Animal Fibers
This fiber comes from the coat of sheep and is known for its warmth and elasticity.
What is wool?
A cool, breathable, and strong yarn that comes from the fluffy boll of a plant.
What is cotton?
The most popular and inexpensive synthetic fiber, prized for its washability and bright colors.
What is acrylic?
The process of twisting individual strands of yarn together to make a thicker, stronger single yarn.
What is plying?
A plain-weave cotton fabric known for its checkerboard pattern, often used for kitchen curtains or picnic blankets.
What is gingham?
A luxurious fiber from the undercoat of the Capra hircus goat, often blended for softness.
What is cashmere?
This sustainable, woody fiber is often used for sturdy items and can be made into a soft yarn that drapes well.
What is bamboo?
This elastic synthetic fiber is often added to sock and garment yarns to provide stretch and recovery.
What is spandex or elastane?
A type of novelty yarn characterized by small, tightly twisted knots of fiber throughout its length.
What is bouclé?
This crisp, lightweight fabric is defined by its simple, over-and-under weave pattern, making it strong and balanced.
What is plain weave?
This strong, lustrous fiber is produced by silkworms, making it a continuous filament.
What is silk?
This fiber is derived from the flax plant and is prized for its crisp texture and ability to wick moisture, making it great for summer garments.
What is linen?
A strong, lightweight, and moisture-wicking synthetic fiber often found in durable outdoor or sportswear.
What is polyester?
This term refers to the soft, slightly blurred effect created by the wispy fibers sticking out of the surface of a yarn, like with mohair.
What is a halo?
A durable fabric characterized by its diagonal rib pattern, created when the warp yarn floats over two or more weft yarns.
What is twill?
The fiber sourced from alpacas, often a good hypoallergenic alternative to sheep's wool.
What is alpaca?
A very strong and durable fiber from a plant that shares its name with a popular paper bag material.
What is jute?
Once known as "artificial silk," this fiber is made from regenerated cellulose and can mimic the feel of many natural fibers.
What is rayon or viscose?
This term describes yarn that has been spun to be thick and thin at random intervals, giving it an uneven texture.
What is slub?
The most complex of the three basic weaves, this structure requires a special loom and is used to create intricate, highly detailed patterns like tapestries.
What is jacquard?
This fiber comes from the Angora rabbit, not the goat, and is famous for its distinct halo and fluffiness.
What is Angora?
A relatively new plant fiber that's known for its excellent drape and sheen, often considered a good eco-friendly alternative to silk.What is Tencel or lyocell?
What is Tencel or lyocell?
This is the generic name for a synthetic fiber that is known for being lightweight and highly resistant to stains and pilling.
What is nylon?
In the American system, this is the name for the thinnest category of yarn, typically worked on very small needles or hooks.
What is lace weight (or #0)?
This fabric is woven with extra warp or weft yarns that are cut to create a plush, velvety surface texture.
What is velvet (or corduroy)?