Types of cotton fabric - name, properties and application

Organic cotton is obtained from the cotton plant, a short plant. The fibers sprout from seeds located in the flower box.

The collected material is formed into bales and sent to production, where it is processed. The types of cotton fabrics are varied, they differ in the method of weaving and finishing.

Cotton - what kind of material is it?

Real cotton fabric is made from a plant called the common cotton plant. It has a biological belonging to the genus Malvaceae.

Such plants are the main source of fibers for the production of home textiles.

Previously, the crop was treated with care; bolls containing cotton were collected by hand so as not to damage the valuable plant. Now they are purchasing machines for harvesting.

Attention! Not only fabrics are made from culture.

Cotton is valued in medicine and is used to produce cotton wool.

The fibers are a hollow plant cell reaching 6 cm in length. It is formed in the seed pod.

Depending on the quality and parameters of the source material, yarn can be:

• fine-fiber;
• medium fiber;
• short-fiber.

Strength depends on the composition; it should contain not only cellulose. A minimum content of 5% mineral compounds and fats is required.

What is cotton fabric and why is it called that? In reference literature, natural linen was called paper because it emitted a specific odor during combustion.

Where is it used?

Cotton products can be found everywhere. Cotton fabric is used to produce bed linen and baby clothes (diapers); cotton is widely used in medicine (bandages, bandages, gowns, etc.). Clothing uses not only suiting fabrics for sewing shirts, skirts, etc., but also knitwear - casual T-shirts, dresses.

Production Features

After the culture ripens, the fruit with seeds opens on its own. It contains soft fibers that are collected and then technically cleaned. The product is sorted by length after complete cleaning.

The prepared fibers are pressed to produce yarn. Whole threads are formed, from which full-fledged fabric cuts are then created. Synthetic and natural components are used for production:

• flax is an organic component;
• viscose is an artificial material obtained by processing natural cellulose;
• polyester - synthetic fiber added to restore elasticity;
• acetate is a fiber obtained from cellulose and a chemical reagent.

The best material for the production of clothing, bedding and underwear sets and other household items is exclusively of organic origin. This helps the material provide good air exchange.

Classification

The name is determined not only by the composition of the matter. It is necessary to take into account both the method of joining the fibers and the processing method used.

Such processing methods make it possible to increase the strength qualities of the material and improve its appearance. With a rational approach, the service life is extended.

A more popular classification is the type of weave of threads in the fabric.

Types of weave

There are 4 popular types of weave of cotton materials:

• Satin – 1 weft thread overlaps 4 or more warp threads. With this view, the arrangement of threads resembles a mosaic.

• Twill - unlike satin, the weft thread forms a clear diagonal line.

• Linen is a simple type in which the weft and warp threads alternate.

• Rep - has a rarer weave than the types described above, so a clear scar is formed on the surface of the fabric.

Plain weave

The most popular weave is plain. The threads are connected evenly and overlap each other. The result is a strong, smooth and homogeneous material.

The list of popular plain weave fabrics includes:

Muslin

A soft cotton fabric used to create home textiles.

Curtains and sofa decks are made from it. The composition contains cotton, wool, silk, linen.

Batiste

A thin material produced in industrial production from twisted yarn.

It can be printed and smooth-haired, mercerized, bleached.

Used in fashion collections by leading fashion designers. Blouses, underwear, and dresses are made from it.

Combines effectively with printed lace

Chintz

Lightweight cotton fabric obtained through the process of making calico.

It can be smooth and padded.

Used for sewing nightgowns, underwear and bed linen.

The canvases are often brightly colored.

Calico

Consists of dense unbleached threads. Other materials are produced from it: oilcloth, leatherette, chintz, muslin.

Often used for upholstery.

Its advantage is its versatility; calico often becomes the basis for obtaining canvases of a different quality.

Calico

Thick cotton fabric, the composition of which allows the presence of synthetic components.

Its structure resembles a paper canvas.

Used for sewing bed linen, summer dresses, men's underwear and linings.

Poplin

Dense double-sided material, which is used for sewing tablecloths, bed linen, and shirts.

Taffeta

Glossy material characterized by rigidity.

Used for drapery, allows you to simulate volume.

It is interesting to know that this material originally appeared in Persia. There it was considered expensive, only noble people could get it.

Veil

Thin, almost transparent fabric.

Suitable for creating wedding veils, scarves, curtains, blouses and dresses.

Often used in decoration, it allows you to create an airy ruffle due to its lightness.

The listed textile fabrics have different purposes.

Twill weave

There are also twill weave fabrics with asymmetrical thread joining. The canvas turns out to be heavy, dense, with characteristic structural protrusions.

The list of fabrics related to this weaving can be presented as follows:

1. Tartan is a thin cotton fabric with a characteristic pattern in the form of a large check. It is used to sew famous kilts, warm suits for men and women.
2. Bumazeya is a warm, soft, structured fabric with a fleece on the reverse side, popularly called flannel.
3. Flannel is a dense cotton material with one-sided or double-sided brushing. Serves as a basis for sewing everyday clothes.
4. Denim is a tough material. The first jeans were made from it. Coloring is achieved with permanent sulfur-based paint. Denim is used for sewing overalls, skirts, shorts and outerwear.

Plaid

Plaid

Bumazeya

Bumazeya

Flannel

Flannel

Denim

Denim

Denim
Natural twill weave materials are used in the textile industry.

Satin weave

There is also a so-called satin weave. It is formed by weft threads, they are directed horizontally in relation to each other and vertically in the direction of the warp.

In appearance, it is a smooth, dense silky material, characterized by a pronounced shine. Suitable for sewing elegant dresses and dressing gowns. The structure resembles silk.

Photos and videos in this article will help you understand the structural features and scope of application of each fabric.

Attention! It is impossible to name the best natural fabric, because much depends on the purpose of its use.

Properties of cotton fabrics

The fabric meets the following parameters:

• hygroscopicity – materials, especially natural ones, absorb moisture well;
• hypoallergenic – the likelihood of allergic reactions upon contact with natural fabrics is excluded;
• breathability - heat exchange occurs freely, therefore a person is comfortable in cotton clothes: it is not hot in summer, but warm in winter;
• strength - the material does not tear or deteriorate, withstands good loads, therefore it is practical;
• lightness - the fabrics fit well to the body and are soft.

The materials do not react with various solvents, so many solvents can be used to maintain them.

How to determine cotton or not

If there is an extra scrap or several threads of material, you can set it on fire. Cotton and other natural textiles will burn, while synthetics will melt. Also, artificial flaps emit an unpleasant odor and roll into a lump, while natural flaps form ash.

And they also use the hygroscopic property of cotton. Natural material, when immersed in water, instantly absorbs it.

If it is not possible to check the material using the methods described above, rely on the appearance of the product. Synthetic additives give things shine and smoothness; pure cotton is matte and rough.

Advantages and disadvantages

Natural cotton has advantages over synthetics. They are presented in the following list:

• high strength;
• the ability to keep warm and keep out the cold;
• increased elasticity;
• ease of tailoring: the fabric does not fray and cuts well;
• average price of material;
• used in medicine.

Attention! The listed qualities are characteristic of 100% natural fabrics.

The list of shortcomings looks like this:

• reduced wear resistance compared to synthetics;
• fabrics wrinkle heavily and are difficult to iron;
• Washing at high temperatures is not advisable (the fabric may shrink).

Disadvantages characteristic of natural fabrics are easily eliminated. Manufacturers add some synthetics to their composition.

This move allows you to increase wear resistance and avoid shrinkage during washing.

The percentage of artificial fibers is insignificant, so the fabrics retain their advantages to the fullest.

Rules of care

To ensure that the fabric retains its appearance and does not deteriorate during use, the following rules must be observed:

1. Items made from real cotton should not be washed at high temperatures, the maximum allowed is 60 degrees.
2. Colored ones do not need to be washed with bleach or other bleach.
3. Ironing a product is not easy, so you should not let the fabrics dry completely; it is better to dry them with an iron.
4. Before washing, things need to be sorted by color; you should not wash white together with black or colored clothes, clothes can fade and then it will be difficult to restore their original appearance.

It is difficult to find real cotton material in its pure form. Now it is used in the children's textile industry: they sew rompers, baby vests, and diapers for newborns. Bed, underwear and underwear are often made from cotton, but some synthetics are added to its composition. Thus, the manufacturer reduces the cost of the initial cost of raw materials and enhances the weaknesses of the natural material.

Appearance

According to the finishing method, cotton materials are divided into:

1. Harsh - this fabric has not been bleached or dyed. It is used in the manufacture of workwear, in manufacturing and in other industries where it is not the appearance of the fabric that is important, but its wear resistance. Has high density.

1. Bleached - the fabric is treated with bleaching solutions, which is why it becomes thinner than the harsh fabric and acquires a snow-white color. Further, it is sold in white or additionally colored.

1. Plain dyed – canvases painted in one color.

1. Printed - the design is printed using a machine, thanks to which it adheres better to the canvas.