What Are The Different Types Of Textile Fabrics?

The words fabric and cloth are used in textile assembly trades (such as tailoring and dressmaking) as synonyms for textile. However, there are subtle differences in these terms in specialized usage. Textile refers to any material made of interlacing fibers. Fabric refers to any material made through weaving, knitting, spreading, crocheting, or bonding that may be used in production of further goods (garments, etc.). Cloth may be used synonymously with fabric but often refers to a finished piece of fabric used for a specific purpose (e.g., table cloth). http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Textile

Fabrics which are used to make futon slipcovers and pillows are divided into two main categories, natural fabrics and synthetic fabrics. Natural fabrics can be further subdivided into those that have been derived from animals and those that are derived from plants . Some examples of animal derived fabrics include Angora, Cashmere, Wool, and Silk. Examples of plant derived fabrics include Cotton, Linen, Jute, and hemp. All these fabrics possess certain unique physical properties, for example cotton, more to it, organic cotton, is the perfect material to make undergarments and sportswear as it is extremely breathable and can absorb an enormous amount of moisture before feeling wet.

Hemp is ideal for marine uses due to its strength and mold resistance. There are some popular fabrics which are drawn from the hair, skin and other body parts of certain animals also. The most widely used protein-fiber fabrics used in clothing are silk and wool. However, synthetic fabrics like nylon, rayon and polyester are also becoming equally popular these days. The rise in popularity of synthetic fibers can be attributed to their lower price and their easy maintenance properties. Many polyester fabrics are machine washable, while polyester fabrics can be cleaned by simply wiping them down with a damp cloth. Both natural and synthetic fibers are used in the making of futon slipcovers.

Not only is the type of material a distinguishing factor of fabrics, but also the way in which the fabric has been woven can further subdivide fabrics. There are several different types of fabric weaves, however, the most common types of weaves are known as; the plain weave, the twill weave, and the satin weave.

You can also find Outdoor Futon Covers and Pillows constructed from durable fabric that will hold up against the rigorous outdoors.

Below is a list of common Fabric Terms:

Acrylic - Synthetic fibers made from polymers, which typically include vinyl acetate or methyl acrylate.
Brocade - A heavy fabric that has an elaborate pattern raised against a basic cloth through the addition of wefts.
Canvas - A durable fabric woven of hemp or flax.
Cotton - One of the most common fabrics available. Widely used throughout the world.
Cotton Blend - When cotton is mixed with another fabric during production, the material produced is called a cotton blend.
Chenille - Woven from natural or synthetic fibers. Soft, velvety fabric.
Corduroy - A fabric with parallel ridges that are regularly spaced.
Damask - A reversible fabric that displays patterns. Usually floral in design and created through the contrast of A shiny satin-weave base material, with a matte, satin weave design.
Embroidered Fabric - A decorative stitching applied to the surface of a fabric.
French Knots - Embroidery knots on the show side of the fabric. Can be used to create textured dots of multiple colors.
Fringe - A trim on curtains or upholstery.
Hemp - A fabric woven from the fiber of a plant, making a very coarse material.
Jacquard - A process involving a mechanical loom that operates on a punch-card principle to determine the specific pattern of the material produced.
Jute - The fiber for hemp fabric, derived from Asian plants.
Linen - Fabric derived from plant material, typically from the strong fibers of flat plant stalks.
Microfiber - A thin fabric made from synthetic material. Tends to be stain-resistant.
Muslin - A cotton gauze plain weave fabric. Is lightweight.
Naugahyde - A brand of artificial leather, sometimes called pleather. A composite of a knit fabric for the backing and a polyvinyl chloride plastic, or PVC, coating.
Polyester - A synthetic fiber fabric. Durable and crease-resistant.
Satin - Manufactured using nylon or polyester fibers, among others. Glossy on its top surface while dull on its back.
Silk - Smooth filaments, which are made from the cocoon of the silkworm, are used to manufacture this luxury fabric.
Synthetic - Synthetic fabrics are spun from synthetic fibers, which are produced by forcing air through holes called spinnerets. Synthetics are also considered plastic fabric.
Taffeta - A closely woven silk or linen fabric. Is glossy on both sides.
Velour - A velvet-like fabric heavy with a thick pile that lies in a single direction.
Wool - Spun from the fibrous coat of an animal, creating yarn.