These fabrics are most likely to be found in fabric outlets.
This Fabric Guide is an easy to follow, comprehensive resource for everyday fabrics found in fabric outlets in New Zealand.
It is explained in easy-to-understand language with full explanations on each fabric.
The fabrics are separated into sections, and by clicking on the name of the fabric you can download a printable PDF file
with a table showing easy care instructions and the detailed explanation underneath. It's quite interesting!
Fabric Care Guide
Plant Fibres
Silk
Animal Hair
100% Synthetic
Natural Fibres Mixed with Synthetic
| Hand Wash | Machine Wash | Dry-clean | Dry Flat | Iron | Dryer | Line Dry | Bleach | |
| Coir | Hot Water | n/a | n/a | Yes | n/a | n/a | Yes | Yes |
| Cotton | Hot Water. Separate colours | Hot water | Yes | Yes | Hot with steam | Yes. Can cause shrinkage | Yes | Yes |
| Hemp | Hot water | Hot water | Yes | Yes | Hot with steam | Yes | Yes | Yes, with care |
| Jute | Hot water | Hot water | Yes | Yes | Hot with steam | Yes | Yes | Yes, with care |
| Linen | Any temperature | Any temperature | Yes | Yes | Hot with steam | Yes | Yes | Yes, with care |
Silk
| Hand Wash | Machine Wash | Dry-clean | Dry Flat | Iron | Dryer | Line Dry | Bleach | |
| Silk | Cold to warm water, seperate colours | no | Yes | Dry flat on towel in shade | cool | no | In shade | Avoid |
Animal Hair
| Hand Wash | Machine Wash | Dry-clean | Dry Flat | Iron | Dryer | Line Dry | Bleach | |
| Angora | Cold to warm water, scrung do not wring | No | Yes | Dry flat on towel in shade | Warm if necessarey | No | No, Will stretch out of shape | Avoid |
| Alpaca | Cold to warm water, scrung do not wring | No | Yes | Dry flat on towel in shade | Warm if necessarey | No | No, Will stretch out of shape | Avoid |
| Cashmere | Cold to warm water, scrung do not wring | No | Yes | Dry flat on towel in shade | Warm if necessarey | No | No, Will stretch out of shape | Avoid |
| Llama | Cold to warm water, scrung do not wring | No | Yes | Dry flat on towel in shade | Warm if necessarey | No | No, Will stretch out of shape | Avoid |
| Mohair | Cold to warm water, scrung do not wring | No | Yes | Dry flat on towel in shade | Warm if necessarey | No | No, Will stretch out of shape | Avoid |
| Wool (General) | Cold to warm water, scrung do not wring | Gentle wash and only if manufacturer approved | Yes | Dry flat on towel in shade | Warm if necessarey | No | No, Will stretch out of shape | Avoid |
| Wool (Merino) | Cold to warm water, scrung do not wring | Gentle wash and only if manufacturer approved | Yes | Dry flat on towel in shade | Warm if necessarey | No | No, Will stretch out of shape | Avoid |
100% Synthetic
| Hand Wash | Machine Wash | Dry-clean | Dry Flat | Iron | Dryer | Line Dry | Bleach | |
| Acrylic | Cold to hot | Cold to hot | Yes, with care | Yes | Warm, on reverse side | cool | Yes | Avoid |
| Modacrylic | Cold to hot | Cold to hot | Yes, with care | Yes | Warm, on reverse side | cool | Yes | Avoid |
| Nylon | Cold to hot. Yellows | Cold to hot. Yellows | Yes | Yes | Warm, on reverse side | cool | Yes | Avoid |
| Polyester | Cold to hot | Cold to hot | Yes | Yes | Warm, on reverse side | cool | Yes | Unnecessary |
| Polypropylene | Cold to hot | Cold to hot | Yes | Yes | Warm, on reverse side | cool | Yes | Avoid |
Natural Fibres Mixed with Synthetic
| Hand Wash | Machine Wash | Dry-clean | Dry Flat | Iron | Dryer | Line Dry | Bleach | |
| Acetate | Cold to hot. Fabric may yellow | Cold to hot | Yes | Yes | Warm | Medium heat | Yes | Avoid |
| Cupro | Cold to hot. Seperate colours | Cold to hot | Yes | Yes | Medium to hot | Yes | Yes | Avoid |
| Polynosic/Modal | Cold to hot. Fabric may yellow | Cold to hot | Yes | Yes | Medium to hot | Medium heat | Yes | Yes, with care |
| Triacetate | Cold to warm | Cold to warm | Yes | Yes | Medium heat | Medium heat | Yes | Avoid |