Encyclopedia Archive

Nainsook

A lightweight plain weave cotton fabric usually finished to create a luster and a soft hand. Common end-uses are infants’ wear, blouses, and lingerie.

Nano Fiber

Nano refers to 1 billionth of a meter, or 1 x 10-8 centimeter. 150,000 strands of a nano-fiber can fit across a human hair.

Nano Technology

Complex technology that involves nano-size materials and combines science such as biology, chemistry and physics, and engineering.

Nap

A fuzzy, fur-like feel created when fiber ends extend from the basic fabric structure to the fabric surface. The fabric can be napped on either one or both sides.

The raising of fibers on the face of the goods by means of teasels or rollers covered with card clothing (steel wires) that are about one inch in height. Action by either method raises the protruding fibers and causes the finished fabric to provide greater warmth to the wearer, makes the cloth more compact, causes the fabric to become softer…

Nattè

Is French for “plaited” or “braided,” and natté fabric has the appearance of basket weave with interwoven yarns. However, instead of being a plain weave, the fabric is made using dobby loom control, and the open-work of the yarns is held more firmly than a basket weave.

Natural Dyes

Dyes that are made from mineral, vegetable (plant) or animal; otherwise obtained from natural sources. The most common types include Indigo, Cochineal, Lac, Logwood, Madder, Munjeet, Catechu, Brazilwood, Osage Orange, Fustic, Weld, Tannin, and Quercitron.

Natural-Fiber

These are normally comprised of cellulose and include the following: Bamboo, Coir, Cotton, Flax, Hemp, Jute, Kenaf, Linen, Manila, Pina, Raffia, Ramie, and Sisal.

Net 1

An open mesh fabric of rayon, nylon, cotton, or silk; made in a variety of geometric-shaped meshes of different sizes and weights, matched to various end-uses. The net is made by knotting the intersections of thread or cord to form the mesh.