Glossary of terms A - Z

Baffle Box- is an internal fabric wall that separates the top and bottom layers of fabric in a down comforter. While adding loft to the comforter, these internal walls also add strength; allowing the comforter to "give", reducing stress on the fabric and stitching when you toss and turn at night.

Bed skirt- Is a fitted decorative bed linen component, which covers the area around the bottom of your bed. The valance is placed between the mattress and the base of the bed. The trim can be frilly, pleats and a box pleat affect. They can be made from different types of material. Also known as a valance.

Cotton - Cotton is a soft fibre that grows around the seeds of the cotton plant. The fibre is most often spun into thread used to make a soft, breathable fabric.

Conventional cotton: Cotton which is grown and processed using synthetic fertilizers, insecticides, pesticides, excessive water, washing chemicals, chemical dyes and bleaching.

Coverlet - A coverlet is made to cover a bed without covering the pillows and is much like a quilt in form and function. It is decorative and usually quilted.

Crochet - needlework created by a needle with a small hook at one end for drawing the thread or yarn through intertwined loops.

Cross Stitch - A double stitch forming an 'X' in sewing and embroidery

Décor Cushion – a smaller feature cushion used to decorate and enhance a bed, chair or sofa.

Embroidered - Embroidery is the art or handicraft of decorating fabric with needle and thread.

European Pillowcase - Standard pillows are rectangular and fit a standard pillowcase, whereas a European pillowcase is much larger and is a square shape. Sheets on the Line’s European Pillowcases measure 65x65cm.

European Sham - A Euro/European Sham is a decorative and often quilted covering for a Euro/European pillow measuring 65 x 65cms.

Fabric Swatch – A small piece of sample fabric so you can touch and feel quality, colour, texture or print.

GOTS - The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) is the worldwide leading textile processing standard for organic fibres, including ecological and social criteria, backed up by independent certification of the entire textile supply chain.

Hand Stitched – as the name suggests, has hand stitching or a hand process as opposed to a product that is made by a machine.

Jacquard - A fabric with an intricately woven pattern. A special loom is used to weave the pattern into the fabric.

Linen – Linen is a fabric woven with fibres from the flax plant.

Microfibres - An extremely fine synthetic fibre that us used in cushion and pillows. Known for its support and comfort it has anti bacterial properties that make it perfect for allergy sufferers. Other properties are: enhanced washability, breathability, and water repellence.

Monotone – An uninterrupted repetition of the same tone of colour. An example might be a series of stripes all in different tones of grey.

Organic Cotton – Cotton fibre, which is grown, picked and processed from non-genetically modified plants and without the use of any synthetic agricultural chemicals such as fertilisers or pesticides.

Pleat - A fold in clothe made by doubling the material upon itself and then pressing or stitching it into place.

Quilting – Quilting is the process of stitching through layers of fabric and a filling so as to create a design.

Quick Clip – Exclusive to Sheets on the Line quilt covers and feather quilts. Each feature two corner clips, which enable the quilt to easily, attach to the inside of the quilt cover. Once the top corners are fastened together, with a quick shake, the quilt cover can be inverted, buttoned and voila, you’re ready to make the bed!

Sateen - A smooth, soft cotton fabric with a satin-like finish

Sham – A decorative feature/flange of fabric, which generally surrounds the edges of a pillowcase or quilt cover. Some often refer to the entire decorative pillowcase as a sham.

Tailored Pillowcase – This pillowcase fits a standard pillow but has an extra width of fabric to give ample coverage and an edge. The result is a stylish, floating effect at the edge of the pillowcase.

Throw - A throw blanket is a medium sized-blanket used as a decorative blanket you can use in home decor. Made from various fabrication and will vary in size.

Valance - Is a fitted decorative bed linen component, which covers the area around the bottom of your bed. The valance is placed between the mattress and the base of the bed. The trim can be frilly, pleats and a box pleat affect. They can be made from different types of material. Also known as a bed skirt.

Voile – Voile is a plain weave, lightweight fabric that is semi-transparent. It is most often made from one hundred percent cotton though is may be made from rayon or silk.