Fabric Glossary: Terms Starting with G

Gabardine

Is a firm tightly woven fabric showing a diagonal line on the surface of the fabric and smooth on the back side. It is a warp-face twill weave made on a 45° or 63° right hand twill. Characterized by diagonal parallel ribs, the angle of the ribs and the direction of the weave define the specific twill pattern. Gabardine is available in many weights and can be made from silk, wool, cotton, and blends including synthetics. Originally, gabardine referred to a type of clothing however popularity grew and became popular for outer garments and cloaks or protective smocks because of its naturally water-repellent characteristics due to being tightly woven.

Galloon

Galloon refers to a broad category of narrow decorative trims, including braids, trimmings, lace, or embroidery. Traditionally, a galloon specifically refers to a type of braid, often made with metallic threads, though it can be crafted from any fiber and is not limited to metallic materials. Unlike ribbons, galloons have a distinct braided or embroidered structure.

In lace-making, a true galloon is created by braiding or corded embroidery. For example, Alençon lace is known for its true galloon, characterized by heavy embroidery and braided or corded edges that provide a raised, textured outline. Over time, however, the term "galloon" has broadened in common usage to refer to various types of lace trims, not just those made by braiding.

A double galloon is a specific style featuring scalloped edges on both sides of the trim.

Gauze

Is a sheer, lightweight, and translucent fabric made from fibers such as silk, cotton, linen, or synthetic materials. Its open weave gives it a delicate, airy quality. Gauze is used in a variety of applications, including surgical dressings, cheesecloth, cleaning cloths, scrims, clothing, and draperies.

The fabric was originally produced in the city of Gaza and was made from silk fibers, however, the terminology surrounding gauze varies by region. In some parts of the world, "gauze" primarily refers to surgical bandaging fabric, while "cheesecloth" denotes a similar fabric used for garments and other purposes. Additionally, the term "muslin" is sometimes loosely used to describe gauze-like fabrics in different regions.

Gazar (Gazaar)

Is a plain weave fabric with a crisp texture and a smooth finish. It can be made from silk, wool, synthetics, and blends, and is available in different weights.

Genoese Lace

Is a type of bobbin lace in the guipure style, with intricate geometric patterns and has small, woven leaf-shaped motifs known as tallies or wheat ears. Genoese lace originates from Genoa, Italy in the 16th century, and is valued for its fine craftsmanship and elegant appearance.

Gimp

Is a narrow, braided ornamental trimming used in sewing and upholstery. When making lace, gimp refers to a heavier or thicker thread that is used to outline or define patterns, adding texture and emphasis to the design. The raised thread creates a distinct border that enhances the overall appearance of the lace or fabric.

Gingham

Is a yarn dyed fabric woven into even sided and balanced block, check, or striped patterns. Gingham can be made from silk, cotton, polyester and blends and is available in different weights from lightweight to heavyweight.

Goods

Are referred to in the textile industry as merchandise, products, or fabrics.

Grain

In fabrics the grain refers to the direction in which the threads are woven. The grain runs the warp or length and weft or width of a fabric. The warp weave is called the straight grain, and the weft weave is called the cross grain.

Grey, Greige, Griege Goods

In textiles these refer to fabric without color - the way it came off the loom without receiving any wet or dry finishing. The threads used to weave the fabric have not been dyed first. Greige goods are unprocessed or unfinished fabric or knits which can also be classified as PFD prepared for dying or PFP prepared for printing.

Grenadine

Is a fine, loosely woven fabric in an open leno weave similar to marquisette. Typically, grenadine is used for ties and can be made from silk, cotton and synthetics. Weave styles can vary from more open thicker types to exceptionally fine and smooth textures. Faux grenadine made from synthetics have a similar look from afar but close up they are just textured synthetic fabric and are not a true grenadine weave.

Grosgrain

Is a plain weave, heavy ribbed or corded fabric which is often referred to as ribbon. The ribs on the fabric will vary from a small number per inch to as high as 40 ribs per inch. Grosgrain can be made with silk, wool, rayon or synthetic threads in the warp and usually has a cotton or synthetic filling. Grosgrain is a rugged durable fabric suitable for formal apparel, ribbons, webbing or binding around luggage, packs, and bags. Faille Taffeta is part of the grosgrain family.

Ground

In fabrics and laces the ground is the foundation or starting fabric, netting or sheer before the applique, embroidery, or printing processes.

Guipure Lace

Guipure lace is a type of bobbin lace characterized by its thick, prominent motifs that are connected by bars, brides, or plaits instead of a traditional net or mesh background. Guipure lace has a substantial, textured feel due to the use of heavier threads in the motif construction. Originally, guipure lace was handmade from cotton, but today it is predominantly machine-made using synthetic fibers such as nylon and polyester.