Lexicon

A synthetic fiber produced from a synthetic material obtained from synthesizing acrylic, a chemical component.

An extra piece of fabric at the bottom of the duvet cover which is folded back under the mattress.

A bedspread or quilt made by using a South of France traditional stuffing technique. Two layers of light cotton fabric with stuffing in between are quilted together, creating a raised effect between sections of the design. It is also known as matelassage, piqûre de Marseilles or Marseilles work.

A textile fiber made of the silky threads that surround the cotton seeds. The fabrics are supple and soft. The longer the fibers, the more resistant the thread and the softer and silkier the fabric is to the touch. That’s why, at Tradition des Vosges, we use long fibers almost exclusively.

Cotton can be labelled as (cotton) percale when it has a thread count of about 200 or higher per square inch (or 80 per square centimeter). The fabric is smooth, thin, light and supple.

Combing is an operation which separates and discards short fibers (usually between 15 to 20%) in order to keep only the long fibers. Combed cotton threads are used for high quality plain weave which is more resistant and softer to the touch.

The cotton is slighty brushed, which gives the fabric a very fluffy and soft aspect. Flannel bed linens are particularly popular in winter.

A piece of material which is used to protect pillows, bolsters or eiderdowns and duvets. At Tradition des Vosges, we make 3 different sorts of pillow cases :

• (Standard) Oxford (Border) case : A simple or stitched case with thread that adorns the edge of the seamed pillowcase (flat flounce).
• A double-sided stitched case : You can use it on both sides because there are folds on both sides inside the case to hold the pillow.
• Flounced case : A case with an added flounce all around that is more or less gathered.
• Bag-style pillowcase : A case with no border. This type of pillow case is mostly designed for the hospitality industry and to protect the bedding.

An innovative technique which allows the printing of photographic images on textile, achieving optimal quality and detail.

A piece of fabric that borders bed or table linens, often in contrasting colors in order to bring out another color. The facing can also be enhanced by a bias binding.

A very absorbent fabric. Its weave is similar to beeswax cells.

The edge of a piece of cloth that has been folded and sewn.

• Oxford Border is simple or “stitched” : a thread that adorns the edge of a seamed pillowcase or duvet cover. There are approximately 10 stitches per square inch (4 to 5 stitches per square centimeter).

Something especially made for duvet covers which makes it much easier to insert the duvet.

A shiny fabric made on the Jacquard loom, which allows the weaving of complex patterns visible on both sides.

A textile made from the fibers of the flax plant (linum), which results in very delicate, lightweight, breathable fabrics that are appreciated for their coolness in summer. Linen is naturally brown-colored, yet the fiber is treated in order to give it the most subtle shades.

A fiber made of beech tree cellulose. This material is close to viscose. It is soft, supple, silky, absorbent and quite comfortable.

Mohair is a natural fiber which comes from the fine hair of the Angora goat from Asia Minor. It has excellent insulating properties, while remaining cool in summer.

A tight stitch which prevents the fabric from fraying, it is for instance used for the opening at the bottom edge of a duvet cover or to finish the hem of a fitted sheet.

A synthetic fiber made from a synthetic material which is the result of the synthesis of chemical components called polyesters. It is famous for being both resistant and supple.

The silk thread is of animal origin and is made from the cocoon spun by the silk worm. A noble fabric, it is famous for its softness, sheen, suppleness and for being particularly comfortable.

An embroidery stitch that creates a slightly raised area or raised effect on the fabric.

• Shaved bourdon stitch : the bourdon or satin stitch is closely shaved by a special machine.
• Bourdon with a wick : either running stitches or a wick are inserted under the satin stitch in order to create more relief. 5 cones of thread and one for the spool are needed for such a stitch.
• Traditional bourdon stitch : a simple satin or bourdon stitch with a traditional finishing.

A sturdy cotton material which is soft, warm and fluffy. It is mostly used to protect the bedding.

The number of thread contained in one square inch or square centimeter of fabric. Generally, the higher the thread count, the better the quality of the fabric.
For cotton house linens, the standard thread counts are around 150 per square inch (57 per square centimeter) counting both warp (length) and weft (width) threads.

A quality fabric with the standard thread count for bed linens (150 thread per square inch equals 57 threads per square centimeters).

A soft and fluffy fabric. It is ideal for a robe for instance as it will make it extremely comfy and nice to wear.

The type of weaving and interlacing of the warp and weft yarns or threads. A fabric has different properties (in its aspect and to the touch) according to its type of weaving: plain weave, twill or satin weave.

Warp yarns are held stationary on the frame or loom while the lengthwise or longitudinal weft (or filling) yarns are drawn through and inserted over-and-under the warp.

After several controlled high-temperature washes, it has an intentionally old and “floppy” feel, and is also intentionally crumpled, which gives it a nice vintage finish. DO NOT IRON.