| abrasion test |
To simulate and measure the wear performance of fabrics and floor coverings |
| accessory |
Clothing: A subsidiary item of dress, such as a scarf, belt, gloves or umbrella. |
| accessory |
Machine: An additional part or component of a sewing machine, giving greater scope of use |
| acetate |
A cellulose-based manufactured fibre |
| acrylic |
A synthetic fibre |
| agrotextile |
Any textile material used in agriculture, horticulture or fisheries |
| alpaca |
A natural fibre obtained from the fleece of the alpaca (a South American kind of llama with long wool) |
| angora |
A natural fibre obtained from the hair of the angora rabbit |
| anorak |
A water resistant hooded jacket |
| apparel |
Personal clothing, including headwear and footwear |
| applique |
A cut out design or shape, often of a different fabric type or colour, attached to the face of a fabric for ornamentation |
| apron |
A piece of clothing worn over your other clothes to keep them clean |
| aramid |
A polyamide (synthetic) fibre of great strength, used for marine, aerospace, automotive and sporting purposes particulary protective clothing |
| artificial |
Something which is not found in nature |
| Axminster |
A machine woven carpet with cut pile |
| Backing |
A strip of material placed on the inside of a garment to act as reinforcement |
| baize; baze |
A woven woollen felt used for covering tables and screens |
| bale |
Large bags of wool or cotton fibre |
| bandage |
A strip of material for covering a wound |
| batik |
A method of producing designs on fabric using a wax or gum, then dyeing the fabric and subsequently removing the wax or gum |
| bead |
A small ball of glass or other material which can be threaded on string or wire |
| beating up |
The weft threads are pushed together to form a close structure |
| beet |
A bundle or sheaf of tied flax crop or straw |
| beret |
A round, soft flat hat |
| bespoke |
A term used to describe a garment made to individual customer's specification |
