Fleece as a fabric can be made up from different yarns, whether that is a natural yarn like natural wool, cotton or a man-made fibre like a polyester or a cotton and poly blend. The natural fibres are woven together to create a soft and warm textured material. The polyester yarns are created by a polymer being hardened and then spun to create some fibres.
As the name suggests sheeting fabric has been used for bedlinen and a cover sheet over for many different projects. It is a widely available fabric purchased around the world as an economical material for the end use. It is usually made up from 100% cotton or a new development of this material has been the addition of polyester as a blend, this can ensure the durability and the longevity of the material.
Some sheeting materials have been treated to flatten any slubs and textures that can build within the material, this also creates a blank canvas ready for the dying process. This helps the dyes deepen and stain better.
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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 Gingham was originally made with three main colourways, red and white, blue and white or yellow and white.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.
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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.
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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.
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Faux suede is an alternative for suede, the name is self-explanatory and any product with faux or actual suede will be highlighted and labelled as the correct name. Suede is one of the bottom layers of leather; it is a little fury with a longer pile making this the softer layer of a hide. Cow, goat and lamb hides are used to create suede products.
Suede was originally used to create gloves and other thermal products. However, it is not now to create a lining on leather goods like shoes, bags and wallets. This helps line the products with a softer material but still create a luxury product.
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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.
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.
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Continue reading “Viscose Tartan applications, benefits and its care”
Lace has been around for centuries some older than others, corded lace was initially produced in the 16th century in France. Alencon lace is another name for corded lace as it was produced in a small town in France named Alencon prior to the French revolution.
Corded lace is a three-dimensional lace, where the woven patterned lace is lined or layered with an extra thread that may be twisted or a much thicker yarn to create this design. The highlighted sections stand out and give an extra dimension to the lace making it very different compared to the usual lace.
Voile is a lightweight fabric that can be produced with many different combinations of yarn; voile is a French word meaning veil reflecting the light fabric that is also semi-transparent. Polyester voile is made from fine synthetic yarns and they are woven very closely to produce this fine weave with a soft delicate touch.
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.
