Pocket Handbook for Assistant Buyers: A – Z of Textile Terms

Melange – A melange yarn or heather yarn(taken from the French verb mélanger – to mix) is where fibres of different colours are mixed together in the form of ‘tops’ or slivers before they are spun. Wool and wool mixture yarns are commonly used to produce melange yarns as well as cotton. White cotton is often combined with a coloured polyester yarn, for example, white and a shade of grey will produce a grey melange yarn.

Marl – A marl yarn is where two or more coloured or a white and coloured yarn, known as rovings are twisted together in the spinning process.

Greige – This is a fabric which is undyed or unfinished. Some mills will keep greige cloth in stock which can then be dyed into specific colours on demand.

Georgette – A delicate fabric similar to chiffon but with a more obvious crepe appearance. The crepe effect is produced by using twisted warp and weft yarns. 100% silk or silk mixes add a luxury feel to the fabric. It is frequently used for evening wear.

Chenille – Chenille yarn has a distinctive look and is mainly made from cotton, acrylic or viscose. The word is taken from the French word for caterpillar as the finished yarn has random tufts or pile which protrudes at right angles from the main body of the yarn. It is produced by combining short lengths of spun yarn (the pile) with two ends of highly twisted, fine, strong yarn (the core) which are wrapped around the pile. The finished yarn has a distinctive soft hand feel and lustrous appeal. Chenille can also be produced as a finished woven fabric.