Glossary - Calluna Home

SACKA type of rough fabric bag made from hessian, jute or hemp for carrying soft items and foodstuffs. Flour sacks, hop sacks, grain sacks, and coffee sacks sacks can be recycled into smart furnishings within a deliberately rustic look for an urban setting or in any warehouse style, country or(...)

SADDLE BAGSaddlebags used for horses, camels, donkeys, goats, etc. can be made with great craftsmanship and typical folk decorations and materials, and are well worth collecting. They are durable, often colourful, fit into most environments and are a joy to look at. Display on walls, or turn into(...)

SADDLE CLOTHA hardwearing, traditionally hand worked blanket, pad or fabric that fits between the animal's back and the saddle. By the time the rider or camel driver wants to part with them they are often worn, but can be cut down and remade into hardwearing cushions.

SADDLEROne who makes or deals in saddles or saddlery, a master leatherworker, able to work with complex leather and therefore with all the right tools and expertise to help with any interiors project. A saddler's involvement can be invaluable for both new and refurbishment projects, for example(...)

SADIRONThe 'sad' in the name is the old English word for solid, and it was, a very heavy type of flat iron pointed at both ends, used to press heavy woollen fabrics. It would be heated over the open fire or range and held over a damp cloth, the steam penetrating the wool to set the work, shrinking it(...)

SAFARI PRINTAny printed design depicting safari scenes and wild animal, especially African animals such as giraffes, elephants, zebras, big cats, crocodiles, etc.

SAFETY CURTAINRefers to a fireproof interior furnishing especially used in commercial buildings made of stainless steel wire, reinforced glass fabric, or other fire retardant materials, which is lowered to control the spread of fire. Also a metal mesh curtain mechanism fitted to the inner front edges of the(...)

SAGESalvia officinalis, or common sage, is one of the most popular and easiest of the culinary herbs to grow, particularly in the garden, or in a window box on hand to be used all year round.. One of the early medicinal herbs for soothing skin and as a decongestant, an essential ingredient in(...)

SAILCLOTHA very stiff, hardwearing 100% cotton canvas plain or basket weave fabric designed for use as yacht sails. It is most useful in interior furnishings in the creamy-white colour for inexpensive curtains, or coloured and striped for garden awnings and deck chairs. Shrink before use and iron(...)

SAKIOROA Japanese technique of weaving, re-using finely cut or torn strips of used textiles, usually recycled clothing, creating a textured cloth to make into garments, or furnishings. The strips can also be used to weave or to tuft rag rugs. We think of our similar work and ideals as rags and(...)

SALONIn France, a reception room (grand salon, petit salon), which in English meets the same requirements as the drawing room and the smaller, less formal sitting rooms in the houses of large country estates. In the stately homes, grand homes and palaces of Europe the salon is a large open room,(...)

SALTNormal table salt is used in dye baths to reduce pH levels, which allows some dyes to take more easily to the fibre. Salt is also used to reduce impurities in raw materials, a good wash with salt cleans, pre-shrinks and pre-prepares all manner of potential and inexpensive furnishing(...)

SAMPLEA small piece of any material with a reference that you are given to look at, feel, test, match, to decide whether it is right for purpose, before placing an order for a larger amount. There are various sample designations: Cutting: a small sample from the general stock Swatch: small(...)

SAMPLERA beginner's exercise in hand embroidery, usually the alphabet, mottos or ornamental motifs worked on canvas and signed and dated. Previously, this would have been an important part of a young girl's education, she would spend hours with a needle making up samplers to practice, hone and(...)

SANDALWOODA fragrant wood indigenous to Australasia and southeast Asia. The essential oil has an exotic, heady aroma used for incense and perfumes. In the home, a few drops on the top of a lampshade frame to release the essence as they warm up, or slivers of wood or drops of oil into soft wood balls for(...)

SANDSTONEA fairly soft sedimentary rock composed of sand, clay, feldspar quartz and haemetite. Sandstone my be any colour from pale off white sand, to yellow-brown, reds, tan grey and black – in fact any and all of the colours you pick up in a handful of pre-sand sea shingle. However the colour that(...)

SANDWASHEDA natural textile finishing technique that gives a fabric a soft touch and an aged appearance. Grains of sand act as an abrasive – like free-range sandpaper – on the surface to break up a glaze or polished finish, or just to roughen up the fibres a bit, to create a soft matte finish. The(...)

SANFORIZEDA patented textile treatment process that involves mechanically starching, shrinking and fixing a woven cloth to preshrink and thoroughly stabilise it prior to use. Heading tapes such as buckram and interlinings – anything that needs to be stable – should be bought sanforized to reduce the(...)

SANSKRITOne of the very early Indo-European languages, an ancient and sacred language spoken in India and employed in Hindu, Jain and Buddhist writings The Hindu Vedic oral tradition and subsequent writings (the earliest, the Rigveda, dating back to the 2nd century BC) were in Sanskrit, the mantra(...)

SARIThe girls at Sewa womens organisation isn Lucknow taking a break from their hand embroidered chickankari work. On the streets of Jodphur, such an incredibly beautiful picture.... " Saris belong to a region rather than a social strata. Everyone from the cobblers wife to the(...)

SARONGA garment made of a long length or tube of fabric particularly associated with southeast Asia (sarong being a Malay and Indonesian word), but existing under other names in many traditional societies the world over. The tube style sarong is standard dress for many men and occasionally women(...)

SASH WINDOWAlso called a hung sash window, it is a Georgian, architectural feature, and to everyones mind the most elegant of functional windows. It is typically constructed of two moveable frames, or sashes,, each with one or more glass panels, set one above the other, which slide vertically up or down(...)

SASHIKOFrom the Japanese sashi, ‘to stitch’ and ko, ‘small’, this is a 17thC Japanese hand sewing technique used for textile repairs and recycling best known for its geometric designs very often worked in worked in white or off white on indigo dyed cloth. Sashiko is similar to the Indian kantha(...)

SATEENA satin weave of cotton, linen or rayon. Sateen fabrics have a smooth, lustrous, glossy surface that resists dirt and is generally good tempered. Good curtain linings are sateen woven as the fabric is durable, highly practical and accepts sun resistant and fire proofing well.

SATIN To clear one common misconception, satin is a weave not a fabric. It is one of the three basic weaves and it creates a strong and versatile fabric with a glossy face and a matte back. It is primarily woven in silk, cotton and wool, but also from any other fibre, to improve its weight,(...)

SAVONNERIELa Manufacture de la Savonnerie was a reputed French rug, tapestry and furnishing textiles workshop, founded in an obsolete soap factory (savon meaning 'soap’ in French) near Paris in the early 17thC by royal decree. It was spearheaded by two French weavers, who set to employ the techniques of(...)

SAVONNERIE POINT Or point noué Savonnerie, the hand-knotted technique by which Savonnerie rugs are made and which is the secret to their great durability.

SCALEScale, the size of one thing in relation to another, and proportion, is everything to creating a visually pleasing environment. The most expensive and exclusive fabric in the world will be wasted if the finished project is out of sync with the rest of the room. A balanced room design hinges(...)

SCALLOPThe distinctive shape of the scallop shell, full of allegorical and historical symbolism–of fertility, spring, new life, music–that often appears in artistic, textile, furniture, accessories and architectural decorative motifs. The scallop shell has long been associated with St James and is(...)

SCARLETA very bright red colour that can look stunning in an interior scheme, either on its own in a textured weave, or as a splash of colour, an – accent – included in an accessory,, a piping or edging, or just a touch of colour in a painting. Scarlet works well with other colours of equal tone such(...)

SCATTER CUSHIONAny cushion that is supplementary, chosen for both comfort and decorative impact. Stylistically a scatter cushion can be anything – large, small, square, round, and made of absolutely any fabric. It is perhaps partly this diversity and scope that makes scatter cushions so appealing. As the(...)

SCENEAll interior decoration and furnishings set a scene, the stage for life events. It is the background against which you, your friends and family will live, so it is vitally important that you feel it is an environment in which you can be yourself. This is why architecture, furnishings and(...)

SCHIFFLIThe Schiffli machine, invented by Isaak Groebli in Switzerland in 1863, changed the face of embroidery. With multi-needles and a two-thread system similar to a sewing machine, the shuttle holding the bobbin resembled the hull of a sailboat– in German, schifli means ‘little boat’, and it's from(...)

SCONCE1.The early name for a wall mounted bracket to hold candles and the means by which most rooms were lit pre-electricity. Today the term is used for any decorative wall mounted light fixture made to hold candles or electric fittings. Particularly for antique candle holders, conversions and(...)

SCOURINGBefore any fabric is dyed it must be scoured to remove any trace of wax, chemicals, oil or impurities that might hinder the fabric’s ability to accept the dye This process involves washing and rinsing the fabric with an alkaline solution, usually a mild solution of soda ash, lye or caustic(...)

SCREEN PRINTINGA versatile printing technique that creates sharp and detailed prints. The screen, or frame, holds taut woven mesh onto which a design is drawn in an ink-blocking substance, thereby creating a stencil. This is inked, and in the process the design transferred onto fabric or paper. The original(...)

SCRIMA gauze of varying densities made from cotton, flax, or jute, which is used in the building trade, in bookbinding, in curtain making and upholstery. In bookbinding, scrim is glued to the spine to reinforce it; in construction scrim strips are used to cover the cracks and gaps around plaster(...)

SCROLL A roll of parchment or writing paper; also a historic motif inspired by the profile shape of unfurled parchments. 1. Being a precious material, parchment was stored rolled up and gradually unfurled in the process of reading, leaving the top and the bottom curling in opposite directions. It(...)

SCULPTEDSaid of deep pile textiles with a surface design of rows, ridges, florals, etc. that has been carved by hand or machine. Sculpted surfaces throw the light especially well; if the fibre is springy the design keeps its shape, whereas a floppy or long fibre will create a more random impression.(...)

SCUTCHINGA step in preparing, or dressing, textile fibres (flax, cotton, hemp, silk, wooL) for spinning by beating them to remove impurities. This process was previously done by hand with sticks, a scutching knife or a small iron scraper. Since the 19thC, it is now done by scutching machines.

SEA ISLAND COTTONThe name for Gossypium barbadense cotton when grown exclusively in the West Indies (see Egyptian and pima). Sea Island cotton sounds as though it should be romantic and sensuous, and it is indeed just that. With one of the longest and smoothest fibres, its superior strength, softness and(...)

SEA SILKAlso known as mermaid’s gossamer, it is an ancient and extremely rare, fine cloth with a golden gloss woven from the anchoring filaments–the byssus–of bi-valve mollusks such as the pen shell, Pinna nobilis cetacea. It is valued for being both delicate and strong, changing colour when observed(...)

SEAGRASSA marine flowering plant that yields a vegetal fibre used to make furniture, rugs and carpets. China is one of the largest commercial cultivators, growing crops in paddy fields that are flooded with seawater in the growing season. The dried seagrasses are twisted into yarn, which is woven(...)

SEAL SKINDark grey to black, it is very hard wearing and used for upholstering stools or ottomans, skins stitched into floor rugs or outdoor cushions.

SEED STITCHA small, continuous, embroidered stitch that looks like a row of seeds. It may be used within a large design, on its own as a cluster stitch, or in pairs along a hemline or to create the effect of stripes.

SEERSUCKERFrom the Persian word shirshukar, a cotton, cotton mix, rayon or linen fabric with puckered, vertical stripes in varying widths made by alternating tight weaving and loose weaving. It was introduced to Europe via the 18thC East India Trade Company The fabric comes in plain colours, checks or(...)

SELF BUTTONA button made in the same fabric as the main fabric it is used against, creating a design more dependent on shape and shadow than on colour contrast.

SELF-FABRICUsed to describe any trimming, detail or additional piece that is made of the same fabric as used for the main body of the project – a design detail that depends on subtlety of form and shadow rather than on contrast, as in self piped, self bound, self lined…

SELF ON SELFA generic term for any weave that creates a pattern within the cloth, where the weave of the design differs from the ground weave. Very often white on white or neutral colours for lightweight fabrics and sheers; such as jamdani, spot muslin, raised herringbone, dobby, pheasants(...)

SELF TIEA tie, ribbon or cord made in the same fabric as that of the main project.

SELVEDGERefers to the two side edges of any woven fabric, where the wefts reach the end warps, loop around them and then return back to the other side. The last centimetre or so of warp threads are often denser so they can take the tension and keep the fabric taut and true once it leaves the(...)

SEMINAL DESIGNSSome of the textiles we know best, those patterns or forms or motifs that have influence our own lives are the classics - the designs that were made at seminal historical points. Simple things such as William Morris’s willow pattern wallpaper that has never gone out of print, the arabesque,(...)

SEMINAL POINTSThe course of history is defined by moments when something ground breaking, highly original and important happens, just every once in a while. Seminal designs, patterns, techniques and technologies mark turning points in architecture, sculpture, print design or weaving, which are remembered,(...)

SENNITA flat braid made by plaiting dried grasses or other vegetable fibres, most commonly used in millinery. Sennits are very strong and used in a variety of ways. When coiled, its depth is useful for creating flat structures such as place mats, floor mats and bedding mats. It can alternatively be(...)

SENSUOUSFurnishings and furniture are the feathers in the nest, there to be enjoyed and to make us feel welcome, comfortable and comforted. Homes that provide refuge, sanctuary and emotional healing are also sensuous, calming and reassuring, and must alert the senses. If we don't want to run our(...)

SEQUINA small, slightly curved, flat, or crimped metallic or glass 'bead' that sparkles from every facet. Often used en masse as complete shimmer...they look especially good by flickering candlelight. Belle Époque dresses were very often beaded with sequins in rows, along the hems or almost all over(...)

SERGEA twill 2:2 weave that creates a fabric with diagonal ribs on both faceand underside. Usually made of wool, as either plain cloth or in checks it is a sturdy, medium-to-heavy weight fabric that drapes well and with good body. Wool serge is used in fashion for suiting and outerwear, and in(...)

SERICULTURE The production of raw silk and silkworm farming for this purpose.

SERPENTINEA soft, curved, S-shaped line with convex and concave sections, used variously as a design statement–in furniture design and upholstery. pelmets, bedheads sofa backs or fronts might be in a serpentine with a concave shoulder at each end that dips and rises to a shallow curve peaking at the(...)

SERVIETTEA paper napkin.

SETTEEA fully upholstered couch or sofa-type seating for more than one person, which is soft and comfortable and to be used in sitting rooms, dens, bedrooms and drawing rooms.

SETTINGAn interior is as much defined by what’s in a room as how it is arranged–how the dining table is set, whether the lights are dimmed, candles lit, the guest bedroom prepared all show your personality and are all little scenes, settings intended to bring out the best. As with the scene, these(...)

SETTLEA high-backed box-like wooden seat with arms for two or more people, sometimes with storage underneath, associated with cottages, hallways, rural surroundings or domestic quarters. The high back protects from draughts and today often sits neatly against a wall, whereas in the past they might(...)

SEWAThe Self Employed Women’s Association is the largest co-operative in India, with membership topping 1,000,000 throughout the country and a recently opened school for young children. As a non-governmental organisation, it aims to help women become self-reliant by providing them with work to do(...)

SHAATNEZA cloth made of wool and linen mixed, and a traditional Jewish prohibition from wearing it. Leviticus 19.19 exhorts the Jews not wear a mingled stuff, wool and linen together... Scholars such as Josephus suggest this was to prevent the laity from wearing priestly garb, others such as(...)

SHABBY-CHICUses to describe a style of furnishings that is at once comfortable and smart- typical of the more casual way of living associated with the lat 20C . The term which has now spread far and wide was first coined during an interview in the World of Interiors magazine in the 1980's.

SHAGGYDescribes long pile floor rugs. Or shag pile. Silk, wool, cotton, linen and mixed fibres make up into luxurious shaggy rugs in any colour and many interesting design combinations of stripes, sculpting and pile length to supplement the favourite single length pile Long pile carpeting works(...)

SHAGREENAn untanned sharkskin, ray skin, leather, or fabric that has been embossed, woven or printed to resemble the pebbled patterning and colouring of real shark skin; it is available in many colours from both a realistic and a high fashion palette. The subtle colouring of real skin was favoured(...)

SHANTUNGA raw silk fabric traditionally made from tussar or wild silk woven with a slightly nubby, uneven texture; it takes its name from the Chinese province of Shandong, though is now also produced in India and Thailand. It is sometimes called Nankeen or Rajah (the provinces where the yarn(...)

SHAWLA square of woven or knitted cloth draped around the shoulders and sometimes pulled over the head for warmth and protection from the elements, and as a fashion accessory. This concept of keeping warm and snuggled up puts shawls very much have a place in interior furnishings, as fireside and(...)

SHAWL COLLARA long, turned back collar with a soft rounded line, a fashion technique we've applied to interiors for slip covered lampshades and chair covers.

SHEARLINGLambskin pelt or sheep skin that has been shorn once and tanned with the curly wool left on, meaning one side is leather and the other wool. Used for coats and gilets in the fashion world, warm curtains, cushions and rugs for furnishings.

SHED1. To create a weave on a loom, the warp yarns are set to open according to the weave or pattern allowing the weft shuttle to pass through; the shed is the opening created. 2. The shed is, of course, the man hut at the end of the garden. Where the garden tools are kept, all neat and tidy, an(...)

SHEEPSKIN Just perfect for cool evening drinks, on garden chairs and swings Sheepskin rugs are small enough to pick up, move and to shake out, warm underfoot, easy to manage, and as skins go, inexpensive. They can be cut and joined, stitched together for larger area rugs, for small(...)

SHEERS These are informal and fun, the long ties keep them from being too serious, the pin tucks contain the volume of fabric at the top; the poles and rings just work with the build environment they are in... our studio. Describes any diaphanous, transparent or(...)

SHEETSTo use sheets and sheeting for furnishings makes perfect sense- the fabrics are already tried and tested for heavy wear, they are easy to use, come in a range of good colours and are relatively inexpensive–as such, they have solved many a problem for us over the years. As large pieces of(...)

SHELL1. The hard outer covering of molluscs, crustaceans and sea creatures such as turtles and tortoises, and the shells of coconuts, or other seedpods. They make into interesting accessory items, and inspire colour schemes and design ideas with their shapes and colourings. 2. The shell of a(...)

SHELL HEMMINGAn easy and most decorative hand-sewing hemming technique for fabric edges that will be on show, for particularly fine, springy weaves or cloth that is simply too delicate to put through a sewing machine; use also for lampshades, dressing table skirts, etc. The hem must be as narrow as it(...)

SHELLACThe resin secreted by the lac insect, it is a traditional, natural, breathable varnish, often used by specialist paint finishers to protect painted furniture and paint finishes. Lac is used to dye fabrics to the prettiest pink shades; the insect, Kerria lacca is part of the coccidae family(...)

SHEPHERD CHECKThis wool, worsted or cotton twill weave creates a standard 6mm check of alternate black squares and white squares. It’s believed to have started as simple woven lengths worn by shepherds throughout the Scottish lowlands, the north of England, Wales and Ireland, tied around the waist and(...)

SHERPAAn ethnic group living in the Nepalese foothills of the Himalayas, who are noted for their mountaineering skills. Their thick warm clothing and traditional way of life is an inspiration for comfortable furnishings. Both men and women wear a long inner shirt over baggy trousers, under a(...)

SHETLAND WOOLDenotes wool from a breed of sheep originating in the Shetland Isles, north-east Scotland, which produce a soft and shaggy fleece that is spun, knitted and woven into cloth and tweeds. Real Shetland wool is not sheared but pulled out by hand from the sheep’s underbelly in springtime (on(...)

SHIBORIA Japanese resist-dye technique, in which design is created by preventing specific areas of the cloth taking the dye. Shibori is distinct from other methods in that it creates a raised and wrinkled surface texture. It can be worked by hand or machine, and traditionally makes use of natural(...)

SHIMMERDescribes the effect on fabrics that reflect flickers of light, particularly with slightly ruckled weaves. Other fabrics are woven with just enough metallic thread to create an attractive shimmer, which in a dark room subtly picks up that bit more light, and in a clean cut setting strikes a(...)

SHIRAZThe capital of the Fars province of southwest Iran, it is an ancient centre of regional trade, famous for its culture and crafts, in particular Persian rugs such as kelim and pile carpet-weaving. Shiraz weavers are typically home-based, settled villagers, whose work is similar to that of(...)

SHIRRINGA decorative finishing technique whereby material is drawn up into gathers between parallel rows of stitching. The rows can be pulled up by hand and fixed in place; shirring today is usually made with the help of an elasticated thread, called shirring elastic, which makes the gathers but at(...)

SHODDYA fabric that re-uses materials, scraps of woollen clothing stripped back and re-worked, perhaps adding some new wool to it; the fabric thus produced would inevitably be of lesser quality and low durability. It is a term now synonymous with inferior quality and workmanship.

SHOOTING LODGEOriginally the shooting box, a small house on a country estate large enough to provide accommodation for a shooting party (of 8 ). Originally designed for use during the shooting season solely, it is now often designed for year-round leisure use.

SHOTDescribes weaves in which the warp and weft are in two or more different colours, creating a fabric that appears to change colour with each new angle and extent of light. Even as you scrunch a piece of shot fabric in your hand and turn it, one colour after another will show itself. The(...)

SHOWER PROOFINGA water repelling treatment that allows water to run off without penetrating the cloth. Lightweight, summer weight shower-proof fabric sprayed with a fine coating of latex on the under side can be used for shower curtains and outdoor furnishings

SHRINKAGE1. All fabrics loose some of their weight and volume during processing. These factors are taken into account by the manufacturer when the dimensions for the width and the pattern repeat are given, though in reality both may vary slightly either way 2. Washing and laundering also cause(...)

SHUKTARAA trust based in Kolkata, India, started by David Earp, which supports children and young people with disabilities. The project is funded through making and selling kanthas, a traditional Indian quilting technique using vintage cottons, sold online and at Breuer & Dawson on Portobello road,(...)

SHUSU-ORIA Japanese satin weave. A simple float weave in groups of five or more warps and wefts, where the warps float over a minimum of four wefts and are never bound by more than one weft. The diagonal weave is halted by maintaining the one warp between each set. The design is interesting, a(...)

SHUTTERSThere are two types of window shutters: a) those that block all light and air out, provide effective window security and work as either an alternative or supplement to curtaining. b) those that are pierced, or have slatted louvres (fixed or opening), which allow air and light to pass(...)

SICILIENNEOriginally a characteristically coarse woven Sicilian fabric of mohair and cotton fabric, which could be in either in plain weave or woven with a light rib. Today, Sicilienne has developed into a high quality poplin cloth with a silk warp and either cotton or wool wefts that create a heavy rib.

SIENNAA type of ochre with a high ferric oxide content, it is one of the essential earth pigments that contributes softness, age or depth to all other paint colours. In its natural state it is called raw sienna and has a golden toast colour; when roasted, it is called burnt sienna and is a dark(...)

SIGNATUREYour personal stamp and sign off. Everything you make should relate to you in some way–it should have your personal touch. All designers have some sort of signature to their work, whether deliberately or instinctively, which is impossible to quash, however diverse the projects and client(...)

SILESIAOriginally a fine glazed linen (a type of Taschenfutter) from Silesia–a historic region of central Europe with a long history of growing and weaving linen, now encompassing Poland mostly, with smaller areas of the Czech Republic and Germany. Now a dense but lightweight cotton twill weave(...)

SILHOUETTERefers to the outer line of the shape of an object, in particular how it will appear in half-light or if backlit. Printed silhouettes, on textiles or wallpaper, are either depicted filled in or as drawn outlines.

SILICA GEL

Silica is a naturally occurring quartz mineral and a major ingredient in glass and ceramics manufacture–in powder form it is capable of absorbing a large amount of moisture. When working on a house that is damp, or that has a damp wall, we attach a small bag of silica gel behind curtain(...)

SILKA strong fibre with a high lustre produced by the larvae of certain bombycine moths fed on specific leaves (most commonly mulberry), and also by certain spiders. Legend has it that Lei Zu, the wife of the Yellow emperor was sitting under a tree one day when a silk cocoon fell into her tea. As(...)

SILK JERSEYA knitted silk fabric that is fine and lightweight with a fabulous drape and slight sheen. It makes into opulent curtain and bed covers, drapes and small furnishings. Use to bring softness and luxury into contemporary, hard environments; soft greys and neutral colours sit comfortably in such(...)

SILK SCREEN PRINTINGSee screen printing.

SILVERA grey-ish-white metal that occurs naturally free or alloyed with other metals and minerals. Highly malleable and beautiful to look at, silver is prized and therefore used a great deal within the home, whether carved, moulded, or in filigree, as cutlery and all other flat ware, jugs, bowls,(...)

SILVER GILT A type of gilding, in which silver leaf is covered with a very thin layer of gold leaf. I often prefer this to gold gilding, as it gives a softer, less dense finish.

SILVER PLATEDescribes a method of covering a base metal (usually brass) with a thin coating of silver, which allows both larger and smaller items to be made at reasonable cost. Plate is fine and even essential for the larger and lesser items of ‘silver’ in the home, such as flower vases and trays, jugs(...)

SIMPLEA concept that embodies something uncomplicated, clear, classic, natural, plain, uncluttered, sincere, modest, unpretentious…and easy. Easy implies first level, basic, manageable–within your scope, which is all anyone can do. It doesn't mean carelessness, 'good enough', bare, unfinished or(...)

SIMPLICITYSimplicity is the aim and the goal. Simplicity is complexity broken down: when each stage or level of a complex pattern or design is itself simple, the whole will become achievable, harmonious and pleasing. For us simplicity means working with a great textile and making it well, with due(...)

SIMPLIFYTo do away with anything extraneous and bring something back to its basics. In a home, it's sometimes easy to get carried away and over do it at any stage and in furnishing, especially if you love textiles, creating and making, and basically love things. Taking away, editing, simplifying is(...)

SINGLE CANVASA simple, first stage embroidery canvas with a single open mesh made from cotton or cotton and polyester, with easily distinguished holes between warp and weft.

SINNETAlternative spelling of sennet.

SISALA fibre derived from the leaves of the Mexican plant Agave sisalana, or Agave. Traditionally used for twine and rope, it now has many uses–paper, cloth, wall coverings, carpets, drums and in the household–body brushes, slippers an cleaning cloths; also in the building and automotive(...)

SKEINThe brief description is: a long length of thread or yarn wound into a coil with double looped ends for knitting, embroidery and weaving. It’s sometimes easier to manage skeins by winding the threads or yarns into balls. The word skein is usually applied to embroidery threads and fine(...)

SKETCH SCHEMEA preliminary design scheme that is the vehicle and the best base for initial ideas – from which to assess whether ideas will work in reality, to explore the possibilities and then, once the various ideas have been brought together, to find out if they are acceptable to all concerned. A(...)

SKINSAnimal skins are warm and draught proof, a traditional naturally insulating material essential to life in a cold climate, whether as a bear or reindeer fur coat, as floor rugs to keep the home warm underfoot, as bedcovers and mattress covers for night-time and as hangings over doors and(...)

SKIRTIn furnishings, refers to the area between the chair/sofa seat and the legs, also the finish that covers this area of upholstered or loose covered fabrics. The skirt can be pleated, frilled, bound, in simple or elaborate finishes, but can also be less visible, even non-existent when(...)

SKIRTINGThe wooden architrave at the foot of walls, a finishing architectural detail that also protects the wall from wear and tear during cleaning–damage from brushes or vacuum cleaners. Skirting is a feature of formal architecture; in cottages and castles stone, cob or adobe walls look very much(...)

SLAKETo dissolve a substance in water. In order to use lime in lime wash, plaster, neutralizer, or for any other purpose, it first needs to be slaked, i.e. dissolved into water so it becomes calcium hydroxide. This is a highly corrosive process that should be done in a pit under supervision.

SLATAny series of narrow strips of wood, bamboo or metal that are fixed in parallel lines. For bed bases they run across the bed, so that the natural spring is created along the length of the bed. With blinds and louvres they run horizontally so that they can be tipped, folded or rolled to control(...)

SLEIGH BEDSWooden beds with a high head and footboard, so named as the ends are often shaped like a classic sleigh, joined with deep sidebars within which the mattress sits, hidden from view. As they are partially enclosed, sleigh beds feel comfortable, benefit from some draught-proofing and carry a(...)

SLIPCOVEROr loose cover. A removable, washable cover for chairs, sofas and bedheads. Slipcovers can be tailored to fit exactly and as close to the upholstery as possible, or made oversized and loose. Either option will suit a country house, but the tailored option is the only one for urban, sleek(...)

SLIPPER SATINA closely woven, fine, satin from silk, wool or cotton with a soft sheen rather then than the high glossy finish of some other satin weaves. Of all satins it’s probably the best option for elegant furnishings; being less slippery it is also easier to work with.

SLUBYarn that is of uneven width, either because it has been spun to include supplementary short lengths of fibre at random intervals,, or because the fibres are of lesser quality and of shorter lengths than those that produce the finest yarns. Slub threads or yarns can be used singly in either(...)

SMOCKA loose-fitting worktop that falls above the knees, worn across the world. Smocks are all simply made but vary hugely according to local custom, skill and the maker’s inclination, from the simplest pull-over four-seamed garment to ones with gathers, movement inserts, pin-tucked fronts and(...)

SMOCKINGA decorative technique, whereby sections of fabric are carefully pleated, but more often gathered as they are held in place with embroidery stitches, which create a pattern. Fine and lightweight fabrics must be very full, medium weight ones less so. The stitching needs to be tight enough to(...)

SNAKESKINSnakes naturally shed their skins; as these are long and narrow, they must be joined to make anything other than covers for small boxes, picture or mirror frames. For upholstered seats, say, the seams become as much part of the pattern and design as the material itself.

SNAP FASTENERAn alternative word for any two-part fastening, in which each half is fitted onto or into either side of an opening and pressed together. Other names for this fitting are press fastening, press stud, or popper.

SNIPPETA small piece of fabric, a trimming cut for reference, for record or for matching. During the decorating process and beyond, it is useful to keep a snippet on a small card for reference, as an aide memoire and to help identify certain colours and textures.

SNOW Snow white is the whitest of whites. Laying cloth down onto newly fallen snow is the surest way to whiten and naturally bleach it without chemicals. Snow bleaching features in the Japanese textile tradition, when making a hemp fabric called Ojiya Chijmi or ramie: the vegetal fibres(...)

SNUGA word for a small, comfortable and cosy room in an inn. In the home, the snug is the least formal room and might be the family room, a den, a book room, a study or a small sitting room. It's bit of an old fashioned word for a room, but to keep a home warm, cosy and snug is the ambition(...)

SOAPSTONEAlso called steatite, it is a metamorphic rock composed mostly of compacted talc–magnesium silicate–and comes in white-grey-green or soft browns with white strata. With a very high degree of resistance to heat, electricity and acids it is used for making table tops, hearths and work surfaces.(...)

SOAPWORT Or Saponaria officinalis, a flowering plant native to Europe and Asia, which crushed leaves and roots have been used since the Middle Ages at least for making a good, chemical-free, natural soap and shampoo. It is used by textile conservators and advisable for cleaning any delicate or(...)

SODAMay refer to the naturally occurring mineral sodium carbonate, or to various sodium based chemical compounds used for cleaning and whitening. Sodium carbonate–washing powder; sodium bicarbonate–baking powder, for cleaning and to absorb aromas; sodium chloride–salt; sodium chlorate–to(...)

SOFAA comfortable piece of furniture that seats more than one person, which is fully or partially upholstered with soft cushions on the seats and/or backs and/or arms; it is often made up with loose covers to protect the upholstery beneath.

SOFFITThe underside of a structural component or architectural detail, such as a ceiling or a roof beam, boxing, window reveals, or a deep architrave.

SOFT BLINDA blind that is made of furnishing, carpet, ethnic or dressmaking fabric, as opposed to the rigid blind fabric used for roller, slatted and Venetian blinds. Soft blinds may be formal–with rods to form perfect pleat – or informal hanging in soft swags, unlined, lined or interlined, plain or(...)

SOUK

Full of vibrancy, colour, people and things, a continuous hubbub and hive of activity, souks are the open market places of Northern Africa and the Middle East. It also loosely refers to many small stalls full of colourful and interesting wares. The souk is an endless source of inspiration for(...)

SOUND“From far off, through circuitous corridors, came the scent of citrus-blossom and jasmine, with sometimes a bird’s song before dawn, sometimes a flute’s wail at sunset, and always the call of the muezzin in the night …”   – Edith Wharton, In Morocco We think so much about the appearance of(...)

SOUTACHEA French technique passementerie particularly for jewellery and cartouche, in decorative and often fanciful designs that are always formed, shaped and contained by Russia braid. * Several rows of self coloured or contrasting coloured braids can be stitched together through their centres to(...)

SOYSoy protein fibre (SPF) is the only protein fibre, a natural fibre with the physical properties of synthetic fibres. Extracted from the soybean cake (the residue of which is used as stock feed), it s a soft, smooth and lightweight fibre with a lustre similar to silk, and an excellent drape. It(...)

SPARKLE ‘Points of light’ created by reflection or specific means bring life and joy into any and every environment. Sparkle is life enhancing. It's not for nothing that Champagne, full of sparkle and bubbles, is the ultimate 'pick me up' for a dull day, a dull moment or can re-set a difficult(...)

SPARTANOf Sparta (the ancient Greek city), and particularly associated with their fabled indifference to comfort. In interiors, it describes a very strict, severe decorative, architectural or stylistic mood. The most Spartan home environment is perhaps the traditional monk’s cell with its hard,(...)

SPARTERIE A fabric often known as willow, that is made from esparto, of indigenous Spanish grasses such as Lygeum Spartum, Stipa tenacissima. Esparto grows naturally in southern Spain and North Africa; the Japanese have tried to grow it in their paddy fields but it produces a more brittle, and(...)

SPATTERTo scatter, splash, or sprinkle liquid in an overall pattern of tiny droplets. Textile and paint spatter finishes might be influenced by and designed to look like a bird's egg, a pebbled beach, sand, or dewdrops. Spattered finishes provide a good background that does not easily show dirt, and(...)

SPAZZOLATOLeather with a high gloss finish, a degree below patent.

SPECCHIOThe Italian word for mirror, a metallic, reflective leather.

SPECKLEVery small spots and marks in random formation, such as freckles, or the marks on a birds egg shell. It is used much like spatter finishes, as a background and foil to other larger patterns, and is often both more interesting and more suited to informal spaces than a plain fabric. Where(...)

SPICESpice colours and flavours introduce a 'bite', a sense of exoticism, redolent of the colour and warmth of the Middle and Far East. Cinnamon, ginger, turmeric, saffron, cloves and nutmeg are not just lovely flavourings and aromatic delights but fantastic colours to use in furnishings, as(...)

SPINDLEA long slender rod or stick of wood or metal, tapered at each end with a notch at the top; the part of the spinning machine that twists and collects the newly spun yarn. The earliest spun yarns were made using a hand held spindle, and even the mechanisation process is very simple to build and(...)

SPINNINGA technique whereby prepared raw fibres are turned into thread and yarn, in order to use for weaving, knitting or stitching. Across the world, every culture has its own spinning techniques, though the principles remain the same. There are many and various types of spinning wheels, some for(...)

SPIRALIn general terms a spiral is a curve emanating from a central point that becomes progressively further away as it revolves around the central point. A shape from the golden ratio that is often found in nature, especially in shell construction, also present in florets and the Ammonite(...)

SPIRITA fundamental state that embodies the reasoning, forces and influences that animate and inform human creativity; every home is testament to the spirit of a place and the people who shape it. Indeed, a home is the result of both tangible and intangible, clear and diffuse factors. A home is(...)

SPLAT BACKA chair back with a central vertical panel characteristic of Queen Anne furniture.

SPLATTERTo splash with small blobs and spots, replicating the effect of liquid falling on a hard surface, such as raindrops or flicked paint. It is used as a finish to create a random, interesting pattern important in its own right, or as a subtle foil for marks and real splashes. As with spatter and(...)

SPLENDOURDescribes a quality of brightness, brilliance, ceremony, dazzle, display, glory, majesty, pomp, richness, sumptuousness, fine quality...We all love a bit of splendour, 'pomp and ceremony'. Who doesn't warm to and enjoy occasions' weddings and celebrations–rites of passage? In interiors,(...)

SPONGEAn open, porous and highly absorbent material used to wipe spots and stains from textiles, or for dabbing paint to create a 'sponged' paint finish. True sponge occurs naturally, it is the calcerous or fibrous framework supporting the multi-cellular body of marine creatures–such sponge lasts a(...)

SPOOLAny stick, rod, or similar object around which yarn thread, string, etc. can be wound–either for efficient storage, to facilitate using and unwinding, or to prepare for the next stage of work. Typically, sewing thread is wound onto a specialist spool–a reel–to sell, and onto another specialist(...)

SPORTINGOr sporty, describes textiles with sport motifs, scenes or pageants of fishing, golfing, horse racing, cricket, hunting, skiing, football, etc. In the relevant environment, these are fun, much more interesting and suitable than plains and most other patterns. Some sporting designs are so(...)

SPOTSpot, spots, spotty and spotted textiles can be woven, embroidered or printed- although as weaving works with squares, only the finest yarns and tightest weaves can manage an absolute circle–most woven spots are slightly lozenge shaped or with a hint of cut corner. Printed spots tend to(...)

SPOTTED MUSLINMuslin is so fine it is almost transparent, so weaving it with spots makes for an interesting and almost opaque fabric. As window sheers it can be gathered or ruched onto wires, or used flat as a blind or fold over curtain to suit the required level of prettiness and privacy. It makes(...)

SPRAY PRINTINGA spray gun forces the colour through a screen, and electro coating is used to apply a patterned pile.

SPRIG 1. A small design of bud, shoot or leaf spray, a motif printed in regular, repeated form. 2. A metal dowel pin, a small needle-sized wire nail without a head, which is driven into wood to secure, remaining invisible on the surface

SPRIGGED MUSLINS Muslin decorated with embroidered sprig motifs worked with tambour stitches. Sprigged muslin gowns were very fashionable during the Regency era, whether waisted or pulled in under the bust, often in combination with horizontally pleated skirts and hems, or with frilled details at the hems,(...)

SPUN SILKSilk fabric made from a yarn spun from the short lengths of silk left over from long filaments, broken threads, i.e. waste, or the shorter lengths from broken or damaged cocoons, and sometimes both. Spun silk fibres are soft with a good sheen and are often twisted for durability and light(...)

SQUABA loose cushion made to fit neatly and sit onto the seat of a side chair to provide a softer landing, to raise the seat height or for aesthetic reasons. A squab can be used over wood, cane or upholstery; it may be boxed, piped, buttoned or not, and cover an inner pad of horsehair, cotton(...)

SQUARE1. The square A square has four even, adjacent, sides that form right angles with each other. The form of square is essential and basic. A stretched square is a rectangle - but remains a square form or squared form. The verb to square, squared, or squared off means to create two adjacent(...)

STAIN RESISTANTA treatment specifically applied to the surface of textiles to repel stains, dry smudges or wet spills.

STAIR RUNNERA length of soft flooring made of wool, paper, cotton, linen, silk (for luxury only), plastic, seagrass, sisal, jute or any other suitable fibre for use on stairs. It was called a runner because it was always a single width of carpet when 70 cms ( 27-28" ) was the standard loom width that left(...)

STAMPINGA textile finish, a reverse embossing that imprints the surface weave or pile of a fabric with a pattern. This is achieved by running the material between two heated cylinders, one of which is engraved with the pattern. The heat enforces the impression made by the roller.

STAPLEIn textiles, refers to the naturally formed cluster of wool fibres: a sheepskin fleece is made of many staples. The strength of a staple of wool affects its price and is one of the major factors to take into account when spinning yarn. The length of a staple determines the end use of the(...)

STAR Five and six pointed stars are often used in printed and woven textile design, either as the complete or a partial pattern. Stencilled stars are easy to make, and free-hand drawn, lopsided sort of stars are fun to add to rooms and textiles. The star is also traditionally featured with the(...)

STARCHA natural glucose occurring in and taken from rice or potatoes and used to stiffen textiles. Use for fabrics that lose their first stiffness after laundering and those that need to be stiffened for purpose. A can of spray starch is a useful addition to the workroom kit to stiffen, but also(...)

STATE ROOMA large, formal reception room and/or bedroom used for entertaining or accommodating royalty. In the event of having to furnish one for yourself or for a client, be prepared for huge scale–we've made 'footstools' over 2 metres long and curtains over 6 metres high with pelmets the length of an(...)

STATUESQUEReferring to something of large and elegant proportion, neat, classical and beautiful, pleasing to the eye.

STEELAn alloyed metal based on iron containing carbon with either manganese, nickel, or chromium and is very strong and workable. Stainless steel is completely rust proof, and as such suited to bathrooms, light switches, curtains poles and outside work such as balustrades and light fittings, etc.;(...)

STEEL WOOLA pad of mangled steel fibres, excellent for cleaning down metals, for polishing or for rubbing down painted or varnished woodwork ready for bleach.

STEEPTo soak in liquid for as long as needed to achieve the result, especially in home dying–see coffee and tea.

STENCILLINGThe process of applying a painted pattern through a pre-cut stencil onto fabric or another surface. Domestically, stencils that have been cut from waxed card or metal are carefully positioned, then either sprayed or brushed over with stencil paint; then the stencil is lifted and moved along(...)

STIPPLEA paint finish of tone on tone tiny speckles achieved with the ends of a fat rounded brush, a stippling brush or large stencil brush. Stippled effects should be sophisticated and elegant with no sharp contrasts, and can be a deeper tone on a lighter one, vice versa, or alternated to give soft(...)

STOCK CUTTING Before ordering any woven or printed fabric, stone or wallpaper, you must get a stock cutting of it. The cutting or sample book in which you will originally have seen the material will almost certainly have been made from an earlier batch of the material. Very often, the current stock varies(...)

STONE WASHEDA washing process that tumbles cloth with abrasive stones to achieve a soft 'river washed' finish. Sand washing gives a similar effect.

STORY TELLINGEvery fabric tells a story of some sort, and part of the fun is to detect it. Many printed or woven designs include symbols taken and adapted from a particular community or locality– and we find it’s often the motifs that we have known for a lifetime and take for granted that are imbued with(...)

STRAIGHT OF GRAINPrimarily the warp, ‘the grain’ of weave that runs the length of the piece. All patterns should be cut running with the grain–the arrow printed on a paper pattern should line up along the vertical grain. A textile's strength, fall, drape and pattern have been carefully worked out by the(...)

STRANDA single thread or yarn, or one of a set that together makes up a rope or cord or knitting wool, etc. For example: an embroidery skein usually has 6 strands, each of which can be used alone or in smaller multiples; four-ply knitting wool has four strands that can be used. A strand of hair is(...)

STRAWThe spent stems of wheat or oats once the grains have been threshed, harvested by hand or machine,, which are then cut and made into bales for packaging and for stable floors. In earlier times straw was the main stuffing for mattresses and sometimes upholstery as a less expensive and / or(...)

STRETCH KNITA soft, often slinky fabric that stretches in both directions. The best quality will return to shape, and although not in high use for interior furnishings, as with all clothing fabrics it can be interesting and useful for specific ideas and designs–say for luxury chair covers, bolsters and(...)

STRETCH WOVENA cotton, silk or wool textile woven with a small percentage of elastic fibres, such as denum, towelling, gaberdine, etc. Created for the fashion world, any of these is very useful for interiors and should be considered for loose covering or upholstering very rounded or complex shaped(...)

STRIÉ1. A weave that produces a surface appearance of randomly narrow width stripes in (usually deeper) tones of the same colour. In most cases the wefts of one or more colours provide the deeper tone are to a single coloured weft. 2. A paint finish leaving subtle thin lines in tone on tone.(...)

STRIKE OFFThe hand made test sample of any bespoke printed material for your approval to see and approve the depth, colour, scale, back cloth, etc. before it goes into production. The cost of strike offs or hand trials will be deducted from a serious order. (For a woven cloth this process is(...)

STRIPESStriped fabrics, both printed and woven, are timeless and virtually essential in interior furnishings as they can fit into any furnishings design scheme of any period and style – from deck chairs and beach huts to the great classical Regency and Georgian furnishings. Some notes ; * (...)

STRIPS

Lengths of fabric that have been woven, cut or torn for a bigger purpose. 1. Many ethnic and early textiles are woven on 8-10" (c.a 20-25 cm) looms, in strips that are then stitched together to make up into a larger piece. 2. Fabric is cut into strips to create multi-coloured or(...)

STRUCTUREThe form; also the arrangement, linkage, organisation and relationships of the constituent parts to each other that creates the form. So structure is as necessary in the management of the project as the weaving of one of the textiles. In furnishings, and especially drapery and(...)

STUDDINGUpholstery studs that are used for practical or decorative purpose. Called either studs or nails, any significant difference between the two is lost in colloquial speech, although studs tend to be larger and are for show. Folded or raw edges are often finished with a choice of passementerie(...)

STUDIEDSaid of something that is carefully thought through and considered, so as to achieve the best solution and most relevant design.

STUDIOThe space an artist or designer uses to work, to think, to create and to produce works of artistry in whatever medium–in music, textiles, paint, film, all visual and spoken media, dance, sculpture, painting and all fine and applied art. For designer makers, the workroom and the studio are(...)

STUDIO COUCHA sofa without back and arms that can easily be converted into a bed–a studio couch can be as simple as two mattresses laid on top of each other with some sort of a bedcover and cushions. A convenient, practical piece of furniture for small spaces and occasional overnight use, simpler than a(...)

STUDIO FLATA small accommodation with just the one room or perhaps one room that doubles as bedroom, and sitting room with wet areas separated. A comfortable version of the studio couch, or a day bed provides both a sofa and bed in these environments

STUDYA room or space made comfortable with books and used for quiet work, reading and writing. As a room, a study often becomes a cosy small sitting space for winter evenings, and alongside the pre-requisite books and writing desk, very comfortable sofas and chairs, and if possible a good open(...)

STUFFStuff is the old English word for a thick, coarsely woven worsted wool and then possibly for linsey - woolsey ( or Woolsey-linsey) a wool/linen mix. At court, lawyers' gowns were called stuff in contrast with that worn by the Queen's Counsel, which are made of silk. Stuff subsequently(...)

STUMPWORKAn embroidery technique in which the stitch work is raised above the surface. Embroidery thread is twisted around wire or thicker wool or padded with wool from beneath, to create raised images of figures, flora and fauna. The technique includes most needle skills, certainly those of and(...)

SUBSTRUCTURE Refers to the workings that hold the super structure; independent or inter-dependent units that combine to create the full structural form. For example, a lampshade frame that both holds the lampshade to its base and the cover in place is a substructure.

SUEDEThe underside of leather hide, which has been buffed to raise the grain evenly for a soft, tactile finish with a nap. Suede takes on the room temperature and makes comfortable and interesting furnishings – if not always to sit on, then as window seats, curtains, screens, stool covers and floor rugs.

SUEDETTEFaux suede made of a tight satin weave cotton, which surface has been brushed to resemble suede, or peach skin. Suedette can be used anywhere and for anything, it’s virtually bombproof and easy both to work and maintain. Alcantara is the trade name of the faux suede we use mostly.

SUITINGRefers to any fabric woven to make suits, from light-weight summer linen to winter wool weights, mixes of wool and silk, linen and silk, linen and wool...and in any weave, check or pattern. Suiting fabrics are designed to be durable, with a high rub test and a soft but firm drape, and are(...)

SUMACHAlso sumac, or Rhus chinensis, a large species of deciduous small shrubs and trees growing in temperate and sub tropical climates. The dried and ground fruits of sumach give us the deep purple-red lemony spice, used in hummus and with sweet spices in Middle Eastern cooking. Sumach also yields(...)

SUMPTUOUSLike splendour, a really important attribute in interior furnishings. It evokes much more than comfort–all textiles and furnishings should be tactile, lovely to stroke, feel sensuous, and be sumptuous. The mixture of fabrics, the trimmings, the colours, designs and weaves all contribute to(...)

SUN LOUNGEA room orientated, designed and constructed specifically to receive as much sun as possible. It can be attached to the house, or located along a walkway into the garden or hinterland. Garden rooms that pivot to follow the sun around must be the ultimate sun lounges.

SUNFLOWERThe colour of a field of sunflowers is intoxicating, and full of sun. In interiors, just a dash of this striking yellow can perk up a tired or unconvincing scheme in a touch of piping, a ribbon tie, small cushion or a brush stroke in a painting. Try it.

SUNLIGHTThe essence of life: we want lots of light and sunshine in our rooms, and flowing through our homes–shining through windows, open doors, skylights and glass ceilings... However much we love it, the task of balancing the strength of the sun's heat and glare and limiting potential damage(...)

SUNRAY PLEATINGSunray pleating is mostly found on the underside of the tops of four-poster beds and half testers, so that you look up into it. The technique consists of pleating or gathering fabric to form the 'rays', which emanate outwards from a central given point to the sides and corners. In a(...)

SUNSETAlso sundown, describes the spectacle of colour and pattern as the sun disappears over the horizon at the end of every day, ushering in twilight and dusk–full of the colours of the sun and the sky, casting a very special softening mauve-lilac over the landscape until the intensity increases to(...)

SUNSHADEDescribes awnings, parasols and tent-like structures that provide comfortable cover within the garden, and over south facing windows.

SUPERSTRUCTUREThe visible part of any structure, held in place by the substructure beneath. For example, the lampshade that fits over a frame, the dressing table cover puffed out with tulle or the loose chair cover are all superstructures.

SURAHA soft, even sided twill usually in silk, but also in silky fibres such as polyester, typically used in fashion. It is very slippery and therefore not so easy to handle nor very durable as furnishing fabric, so confine the use to bed curtain linings, sunray pleating, or better still, as the(...)

SURFACERefers to the top side, or face of any material, including fabric. More specifically: surface weaves or surface prints are those weaves or prints that show patterning or colours on the surface only; some decorative work will only show or be applied to the face, such as paint, beading,(...)

SURPLICEIn fashion, a crossover V-neckline, which we've used for slip cover lampshades.

SURREALISMOne of the most important art movements of the 20thC, inspired by the writings of Karl Marx and Sigmund Freud. ‘Surrealism’ is a term coined by the art critic G. Apollinaire and adopted by André Breton in Paris with his Manifesto of Surrealism (1924), who applied the new philosophical and(...)

SUZANIFrom the Persian meaning ‘needle’,suzani are stunningly beautiful, decorative, tribal embroidered textiles originating in the 15th C, and typical of Central Asia, in particular Uzbekistan (also in Tajikistan, Kazakhstan)–an important trading post along the Silk Road connecting China to(...)

SWAGS AND TAILSA traditional pelmet treatment from the Georgian era, when under curtains were no more than muslin or fine silk and the pelmets were the object of decoration and drapery. The swag or swags across the centre of the window and the tails hang to either side There are various incarnations of(...)

SWAN’S DOWN1. The fine, soft, insulating feathers of the swan used to trim clothing, luxurious furnishing accessories and powder puffs. 2. Lambswool mixed with silk or cotton, that makes a soft, fluffy fabric especially good for bedding and cushions for small children and babies. 3. A thickly woven(...)

SWATCHA small sample of fabric or a book of small fabric samples tied or pinned together. Now more commonly called cutting or cuttings. A swatch or cutting is usually about 10 x 15 cm and as such is useful enough to see the colour and weave or print. You can tell much about the fabric from a(...)

SWINGLEA flat, bladed, spatula-like wooden implement used after retting to remove the coarse material from vegetable fibres, such as flax, hemp or ramie.

SWISS COTTON A fine cotton organdie, tulle or muslin woven with small motifs or patterns on a bobinette machine Although Switzerland does not grow cotton, the textile industry in Switzerland is its oldest and from its advent right up until today, the Swiss have concentrated on making high quality fabric(...)

SWISS DOTA very lightweight muslin or lawn fabric with a repeating small dot pattern woven or embroidered into it.

SYLVANAn adjective meaning from the woods, or even referring to the spirit of the woods–an idyllic rural ideal, where all is wonderful, close to the best of nature. A log hut in woodlands can be described as a sylvan retreat.

SYMBOLThe physical representation of something abstract, such as a meaning or ownership; also codes and language that send messages to those who needed to know long before the written word. Across the centuries, in literature, art and music, symbols or symbolic language has been used as(...)

SYMBOLISMThe use of symbols to convey ideas, specific characteristic or qualities. For example, when used in textile design, the acanthus leaf, typical of the corinthian column, classical stone carving and architecture, is symbolic of the ancient Mediterranean civilizations. Equally, for those in(...)

SYMMETRYA visual sense of order based on mirroring, where similar forms, shapes, colours face each other around an axis. This in an extremely important principle of Classical architecture, employed to create calm and ordered spaces as frameworks to hold intricate decorative detailing and life.(...)

SYMPHONYA full orchestral music composition with several movements, typically in four including one sonata; a composition of several elements which represents and builds on a central theme, motif or idea, repeating it in whole and in part, re-inventing and re-interpreting it precisely and reflecting(...)

SYNERGYThe co-operation, interaction of two or more agents to create more than the sum of their parts. It is the endlessly hopeful possibility that two or more forms or materials will come together to create 'magic'. Closely linked with serendipity and trial and error, the more open minded, and the(...)

SYNTHETICDescribes something made by chemical reaction, to replicate a natural form or to create something new and not naturally occurring–although of course the basic chemical components usually are.

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