Damask
Fiber: Linen, silk, rayon, cotton, synthetics, wool, worsteds.
Weave: Figured on Jacquard loom.
Characteristics: Originally made of silk. Very durable. Reversible fabric with woven pattern. Sheds dirt. The firmer the texture, the better the quality. Launders well and holds a high lustre - particularly in linen.

Denim
Fiber: Cotton
Weave: Twill - right hand - may be L2/1 or L3/1.
Characteristics: Originally had dark blue, brown or dark gray warp with a white or gray filling giving a mottled look and used only for work clothes. Now woven in bright and pastel colors with stripes as well as plain. Long wearing, it resists snags and tears. Comes in heavy and lighter weights.
Uses: Pants, caps, uniforms, bedspreads, slipcovers, draperies, upholstery, sportswear.

Doeskin
Fiber: Wool and also rayon.
Weave: A satin weave.
Characteristics: Very smooth, lustrous surface made with a slight short nap very close and compact weave to look like fine leather. Weave not visible because of napping. Very high quality wool used. Needs care in handling. Medium weight.
Uses: Women's suits and coats, and also in a lighter weight for dresses. Sportswear and riding habits for both men and women. Trousers and waistcoats for men.

Dotted Swiss
Fiber: Cotton
Weave: Plain weave for ground
Characteristics: Dots regularly or irregularly placed on a semi-sheer usually crisp fabric. It is made in 32" widths. The ground fabric is usually a voil or a lawn.
Uses: Children's/women's summer dresses & blouses, aprons, curtains. Young looking.

Double Face Satin (see Satin)
Yarn woven with two warps and one filling, to simulate a double satin construction. Has satin on both sides. Cotton filling is often used in cheaper qualities.

Doubleknit
Fiber: Cotton, wool,, silk, rayon, and synthetics
Weave: Circular or flat-needle bar type
Characteristics: Two faced. Either face may be used as the right side.

Douppioni
Fiber: Silk
Weave: Plain
Characteristics: Silk yarns made from cocoon of two worms that nested together. The double strand is not separated so yarn is uneven and irregular with large diameters in places. Fabric is very irregular with many slubs. It is imitated in rayon and some synthetics

Drill
Fiber: Cotton
Weave: Twill.
Characteristics: Closer, flatter wales that gabardine.
Uses: Uniforms, work clothes, slip covers, sportswear, and many industrial uses.

Duchess (see Satin)
It is a dress fabric. Very fine yarns are used, Has a high lustre, and texture, and it is firm. Usually 36" wide. Characterized by grainy twill on back.

Duck
Fiber: Cotton. Originally made in linen.
Weave: Plain, but also crosswise rib.
Characteristics: Also called canvas. Very closely woven and heavy. It is the most durable fabric made. There are many kinds of duck but the heavier weighs are called canvas. Washable, often water-proof / wind proof. Made in various weights.
Uses: Utility clothing in lighter weightsÑtrousers, jackets, aprons.

Duvetene
Fiber: Good quality wool. If made in cotton, is usually called suede cloth.
Weave: Satin, 7 or 8 shaft.
Characteristics: Close weave, brushed, singed, and sheared to conceal the weave, smooth plush appearance resembling a compact velvet.
Uses: Women's coats, suits, and dresses, depending on the weight, millinery.

Faille
Fiber: Silk, rayon.
Weave: Crosswise rib.
Characteristics: Has a definite crosswise rib effect. Very soft material that drapes well. Finer than gros grain but in that family - ribs are also flatter than in grosgrain. Has a lustrous finish.
Uses: Dresses, blouses, soft evening purses, some dressy coats.

Faille Taffeta (See Taffeta)
Made with a crosswise rib weave. Has distinct rib effect, usually quite heavy and firm.

Felt
Fiber: Wool, reprocessed wool, reused wool, scrap Fiber, can be mixed with other Fibers
Weave: Not woven
Characteristics: A very compact fabric in various weights and thicknesses. Has no grain so can be cut any way. Needs no hemming or finishing, because it does not fray.
Uses: slippers, lining of many kinds, insoles, hats and felt skirts.

Flannel
Fiber: Wool, worsted, cotton, rayon.
Weave: Usually twill, some plain.
Characteristics: Soft, with a napped surface that partially cancels the weave. Dull finish. Made in a variety of weights. Shrinks if not pre-shrunk. Sags with wear, unless underlined. Does not shine or hold a crease. Watch pressing - if pressed too hard, it flattens the nap.
Uses: Blazers, dresses, skirts, suits and coats. Boys suits, jackets, and shirts.

Flannelette
Fiber: Cotton
Weave: Plain and twill.
Characteristics: A heavy, soft material with a napped finish, usually only on one side. In cheaper qualities the nap comes off. Launders well, easy to manipulate and is warm to wear. There are many types on the market. It may be bleached, dyed, printed, or woven in colored stripes.
Uses: Infants and children's wear, men's, women's and children's sleeping wear, pocket linings, quilts, shirtings.

Flax
Fiber:
Weave:
Characteristics: Linen. It's color is usually off-white or tan and due to it's natural wax content, flax has excellent luster. It is considered to be the strongest of the vegetable Fibers and is highly absorbent, allowing moisture to evaporate with speed. It conducts heat well and can be readily boiled. It's washability is great, however, it has poor elasticity and does not easily return to it's original shape after creasing.
Uses: Apparel fabric. Fleece
Fiber: Wool, specialty hair Fibers, cotton. Weave Plain, twill, pile or knitted.
Characteristics: Deep, soft nap or pile. This provides air space giving good insulating properties without too much weight. Material is often cumbersome and bulky, therefore it may be difficult to manipulate.
Uses: Mostly used for coats for men, women, and children.