Gingham Fabrics and its usage in accessories and clothing

Gingham is a lighter fabric made up from either 100% cotton or a cotton blend mixed with polyester like a polycotton or other fibres depending on the end use. Gingham is a traditional name originating from Malaysia, however, during the 17th century when the fabric was imported in to Europe other countries such as India, Indonesia and even France have claimed the fabric to have originated from there.

The unique quality of the material is the bright coloured stripe and then evolved in to a chequered design similar to other plaid fabrics.

India and Indonesia were able to produce large quantities of gingham due to the scale of production of the textile/ linen industry. Gingham was originally made with three main colourways, red and white, blue and white or yellow and white. The dyes used were all natural like madder, indigo and turmeric. Natural dyes were easily accessed in India and Indonesia therefore production was on a larger scale and able to export to other continents.

The material has always been a popular option throughout the world, especially in America throughout the southern states during the 1920’s up until the late 80’s when gingham started to change dramatically and other designs and materials became popular. Internationally gingham represents different spiritual symbolisms and uses compared to other countries using gingham as a practical fabric.

Continue reading “Gingham Fabrics and its usage in accessories and clothing”

Cotton Canvas Waxed

Cotton canvas waxed is also known as Barbour wax after the famous brand Barbour and their outdoor garments. Cotton canvas is available with or without wax the difference between both depends on the end use and what you would like the material to do.

Cotton canvas alone is not a waterproof fabric, instead it is just a natural material and the fibres will absorb the water.

Waxed canvas has an application of wax, which is applied during the weaving process and the options are either a paraffin wax or something more expensive like beeswax, both types of wax will perform in similar ways. The wax ensures the material is waterproof and protected from this layer of wax which is embedded in to the fabric covering each fibre.

Bag made off EcoWax Cotton Fabric
Bag made off EcoWax Cotton Fabric
EcoWax Fabric Traditional Wax 100% Cotton
EcoWax Fabric Traditional Wax 100% Cotton
Continue reading “Cotton Canvas Waxed”

Cotton shirting materials

Cotton shirting is a term used to describe 100% cotton fabric that has been woven tightly together to form a material that is of a slightly heavier weight and density making the fabric not as sheer as other cotton materials. This is the perfect material for a cotton shirt, this can be dyed or a pattern like stripes woven in to the material.

Continue reading “Cotton shirting materials”

Viscose Tartan applications, benefits and its care

Viscose Tartan is a make-up of synthetic fibres such as Polyester and Viscose, the percentage can vary depending on the manufacturer and the required outcome. It is a cost-effective fabric that imitates a Tartan look. Originally tartan was produced by weaving wool in a criss-cross pattern of different colours and variations, Tartan originates from Scotland and is still produced in high volumes.

The production methods have moved over to using synthetic yarns and machine woven to produce the fabric at a quicker pace resulting in a high volume of fabric at a low cost. The imitation tartan is used for many different projects and is available in different finishes and textures allowing tartan to be used openly.

Scotland Edinburgh Bagpipes wearing Tartan Fabric
Scotland Edinburgh Bagpipes wearing Tartan Fabric.
Excellent quality viscose tartan fabric in checks.
Excellent quality viscose tartan fabric in checks. Click image to visit product page.

Continue reading “Viscose Tartan applications, benefits and its care”

Georgette materials production, types and usage

Georgette is a synthetic fabric made up from either polyester or nylon. Originally when Georgette was invented by a French dressmaker early 20th century it was produced with silk yarns. As materials and processes have developed there is a cheaper and easily accessible Georgette which is made up of a synthetic yarn.

Georgette is a lightweight slightly textured crepe fabric with a dull finish compared to other crepe materials like chiffon. The crinkles in the fabric are made by alternating yarns in the weft and warp creating this texture when it is relaxed. Double Georgette is a heavier weight compared to the other types of Georgette available.

Continue reading “Georgette materials production, types and usage”

Polyester (Polyethylene terephthalate) and its application in fabric industries

Polyester also known as PET (Polyethylene terephthalate), which is another type of plastic. Polyester is a man-made fibre like other synthetic yarns, there are different combinations of polyester some mixed with cotton or other natural fibres. However natural polyester is made with natural plant cuticles.
Invented in 1941, since then there are many uses and types of polyester fabric something for every project or user. Depending upon the combination and the way it is woven it can be a very effective material as the advantages can be seen as a solution to the disadvantages of using natural fibres.

Continue reading “Polyester (Polyethylene terephthalate) and its application in fabric industries”

Satin fabric, its uses in dresses and other fashion wear

Satin is a luxuriously shiny fabric that is woven with the weft floating over the warp creating a shine on one side of the fabric, the weave construction allows the fabric to drape and hold a good shape at the same time.

Originally produced in a shipping port in China where it has been present for many centuries it was only until the 12th century when satin was imported in to Europe through the Silk Road where it was used and loved by the rich.

Satin was initially produced using silk and made into luxurious dresses and garments, as it was expensive only the rich were able to afford it. However as time has progressed and textile industries developed other yarns and fabrics, Satin was then produced with nylon and polyester, creating a cheaper price point.

 Satin sweetheart dress by Leopold-Terence on flickr
 A Woven satin with glued-on sequins.

Continue reading “Satin fabric, its uses in dresses and other fashion wear”

Organza for wedding and home décor

Organza is a very thin lightweight plain weave meaning it is made with one of the most basic weaving techniques but it is durable as the weft and warp creates a criss-cross pattern, which then strengthens the weave. The material can be made from different yarns however the first type of organza was made from silk yarn many centuries ago in rural China and along the Silk Road.

Crystal Organza Fabric
Crystal Organza Fabric

 Princess Satin Blomma Flicka Klänningar http://se.thdress.com/princess-satin-blomma-flicka-klänningar-med-flera-nivåer-organza-kjol-p2352.html A-Line satin klänningar med avtagbar centrum båge, backar justerbar satin slips för perfekt utseende Perfekt för blomma flicka, gemenskap, junior brudtärna och gradering Justerbar midja med skärp Mitt bak dragkedja Helfodrad Ytterligare nettning under kjolen

Continue reading “Organza for wedding and home décor”

Wool types, characteristics and end usage

Wool is a natural fibre taken from different animals, such as a sheep, lamb, rabbits, cashmere goats and camels too, they all have different properties and end usage. Wool usually taken from a sheep has many different types due to the different areas it can be taken from on the animal, such as the haunches (back legs) of a sheep the wool is very strong and long so it can be used for more heavy duty needs. The crimped and elastic characteristics of wool are distinctive and you can feel this when touching wool.

Poly Wool Fabric
Poly Wool Fabric
Italian Melton Wool Fabric 700GSM
Italian Melton Wool Fabric 700GSM

 

Continue reading “Wool types, characteristics and end usage”

Indoor and Outdoor Waterproof Fabrics

A selection of natural and synthetic waterproof fabrics that are inherently waterproof or treated to become water resistant. We stock a number of different types including PU, Canvas and breathable. These are extremely durable and can be used for clothing, baby wear, anoraks and bags. Also available are outdoor fabrics which have many uses including awnings, tents, wind breaks, outdoor furniture and tarpaulin sheets.

 Waterproof Fabric 4oz 
Waterproof Fabric Madrid Fire Retardant

We have Cotton Canvas Waterproof Fabric 14oz is a strong waterproof cotton canvas fabric. Used for tents, tarpaulins and many other heavy uses.

"A large tent made from Waterproof fabrics.

A list of top products lines in this category are given below.

  • 4oz Water Resistant Fabric
  • 14oz Waterproof Cotton Canvas
  • Madrid Water Resistant Fire Retardant polyester
  • 4oz Quilted Water Resistant overlap design

Visit a full list of our Waterproof Fabrics category.