Glossary

Basic block: [aka Sloper] Foundation pattern that can be adapted into a variety of designs.

Burn test: Preliminary test to identify and categorise a fibre, i.e. natural fibre, synthetic fibre, or a fibre blend.

Centimeter: [cm] metric unit of length. 1 inch equals 2.54 cm.

Fabric manipulation: Any technique that changes or reshapes the appearance and hand of a fabric.

• i.e. adding embellishments, textures, support, waves, pleats, or folds.

Faux buttonstand: Imitation buttonstand [fabric manipulation technique].

Fibre: The most basic component of a textile, that is fine and hairlike, and can be either natural or synthetic.

• • Natural fibres, such as cotton, linen, wool, and silk.

  • Synthetic or manufactured fibres, such as nylon, polyester, and spandex.

  • Regenerated manufactured fibres, such as viscose and tencel.

Filament fibre: Long, continuous strands of fibre, that are measured in metres or even kilometres.

• • Examples include silk and most manufactured fibres, such as nylon and polyester.

Sloper: See Basic block

Staple fibre: Short fibre strands that are measured in centimetres.

• • Examples include cotton, wool, as well as manufactured fibres such as nylon and polyester, that have been cut into shorter staple fibres.