Part of the ‘Antique Fabrics‘ series, this fabric isn’t necessarily extinct, but it was more popular in the past than the present. Cambric is a lightweight, densely-woven, plain-weave cloth. Originally made of linen, but later made of cotton as well. It’s name derives from Cambrai, France, where it was once made in significant quantities. Today, linen cambric is… Read More »
Part of the ‘Antique Fabrics‘ series, this fabric isn’t necessarily extinct, but it was more popular in the past than the present. A firm, plain-weave cotton fabric. Imported from India in the 17th & 18th centuries, then produced in France, thereafter. Thread count is usually 200 per inch or more. Percale uses long-staple cotton, resulting… Read More »
Part of the ‘Antique Fabrics‘ series, this fabric isn’t necessarily extinct, but it was more popular in the past than the present. AKA poult-de-soie, and paduasoy A fine-corded silk fabric, made in a plain weave, but because of it’s semi-lustrous appearance, it can be mistaken for a satin weave. Quite luxurious. It’s still in use today for evening… Read More »
Part of the ‘Antique Fabrics‘ series, this fabric isn’t necessarily extinct, but it was more popular in the past than the present. Serge is a soft, durable twill-weave fabric. The pattern of the weave is very much like that of denim – steeply diagonal and reversible. In the 19th century, serge was a popular choice for military… Read More »
Part of the ‘Antique Fabrics’ series, this fabric isn’t necessarily extinct, but it was more popular in the past than the present. A sturdy fabric woven with a hemp warp and linen weft. Used for coats and harder-wearing clothes in the 19th century. Today, cretonne is a mid-weight fabric, usually cotton, printed with a floral motif. One… Read More »
Chambray is a plain-woven cotton with a colored warp and a white weft, very similar to gingham, although chambray is not often woven into checks. When it is, then it’s called a chambray gingham. Historically, it was woven from linen, today it’s made from cotton and cotton blends and it remains in popular usage. It’s closely… Read More »
Part of the ‘Antique Fabrics‘ series, this fabric isn’t necessarily extinct, but it was more popular in the past than the present. AKA drugget. A coarse, economical wool fabric (sometimes wool-silk or wool-linen). It was used for coats, breeches and waistcoats. Today it is still a coarse fabric, but with a cotton warp and wool… Read More »
Part of the ‘Antique Fabrics‘ series, this fabric isn’t necessarily extinct, but it was more popular in the past than the present. Lightweight, loosely woven plain-weave cotton or worsted wool fabric. Étamine is similar to cotton gauze and cheesecloth. Historically derived from a fabric used to sift flour, hence the name (the French word for sieve).… Read More »
Part of the ‘Antique Fabrics‘ series, this fabric isn’t necessarily extinct, but it was more popular in the past than the present. A soft twilled silk or wool, similar to foulard, but heavier. The twill texture is very pronounced. I’ve seen it listed as a dress and coat material in 19th century catalogs. Today, it seems… Read More »
Part of the ‘Antique Fabrics‘ series, this fabric isn’t necessarily extinct, but it was more popular in the past than the present. Historically, foulard was a fine soft silk or cotton in a twill weave, often printed with a small, repeating pattern. Superficially similar to surah. Today’s foulard is a twill woven from silk, acetate,… Read More »
Fabric For Cosplayers