Fiber abbreviations

Welcome to our guide on international abbreviations for fibres, used for yarn manufacture . Yarn, the essential thread that forms the foundation of countless textile creations, comes in a rich variety of compositions, each with its unique characteristics and applications. Whether you’re a seasoned crafter or a novice looking to explore the world of textiles, understanding these international abbreviations is the key to selecting the perfect yarn for your next project. Join us as we unravel the language of yarn, from cotton to wool and everything in between, demystifying the codes that bring your creative visions to life.

Abbreviations for natural fibers

Natural fibers can include plant fibers and animal fibers.

• CO – Cotton, a natural fiber derived from the cotton plant
• HA – Hemp, a strong natural fiber from the outer portion of the hemp plant’s stalk
• JU – Jute, a course vegetable fiber made from tall tropical plants
• LI – Linen, a natural yarn made from flax
• RA – Ramie, a strong fiber made from a flowering plant
• SE – Silk, a natural fiber produced by insect larvae
• SI – Sisal, a strong fiber from a Mexican plant
• WA – Angora, yarn made from the wool of the Angora rabbit
• WB – Beaver fur
• WK – Camel hair
• WL – Llama hair
• WM – Mohair, a type of wool made from the hair of the Angora goat
• WO – Wool or recycled wool, a yarn made from sheep’s wool
• WP – Alpaca wool
• WS – Cashmere, a type of wool from the Cashmere goat
• WV – Virgin wool, merino wool. wool from a lamb or wool that has not been recycled
• WY – Yak, wool from a yak
• WZib – Fur from sable

Abbreviations for synthetic and artificial fibers

Man-made fibers can be those completely created in the lab or using artificial methods. Sometimes, they are made from natural materials, but calling them natural fibers is false advertising. They have been heavily processed to take the qualities desired in a particular yarn/textile. Whether they start in nature or in the lab, it’s helpful to know their abbreviations:

• AC or CA – Acetate, a fiber made by refining and spinning wood pulp
• BB – Bamboo viscose, a type of viscose fabric made from bamboo pulp
• CLY – Lyocell, a type of fabric made using dissolved wood pulp
• CMD or MD – Modal, a very soft fiber derived from beech trees
• CU or CUP – Cupro, a fabric made from cotton waste
• EA or EL – Elastane (also called Lycra or Spandex), made from polyether-polyurea copolymer
• ME – Metallic fiber, any fabric with metals added
• NY – Nylon, a thermoplastic material that is processed with heat
• PA – Polyamide, a synthetic fiber made from polyamides
• PC, PAN – Polyacrylic, a synthetic wool-like fabric made from acrylonitrile
• PL or PES – Polyester, the shortened name of a synthetic polymer used in many textile blends
• PU – Polyurethane, a waterproof fabric that is made by laminating other fibers, including polyester
• TA – Triacetate, a stretchy fabric mostly made from highly processed plant fibers
• VI or CV – Viscose, a fabric made from processed wood pulp
• VY – Vinyl, a textile made from natural gas and chlorine