What is denim (jeans) and what is the fabric made from: properties and description

Story

The history of jeans began in medieval Europe. French weavers from the city of Nîmes wove thick cotton fabric to make ship sails. The decline of the sailing fleet led to the uselessness of matter, and only a happy accident helped it not to sink into oblivion.

In the mid-19th century, during the gold rush, American businessman Levi Strauss came up with the idea of ​​sewing trousers from denim with pockets for small items, which turned out to be in demand among gold miners because of their convenience and durability.

The addition of copper rivets to trousers, invented by Jacob Davis, allowed the production of jeans to be patented in 1873, which made the fabric popular.

How is denim made?

Making fabric begins with dyeing the main threads. To do this, cotton threads are joined into long ropes using a warping machine. The ropes are wound on bobbins and then passed through boxes of dyes. The dyeing cycle is repeated up to 7-10 times. After dyeing, the ropes are unraveled back into individual fibers from which they are woven into denim.

The traditional dye is dark blue indigo. It is possible to use a dye based on sulfur or other dyes, then denim fabric in blue, black, mustard, gray, and green shades is born.

To increase strength, the fibers are dipped into a container with hot starch and wax. Threads treated in this way do not fray or tear during the weaving process. The finished yarn is dried, wound on a bobbin and sent to the loom.

Lightweight denim

This category usually includes denim weighing between 5 and 11 ounces (oz.), although other points of view are sometimes found (for example, Levi's calls lightweight denim weighing less than 10.5 ounces). Lightweight denim is usually comfortable from the start, and it's not too warm, so it's great for summer, but not great for cold weather. Italians especially love this type of denim (for obvious reasons), but Americans, British and Japanese use it less often. However, in Japan, light denim is still produced, and on a fairly serious scale.

Tramarossa 11oz lightweight denim jeans

It should be added that lightweight denim does not hold a record for durability and does not always give the impression of being of good quality. Jeans made from this type of denim are of very high quality and can last for several years, but all other things being equal, they will almost certainly be less durable than jeans made from heavier denim. Fans of lightweight denim usually love it for its high level of comfort.

If you are looking for the most wear-resistant material possible, then lightweight denim is not your option.

In addition, lovers of traditional jeans note that, compared to their heavier counterparts, jeans made from light denim acquire a less expressive patina, fade less effectively and do not age particularly beautifully (here we are, of course, talking about the so-called “raw” denim - raw denim ).

Types of fabric

Types of denim fabric:

• denim - thick, durable denim made of pure cotton without additives;
• ecru is undyed denim that has the natural color of cotton;
• jean - lightweight budget type jeans, may contain viscose or polyester;
• chambry is a lightweight, thin type of cotton jeans, the weft and warp threads of which are intertwined in a 1:1 ratio;
• stretch - jeans with elastane, tightly fitting the figure.

According to weaving technique, denim is divided into:

• right-hand weaving twill - the direction of the hem is from the lower left corner to the upper right;
• left-hand weave twill - the rib is directed to the left;
• broken twill - the weaving has a herringbone look.

Types of denim fabric are distinguished according to the characteristics of their composition and appearance.:

• vintage - boiled denim with abrasions and bleached areas;
• striped - with stripes woven on the surface;
• designer - decorative jeans, decorated at the request of the designers;
• bonding - jeans combined with a layer of knitwear;
• luxury - fabric with a uniform texture, without a pronounced diagonal scar;
• Silk denim is characterized by a noble surface shine;
• Linen jeans contain 50% cotton and 50% linen, and are distinguished by the presence of knots and seals on the surface;
• insulated jeans with fleece or biker.

Name of fabric - jeans, description and characteristics

The properties of the material and its structure are constantly changing. New ways are being found to reduce the cost, improve, and change the texture.

Production

The weaving method used is twill - this is one of the densest types of weaving. The final product has a clear relief – a diagonal ridge. The classic canvas is painted dark blue. In this case, the main threads are processed. The horizontal transverse threads remain in their original form. Other colors are obtained using sulfur dyes. To give elasticity, synthetic components are mixed: elastane, viscose.

Texture and density

Denim is a rough, hard-to-touch material. Jeans is one of the varieties of denim. It became this way thanks to its density and strength. But the final result depends on what raw materials are used in production, how many impurities are present, and on the type of fabric. It is used to make summer dresses that are softer and lighter than the classics. Appearance differs depending on the species.

Properties of the fabric called jeans

The canvas would not be so popular if not for its positive aspects. The main ones look like this:

• wear resistance;
• pleasant appearance;
• convenience, especially for stretch models;
• good absorption of liquids, making it difficult to get wet in such clothes;
• hypoallergenicity achieved through the use of natural raw materials;
• versatility;
• cheapness;
• The products become dirty slowly and do not collect dust or small debris.

Despite all the positive aspects, there are also disadvantages:

• washing classics can lead to rapid loss of shape;
• long drying time;
• does not hold paint well - if you wear clothes constantly, then in places of frequent contact with the environment, friction will form abrasions, and creases will appear on the knees.

Advantages and disadvantages

Denim owes its popularity to a set of inherent positive qualities .

Classic denim:

• consists of natural fibers;
• wear-resistant;
• allows air to pass through;
• absorbs moisture;
• keeps warm;
• not electrified;
• wrinkles little;
• unpretentious in care.

Among the disadvantages of the fabric, it should be noted that it:

• shrinks when washed in hot water;
• wears off over time;
• fades and stains other products.

Heavyweight denim

This option is much less common than the previous two. Heavy denim is called fabric with a density of 16 ounces (oz), although, as you already know, some companies use other classifications, and the previously mentioned Levi's brand calls heavy denim with a density of 13 oz. Sometimes the weight of heavy denim reaches 28-32 oz., and corresponding samples make a great impression on beginners.

The wear resistance and durability of high-quality heavy denim deserve the most powerful praise, but in terms of comfort at the first stage of wearing, such denim is often inferior to lighter samples.

However, when extra-long-staple cotton is used as a raw material, even heavy denim turns out pleasant, and it has loyal fans who, by the way, note that jeans made from heavy denim fade and age very beautifully and expressively. Over time, they also become softer, nicer and more comfortable (but sometimes, we repeat, these jeans are comfortable from the very beginning, so generalizations must be made with great caution).

Of course, heavy denim jeans are best for cold and cool weather. They are relevant even in severe frosts. Not everyone will wear them in the summer, but enthusiasts will tell you that heavy denim is quite comfortable even in the heat. The Japanese love heavy denim most of all, and if you want to buy jeans made from this material, it is worth exploring the range of Japanese jeans manufacturers Samurai, Oni Denim, Kojima Genes, Iron Heart, as well as brands from some other countries (for example, Naked & Famous). You might be put off by the high prices, but high quality, heavy denim jeans can last for over a decade, so it's likely worth the cost.

Iron Heart 25oz Heavyweight Denim Jeans

In conclusion, we note that ideally you should have denim jeans of all three types in your wardrobe in order to be ready for any weather and any season. Unfortunately, not all companies and stores indicate the weight of denim, but over time you yourself will learn to approximately determine it - and in addition, it is worth keeping in mind that the very fact that the seller or manufacturer indicates the weight of denim often serves as an indicator of at least decent quality of jeans.

Care instructions

Following the recommendations indicated on the product label will help extend the service life, maintain the appearance and positive characteristics of denim items.

General recommendations:

• Before washing, you should fasten all buttons, hooks, zippers, and turn the clothes inside out;
• You can wash denim clothes by hand or on a delicate cycle in a washing machine, the water temperature should not be higher than 40 degrees;
• the use of bleach and aggressive washing powders is prohibited;
• It is recommended to wash denim items separately from other items;
• no need to twist or squeeze the product, the water can drain on its own;
• dry things in a well-ventilated area;
• Iron semi-damp jeans from the inside out through the protective fabric, avoiding the formation of creases and wrinkles.

Application by manufacturer and at home

Denim is one of the most common fabrics. To be convinced of this, you just need to look at passers-by on the street.

Patchwork, crazy panels

They are canvases woven from individual pieces of the same or different tones.

The essence of patchwork is simple - the canvas is created by stitching together pieces of fabric. Elements can be of any shape and size. Many grandmothers wove carpets in this style, but now it has acquired a modern charm. This is not a finished product, but a separate species from which the final product is made. In the patchwork style, the most popular product is the sofa bedspread. It is not inferior in popularity to a tapestry bedspread.

Denim patchwork is popular in the production of bags, trousers, jackets, tablecloths, and furniture upholstery.

Panel and relief wall paintings made of jeans will decorate a modern room or establishment. You can make them yourself or buy them in a store. The picture is created from individual elements of different colors, after which they are put together like a mosaic.

Toys and decorations

Children do not always like the material, so toys are used to create style indoors, original bars or cafes. The handicraft segment is popular. You can make your own toys from old jeans; the options are limited by your imagination.

Products such as jewelry, along with toys, are often made independently from old products. This includes roses, hearts, bracelets, necklaces.

Apron and similar organizer

Kitchen aprons or home organizers made of jeans protect against splashing oil, sauces, grease, dirt for the organizer, and threats to basic clothing. Even if you spill a large amount of water on yourself, you are unlikely to get wet due to the high density. An organizer - an interior element can serve as an assistant in maintaining order in the backyard or garage, but also diversify the decor. The organizer is a large solid denim fabric on which pockets for various items are sewn.

Backpack, pencil case

High density, strength, and attractive appearance make backpacks and pencil cases made from this fabric popular. This is especially noticeable during the distribution of backpacks among young people in principle. Denim pencil cases are popular among schoolchildren. Their parents like them too, because an active child is unlikely to spoil it. This accessory is also common among adults. It is used by manicurists, artists, draftsmen, and teachers.

Sew slippers

House slippers made from this material will last a long time, and a capricious child will like their modern appearance. Denim or jeans is a material that, firstly, is a natural fabric, which means your foot will not be hot. And secondly, this fabric is quite durable, it can withstand heavy loads. They can be of different types and styles. For soles, it is good to use felt, ready-made soles or insoles, leatherette and foam rubber.

Topiary (circle denim)

Topiar is the artistic cutting of various bushes and trees, the oldest gardening art. At the moment, topiary is small decorative trees that are created from various artificial and natural materials. Their height can be from 10 to 50 cm.

Artificial trees made from this fabric look especially fascinating. The relative cheapness does not stand out in any way; the work can be placed on a shelf in the living room without shame.

Recommendations for use

When choosing a product, you should pay special attention to the quality and composition of the fabric:

• the original denim fabric consists of cotton; if synthetic additives are present, their proportion in the composition should be less than cotton;
• high-quality jeans - thick and heavy;
• the fabric is distinguished by a noticeable diagonal scar on the surface;
• classic denim has a dyed front side and a colorless reverse side; the dye does not leave marks on the hands.

The weight of one meter of denim is approximately 350 grams. High-quality jeans for an adult weigh about 1 kilogram.

Denim goes well with other materials and goes well with decorative fittings.

conclusions

1. According to the description, this is a young fabric, but in terms of production it is one of the most common.
2. Previously made from a plant, it is now produced and made from cotton mixed with synthetics or pure.
3. The texture and texture of the canvas is hard, rough, dense. Its density resembles a suit crepe. There are softer varieties.
4. Despite the strength and durability when worn, the material requires care during maintenance; repairs are possible in case of a defect.
5. You can bleach the product, but do it at your own peril and risk.

Customer Reviews

Denim is loved by a large number of people, regardless of gender and age. It attracts consumers with practicality and convenience, a wide range of products, and ease of care.

Negative reviews are associated with the use of low-quality budget jeans: they tend to deform, actively fade and stain other clothes.

Jeans has quickly gone from being an unremarkable workwear fabric to one of the most sought-after versatile fabrics. The scope of use of the material is expanding every year. New varieties of fabric and new design solutions continue to conquer the market and surprise customers.

Scope of application of denim material

Denim fabric is used for sewing a wide variety of things. Among them:

1. Pants, shorts, skirts, vests, dresses, sundresses.
2. Shoes: boots, sneakers, shoes.
3. Swimwear, underwear. The products look beautiful, but are not practical.
4. Outerwear: coats, jackets, jackets, down jackets.
5. Bags, backpacks, cosmetic bags, pencil cases.
6. Decorative items, home textiles: potholders, sofa cushions, toys, panels.
7. Headwear: caps, panama hats, berets.
8. Jewelry: earrings, necklaces, belts, chokers.

The needle number for sewing jeans must correspond to the density of the material. Typically, needles number 120, 140, 160 are used.

See products:

Dress

Jeans

Costume

Jacket

Lifehacks with jeans:

Video: making denim

If you want to know where the production of denim fabric begins, then watch this video, it shows how denim fabric appears from a usually cotton thread.

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• Bouclé - voluminous fabric with knots on the surface
• Interlock - cotton knitted fabric for children's clothing

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Features of jeans: production, texture, what to sew

There are almost more manufacturing and application features here than all other paintings combined. To pay attention to everything, it is necessary to consider them separately:

Table of density of denim fabric and its varieties

Knowing the density of the main denim materials will help you decide when purchasing. To simplify the search for information below, you should pay attention to the following table of density characteristics:

You can notice that the density in some places differs by 2-3 times. Thanks to this, it is possible to make thick, durable pants and light summer shirts from the same fabric.

The correct length of women's jeans and for men (men's)

This parameter depends on the type of product. Classics should be noticeably longer than the top of the shoe, reach almost to the ground at the back but not touch it, and have one pleat at the front. Tapered models reach the level of the shoe or slightly lower. For women's options, it is worth choosing a length that covers half of the heel. Tapered ones are longer than men's ones, because they can cover the heel.

What kind of polycotton fabric is and where it is used, read this material.

Thread thickness, thick needles for sewing coarse fabric

The needles for such a stiff fabric must be thick. This is level 14-16. Threads (thread for sewing and stitching thickness) are used #40 cotton, synthetic thin or cotton using polyester.

The most important thing here is to make the correct measurements. Especially if a non-stretchy type of fabric is used. In general, the process is simple, a beginner can handle it, provided that the needles, threads, fabrics, and sizes have been selected correctly.

Find out how to choose fabric for a sofa in the kitchen in this article.