Fabrics Glossary for the Home Sewer

Linen: Strong, draws heat away from the body, highly prone to wrinkles, fabric has a coarse texture, comes in many weights. Used for spring and summer wear and for household items. Usually dry cleaned. Will shrink when washed.

Silk: Strong, holds body heat, tends to be wrinkle resistant, can be damaged by sunlight and perspiration, is considered luxurious and lustrous, comes in many weights. Used for dresses, suits, blouses, linings. Examples are brocade, chiffon, crepe, satin, tweed, jersey. Usually dry cleaned. Iron at low temperatures.

Wool: Weak, holds body heat, does not hold wrinkles, will shrink if not treated, must be protected from moths, comes in many weights and textures. Used in suits, sweaters, dresses, coats. Examples are crepe, flannel, fleece, gabardine, tweed, jersey. Usually dry cleaned.

Acetate: Weak, holds body heat, will wrinkle, makes a silk-like fabric, drapes well. Used for lingerie, dresses, blouses, linings. Examples are brocade, crepe, faille, satin, taffeta, lace, jersey, tricot. Usually dry-cleaned. Can tumble dry on low. Iron low at the synthetic setting as this will melt at high temperatures.

Acrylic: Strong, holds body heat, resists wrinkles, does not hold up to high temperatures, produces soft or fluffy fabrics, often blended with other fibers. Used for sweaters, outerwear. Examples are fake fur, fleece, double knit. Can be machine washed. Tumble dry. No ironing needed if removed promptly from dryer.

Nylon: Strong, holds body heat, resists wrinkles, wide range of textures and weights, often used in blends. Used for lingerie, linings, swimsuits, blouses and dresses. Examples are satin, jersey, fake fur. Can be hand or machine washed. Tumble or drip dry. Iron at low temperatures.

Polyester: Strong, holds body heat, resists wrinkles and shrinking, wide range of textures and weights. Used for dresses, suits, jackets, sportswear, lingerie, linings, curtains. Examples are crepe, double knit. Can be hand or machine washed. Tumble dry with little or no ironing.

Rayon: Weak, holds body heat, will wrinkle and shrink unless treated, wide range of weights and textures. Used for dresses, blouses, suits, linings, draperies. Example are butcher linen and matter jersey. Most must be dry-cleaned, some are washable. Iron at a medium heat setting.

Spandex: (also known as Lycra) Strong, lightweight, very elastic. Often a blend. Used for swimwear, ski clothing, under clothing. Hand or machine wash. Tumble dry. Iron at low temperatues.