Cretonne

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A lightweight cotton fabric that features printed patterns, commonly employed in upholstery and home decorating projects
2. A decorative textile made predominantly from cotton, widely recognized for its vibrant prints and use in various interior furnishings
3. A type of fabric primarily composed of cotton that is characterized by its printed designs and is often utilized in home decor and upholstery projects

Etymology: Cretonne takes its name from a place, not a person or a process. The French word "cretonne" was used for a sturdy linen or cotton cloth, and the fabric is named for Creton, a town in Normandy, where it was first made. English borrowed the word from French, and it has stayed attached to the printed, colourful cotton that later became the standard for curtains, cushion covers and chair coverings. The surprise is how far the fabric has travelled from its origins. The original cloth was plain and practical, a hard-wearing material for everyday household needs, and the printed designs that define it today came later. The name persisted even as the product changed, so the modern meaning of the word reflects the fabric's new role in interior decorating rather than its first form.