Home Textiles Fabric & Fills 101

Interlooping yarns, creating a stretchy and flexible fabric

Soft, comfortable, and stretchy, excellent drape and fit

Less durable than woven fabrics, may be prone to pilling

Jersey sheets, jersey knit fabrics for fitted sheets, stretchy bed linens

Additional dobby weave patterns added to the base construction for decorative or functional purposes

Versatile, adds design elements, can create textured patterns

May add complexity to the manufacturing process, may affect drape or stretch

Decorative bed linens, duvet covers, pillowcases

Patterns or designs created by pressing or embossing the fabric with heat or pressure

Textured and raised or depressed patterns, adds visual interest

Limited to specific designs or patterns, may affect fabric handfeel

Decorative bed linens, upholstery fabrics, home textiles

Refers to the number of weft or filling yarns used in a single row of woven fabric

Lower cost, faster production time, lighter weight

Lower density compared to double pick, may affect fabric strength

Basic bed linens, budget-friendly fabrics

Smooth and lustrous fabric with a soft and silky handfeel, created using a satin weave with more warp yarns on the surface

Luxurious and silky feel, subtle sheen, drapes well

May be less durable than other weaves, may be prone to snags or pilling

Luxury bed linens, high-end home textiles

Loops on both sides, creating a dense and plush texture

High absorbency, soft and plush feel, excellent water retention

Heavier weight, slower drying time, may require more care in laundering

High-quality bath towels, bath mats, spa robes

Elaborate and intricate designs woven into the fabric using a jacquard loom

Complex and detailed patterns, high-end and luxurious look

Higher cost, may require special care, slower production time

Luxury bath towels, decorative towels, high-end home textiles

Two layers of yarns used in the construction, resulting in a thicker and more plush fabric

Thick and plush texture, high absorbency, luxurious feel

Heavier weight, longer drying time, may require more care in laundering

Luxury bath towels, spa robes, high-end home textiles

Loops made from lightly twisted yarns, creating a balance between softness and durability

Soft and absorbent, durable, retains shape well

May not be as plush as other techniques, moderate drying time

Bath towels, hand towels, home textiles

Down feathers from geese

Soft, lightweight, excellent insulation

Highest warmth-to-weight ratio, luxurious feel

May be more expensive than duck down, larger clusters

High-end comforters, pillows

Feathers from geese

Heavier, less soft than down

Good insulation, more affordable than goose down

May not be as soft, less lofty

Basic comforters, pillows

Synthetic materials such as polyester

Soft, lightweight, affordable

Affordable, hypoallergenic, easy to clean

May not have the same insulation as down, may flatten over time

Budget-friendly comforters, pillows

Foam materials shaped into specific patterns

Contoured, supportive, ergonomic

Provides targeted support, promotes proper alignment

May not have the same softness as down, may retain heat

Orthopedic bedding, specialty pillows

Natural latex derived from rubber trees

Resilient, hypoallergenic, eco-friendly

Durable, hypoallergenic, resistant to dust mites

May be more expensive than synthetic fillings, may have a distinct odor

Eco-friendly bedding, latex pillows

Pattern or design created through weaving different threads

Textured, durable, three-dimensional look

Long-lasting, adds depth and dimension to fabric

Limited to simple designs, may be more expensive

Bedding, upholstery, rugs, decorative pillows

Decorative stitching or designs created with thread on the fabric surface

Intricate, detailed, adds texture and dimension

Adds a high-end look, versatile in design options

May require special care, can be time-consuming and costly

Bedding, table linens, decorative pillows

Fabric-covered cord or tape inserted into seams or edges of fabric

Adds structure, defines edges, adds a decorative touch

Provides a finished look, enhances durability

Limited to edges, may require extra sewing steps

Budget-upholstery, pillows, cushions, comforters

Substance which undergoes phase transition to provide cooling. Generally, the transition will be from solid to liquid and back.

Usually sprayed on foam.

Intensely cool to the touch.

Chemical—warms once phase change is complete.

Bedding.

Silver treatment can be applied to fabric to inhibit the growth of bacteria, fungi, and viruses.

Can be permanently adhered to fabric.

Safer than traditional silver because it does not leach into skin or water supply.

Customers need to be educated on the difference between ionic and non-ionic silvers.

Bedding.

Treatment that helps fabrics release stains more easily during laundering. It works by drawing water, detergent, and surfactant through the fabric during the wash cycle to remove stains.

Can be applied to most fabrics but works best on cotton and cotton blends.

Inexpensive—great benefit for consumers.

Eventually washes out—not as effective on synthetic products.

Bedding.

Gold nano-particles are applied to down clusters.

Non-ionic—attached to down clusters.

2X dry time. Won’t wash out. Natural treatment.

Can be expensive.

All down bedding.

Fabrics and fills are infused with beauty standards like aloe, vitamin E, or even CBD.

Infusions do not change the hand of the product—usually applied to yarn or nanoencapsulated and printed on fabric.

May provide beauty or relaxation benefits.

Research on effectiveness is limited. May wash out. Specific to CBD, labeling requirements can vary greatly by state.

Pillows.