What is Fabric?

What is fabric? What is fabric for? What is a textile? What is the difference between fabric and a textile? Welcome to M & P Trikam, the home to quality fabric and textiles in South Africa. Today we want to answer some of your most frequently asked questions, as well as provide you with some interesting information concerning the different types of fabrics and textiles that we sell. Interested? Then please read on...

So, what is fabric and what is a textile? According to Wikipedia:

A textile or cloth is a flexible woven material consisting of a network of natural or artificial fibres often referred to as thread or yarn. Yarn is produced by spinning raw fibres of wool, flax, cotton, or other material to produce long strands. Textiles are formed by weaving, knitting, crocheting, knotting, or pressing fibres together (felt). 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 fibres. 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.

Here at M & P Trikam, we can supply you with the following types of fabric for making clothes in South Africa:

• Raw Dupion Silk: Raw Dupion silk is a fantastic choice if you are making clothes for women. It offers a more delicate appearance and feels like heaven on the skin. It can also be used for making drapery.
• Ramie Linen: This is one of the strongest natural fibres, making for a durable type of fabric. It is an excellent fabric to use if you wish to reduce wrinkling and thus get rid of the need for ironing after each wash.
• Tafetta: this is fabric made using silk and synthetic fibres. It is a sophisticated fabric that is often used in the creation of ballroom gowns, wedding dresses and lingerie.
• Giano Linen
• Gingham Checks
• Mole Skin: Mole skin is not a textile, but a fabric. It is made from heavy cotton and is often used when making clothes that need to be durable and yet still soft to the touch. It is a firm favourite amongst our clients here at M & P Trikam. Mole skin is also great to use in order to make wind proof clothes in South Africa. However, the mole skin has to be woven extremely tightly for this to be so.