bolt of fabric

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bolt of fabric" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a specific length or roll of fabric, often in the context of sewing, crafting, or textile discussions. Example: "She purchased a bolt of fabric to make curtains for her living room."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

When my grandfather explained that he was a master tailor, someone produced a bolt of fabric.

The New Yorker

He had a bolt of fabric, a big check pattern, that he was pitching for a fall suit.

The New York Times

The first, in accordance with an age-old custom, had to be a bolt of fabric, some knitting yarn, or something along those lines.

The Guardian - Books

A bolt of fabric from which yellow stars were cut might have more impact if it were separated out from the props around it.

The New York Times - Arts

Time becomes a sheet of blank metal, a bolt of fabric, or a rolled out dough (select your hobby as appropriate).

The Guardian

Ms. Doner, who is a trustee of the Wolfsonian, led Mr. Wolfson up some steps to admire a recent creation, a bedspread that began as the bolt of fabric they had seen in Hyderabad, in India.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

Tajik women bargained over resplendent bolts of fabric.

The New York Times - Travel

Propped against the walls, which were covered with Çarşi graffiti, stood several bolts of fabric.

The New Yorker

Several affluent looking Indian men drifted in and out, caressing and scowling at bolts of fabric.

The New York Times - Travel

His apartment was soon stacked with sewing books and bolts of fabric.

The New York Times

On the third floor, bolts of fabric from past seasons are piled up on shelves alongside zips, buttons and labels.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing materials for sewing or crafting projects, use "bolt of fabric" to refer to the full roll as purchased, especially when distinguishing it from smaller cuts or remnants.

Common error

Avoid using "bolt of fabric" to describe small scraps or remnants. A "bolt" implies a substantial, often unused, length of material.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bolt of fabric" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object in a sentence. It refers to a specific quantity and form of textile material, as illustrated in Ludwig's examples where it's used to describe purchases, deliveries, or the contents of a tailor's shop.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Wiki

9%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "bolt of fabric" is a noun phrase correctly used to describe a roll of fabric, primarily in contexts related to sewing, crafting, and textile commerce. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in written English. It appears most frequently in news and media, with a neutral register. When looking for alternatives, consider "roll of material" or "length of cloth" for similar meanings. Remember to use "bolt of fabric" for substantial lengths, not scraps, to avoid confusion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fabric roll

Reorders the words while keeping the core meaning intact.

roll of material

Replaces "fabric" with the more general term "material", emphasizing the physical substance.

roll of textile

Combines "roll of" with "textile" for a slightly different emphasis.

length of cloth

Substitutes "fabric" with "cloth", specifying a measured portion.

textile bolt

Reorders the words emphasizing "textile".

piece of textile

Uses "textile" instead of "fabric", giving a more formal and technical tone.

fabric piece

Uses "piece" instead of "bolt" to indicate a cut section.

roll of yardage

Replaces "fabric" with "yardage", highlighting the quantity in yards.

large cut of material

Specifies a "large cut" providing further description of size.

measured fabric

Focuses on the fact that it is fabric that is measured.

FAQs

How is "bolt of fabric" typically used in a sentence?

The phrase "bolt of fabric" generally refers to a roll of fabric, often used in contexts related to sewing, crafting, or textiles. For example: "She purchased a "bolt of fabric" to make curtains."

What are some alternatives to saying "bolt of fabric"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "roll of material", "length of cloth", or "piece of textile".

Is it correct to say "bolts of fabric" when referring to multiple rolls?

Yes, "bolts of fabric" is the correct plural form. For instance, "The store had many "bolts of fabric" in different colors and patterns."

What distinguishes a "bolt of fabric" from a "remnant"?

A ""bolt of fabric"" typically indicates a full, often new, roll of material. A "remnant", on the other hand, is a smaller, leftover piece of fabric, usually from a larger cut.