M-P, Pilling & Sheets Sets Surface Balling and Causes/Factors. Luxury Home Bedding Definitions of Materials, Fabrics, Fibers for Sheets Sets, Duvet Sets, Bed Blankets, Pillowcases, Shams, Bedskirts, Beds & Mattresses for Sizes Queen, King, California King, Full, Twin. By Venus Rising Limited Specialty Italian Bedding.

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Madras

What is Madras Cotton Fabric : A lightweight and plain weave fabric made of standard Cotton, Fine Cotton or Egyptian Cotton. The appearance of Madras may be a striped, plaid or even a checked pattern and will bleed when laundered or washed. This type of fabric is usually imported from India and most often found in garments. More recently, however, Madras may be found in Bedding inclusive of Duvets or Duvet Sets, Pillow Shams, Comforter Covers and Duvet Covers.

Matelasse

What is Matelasse Egyptian Cotton or Matelasse Cotton : A medium to heavier-weight Luxury Cotton fabric comprised of a double-cloth construction, which creates a blistered or beautifully Quilted surface appearance that offers extremely soft texture. Matelasse is now frequently found in Bedding, though high-end Luxury Matelasse Coverlet Sets are extremely rare domestically and the best sets are typically made in Europe. Egyptian Cotton Matelasse Coverlets or Bedspreads Made in Italy and Portugal are amongst the finest Luxury Linens. Matelasse is most often used in Bedding such as Coverlets or Coverlet Sets, Matelasse Bedspreads or Bedspread Sets, Matelasse Bedskirts, Pillow Shams, Decorative Pillows and Drapes. The most outstandind Matelasse fabrics are made of either Pure Egyptian Cotton or Pure Cotton, with quality varying drastically depending upon the manufacturer and production methods used. Well-made Matelasse sets produce a three-dimensional appearance with stunning textured surface, are extremely soft and supple to the touch and hang well on the Bed. Less expensive sets are widely available, and the difference in quality is highly apparent: with lesser Matelasse sets made of shorter Cotton fibers or Cotton blends made with inferior fibers, the surface will be rougher, the drape or hang becomes stiffer, the surface will have reduced sheen and the pattern itself will appear half-puckered or not fully formed. The puckered or quilted surface of Matelasse fabrics is too heavy to be made into fabrications for Fine Linens such as Sheets or Duvets, limited to production of Coverlets or Bed Covers similar to Bedspreads..

Mercerization

What is Mercerization Process : A process of treating Egyptian Cotton, Pima Cotton or other Pure Cotton yarns or fabric. The Cotton fabric or yarn is immersed in a caustic soda solution, followed by acid neutralization. The mercerization process causes a permanent swelling of the fiber, which immediately results in an increased luster of the Cotton fabric surface, as well as an increased affinity or "take" for applied dyes, and generally increased strength. This process is an additional step that increases cost of the production process however is absolutely essential in creation of the best Fine Bed and Bath Linens. Examples of mercerization in Luxury Bedding includes Cotton or Egyptian Cotton fabrics used for Sheets, Sheet Sets, Pillowcases, Duvets, Duvet Sets and Duvet Covers, Comforter Covers, Pillow Shams, Bedskirts, Bed Blankets, Cashmere Blankets, Living Room Throw Blankets, Wool Blankets, Lap Throws, Curtains and Drapes, Exteriors for Goose Down Comforters, fabric exteriors for Bed Pillows, Mattress Pads, Accessory or Decorative Throw Pillows, Furniture Upholstery and Slipcovers for Sofas, Couches, Loveseats, Chairs and Recliners.

Merino Lambs’ Wool, Merino Wool

What is Merino Wool or Australian Merino Wool : A type of wool that originates from pure-bred Merino sheep of Australia. Because of the world-renowned weaving methods of Italy, the Merino Wool is often imported to Italy where it is woven either by itself or in combination with other Wools. Superfine Merino Wool, made of the softest and silkiest fibers, is capable of creating spectacular Bed Blankets and Throw Blankets, particularly when loomed by expert Italian producers. Merino Wool, or Superfine Merino Lambs’ Wool, is extremely lightweight yet provides incredible warmth, is naturally fire-resistant and its use helps reduce heating bills and energy costs significantly. Merino Wool and Merino Lambs’ Wool can be expertly combined with all-natural Noble fibers such as Mongolian Cashmere, or blended with Pure Silk to create phenomenally soft and sumptuous Blankets and Throws. Examples include Italian Pure Merino Wool Bed Blankets, Italian Silk and Merino Wool Bed Blankets, Mongolian Pure Cashmere and Merino Wool Bed Blankets Made in Italy, Italian Pure Merino Throws and Throw Blankets, Italian Silk and Merino Wool Throws and Throw Blankets and Mongolian Pure Cashmere and Merino Wool Throws and Throw Blankets Made in Italy. Merino Wool is not limited to the Bedroom. In fact, Luxury Throws made of Superfine Merino Lambs’ Wool, Merino Wool, Cashmere and Merino Wool or Silk and Merino Wool blends are amongst the most popular additions for the Living Room, Den, Study, Library, Office or Kitchen Nook.

Mesh

What is Mesh Fabric : A type of fabric characterized by its net-like open appearance and the spaces between the yarns. Mesh is produced in a variety of constructions including woven or knit, laces or crocheted fabrics. For Bedding and Fine Linens, the most common form of mesh is lace which may be used for Luxury Bedding including Specialty Sheets or Sheet Sets, Pillowcases, Duvets or Duvet Sets, Comforter Covers, Pillow Shams, Bedskirts, Curtains, Drapes, on Decorative or Throw Pillows. Some of the most supreme fine linens that utilize mesh or lace include Specialty Sheet Sets and Duvet Sets Made in Italy, with the base fabric always being comprised of the finest materials and usually Long-Yarn Pure Egyptian Cotton. Used as embellishments for Egyptian Cotton Sheets, Egyptian Cotton Sheet Sets, Pillowcases, Egyptian Cotton Duvet Sets and Covers. Specialty laces adorning Sheets and Duvets are extremely expensive to produce, often made in Europe and are very rare in the U.S.

Metallic Fiber

What is or are Metallic Fibers : An inorganic fiber comprised of minerals and metals, which are blended and extruded in order to form fibers. Metallic fiber is formed from a flat ribbon of metal that is coated with a protective layer of plastic, to reduce tarnishing. Metal fibers are rough by nature and are used mainly as embellishments for Home Furnishings or Accessories such as Decorative Pillows, Bedskirts, some Duvets or Comforter Covers, Curtains or Drapes and occasionally some Specialty Lap Throws or Shawls. The roughness makes the metallic fibers inappropriate for use in used in Luxury Bedding in Sheets, Sheet Sets, Pillowcases, Bed Blankets, Throws, Wool Blankets or other Bed Blankets and Throw Blankes.

Microfibers

What is or are Microfibers : Microfiber is the name shared by both the ultra-fine manufactured fibers, and the technology used to create them. Fibers made using this technology produce fibers that weigh less than 1.0 denier. When made into fabrics, these extra-fine fibers provide a superior hand, soft drape and a virtually unmatched softness which surpasses suede. Microfibers are twice as fine as silk, three times finer than standard Pure Cotton and eight times finer than wool. Four types of are produced and include acrylic, nylon, polyester and rayon. Microfiber has a wide range of uses in the home, for the Bedroom, Bathroom, Living Room and even Kitchen. For the Bedroom, Microfiber can be blended and combined with Cotton for Sheets and Sheet Sets, Pillowcases, Duvet Sets and Bed Covers, Comforter Covers, Shams, Bedskirts and Decorative Throw Pillows. Microfiber is also gaining popularity as the fabric exterior for high-end Goose Down Comforters and Pillows as well as Duvets and Pillow Shams. For the Bathroom, Bathrobes and Mens’ and Womens’ Luxury After-Bath or Spa Robes made of Microfiber are extremely soft, warm and gaining in popularity. For the Bath and Kitchen, Microfiber Towels and Towelling have become incredibly useful and popular. The soft Microfiber, spun for Bath Towels, Hand Towels and Washcloths, is extremely absorbent and incredibly soft. Microfiber is also used widely domestically and throughout Europe, particularly in Italy, for Home Furnishings. Furniture Upholstery and Slipcovers for  Couches, Sofas, Loveseats, Recliners and Chairs often utilize Microfiber. The fabric is durable, cleans well, and easily maintains its softness and good appearance, even over time and use.

Modacrylic Fibers

What is Modacrylic Fibers : Manufactured fibers with characteristics similar to Acrylic. Modacrylics have a higher resistance to chemicals and combustion than acrylic does. The downside, however, is that Modacrylics do require lower ironing temperatures than Acrylic. May be found in Blankets and Throw Blankets.

Mohair

What is Mohair Wool : Extremely soft and warm, Wool hair fibers from the Angora goat. Used in high-end Luxury Bedding by itself or in blends for Bed Blankets, Luxury Throws and Throw Blankets. Fluffy and light in texture and feel, Mohair is often combined with a Wool blend such as Lambswool or Cashmere, with production of the finest items produced abroad in countries such as Italy. Mohair is often found in Specialty Luxury Throws or Blankets such as  Italian Mohair and Cashmere Throws, or Mohair and Angora Throw Blankets. Most popular uses include Luxury Throws for the Den, Study, Library, Office, Kitchen Nook or Living Room.

Moire

What is Moire : A corded fabric, usually made from Silk or a manufactured fibers. It possesses a distinctive and water-marked, wavy pattern on the surface face. Seldom found in Bedding or Fine Linens, however occasionally seen in unique Duvet Sets, Comforter Covers, Pillow Shams or Decorative Accessory Throw Pillows.

Moisture Regain

What is Moisture Regain : The amount of water that a completely dry fiber will absorb from the air, at a standard condition of 70 degrees F and with a relative humidity of 65%. Moisture Regain is conveyed as the percentage of the dry fiber physical weight.

Moisture Transport

What is Moisture Transport : Movement of water from one side of the fabric to the other, which is caused by wicking, capillary action, chemical or electrostatic action. Moisture Transport is often discussed in regard to Luxury Bedding made of Egyptian Cotton, Pure Cotton, Silk, Linen and Noble fibers including Cashmere and Wools. Synthetic or manufactured fibers absorb less than one percent of moisture, meaning that moisture released by the body has to either pass through the blankets and sheets or condense on the skin as perspiration. Wools can absorb up to 30% of their physical weight in moisture, while still feeling dry to the touch, so the body stays comfortable.       Noble fibers and Wools, inclusive of Cashmere, allow the body to naturally breathe by wicking away moisture yet feeling dry to the touch.

Monk's Cloth

What is Monk’s Cloth or Monk Cloth : A heavyweight fabric made of Cotton, utilizing the basketweave variation of the plain weave. A less expensive and non-durable fabric, it is occasionally used for Home Furnishings such as Drapes or Draperies or Furniture Slipcovers and is an example of a 4 x 4 basket weave. In general, it has weak stability and tends to easily snag. Monk’s cloth is not commonly used in Home Bedding other than for specific Furnishings such as Slipcovers, Window Coverings or Treatments.

Monofilament

What is Monofilament : A single filament of a manufactured fiber, typically carrying a denier higher than 14. Monofilaments are usually spun singularly, thus their name, rather than extruded as a group of through a spinneret and spun into a yarn. Thread for sewing and hosiery are most common uses.

Muslin

What is Muslin Fabric : An inexpensive, medium weight and plain weave Sheet or Sheeting, synonymous with a  low Thread Count. The Thread Count of Muslin typically has a Thread Count range of 160 threads per square inch or less. Unfinished, the most common use is in fashion design in order to make trial garments or pieces.

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Nainsook

What is Nainsook Fabric : A lightweight plain weave cotton fabric, typically finished as as to create a luster and soft hand. Commonly used for Womens’ Lingerie including Lounge Robes or After-Bath or Shower Robes. Also used for childrens’ or kids’ Nursery Bedding including Sheets, Sheet Sets, Duvets, Duvet Sets, Coverlets and Pillowcases.

Nap

What is Nap or Surface Nap : A fuzzy, fur-like feel created when fiber ends extend from the basic fabric structure to the fabric surface. The fabric can be napped on either one or both sides. Fine linens and Bedding such as Luxury Bed Blankets will have a fine, soft nap on both sides that is non-pilling. Examples include Italian Superfine Merino Wool Bed Blankets, Australian Lambswool Bed Blankets, Italian New Wool Bed Blankets, Pure Mongolian Cashmere Blankets Made in Italy, Mongolian Cashmere and Wool Bed Blankets Made in Italy, Italian Pure Merino Wool Luxury Throws and Throw Blankets, Italian New Wool Throws, Australian Lambswool Throws and Throw Blankets, Pure Mongolian Cashmere Luxury Throws and Throw Blankets Made in Italy, and Mongolian Cashmere and Wool blended Luxury Throws and Throw Blankets Made in Italy. Luxury Flannel Sheet Sets made of Egyptian Cotton, Pima Cotton or Pure Cotton will also have a fine nap, with the best sets having a nap on both sides. Specialty Duvets and Duvet Sets, Pillow Shams and Bedskirts may also have a nap on two sides.

Ninon

What is Ninon Fabric : A lightweight, fabric that has a plain weave and is comprised of silk or manufactured fibers, with an open and mesh-like appearance. Because the fabric is made with highly-twisted filament yarns, the hand is crisp and use in Home Furnishing is generally limited to Curtains for Bedrooms, Living Room Curtains, Window Treatments or Curtains for the Den, Study, Office, Library or other rooms in the Home.

Novelty Yarn

What is Novelty Yarn : A yarn produced to have a special, or unique, effect. The effect can be produced through twisting together uneven single yarns, through use of yarns which contain irregularities, or by twisting yarns of different colors or color variations. Novelty yarns are typically not used for Bedding or Luxury Linens such as Sheet Sets, Sheets, Duvet Sets or Comforters. Novelty Yarns are however used in Bedding such as Bed Blankets and Throw Blankets for the Living Room, Den, Study, Office or Library.

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Organdy

What is Organdy Fabric : A stiffened and sheer, extremely lightweight plain-weave fabric. Organdy usually has a medium to high Thread Count and is most often used for Home Furnishings and Interior Decorating utilizing Curtains, Drapes, Draperies and Valances.

Organza

What is Organza Silk Fabric : A crisp and sheer, very lightweight plain-weave fabric. Organza typically holds a medium to high Yarn Thread Count and is comprised of Silk, rayon, nylon, or polyester. One of this Specialty fabric’s main uses is for Wedding Apparel.

Osnaburg

What is Osnaburg Cotton Fabric : A tough, plain weave fabric that is coarsely woven and medium to heavy in weight. Osnaburg is usually made of Cotton or a Cotton and Polyester blend for increased durability. Lower grades are not used for Bedding, however higher grades of the finished fiber are found in Mattress Ticking and Home Furnishings such as Slipcovers for Sofas, Couches, Loveseats, Recliners and Chairs.

Ottoman

What is Ottoman Fabric : A tight-woven and plain-weave fabric that is ribbed, with a hard and slightly lustered surface. Weaving of a finer Silk or manufactured warp yarn with a heavier filler yarn creates a ribbed effect. The filler yarn is usually made of Cotton, Wool or even waste yarn. During construction the heavier filler yarn is completely covered by the warp yarn, producing a ribbed appearance. Used in Home Furnishings including Furniture Upholstery, Drapes and Draperies, Valances and Slipcovers for Sofas, Couches, Loveseats, Ottomans, Recliners and Dining Room Chairs.

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Paisley

What is Paisley : A tear-drop shaped, fancy printed pattern commonly found in European Fine Linens. Also found domestically, however the most intricate Paisley patterns are usually found in sets Made in Italy or France. Paisley patterns for Italian Sheets and Sheet Sets, Pillowcases, Duvets and Duvet Sets, Pillow Shams, Comforter Covers are typically intricate and colorful and involve higher Thread Counts than those of the U.S. Italian paisley patterns, in particular, tend to be far more intricate and intense in variation than those domestically manufactured.

Panné Velvet

What is Panne Velvet Fabric : A high-luster, lightweight velvet fabric which is usually made of Silk but may also be made of a manufactured fiber. The pile has been flattened in one direction for an intriguing effect. This Specialty Velvet fabric can be found in Luxury Bedding including Duvets and Duvet Sets, Duvet Covers, Comforter Covers, Pillow Shams, Bedskirts, Throw Pillows, Decorative Pillows, Drapes and Draperies, Valances, fabric for the exterior of Comforters and Comforter Sets for the Bedroom and Throw Blankets and Throws for the Living Room, Office, Den, Kitchen Nook, Study or Library.

Percale

What is Percale Cotton or Percale Egyptian Cotton Fabric : Plain weave fabric that is medium in weight, usually possessing a low to medium Thread Count that falls within the range of 180-250 threads per square inch. Though most commonly produced in lower Thread Counts, Percale Sheet Sets and Duvets are also produced in higher Thread Counts of Egyptian Cotton or Pure Cotton fabrics. Percales of High Thread Counts are traditionally Made in Italy or other European countries with supreme weaving methods. High Thread Count Percale Sheets and Duvet Sets are not usually found in the U.S. Percales are made of Egyptian Cotton, Pima Cotton or Pure Cotton and have a matte or non-glossy finish as opposed to a glossy Sateen finish. Sateen finishes produce a natural gloss and sheen on the fabric surface, while Percales are more flat in appearance. European Bedding and Luxury Linens, such as those Made in Italy or Made in France, produce far higher quantities of Luxury Bedding made in Percales where it is typical to find Italian sets made entirely of of Egyptian Cotton and with a flat, Percale finish. Percales are made of any type of Cotton, though Long-Yarn fibers produce superior Sheets and Bedding, while Egyptian Cotton produces the softest surface. Luxury Bedding that utilizes a Percale surface includes Sheets, Sheet Sets, Duvet Covers and Duvets, Comforter Covers, Pillowcases, Pillow Shams, Bed Skirts and occasionally Curtains or Drapes and Valances.

Pile Knit

What is Pile Knit : A knit construction utilizing a special yarn or sliver, interloped into a standard knit base. This specialty construction is used for formation of imitation fur fabrics, as well as in some floor coverings. In home furnishings, this knit is most often found in imitation fur Luxury Throw Blankets and Throws, Imitation Fur Comforters and Comforter Sets, Bedspread Sets and Bedspreads, Pillow Shams, Decorative Bed Pillows, Accessory Throw Pillows and Floor Rugs.

Pill, Pilling (aka Sheets Sets Surface Pilling, Surface Balling) 

What is Surface Pill, Surface Balling or Pilling Effect : A tangled ball of fibers that appears on the surface of a fabric, and is caused by wear or continued friction or rubbing on the surface of the fabric. Pill is most common with inferior or low-to-medium quality bedding in Sheets and Sheet Sets, Duvets and Duvet Sets, Comforter Covers, Throws and Throw Blankets and Bed Blankets. Cheaper quality fabrics and weaving methods will pill easily and quickly, sometimes even after the first laundering or use. A majority of less expensive Sheet Sets and Duvets, regardless of "Thread Count" listed, will encounter a major problem with pilling that often occurs quicly. Inexpensive weaving methods, cheaper fabrics and fibers, as well as misrepresentation of ply and Thread Count have all led to major consumer confusion. Many times, Thread Count listed on packaging can be misleading, with the true Thread Count being only one-half to one-quarter of what is listed. Certain countries, in fact, use different methods for compiling Thread Count, leading to a mass influx of Sheets, Sheet Sets, Duvets and Duvet Set indicating an inflated number of up to 4 times the Bedding’s actual Thread Count. Problems with pilling are not limited to lesser-known brand names and, in fact, often occur with even major manufacturers depending upon the locale of Bedding manufacture. Pilling is also not an issue limited to one region, with major consumer upset with sets purchased inclusive of both domestic and abroad such as China, Egypt and India as well as other regions.

Pique

What is Pique Fabric : A medium-weight fabric that is either knit or woven, and which has raised dobby designs that include cords, wales, waffles or patterns. Woven pique styles have cords which run lengthwise, or in direction of the warp. Knitted versions are double-knit fabric constructions which are created on multi-feed, circular knitting machines.

Plain Weave

What is Plain Weave Fabric : A basic weave, utilizing a simple alternate interlacing of warp and filling yarns. Any type of yarn made from any type of fiber can be manufactured into a plain weave fabric.

Plied Yarn, 2-Ply, 4-Ply Sheets Sets

What is Plied Yarn, Ply, 2-Ply Yarns or 4-Ply Yarns: This is the method employed in creating most sheet sets that look great right out of the package, and then begin immediate degrade. The method involves a twisting together of two or more single yarns (2 yarns for "2-ply," 4 yarns for "4-ply") so as to obtain the end result of a longer fiber. The short yarns used in this process would typically be useless if not woven with other short yarns. Though not always the case, in general, this process can and does often produce inferior products. This has become a widely-used practice amongst both domestic and international manufacturers, and can dramatically affect sheet set life, durability, sheen, hand, softness and drape. Use of a single, long-yarn fiber produces the most superior products. Yarns instead twisted together to "create" a supposedly longer yarn is a far cheaper production method which translates to a resulting cheaper product. Use of plied yarns of recent has been extremely misleading to the consumer in several ways. First, it has been suggested to consumers that more is better, or that a higher number is better-with many consumers under the impression that more yarns involved in the process is better than only one yarn. This is entirely untrue. Secondly, a number of countries have been denoting a "Thread Count" on their sheet set or duvet set packaging (i.e. 1000TC) while simultaneously failing to mention that the "Thread Count" being used is inclusive of the number of threads being twisted together to form a longer yarn. In essence, this means that a 4-ply set marked 1000TC is truly 250TC. However such a sheet set would not even be able to accurately compare to a 250TC set comprised of single, long yarns. The shorter, usually inferior grade yarns used in twisting methods are exposed to faster breakdown because of the twisting. So the set will degrade in a much quicker manner, typically meaning it will be of even poorer quality than a standard 180TC sheet set. The difference is typically apparent within a short period of time, through use or even on the first laundering. The set may appear normal until used or laundered, where the fabric will suddenly feel rough and dull. Pilling, or surface balling, is a also a common result. And sets will frequently need to replaced altogether, in severe cases within a matter of only months. The sheen, or surface luster and natural glossy shine, will be lost within the first several launderings and minimum use. The drape, rather than falling smoothly and softly, will instead stiffen. These symptoms usually worsen with an increased number of threads twisted together. For instance, 4-ply sheet sets will tend to have more immediate problems than 2-ply sheets because the increased number of threads causes an increased vulnerability in wear and tear. The finest sheet sets, and those with the best softness, sheen, drape, durability and longevity are always those created with single-ply yarns: one yarn only. When only one yarn is used, couple with use of an ultra-long length, the result is unparalleled.

Plisse

What is Plisse Fabric : A lightweight and plain weave fabric that is made from Pure Cotton, Rayon, or Acetate. Plisse is characterized by a puckered striped effect, usually in the warp direction. The crinkled effect is created through application of a caustic soda solution that shrinks the fabric in the areas where it is applied. The appearance is similar to seersucker fabric. Plisse Bedding includes Bedspreads and Bed Spread Sets as well as unique Mens’ and Womens’ Lounge Robes, or After Bath Robes. 

Polyester

What is Polyester Fabric : Man-made, manufactured fiber that was first introduced in the 50’s. Only Cotton is used more often than polyester in Bedding, however polyester is one of the least desired materials to be used for Sheets, Sheet Sets, Duvets, Duvet Covers, Pillowcases, Shams, Coverlets or Coverlet Sets. Polyester prohibits the body from breathing, while Cottons such as Egyptian Cotton or Pima Cotton, naturally wick away moisture and allow the body to breathe. Polyester offers high durability, great resiliency, high abrasion resistance and decreased wrinkling when used in Cotton and Polyester blends, however it is a manufactured fiber that stifles the body’s natural breathing process. While the best sheets Sheets and all-Cotton Duvets are comprised of Pure Egyptian Cotton or Pure Cotton, polyester content can be very beneficial in Luxury Bedding such as Jacquard Duvets and Duvet Sets, Comforters and Comforter Sets, Bed Spreads and Bedspread Sets, Imitation Fur Luxury Throws, Imitation Fur Blankets and Imitation Fur Floor Rugs. Polyester adds longevity and durability that is hard to compromise, adding strength to top Bedding and floor pieces that experience frequent use.