Contract Textile Terms Glossary
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nap:
The soft downy surface of a cloth created when part of the fibers are raised by a brushing technique called napping.
natural fiber:
Any fiber that comes from animal, vegetable, or mineral sources.
needle-punched:
The process of passing a fabric through a series of needles that penetrate the fabric to fill in the gaps by entangling the fibers.
NFPA 260:
Refers to the National Fire Protection Association standard test method and a related classification system for cigarette ignition resistance of components of upholstered furniture.
NFPA 701:
Refers to the National Fire Protection Association test methods for small-scale (curtain and drapery fabrics weighing under 21 oz. per square yard) and large-scale (drapery fabrics over 21 oz. per square yard) vertical flame tests.
nonwoven:
Textiles constructed by interlocking or fusing fibers using adhesives, pressure or heat.
novelty yarn:
A yarn with special color effects such as space-dyed yarn, or textural effects such as nubs, slubs, or built in irregularities.
nub:
A slub, bump, or lump in a novelty yarn or an irregularity in a straight yarn.
nylon:
A manufactured fiber also known as polyamide. Nylon is known for excellent strength, elasticity, and abrasion resistance.
