Term | Definition |
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La Coste | Double-knit material which combines knit and tuck stitches. The result is a solid mesh-like design. La coste is generally made of cotton or a cotton blend. |
Lace | A popular bridal and special occasion fabric, lace refers to an openwork fabric made either by hand or machine. Laces can be knotted, crocheted, knitted or woven. Handmade needle laces, such as Alencon, are highly prized. |
Lamé | A fabric which features metallic threads woven into the background or the design. There are several types of lamé, including satin lamé which has a smooth finish and tissue lamé which is very thin. This novelty fabric is suitable for costumes and evening wear. |
Leather | Animal skin which has been prepared for use as clothing, upholstery, or accessories. Cowhide is the most common leather, but many other varieties are available. Each type of leather has a distinctive grain. Leather fabric is durable, attractive and warm. It is widely used for upholstery of home and office furniture, as well for automobile and truck upholstery. Leather is best sewn on an industrial sewing machine, since it is difficult for most home sewing machines to handle its thickness. |
Leather Fabric | A term frequently used for imitation leather fabrics which are made of a blend of PVC, polyester, and cotton. High quality leather fabric is available in a variety of grains, such as Robert Allen Later Gator Leather fabric, and vinyl patent leather. This quality fabric is available in deep tans, blacks, and greys, as well as brights, such as red and green. It is durable, easy to clean and ideal for many upholstery projects, as well as for tote bags, laptop bags, and purses. |
Leatherette | A synthetic imitation leather. Leather fabric and vinyl leather are other terms for Leatherette. This fabric is used for upholstery, purses, and other items. See also “leather fabric”. |
Leno Bags | Mesh polypropylene bags used to store produce and other items. Leno bags have drawstrings and come in various colors such as red and purple. They are available in different sizes suitable for the use. The mesh of these polypropylene bags allows whatever is stored in them to breath so they are used for potatoes, onions, oranges, and other produce. Leno bags are more commonly called mesh produce bags or polypropylene bags. See also “Mesh firewood bags,” “Mesh onion sacks” “Mesh potato bags” and “Mesh produce sacks.” |
Linen | Fiber which comes from the flax plant. Linen is stronger than cotton and is known to be cool and comfortable. It comes in various weights and qualities and is suitable for jackets, pants, suits, and dresses. Linen's only drawback is that it lacks elasticity, so wrinkles very easily. |
Loden Cloth | Felted or fulled cloth, originally from Austria. Loden cloth is made from wool or wool blended with alpaca or camel hair. It is naturally waterproof and is used for outerwear such as coats. |
Lycra | Spandex from DuPont. Lycra moves with the wearer and is lightweight and comfortable. |