Answer Wiki. Percale is a weave used in making fabric (the common alternative weave is called sateen weave). A percale sheet is made by weaving threads in a uniform grid format. You have threads going in two perpendicular directions with an over under over under weave. The alternative would be a sateen weave: eg: over over over under, over over over under. The more overs before an under, the more sateen the weave.