What is a textile dictionary?

A textile dictionary is a glossary of terms used in the textile industry, or by anyone who handles fabric regularly. These words refer to types of fabric, processes in which they are used and the machinery involved, and they describe a wide range of elements and functions of the industry.

There are many words that, when applied to the textile industry, are defined differently. For example, a "hand," by popular definition, is a five-digit appendage at the end of the arm. However, "hand" in the textile industry refers to the way a fabric feels to the touch, and a "good hand" describes a fabric that retains its shape well without stiffness.