Fabric Glossary: Terms Starting with K

Kemp

Is a coarse, wavy, brittle fiber from wool or hair fibers of the sheep. They resist dying and spinning so they are used mainly for carpets and decorative items.

Keratin

Wool and hair fibers are composed of keratin protein. Also found in feathers, hoofs, horns, nails, claws, bills etc.

Kersey

Is a twill weave wool fabric with a warp back. It is a thick sturdy fabric with a rough hand. Kersey fabric is considered a vintage fabric as other types of weaves have replaced it which are similar like some woolen tweeds and serge.

Khaki

Has three meanings, it can mean a color or, it can be referencing a fabric used to make military uniforms and pants (trousers). It can also mean the actual pants (trousers) made from khaki fabric. Khaki fabric is a strong twill weave or chino weave fabric made from cotton, wool, linen, synthetic and blended fibers.

Knit Fabrics, Knitting

Are fabrics made from interlooping yarn using needles. Two types of knitted fabrics are circular knits (which machines produce fabric in tubular form) and warp knits (made on flat open width knitting machines). There are many classes and weights produced from these two types of knitted fabrics. The main classes of warp knit fabrics are tricots and raschel. The main classes of circular knits are single knits or jerseys and double knits.