Fabric Glossary
Fabric Glossary
Crafts / Prints / Embroideries Glossary
- Ajrak is the name given to a unique form of block print with deep crimson red and indigo blue background, bearing symmetrical patterns with scattered unprinted sparkling white motifs. Several different blocks are used to give the characteristic repeated patterning.
- Appliqué is a crafting technique in which pieces of material are mounted to another base material. To create appliqué, artists start with a base, which may consist of a solid piece of fabric. Shapes are cut from other textiles and sewn or glued onto the base.
- Badla / Mukesh Work is an age-old embroidery where thin strips of metallic wire are inserted into the fabric and then twisted to create metallic embroidery. Kurtis and dupattas, anarkalis and even dresses are made with mukaishbadla work.
- Banarasi Silk, is also called as Brocades, is a fine variant of Silk originating from the city of Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, India. Brocade is a speciality of Benarasi fabric. It is a characteristic weave in which patterns are created by thrusting the Zari threads (pure form of Zari is a thread drawn out of real gold) between warp at calculated intervals so as to evolve the design/Buti line by line.
- Bandhani is an Indian classical print used to make beautiful outfits like anarkali, suits, jacket, salwar, lehengas and many more. Bandhani, also known as Bandhej, is a tie and dye method. It is an art that involves dyeing a fabric tied tightly with a thread at several points, producing a variety of patterns.
- Batik is a technique used to dye fabrics. Batik is an ancient art which uses wax and dyes to create a visual magic on fabrics. First, melted wax is applied to the fabric in the areas that are to be free of dye. Cracks in the wax allow thin lines of dye to penetrate through to the fabric which gives batik its characteristic appearance.
- Cutwork is a type of embroidery in which pieces of the foundation fabric are cut away, creating a network of holes and eyelets that are accented by the embroidery pattern. At a glance, the result might look like lace, but it is actually embroidery, because it is worked on a foundation fabric, not from scratch.
- Digital printing is the reproduction of digital images on a physical surface. Different types of Digital prints with Indian motifs, abstract, tribal designs are used to make funky and flattering clothes causal and semi-formal wear.
- Foil Prints is a print of some pattern with the foil on the fabric for shiny effect. All kinds of garments can be made from the foil printed fabrics.
- Handblock - From sophisticated printing & dyeing techniques for the royal attire to floral depictions across usable & temple textiles; block printing dates back to the social upheavals of mid-17th century. A critical component of block printing is block carving, two kinds of blocks-wood and metal are made in unique ways and have unique purposes.
- Ikat, or ikkat, is a dyeing technique used to pattern textiles that employs resist dyeing on the yarns prior to dyeing and weaving the fabric.
- Kalamkari is a type of hand-painted or block-printed cotton textile, produced in parts of India. It is used to make Kalamkari Printed Cotton Kurtas, Dresses, Tops and Pants.
- Kantha, a popular style of embroidery that comes from West Bengal, is a significant symbol that displays the skill and talent of the rural women in Bengal. Kantha, which basically means ‘throat’, is associated with Lord Shiva. This type of stitch is basically the ‘running’ stitch, and is very simple.
- Leheriya (or leheria) is a traditional style of tie dye practiced in Rajasthan, India. The technique gets its name from the Rajasthani word for wave because the dyeing technique is often used to produce complex wave patterns.
- Lucknowi Embroidery also called as Chikankari is orginated from Lucknow, India. It is one of Lucknow’s best known textile decoration styles. Chikan is a delicate and artfully done hand embroidery. A perfect fabric for sarees, anarkali, salwar kameez and lehenga choli. It can also be used for casual wear to make kurtis, salwar kameez and tunics.
- Mirror Embroidery has been in vogue for centuries and is popularly known as “Sheesha” or “Abhala Bharat” embroidery. This is an art form in which mirrors of various shapes are fixed on to the fabric through embroidery. In recent times however, mirrors have been replaced by reflective luminescent metal pieces of different shapes and sizes, particularly on apparel.
- Pearl Embroidery (Moti Work) – Pearls / Motis come in various colours, shapes and sizes and are used as embellishments in the form of intricate embroideries. This exquisite craft has been given a contemporary appeal through fashionable sarees, suits, bags, clutches and even shoes.
- Sequins / Sequence Embroidery -A sequinis a disk-shaped bead, they are made from plastic or shiny metal. They are available in a wide variety of colors and geometrical shapes. Sequins may be stitched flat to the fabric to create aenhance a design.
- Shibori / Tye - Dye is a Japanese manual resist dyeing technique, which produces patterns on fabric. Shibori is commonly though of in the West as tie-dye. It involves binding certain sections of the cloth to achive the desired pattern.
- Stone Embroidery on dress material is an age old romantic art which uses decorative stitching in a palette of colors to create rich exclusive designs. A stone can be used alone as a centerpiece or as part of a large and varied pattern.
- Thread Work is referred to as one of the spectacular kind of Indian embroidered artwork which implemented through a strong and powerful thread.Basically these threads are used to enhance the designs and motifs on the fabric, by innovatively and creatively crafting it with the latest designs.
- Zari Work is an intricate art of weaving threads made of fine gold or silver. These threads are further woven into fabrics, primarily made of silk to create intricate patterns. The designs are so exquisite that apart from the monetary value attached to these threads, the fabric also gets an overall rich & a beautiful look. For long, Zari has been an art associated with the aristocratic and royal persona in India.
FABRICS / PRINTS
- Brocades is a mid to heavyweight fabric that has several coloured, silver or gold zari threads woven together to create a decorative pattern. Brocade fabric is used to make all types of Indian garments, like salwar kameez to kurtas, lehenga cholis, Jackets, Skirts, Dresses, as a border on sarees, and also for saree blouses. Brocades are widely used for Gents Sherwanis as well. A brocade blouse can do wonders to any saree. Just get a stylish brocade blouse to go with a plain saree and get all the attention!
- Chanderi is a traditional ethnic fabric characterized by its lightweight, sheer texture and fine luxurious feel. Chanderi fabric is produced by weaving in silk and golden Zari in the traditional cotton yarn that results in the creation of the shimmering texture. It can be used to make outfits such as suits, kurtis, salwar, anarkali, gowns and much more.
- Chiffon is a lightweight, balanced plain-woven sheer fabric suitable for airy delicate garments or garment inserts. It drapes with ease. Chiffon is commonly used for sarees, blouses, dresses, gowns, salwar suits and kurtis. It is widely used for traditional, wedding garments and evening wears. Originally made from silk, today chiffon fabric is available in polyester also. So, artificial Chiffon is also available.
- Chinon Fabric has main features of having a smooth texture with fine finish. It gives an amazing fall just like chiffon. It is used to make any kinds of garments like traditional, wedding garments and evening wear. It is widely used to make anarkali, suits, salwar, kurtis, gowns, western tops, skirts and much more.
- Cotton Silk is a blend of both fibers, combining positive characteristics of each into a single textile. A lightweight, silky and comfortable weave, cotton silk fabric has a soft hand-feel and a sturdy, silken drape, along with a versatility that makes it suitable for an extended variety of garment uses. It can use used to make kurta, churidar, suits, tops and many more garments.
- Crepe fabric gives the wearer a slimming appearance and has a very graceful fall, making it a great fabric for party events or other formal occasions; however, crepe fabrics are also preferred for daily wear because they require little to no ironing and are very soft and comfortable. Lightweight crepe creates beautiful Salwar Suits, Sarees, Kurtis, Gowns, Dresses, Blouses and Tops.
- Dupion Silk is a crisp silk material which has distinctive, irregular slubs and a subtle sheen. Dupion silk is perfect for slim dressy suits and fitted dresses and blouses. It is great for slacks and jackets. Dupion silk can be used for tablecloths, table runners, and placemats as well as for pillow covers.
- Georgette is a semi-sheer or sheer woven fabric with a slight pebble texture. It is made from silk or polyester. Georgette fabric is used to make all types of western garments, such as tunics, shirts, dresses and even trousers. A perfect fabric for sarees, anarkali, salwar kameez and lehenga choli. It can also be used for casual wear to make kurtis, salwar kameez and tunics.
- Handloom is a loom that is manually operated, unlike motorized or electrically powered looms. It is an apparatus on which weavers create fabric by interlacing the warp and weft threads.
- Habutai / Habotai Silk is a kind of silk with lightweight and shimmering sheer effect. It comes in a variety of weights / thicknesses. This fabric can be easily dyed to any color. Soft and lightweight, habotai silk is a kind of smooth fabric and has a beautiful drape and smooth surface.
- Jacquard fabric is a highly textured fabric with patterns that are woven, rather than printed into the fabric. Jacquard fabrics have a raised pattern design that may include florals, paisleys, damask, animal patterns or more. This textured fabric has varying drape-ability and durability depending on the fibers used.
- Jute has a high tensile strength, low extensibility, and ensures better breathability. It is extensively used in Dress Materials and furnishings.
- Linen is comfortable to wear in all seasons and has both the breathability and durability. The fabric is of premium quality and it ensures a skin friendly feel. It is woven by using latest weaving technology and quality tested threads.
- Lycra – Known for its spandex fiber. Any time you see this fiber listed on a label, expect comfort, movement, and shape retention that won't wash away. The four-way stretch of this fabric makes it ideal for indo-western garments such as close-fitted tunics as well as ethnic garments such as empire-waist suits. Lycra is extensively used for making leggings.
- Malmal Cotton / Mulmul Cotton is a fine variety of cotton which has a soft, fluffy and good texture, it makes for airy, transparent, light and extremely comfortable cotton fabrics. It has a merit of good absorbency and its substantiated to be skin friendly in nature.
- Mashru Silk / Gajji Silk fabric from kutch, blending the opulence of silk and the comfort of cotton mashru has cotton feel from the back side and Satin-silk feel from the front side. It can be used for allclothing purpose.
- Moonga Silk / Munga Silk / Muga Silk fabric is a very soft material, can be used to make saree and any other form of outfits such as suits, blouses or pants or dresses. It is made from the organic and natural fibre. It is a very durable fabric. Moonga silk’s brightness improves with every wash.
- Modal silk is very soft and popular for both clothing and household textiles. Modal is processed under different conditions to produce a fiber that is stronger and more stable when it is wet than standard rayon, yet has a soft feel. It is best suited for kurta and other garment purpose.
- Muslin Cotton fabric is a rich cotton fabric. It can be used to make absolutely any kinds of garments. The nature of the fabric is soft and gives a elegant flow to the garment. This fabric is widely used in summers and for other casual occasions.
- Net is any mesh or open construction fabric. Net fabric is used to make net sarees, kurta, net lehenga choli, salwar kameez, anarkali suits and many more. Heavy work/embroideries can be done on net with ease.
- Organza is a thin, plain weave, sheer fabric. It is used for bridal wear, evening wear and decoration. Any type of outfit like jackets, long dresses, anarkalis, suits, skirts and more can be made out of organza fabric.
- Pure Silk Fabric is woven from natural silk fibers. It is used for bridal wear, evening wear, lingerie, blouses, linings, Salwar kameez and Kurtis. Today this luxurious material is available in many varieties. Silk cloth can be decorated using embroidery and embellishments.
- Raw Silk is a slightly nubby fabric with random flecks in a natural color. It has a somewhat rough texture and gentle drape. It is often used for clothing such as shirts, ties, blouses, formal dresses, high fashion clothes, lining, lingerie, pajamas, robes, salwar suits, kurtis and anarkalis. Silk's attractive lustre and drape makes it suitable for many furnishing applications.
- Rcan imitate the feel and texture of silk, drapes nicely off your body. It is very easy to iron. It can be used to make outfits such as suits, kurtis, salwar, anarkali, gowns and many more.
- Satin is a classic fabric with a distinctive shine and a smooth surface. Satin Fabric is the fabric of choice for many Christian brides; it is also suitable to make gorgeous, glossy party wear sarees, layered lehenga cholis, evening wear, anarkali suits and so on.
- Satin Georgette Fabric has a satin weave with a slightly glossy surface and has excellent fluid drape. This fabric has a feeling of Satin on one side and Georgette on the other side. 2 D shaded dyeing is a special dyeing technique where two colours are used to dye on a fabric and a beautiful blend is created. The breathtaking colours in this collection is fascinating. The outfit just looks very gorgeous to some other level. It can easily be used to make sarees, tops, dresses, wedding dress, scarves, wall decoration, banners and more.
- Taffeta is a crisp, smooth, plain woven fabric made from silk. It is considered to be a “high-end” fabric, suitable for use in ball gowns, wedding dresses, evening wears and also for interior decoration.
- Tussar Silk has very soft texture and is super light in weight. Lightweight tussar silk creates beautiful Salwar Suits, Sarees, Kurtis, Gowns, Dresses, Blouses, Tops and more.
- Velvet is a luxurious pile fabric woven with an extra set of warp yarns, resulting in a rich, plush surface. Silk velvets tend to have a softer hand and more drape than those made from other fibres. They have a luster and with a soft hand. They are attractive to the touch as well as the sight and are used for evening wear, bridal wear, historical and stage costumes, as well as for drapery, and pillow covers.