Stuff

Part of the ‘Antique Fabrics‘ series, this fabric isn’t necessarily extinct, but it was more popular in the past than the present.

(My candidate for most annoyingly non-specific term in the entire history of textiles – Ed.)

A term to describe almost any woven fabric created with the worsted technique – in which long-staple fibers are carefully combed and woven into a yarn that is stronger than average – and using any fiber other than silk or wool. If the fabric is specifically described as ‘wool stuff’, worsted wool is how you’ll find it today. The worsted technique can be used for any natural fiber – but you’re usually going to find it as wool suiting.

One occasional exception is for high-quality bed linens, that might make a point of using long-staple cotton yarns. I once used a set of high-quality bedsheets (on clearance!) for a 19th century daytime dress and it looked fantastic.