Fabrics & materials

Layer of loose fibre wadding, made from cotton, wool, polyester, or blends, used as the insulating middle layer of a quilt sandwich or a padded garment.

A pile fabric with a knitted or woven backing and a long synthetic pile that mimics animal fur, cut from the backing only to avoid shearing the pile.

A synthetic fabric, usually polyurethane-coated woven or knit backing, designed to imitate leather's look and hand at lower cost and with more stretch.

An openwork fabric formed by looping, twisting or knotting threads into a patterned net, ranging from delicate Chantilly to heavy guipure; usually underlined or lined.

Tanned animal hide used as a non-woven material for garments and accessories, sewn without seam allowances left to fray and typically glued or clipped rather than pinned.

A fabric woven or knitted with metallic yarns, or coated with a metallic finish, prone to fraying and heat sensitivity during pressing.

Ultra-soft, plush polyester knit fabric with a short pile, popular for baby items, blankets, and stuffed toys for its softness and warmth.

A synthetic rubber sandwiched between fabric layers to form a thick, spongy, water-resistant material with body and structure, used in wetsuits and structured garments.

A tightly woven cotton fabric coated with a waxed or vinyl finish to make it waterproof and wipeable, commonly used for bags, aprons and outdoor items.

A pre-made sandwich of face fabric, batting and backing stitched together in a pattern, used ready-made for outerwear without separate quilting.

A base fabric, usually mesh or knit, with sequins stitched or glued on in rows, requiring seam allowances to be cleared of sequins before stitching.

A fine, lightweight net fabric with a hexagonal mesh, used for veils, tutus and skirt volume; does not fray, so edges can be left raw.

A woven pile fabric with a dense, short, upright pile giving a soft hand and directional sheen; requires special handling to prevent shifting and crushing when sewn.

A cotton pile fabric woven with a short, dense cut pile similar to velvet but with a shorter nap and more matte finish, easier to sew than true velvet.

A non-woven or fabric-backed plastic sheet material with a glossy or matte coated surface, used for waterproof garments and accessories; sewn with a walking foot or Teflon presser foot.