Plain (or Homespun) Weave.—Plain cloth is the simplest cloth that can be woven. In this weave one series of threads (filling or weft) crosses another series (warp) at right angles, passing over one and under one in regular order, thus forming a simple interlacement of the threads. This weave is used in the production of Muslin, Gingham, Broadcloth, Taffetas, etc.
Checks are produced in plain weaving by the use of bands of coloured warp and coloured filling. This weave produces a strong and firm cloth. It is also called calico or tabby weave, and referred to as a "one-over and one-under" weave.
Plated.—An American term used in connexion with goods having the face of one material and the back of another; for instance, a garment having a wool face and cotton back is "plated." The face may also be of one colour and the back of another, both of the same material.
Plissé.—French for pleated; applied to fabrics which have as a distinctive feature a narrow lengthways fold like the pleats of a closed fan. Also known as Tucks.
Plumetis.—A sheer cotton fabric ornamented with tufts at intervals. A Figured Muslin or Lawn of high quality and price which shows on its face dots or small sprigs of flowers which closely imitate real hand embroidery. These designs are the result of swivel figuring. This fabric is also known as Plumety.
Plush.—As a distinctive fabric Plush would appear to be a pile fabric having a fairly long pile woven on the same principle as Velvet, but composed of wool, mohair, or mixed fibres, and sometimes from a silk pile and cotton back. Used as an adjective, the word "plush" would mean woven with a pile somewhat longer than Velvet. It is generally used in conjunction with a prefix showing the nature of the materials from which the pile is made.
It is generally recognised that Plushes and Velvets are so generally part cotton that a Silk Plush should be considered as having a cotton back unless it is definitely stated that it is "silk backed." This practice is recognised by manufacturing, wholesale, and retail branches of the trade and is accepted by such authorities as Paul H. Nystrom and recorded in his book, "Textiles."