Natural fabric is made from things that grow, such as, wool, cotton, flax, hemp, linen, and others.
Synthetic fabric is made from petroleum products, such as polyester, and nylon
Mending is things to be repaired by sewing or darning
Raveling is a thread from a woven or knitted fabric that has frayed or started to unravel
Tweed is a rough, unfinished woolen fabric, of a a soft open, flexible texture, resembling cheviot, or homespun but more closely to woven
Linen is also great for table top accessories
Wool comes from animal coats known for its warmth
Rayon is considered the most natural of the man-made fabrics, and most often used for apparel
Acrylic is often used as a substitute for wool, in sweaters, fleece wear, and other outer wear
Batiste is very fine, soft, usually sheer cottons, often used for handkerchiefs, nightwear and childrens' dresses
Calico is a plain woven cotton, usually printed with tiny floral designs
Canvas is a heavyweight cotton, used for items that require strength, such as tote bags, knapsacks, and slipcovers
Chino is a cotton twill that been pre-shunk and mercerized. Most often used for sports pants and other sportswear
Duck is another strong, durable cotton, used for projects that are meant to last, i.e. travel accessories, slipcovers, awnings, and others
TYPES OF NATURAL FABRICS: Cotton, Linen, Silk, Wool
TYPES OF MANMADE FABRICS: Polyester, Rayon, Nylon, Acrylic
Cotton comes from the cotton plant. Can be woven, pressed by heat into flannel, or used as knits. Comfortable to wear.
Linen comes from flax (plant).Real linen wrinkles easily, but is cool, and like cotton, linen "breathes". Also great for table top accessories.
Silk comes from silk worms. The collection process is intricate and explains why silk is expensive. This can have either a smooth finish or a nubby finish (raw silk).
Wool comes from animal coats known for its warmth, wool is often blended with man-made fibers. Good for apparel, especially outer wear
Polyester became favorite fabric for apparel. Easy to care for most machine.
Nylon there are new types being developed yearly. Sometimes mixed with other fibers for apparel.
SOME NYLON BRANDS: Arvil or Enka
Acrylic is often a substitute for wool. Warm and wrinkle resistant.
ACRYLIC BRAND NAMES: Acrilan, Creslan, Orlon
Most acetate fabric should be dry-cleaned
Mending is repairing, clothes, linen, and fabric
Needles are made of fine stainless steel
Pins are used to hold pieces of fabric togetether
Thread are made of mercerized or polyester cotton
Scissors are used for cutting fabrics, threads, trimmings, and slashing they are made of stainless steel
Tape measure is used for taking measurements. It can be made of fabric or plastic
Shears are used for general cutting. Come with straight or bent handles and are heavy
Tailor's Chalk is a marking object used directly on fabric
Emery bag is like a pin cushion filled with fine sharp dry sand. Used for sharpening dull needles and cleaning rusty needles and pins
Tracing wheel is used for transferring stitch lines or seam allowances from pattern to a fabric
Thimble is a cap made of metal or plastic that is worn over the finger
Pin cushion is a small ball usually filled with cotton, wool, or sawdust
Ruler can be made of wood, metal, or plastic
Thread unpicker is used for removing wrong stitches. Has a small metal cutter attached to plastic handle