Cambric is a lightweight cotton cloth used as fabric for lace and needlework. Cambric, also known as batist in a large part of the world, was invented by Jean-Baptiste Cambrai France, which gave the fabric its name, as early as 1595; It is a closely woven, firm fabric with a slight glossy surface produced by calendering. Modern cambric is made from Egyptian or American cotton and sometimes flax, but also polymer fibers can be added. Cambric is also used as a coating for professional playing cards, to protect them for longer and make them easier to handle.