| TERM |
DEFINITION |
| ANTIMICROBIAL |
A substance that is applied to a surface to kill and prevent bacteria spread and infection. Generally used on sheets and bathroom towels. Ideal for warmer climates or environments. |
| APPLIQUÉ |
Fabric or trim is sewn over a base fabric to give an appearance of an additional texture or application. |
| BAMBOO |
A naturally antimicrobial and absorbent fiber made from bamboo, making it ideal for the warmer weather. Bamboo fabrics are typically very soft and a good choice for allergy sufferers. |
| BED PACK |
Bed linen products packaged together from the same design story. This generally consists of a coordinating quilt cover, pillowcases, European pillowcases, and a filler cushion. A convenient way to buy the whole look in one parcel. |
| BEDWRAP™ |
Elastic garter made from faux suede fabric that fits snugly around and covers the base of a bed. It can be stretched over the top of the bed and put on the base without removing the mattress. Use instead of a traditional valance for a clean, contemporary finish. |
| BODY PILLOWCASE |
Fits a long-shaped pillow that measures 45cm x 152cm. Ideal for improved comfort. |
| COMBED |
Better-quality fibers are combed after carding (a mechanical fiber-mixing process) for a smoother, finer woven cloth. |
| COTTON |
A soft fiber that grows around the seeds of the cotton plant. This natural fiber is spun into thread used to make a soft, breathable fabric. |
| COVERLET |
Made to cover a bed without covering the pillows. It is decorative, usually quilted and lightly padded. (Queen Size: 220cm x 240cm / King Size: 240cm x 260cm). Not as big as a bedspread – does not go to the floor. |
| CROCHET |
Hand-made, knitted pattern created by a crochet hook tool. The small hook at one end draws the thread or yarn through intertwined loops. |
| CROSS-STITCHED |
A double stitch forming an ‘X’ in sewing and embroidery. |
| DOBBY-WEAVED |
A weaving technique resulting in small repeated geometric patterns in the fabric. |
| DUVET COVER |
Please see the definition for Quilt Cover. |
| EMBROIDERY |
The art or handicraft of decorating fabric with a needle and thread. |
| ENZYME WASH |
Similar to a stone-washed effect, except that instead of using stones, the fabric is 'aged' and softened with an enzyme, which is less damaging and kinder to the fabric. |
| EUROPEAN PILLOWCASE |
Larger than a standard pillowcase, it has a square shape and measures 65cm x 65cm. |
| FLANNELETTE |
Cotton fabric that is brushed to raise the fibers resulting in a warm, cozy feel for winter sheeting. |
| FLAT-PIPED |
Narrow fabric trim inserted into the seam of a quilt cover, pillowcase or cushion. Like cord piping, but without the cord inside. |
| FLAX |
A soft, lustrous and flexible fiber obtained from the stalks of a blue-flowered, herbaceous plant. Also referred to as linen, flax is two to three times as strong as cotton despite its hair-like appearance (hence its description). |
| FLOCKING |
Fabric printed with an adhesive resin where very short fibers are applied. This gives a velvet-like feel and surface. |
| GROSGRAIN |
A ribbon made of closely-woven and narrow horizontal ribs. |
| HAND-CRAFTED |
Made by hand or a hand process (as opposed to a product that is made by a machine). Also, see Hand-Made. |
| HAND-MADE |
Made by hand or a hand process (as opposed to a product that is made by a machine). Also, see Hand-Craft. |
| IKAT |
A traditional style of weaving common in Indonesia, Japan and India. It uses a resist-dyeing process similar to tie-dye on either the warp or weft before threads are woven to create a pattern or design. |
| JACQUARD |
A fabric with an intricately woven pattern. A special loom is used to weave the pattern into the fabric. |
| LINEN |
Fabric is woven with fibers from the flax plant. |
| LUREX® |
A registered brand name for yarn or thread made from a synthetic film with aluminum, gold or silver metallic layer. |
| MATTRESS PROTECTOR |
A removable item of bedding that covers a mattress and is used to protect against allergens, irritants, and contaminants. As opposed to a Mattress Topper (please see definition). |
| MATTRESS TOPPER |
A removable item of bedding that sits on top of a mattress and is used to increase comfort and support for optimal sleeping. As opposed to a Mattress Protector (please see definition). |
| MICROFIBRE™ |
An extremely fine synthetic fiber accurately woven into textiles with the texture and drape of natural fiber, all with enhanced washability, breathability, and water-repellency. |
| MONOTONE |
An uninterrupted repetition of the same tone of color. An example might be a series of stripes all in different tones of grey. |
| PERCALE |
A closely woven plain weave in the fabric. Percale sheeting has a crisp, cool feel. |
| PILLOWCASE SHAM |
A decorative and often quilted covering for a pillow that may coordinate with a coverlet or quilt cover. |
| PINSTRIPE |
A pattern of super-thin, parallel stripes used on fabric. |
| PINTUCK |
A narrow pleat is sewn in place by hand or a sewing machine. |
| PLEAT |
A fold in cloth made by doubling the material upon itself then pressing or stitching it into place. |
| POLYESTER |
A man-made synthetic polymer fiber. |
| QUILT COVER |
A removable and washable decorative cover for quilts. Also known as a Duvet Cover. |
| QUILTING |
A process of stitching through layers of fabric and filling it to create a padded design. |
| SANITISED |
A finish applied to fabrics that protect against mildew, mold growth and odor. Maintains hygienic freshness for the life of the fabric. |
| SATEEN |
A type of weave resulting in a smooth and lustrous fabric with satin-like appearance and softness. |
| SCREEN-PRINTED |
A method of creating an image on fabric by pressing ink through a screen with areas blocked off. |
| SEERSUCKER |
A piece of lightweight fabric with a thin, puckered surface. Usually cotton and commonly striped or chequered. |
| SELF-PIPED |
A piping trim made from the same fabric as the rest of the item in a design. |
| SEQUIN |
An adornment consisting of a small piece of shiny plastic or metal used to decorate fabrics. |
| SILK |
A piece of fine fabric with an excellent luster produced with fibers made by silkworms. The fibers from the silkworm cocoons are woven to make silk fabric. |
| STANDARD PILLOWCASE |
Fits a standard rectangular pillow and measures at 48cm x 73cm. |
| STONE-WASHED |
A process using large stones to roughen newly-manufactured textiles, achieving a worn-in appearance as well as increased fabric softness. |
| TAILORED PILLOWCASE |
Fits a standard pillow but has an extra width of fabric to give a tailored or ‘hotel’ look. This edge can be 4, 5 or 6 centimeters. The result is a stylish, floating effect at the edge of the pillowcase. |
| THREAD COUNT |
A total number of horizontal and vertical threads in 10 square centimeters of woven fabric. |
| TIE-DYED |
Fabric is tied, either with string or rubber bands, then dyed, either by submerging it or by squirting dye solution onto it. Where the fabric is tied, some areas do not absorb the dye, thus forming (typically) circular patterns. |
| U-shaped PILLOWCASE |
Fits a u-shaped pillow that measures 57cm x 58cm x 12cm. Ideal for improved comfort. |
| VELVET |
Soft-Tufted cotton where the cut threads are evenly distributed, giving it a smooth, dense pile and a plain underside. |
| VOILE |
A lightweight fabric that is semi-transparent. It is often made from 100% cotton though it may be made from rayon or silk. |
| WAFFLE |
A weave generally made in cotton with a layered construction for the purpose of making it ultra-absorbent and fast-drying. Usually used for towels but also for bed linen. Has the appearance of a culinary waffle hence its name. |
| WARP AND WEFT |
A warp is the set of lengthwise yarns held in tension on a frame or loom. A weft is a yarn woven across the width of the fabric through the lengthwise warp yarn. |
| YARN-DYED |
A process where yarn or thread is dyed after spinning. Threads are then woven into stripes, jacquards or check patterns. |