FAQs About Types of Fabric

There are many different types of fabric, and keeping track of all of them is often a hassle. Here are some common questions -- and their answers -- that many people have when it comes to different types of fabric. It is a wide, wide world, and keeping your facts straight is difficult; use this information to help clear the fog.

Q: What is fabric?

A: Fabric is defined as multiple fibers that are woven together to create a flexible length of material. The fibers are often made of natural materials, but synthetic fabrics are increasing in popularity all over the world.

Q: What is muslin?

A: Made of cotton, muslin is a fabric that originated in India. It consists of unbleached white cloth that is loosely woven to create light and breathable fabric.

Q: What is silk?

A: Silk, an Oriental treasure, is a protein fiber created by silkworms, the larvae of the mulberry moth. The adult moths and the larvae feast solely on the leaves of the mulberry plant, hence the name. This silk is valued for its flexibility and strength and has proven an important trade commodity for hundreds of years.

Q: What is calico?

A: Calico is a fabric woven of coarse cotton. Often, calico was used by lower-class families in the south; the inferior quality cotton was all most families could afford.

Q: What is leather?

A: Leather is produced by the tanning and preparing of animal hides. Cows, horses, buffalo and many sea creatures are used to create leather fabric for everything from clothing to shoes.