Fabric Glossary: Terms Starting with F

Fabric

Any woven, knitted, felted, braided, spreading, or non-woven material made from fibers. Fabrics serve as the foundational material for producing various products and goods. (See also: Textile.)

Face

In fabrics or knits, across the three main fabric categories (apparel, decorative, and industrial), the face refers to the "right side" of the fabric. This is the side intended to be visible when used in garments, drapery, or other finished products.

Face Finished

Refers to treatments applied specifically to the fabric’s face (right side) to alter its texture or appearance. Common finishing techniques include brushing, sanding, sueding, teasing, and flocking.

Faille

A fabric characterized by slight ribs running in the weft direction. Faille belongs to the grosgrain family and is known for its subtle ribbed texture.

Faille Crepe

A variation of faille fabric featuring a wavy, crepe-like texture, combining the ribbed structure with a crinkled surface.

Faille Taffeta

A crisp faille fabric with characteristics similar to taffeta but distinguished by slight ribs in the weft.

Fat Quarter

A fat quarter is a quarter-yard cut of fabric, typically cut crosswise from a half-yard length. It is a popular size in quilting due to its convenient dimensions.

Felt

A non-woven fabric made by matting, rolling, and pressing wool fibers together using moisture and heat. This process creates a dense, smooth surface. Felt is widely used in crafts, hats, clothing, and industrial applications such as machinery padding.

Fiber

A fiber is a fundamental strand in fabric construction, which can be either long or short. It must be spinnable and possess length, strength, pliability, and cohesiveness. Fibers originate from natural sources (e.g., silk, cotton, wool, hair) or synthetic/man-made materials.

Fibranne

The French term for spun rayon yarn.

Filament

A filament is a continuous fiber found in plant or animal structures. In synthetic textiles, filaments are fibers of indefinite length, which are spun into threads and woven into fabric.

Filling Yarn

Also known as the weft or pick, filling yarns run crosswise and interlace with warp yarns at right angles during weaving. Filling yarns typically have less twist than warp yarns. In lace, fillings refer to small net areas within a pattern, contrasting with the ground, which is the net background.

Finish / Finishing

The process or treatment applied to woven or knitted fabrics to convert them into usable or final products. Finishes may create surface effects such as embossing, lacquering, napping, or mercerizing. Functional finishes include luster enhancement, crease resistance, and water repellency. Finishing often affects the fabric’s hand (feel).

Flannel

A slightly napped fabric with a soft texture. Flannel can be woven in twill or plain weave and finished by napping or brushing. Originally made from worsted wool, modern flannel is produced from wool, cotton, synthetic fibers, or blends.

Flannelette

A fabric napped on both sides, resembling flannel but with a coarser texture due to a different weave. Flannelette can have a long or short nap and is typically made from cotton fibers, though it can also use wool or synthetics.

Flax

A natural plant fiber used to produce linen fabric. Also known as linseed, flax fibers vary in quality: the finest grades are used for linen textiles, while coarser grades are used for twine and rope manufacturing.

Fleece

Has two meanings: the wool coat of a sheep, and a soft, knitted, napped fabric made from synthetic fibers (polyester), cotton, or wool. Fleece fabric is created by shredding and cutting yarn loops to produce a soft, fuzzy surface. Known for excellent insulation, fleece is commonly used for sweatshirts, sportswear, loungewear, and blankets.

Flock / Flocking / Flock-Dotting

A process of applying very short fibrous particles to a fabric or surface, creating a velvety texture. Flocking can be decorative or functional (e.g., to prevent slippage or add reflectivity). It is used on textiles, photographic materials, industrial surfaces, flooring, and wallpaper.

Foulard

A French term meaning neckerchief or scarf, with three related meanings: the actual scarf or tie, a printed pattern, or a type of fabric. Foulard fabric is lightweight, soft-finished, and made from silk, cotton, or rayon. It can be plain or twill weave and is usually printed with small repeating motifs. In men’s ties, “foulard” refers to the pattern rather than the fabric. It is popular for neckwear such as ties, bowties, and scarves.

French Terry

A knitted fabric sometimes confused with fleece but distinct in texture. French terry has loops on one side and soft piles on the other, offering a medium weight between t-shirts and sweatshirts. It is made from cotton, rayon, polyester, or blends and is valued for comfort and breathability.