Glossary - L

Lace
A decorative mesh of interlaced threadwork which is plaited, knotted, looped and turned to make either simple or complicated patterns and raised work. There are many different styles of lace, which has a long history of romance, and in some form or other it is very often included on a wedding gown. Alencon, Chantilly, Spanish and Venise are just a few of the many lacework types available.

Linen
The Charles Craft Linen is called 'Irish Linen' and comes 30' wide in 20, 28 and 32 count (various colours). Linen is available in a wide range of colours, and new ones are always being introduced, much to the dismay and confusion of stores and the consuming public. The 36 count Zweigart linen is called Edinborough.

Lining
An extra layer of fabric sewn into the inside of a garment for added comfort or modesty.

Lockstitch
The lockstitch is the mechanical stitch most commonly made by a sewing machine. Most home sewing machines are lockstitch machines, although sergers have entered the home market in the past ten years or so. Of a typical garment factory's sewing machines, half might be lockstitch machines and the other half divided between overlock machines, chain stitch machines, and various other specialized machines.

Loops
The number of loops in a towel determines its drying ability. The more loops, the greater the absorbency. A cotton loop in a towel is termed a 'terry loop'.