Glossary of Terms
116 PICK – The number of threads per inch used on our higher density Platinum collection.
96 PICK – The number of threads per inch used on our Chromax and Chromasol curtain linings.
BLACKOUT 2 PASS – A double coating applied to curtain lining that blocks out light.
BLACKOUT 3 PASS – A triple coating applied to a fabric to give a total blackout appearance.
BOLT – A format for supplying fabric that is folded half width.
BUCKRAM – A stiff coated fabric used for curtain headings and tiebacks.
BUMP – A thick heavy interlining produced to help with insulation and add extra body to curtains.
CALENDERED FINISH – A process where the fabric is passed through heated rollers to add a sheen to the surface of the fabric giving it a crisper handle.
CHROMAX – Edmund Bell’s exclusive brand for 100% cotton curtain lining which is manufactured to the highest standards to give protection against the harmful effects of sunlight and is available in a number of colours and finishes.
CREASED & LAPPED (C/L) – A traditional method where the fabric is folded in half and wrapped around a board to make it easier to handle and reduce the amount of storage space required.
CRF – Crease Resistant Finish that is applied to a number of our cotton sateen linings to improve handling and draping qualities.
CUT LENGTH – Fabric cut to a specific length.
DIMOUT – A fabric that is woven in multiple layers to help to block out light giving an almost blackout effect.
DOMETTE – A lighter cotton interlining used to improve the draping qualities and appearance of curtains and roman blinds while improving insulation.
DRAPE – The way a fabric hangs under its own weight.
DUOLINE – An interlining bonded to a cotton or polyester cotton curtain lining.
DURABLE FR – A flame retardant finish that can either be dry cleaned or washed dependant on cleaning instructions.
FLAME RETARDANT – Flame retardant fabrics will extinguish flames in line with UK and International standards (see test certificates for specific products).
FUSIBLE – A stiffened fabric that can be ironed onto face fabrics generally used for tie backs.
FWOT – Fabric rolled full width on tubes.
HANDLE – The feel of the material in terms of its stiffness, hardness or softness, roughness or smoothness.
HEAT SET – A heating process that is used to reduce the amount of shrinkage of a fabric or lining.
HWOT – Fabric folded in half and then rolled on to tubes to reduce storage space.
INHERENT FR – A fabric that is woven from flame retardant yarns.
INTERMAX – Edmund Bell’s brand name for interlinings.
LEADED – A fabric with lead chain weight added to one side.
LIGHT FASTNESS – The ability of the fabric to hold its original colour when exposed to sunlight. This is measured using a standard method which is compared to the British Standard Grey Scale which helps to measure the variation in colour after exposure against the original colour.
MICROFIBRE – A textured yarn used to add extra body to the fabric without adding weight, generally used in lighter weight fabrics.
NON-DURABLE FR – A flame retardant finish that cannot be cleaned unless it is retreated afterwards.
OPACITY – The measure of the impenetrability of light.
PIECE – A full roll of fabric.
PLATINUM – Edmund Bell’s brand name for the higher density 100% cotton curtain linings which is manufactured with additional threads to give extra density and protection against the harmful effects of sunlight.
PRE-SHRUNK – A process that is used to reduce the amount of shrinkage of interlinings when manufacturing curtains.
RAISED – A combing process used to loosen the fibres on a fabric to give it a furry appearance which helps to improve the thickness and insulation properties.
SARILLE – A synthetic interlining used to improve the draping qualities and appearance of curtains and roman blinds while improving insulation.
SATEEN – An appearance that is produced by showing more of the fine weft threads on the surface of that fabric. This creates a higher sheen and denser appearance to the fabric, normally associated with cotton curtain lining fabrics.
SATIN – A weaving method that shows more of the finer warp threads on the surface of the fabric. This creates a higher sheen and denser appearance to the fabric, normally associated with polyester cotton curtain lining fabrics or face fabrics.
SCHREINGER FINISH – A process where the fabric is passed through a fine engraved roller system in order to align all of the weft threads thereby adding a lustrous appearance to the fabric and helping to improve the opacity to give added protection against the effects of sunlight.
SELVEDGE – The edge of the fabric.
SOLPRUFE 63 – A well-known industry brand name that is synonymous with curtain linings giving excellent light fastness and dimensional stability.
TEFLON – A branded protective coating which helps to protect the fabric against moisture and soiling.
THERMAL – A fabric with a single back coating fabric that is used to help insulate the room.
TWILL WEAVE – A weaving method that is produced by showing the warp threads on the surface of the fabric to create a soft sheen and denser appearance to the fabric and giving better protection against sunlight.
WARP – The threads running down the fabric parallel to the selvedge of the fabric.
WEFT – The threads running across the width of the fabric.