Muslin fabric: what and how it is made from, what are the characteristics, areas of use

What type of fabric is this, where and how is it produced?

Muslin is one of the oldest fabrics in the textile industry. Cotton, wool and silk are the basis of muslin production.

Muslin colors

It has high wear resistance, density and lightness. Very comfortable. It is based on natural fibers, but it is difficult to confuse it with other types of fabrics due to the special weaving method.

Flaws

Along with its advantages, matter has several disadvantages:

need for careful care. Capricious things need to follow the rules of decontamination;
vulnerability to high temperatures. An overheated iron surface may stick to the fabric;
Over time, the color loses its brightness. Fades when soaked in hot water or prolonged exposure to direct sunlight;
wrinkles;
shrinks after machine washing;
difficult to cut. The cut edge crumbles.

Important! The list of characteristics varies depending on the raw materials used in production.

Origin story

The birthplace of muslin is considered to be the city of Mosul (the territory of modern Iraq), known since ancient times as a center of textile production. This is where the name comes from. Since then, this delicate and “breathable” fabric has been indispensable in everyday life.

In the 15th century, the material was brought to France and Italy, and since the 15th century it has been produced in all European countries. In Russia, muslin was so popular with secular fashionistas that it is mentioned in many works of classics. And currently, muslin is one of the highest quality and most expensive fabrics.

Reviews

I ordered light muslin diapers with a pattern online. The fabric absorbs well and is easy to wash. After washing it becomes even softer, but the size becomes a little smaller due to shrinkage. I don’t iron the fabric, it practically doesn’t wrinkle, and there’s no need for it. I’m thinking of finding this material by the meter and making the diapers myself.

Lisa

I recently purchased cotton muslin swaddles for my baby. We live in the south, where it is very hot in the summer, so we always need breathable materials. The baby does not sweat or sweat when I swaddle him in muslin. The material is very delicate, so there is no need to worry that it may harm children's skin. It does not deform after washing and dries quickly. The only negative is the high price.

Catherine

At first I only bought diapers for my daughter. It was expensive, so I decided to buy diapers. The store advised me to take muslin. The material is made of cotton, so the baby will not feel hot in such a diaper. I like that the fabric is soft and airy. After washing it does not lose these qualities, but the color has become paler than it was originally. If you decide to take diapers for your child, it is better to choose neutral shades, as the painted material quickly loses color.

Claudia

Originally posted 2017-12-21 07:30:34.

Types of fabric

Previously, muslin was produced only from 100% natural raw materials. Today they produce both natural and with the addition of synthetic threads. With the addition of synthetics, the fabric looks lighter and more voluminous, and practically does not wrinkle, which is very convenient.

Cotton muslin comes in three types:

Tarlatan is thin, translucent, similar to muslin. Plain weaving, with a pronounced monochromatic checkered pattern
Zephyr is a durable but very thin fabric, like a light night wind of the same name.
Nansuk is a dense, thin fabric with a silky, smooth surface.

Wool muslin is made by twisting threads of long-staple sheep's wool. It also has characteristic transparency and volume, while retaining heat well.

Silk belongs to elite fabrics. The weaving method is the same. The fabric turns out to be weightless, thin, airy and very smooth. Twisted threads make the surface of the fabric glossy. Silk colors are pastel: pearl white, cream and soft pink. Often used for wedding dresses.

Cotton

What are the properties of cotton or cotton fabric? What are its areas of application?

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Silk

Fame and luxury: a detailed review of silk fabric

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Care instructions

Natural, synthetic and mixed fabrics are very capricious. A slight violation of the rules of care leads to deformation of the material and damage to the appearance.

Important! Read the label carefully before cleaning.

In order for things to retain their original appearance for as long as possible, it is appropriate to adhere to the following requirements:

Hand wash preferred. Machine washable on delicate cycle;
set the temperature regime for cotton fabrics to 40°, silk – 30°. Combined items are processed according to information from the manufacturer indicated on the tag;
Use liquid, non-concentrated detergents. Avoid chlorine-containing bleaches and powders. An abrasive and chemically aggressive environment destroys the fabric structure and washes out the color;
add conditioner. Things become soft and pleasant to the touch;
Dry naturally in a ventilated area away from light. Direct sunlight causes color fading;
In order to maintain the shape of the product after washing, lay the product on a horizontal surface. Hanging on clotheslines causes stretching;
iron from inside out through damp gauze. Set the iron to steam mode.

muslin dresses

muslin blanket

muslin dress

muslin blanket

Advantages and disadvantages

Pros of the fabric:

very strong and more durable, thanks to special weaving;
in hot weather it protects from overheating due to breathability;
absorbs moisture well and dries quickly;
gentle and soft, very good for babies and people with sensitive skin;
environmentally friendly: after disposal it does not pollute the environment;
does not roll down;
suitable for people prone to allergies;
Clothes made from muslin look stylish and original.

The disadvantages include:

wrinkles a lot, like any fabric made from natural raw materials;
high price: the absence of cheaper synthetic additives in the fabric increases the cost;
preferable in white, since natural dyes fade strongly in the sun;
not elastic (especially silk), can tear when stretched;
Only hand washing at a certain temperature and daily ironing with steam is recommended.

Advantages

Muslin has a number of positive characteristics:

ease. Things made from muslin are light in weight;
strength and wear resistance. The material is resistant to tearing, mechanical damage, and abrasion;
supports natural air exchange. Ventilation prevents the development of pathogenic bacteria;
absorbs moisture. Maintains comfortable conditions in hot weather;
environmental friendliness. Regardless of the type of raw material, the fabric eliminates the occurrence of allergic reactions, itching and irritation;
attractive appearance. Thanks to special grinding, the surface becomes glossy;
drapes well. There are reaper models;
dries quickly.

Transparency is also considered a plus by users. This characteristic makes it possible to create unusual design elements.

What standards are used in production? What do they take into account?

Different types of GOSTs are taken into account:

GOST 29298-2005 dated June 1, 2019 determines the quality of cotton and mixed household fabrics. This standard applies to finished fabrics made of cotton and mixed fabrics for dresses, shirts, bed linen and underwear (including cotton muslin).
GOST 7779-2015 dated July 1, 2016 characterizes the quality of silk and semi-silk products made from twisted threads and sets standards for their stable coloring. Applies to plain-dyed and printed fabrics made from natural silk (including silk muslin).
GOST 28000-2004 dated 01/01/2007. determines the quality of pure wool, wool and wool blend fabrics for household use: for sewing dresses, suits, coats (including the quality of wool muslin).

Raw materials

The basis is most often bleached calico. The latter is a cotton fabric that is quite thin and light. But despite this, it has thick gray fibers. Calico serves as the basis not only for creating this fabric. Various options are obtained as a result of special processing. After processing the calico, the bleaching stage begins. At this stage, a thin white and airy material is obtained from the gray unsightly canvas.

Read about: what is better to choose poplin or satin for linen.

But not only cotton can serve as a raw material for the production of this material. What is muslin: it is a material that can contain silk, wool and linen. In this regard, muslindelin, which is based on wool fibers, can be considered a variety. It feels quite loose and airy to the touch.

The following materials used as a “semi-finished product” are considered the most popular:

cotton;
silk;
wool.

The cotton version refers to linen fabrics. It is inexpensive and perfectly breathable. Silk niche - expensive festive clothing. It is made from high twist fiber. Wool-based material is used to create warm clothes. It is made from tightly packed fibers. However, the things themselves turn out to be loose.