Tablecloth and Table Linen Glossary
What is a satin band? What does full-twist yarn mean? And what is the difference between damask, mercerised cotton and table molton?
This glossary explains important terms relating to tablecloths, cloth napkins, fabrics and textile production in a clear and practical way – from cotton yarn and woven patterns to the finishing and construction of a tablecloth.
Rather than repeating general textile definitions, we explain what these terms mean when choosing table linen and, where relevant, how they relate to the products in our range.
This page focuses on explaining individual terms. For detailed advice on materials, tablecloth sizes, washing or stain removal, follow the links to the corresponding guides.
Satin band, cotton, mitred corners and damask
A satin band is a smooth, slightly lustrous stripe woven directly into the table linen. It is not printed onto the fabric or sewn on afterwards.
Our Padua tablecloths and napkins, for example, feature this woven band. Depending on the light, the stripe can appear more pronounced or almost disappear into the surrounding fabric.
This subtle tone-on-tone effect is characteristic of classic hotel and restaurant table linen. The white Padua quality, for example, is made from 100% cotton full-twist yarn and is designed for frequent laundering.
Cotton is one of the most important materials in our traditional table-linen range. However, the fibre content alone does not determine how a tablecloth looks or feels.
Two tablecloths made from 100% cotton can be very different: a plain white tablecloth, a full-twist satin-band quality and a patterned damask tablecloth all have a different surface and appearance.
When comparing table linen, it therefore makes sense to look not only at 100% cotton, but also at the weave, yarn construction, weight, finishing and care properties.
A mitred corner is a neatly finished, diagonally joined corner on a rectangular or square tablecloth or cloth napkin.
Instead of two folded hems simply overlapping at the corner, they meet in a clean diagonal line. This creates a flatter and more refined finish.
This type of construction can be found, for example, on high-quality table linen such as our Prinzipal damask tablecloth. Round and oval tablecloths naturally do not have mitred corners because the hem follows the curved edge.
With damask table linen, the pattern is created during weaving rather than being printed onto the surface.
Different parts of the weave reflect light differently, so the pattern can appear stronger or more subtle depending on the viewing angle.
Our range illustrates this particularly well: Prinzipal has a traditional ornamental look, Leila is more contemporary, Sila uses a floral design and Fina has a more geometric diamond pattern.
Damask therefore does not describe one particular motif. It describes the way in which the pattern is produced within the fabric.
Shrinkage, dyeing, woven fabric, half-linen and hemstitching
Natural fibres such as cotton can contract slightly during the first washes. This change in dimensions is commonly referred to as shrinkage.
There is one important point when ordering our tablecloths: the stated tablecloth size refers to the intended size after washing. The expected shrinkage is already taken into account during production.
A newly delivered tablecloth can therefore initially be slightly larger than the ordered dimensions. You should not add an extra shrinkage allowance when choosing your size.
For example, if you need a finished tablecloth measuring 140 × 220 cm after washing, order 140 × 220 cm rather than choosing a larger size as a precaution.
With coloured table linen, the appearance of a colour depends not only on the dye itself but also on the structure of the fabric.
This can be seen clearly in our Padua tablecloths and napkins. The woven satin band reflects light differently from the surrounding surface, so the same colour appears lighter or darker within the fabric depending on the angle of light.
Care requirements should always be taken from the instructions for the individual product. White and coloured table linen may require different laundering conditions.
A woven fabric is made by interlacing lengthwise warp yarns and crosswise weft yarns.
For table linen, the important point is how these yarns are combined. Different weave structures can create a smooth surface, a woven damask motif or a glossy satin band.
This is why two tablecloths made from the same basic fibre, such as cotton, can look and feel completely different.
Half-linen combines linen and cotton. In table linen, this blend brings together the more natural character of linen with the practical qualities of cotton.
In our range, half-linen can be found in cloth napkins, including colours such as white, natural and dark blue.
It is particularly suitable when the table should look refined but less formal than very smooth white damask – for example in contemporary restaurants or naturally styled festive settings.
Hemstitching is a decorative finishing technique in which withdrawn threads and stitching create a fine open line close to the edge of the fabric.
It should not be confused with a mitred corner or satin band. A mitred corner describes the construction of a corner, while hemstitching is a decorative detail running along the fabric edge.
Jacquard, warp yarn, linen, tablecloth dimensions, mercerising and molton
Jacquard refers to a weaving technique that allows more complex designs to be created directly within the fabric.
For table linen, the important distinction is that the pattern is woven rather than printed. This means it forms part of the fabric structure and changes its appearance depending on the light.
Jacquard and damask are related terms but not identical: Jacquard describes the method used to control complex woven patterns, while damask describes a particular type of patterned woven fabric.
Warp yarns run lengthwise through a woven fabric. The weft yarn passes across them.
For table linen, the interaction between warp, weft and weave structure determines the final surface. This is how smooth fabrics, woven damask patterns or satin bands can be created.
Linen is produced from flax fibres and has a naturally distinctive surface. Small variations in the fabric are part of its characteristic appearance.
Compared with very smooth cotton or damask table linen, linen generally looks more natural and less formal.
This character is reflected in our half-linen napkins, which combine linen and cotton and work particularly well for contemporary or naturally styled tables.
Rectangular tablecloths are generally stated as width × length, for example 140 × 220 cm. Round tablecloths are specified by diameter.
The required tablecloth size depends on the dimensions of the tabletop and the desired drop on each side.
For our table linen, the stated dimensions refer to the intended dimensions after washing. Expected shrinkage is already allowed for during production.
A new tablecloth may therefore initially measure slightly larger. Choose the size you actually need after washing and do not add an extra shrinkage allowance.
Mercerising is a treatment used to modify the properties of cotton. It can give the fibres a smoother appearance, increase lustre and improve their ability to take up dye.
The term is relevant to our table linen because several of our high-quality cotton products are mercerised, including classic white tablecloths and various damask qualities.
Mercerising is not a printed finish or visible coating. It is part of the textile finishing process and contributes to the smooth, refined appearance of the cotton fabric.
A table molton or textile table protector is placed underneath the actual tablecloth.
It protects the tabletop, reduces the sound of plates and glasses being put down and creates a softer surface for the tablecloth above.
Our range includes, for example, round cotton table protectors with an elastic edge. The elastic helps keep the protector securely around the tabletop when the table is being set.
This makes them particularly practical for restaurants, hotels, events and tables that are regularly re-dressed.
Weft yarn, lace, table linen, textile finishing and tablecloths
The weft yarn runs across the fabric at right angles to the lengthwise warp yarns.
Different ways of interlacing warp and weft can create a plain surface, a woven damask pattern or a satin stripe. This is one reason fabrics made from the same fibre can have very different appearances.
Lace describes open decorative textile structures that may be used as a fabric or as a decorative trim.
Lace is not a central feature of our current table-linen range. When choosing our tablecloths, characteristics such as material, woven pattern, hem construction, shape and size are generally more relevant.
Table linen is the general term for textile products used to dress a dining table, such as tablecloths, cloth napkins, table runners and certain table protectors.
Traditional terms such as table cloth or banquet cloth may also be used, particularly in hospitality and event settings.
Textile is the broad term for products made from fibres, yarns or fabrics.
For choosing a tablecloth, however, the word itself tells you very little. Material, weave, yarn construction, weight, finishing and care properties are much more useful.
Textile finishing includes processes that modify the appearance or performance of a fabric after or during manufacture.
In our classic cotton table linen, examples include mercerised and bleached qualities. Such finishing can influence surface appearance, lustre, colour and care properties.
This is why the basic fibre description “cotton” alone does not fully describe the quality of a tablecloth.
A tablecloth covers all or most of the tabletop and has both a decorative and practical function.
In our range, this includes plain white cotton tablecloths, damask and satin-band tablecloths, as well as round and oval shapes.
The right tablecloth depends not only on the material, but also on the shape and dimensions of the table, the desired drop, intended use and care requirements.
Rectangular tablecloths are selected by width and length, while round tablecloths are selected by diameter.
Full-twist yarn and twisted yarn
The German textile term Vollzwirn describes a woven fabric in which twisted yarns are used in both the warp and the weft.
For table linen, this type of construction is associated with a durable and stable fabric and is particularly suitable for tablecloths that are used and washed frequently.
In our range, full-twist yarn is used in high-quality white cotton table linen and traditional hospitality qualities. Our white Klara tablecloth, for example, is made from 100% cotton full-twist yarn.
The term is also relevant to Padua. Here, the full-twist cotton fabric provides the durable base while the woven satin band creates the characteristic visual detail.
Full-twist therefore describes the yarn and fabric construction rather than the pattern of the tablecloth.
A twisted yarn is produced by twisting two or more individual yarns together.
In table linen, this is one aspect of the final fabric quality, but it does not determine whether the surface is plain, patterned or woven with a satin band.
The term full-twist yarn fabric goes one step further: twisted yarns are used in both the warp and the weft directions.
Product descriptions such as 100% cotton, full-twist, mercerised and bleached therefore provide much more information about the table linen than the word “cotton” alone.
More about tablecloth materials, sizes and care
This glossary provides concise definitions of important table-linen terms. For detailed advice on choosing, measuring and caring for tablecloths, continue with one of these guides.
Measure the tabletop, choose the desired drop and find the correct dimensions for rectangular, round and oval tables.
Go to the tablecloth size guide →Learn how cotton, damask, polyester, linen and other materials differ and which properties matter in everyday use.
Go to the material guide →Washing temperatures, detergents, drying, pressing, shrinkage and care symbols explained in detail.
Go to the care guide →Learn how to pre-treat red wine, grease, coffee, sauce, candle wax and other common stains while taking the fabric into account.
Go to the stain-removal guide →