottom.
Awl
Tool with pointed tip used to push out corners when fabric is turned (for example, when making a collar).
