Spandex material - description, composition, characteristics, tailoring features and care

What is spandex

Initially appeared in the United States as a replacement for rubber. Later, the material began to be introduced at manufacturing enterprises in Europe and Asia; in Russia it became known in 1975, thanks to the work of. Spandex - what kind of fabric, what other names can you find?

1. Spandex is a common American term.
2. Elastane is a synonym that is more often used in Europe.
3. Neolan is a characteristic Japanese name.
4. Vorin is a term from Italy.
5. Lycra and vairin - in some industries.

A little about manufacturing technology

Today, spandex is produced all over the world. Initially (in the 1940s) it was made from petroleum, acids, and alcohol. Some water and air were also added .

Nowadays, it is obtained by melting the same initial components. The resulting mass is passed through thin holes. In this way the fibers are formed.

Important! Already at the production stage it is taken into account what the material will be used for. So, if the fabric must be rigid, then the fibers are made with corners. When soft, lightweight shock-absorbing material is required, they will be hollow, with smooth transitions.

Characteristics of spandex

The main property of matter is its ability to stretch. This helps things maintain their original appearance. A spandex dress is an excellent choice for slender girls; it will fit tightly and highlight your figure. The material combines strength and stretchability, softness and wear resistance. Many people think about the question: spandex - what kind of elastic fabric is it, what types does it come in? Classification by fiber type is provided:

• two-dimensional – stretches across width or length;
• four-dimensional - stretchable in all directions.

Compound

When studying the chemical structure, in order to answer the question, what kind of fabric is spandex, you need to point out that it is not a specific substance, but a group of polyurethane materials. They are based on nylon, acetate and other types of polymer compounds. Since spandex is 85 percent polyurethane, the fibers are rarely used in their pure form; they are more often added to natural or synthetic fabrics. Manufacturers produce elastane through chemical processes.

Advantages and disadvantages

Spandex fabric has a unique elasticity that helps the fabric quickly return to its original appearance. It also has the following advantages:

• Spandex items are soft to the touch;
• does not absorb moisture and fits tightly to the skin, which is why it is suitable for sewing swimsuits;
• a feature is excellent strength - 1.3 g/cm2;
• easy to dye, so fabrics with spandex can be used to create a bright concert look;
• does not wrinkle, is lightweight, the material is thin, so it is convenient to store clothes.

At the same time, elastane is sensitive to light, as a result of which the color fades over time, so even a high-quality swimsuit under the bright rays of the sun will not last longer than two seasons. Other disadvantages include:

• requires careful care, the material is sensitive to high temperatures;
• items made of spandex must be worn carefully, because the fabric is prone to forming puffs, for example, tights;
• tailoring requires special skills.

Types of elastic threads

All elastic threads for sewing, knitting and needlework can be divided into two large groups, depending on the material of the central vein:

• made of rubber;
• made of elastomer.

The most common type is rubber-based elastic thread . The central vein is obtained by cutting the rubber fabric into the finest fibers or by extrusion. The resulting core is braided using special braiding machines with cotton or viscose fiber. The finished thread has good stretching properties.

A more modern material for making elastic threads is elastomer . The thread turns out to be much lighter and more elastic; in some cases, its elongation can reach 600%.

The elastomer has increased strength, so the fiber can be made thinner. Which in turn makes the vein indispensable in the knitting industry. This thread is less susceptible to aging.

When choosing spandex thread for work, the braid material also plays a big role. There are several types:

• synthetic,
• natural,
• without braid.

The elastic thread without braid has a very small diameter, from 0.4 to 0.8 mm, which is suitable for weaving beaded bracelets. It is often used in industry to create underwear knitwear, hosiery and other products.

However, the lack of protective braiding is the cause of significant disadvantages:

• The color range is significantly reduced; this thread is available in white, black and transparent versions.
• Cannot be used for working with bugles and cutting, the sharp edges of which easily damage the vein.
• Cannot be threaded into sewing machines.

Elastic elastic thread in a natural cotton braid is perfect for knitting cuffs, the bottom of children's hats and the top of the elastic of socks. Cotton braiding reliably protects the skin from contact with the vein, ensuring comfortable wearing.

The presence of a synthetic braid adds strength and durability to the thread, protecting it from external factors.

Application of spandex

Elastane is used in the textile industry to improve the characteristics of finished fabrics. It is used in furniture production for upholstery of soft furnishings and sofas. Fabrics become the basis of stage looks, the most famous of which are the costumes of Power Rangers, Spider-Man, leggings, which were actively worn by musicians of the eighties, metal performers, and modern glam performers. In the production of medical and work gloves, adding elastane to the cuffs prevents the protective elements of clothing from falling off.

• How to seal tomatoes for the winter in liter jars
• How to change yourself externally
• Interval training for weight loss and fat burning at home - exercises with video

Spandex clothing

Elastane is used to sew clothes that will fit tightly to the figure. Making clothes from this material is relevant in the following cases:

1. For the manufacture of swimwear, elastane has a high degree of hygroscopicity.
2. Spandex material is used to create sportswear due to the fact that stretchy items do not hinder movement.
3. Adding just 5% neolan to denim helps produce tight-fitting styles.
4. It is used for sewing stockings, underwear and slips, because the thin stretch perfectly emphasizes the figure.

Fabrics with added spandex

Cotton is a natural fiber that allows the skin to breathe, but it does shrink, and the addition of elastane solves this issue. Spandex is also used in combination with other fibers:

1. Linen with high hygienic properties does not stretch at all, and the quality of the finished products is affected by loss of shape. Lycra increases the elasticity of the fabric.
2. Adding spandex to rayon adds strength that it lacks.
3. Products made from knitwear with the addition of lycra retain their shape longer.
4. Diving fabric, which includes spandex, is used for sewing sports and circus outfits, as such clothing stretches and absorbs moisture well.
5. The combination of polyester, cotton and viscose is called micro-oil. This fabric does not wrinkle, it remains soft and light.

Spandex thread in knitwear

In the description of yarn you can often see the addition of elastane or lycra. This helps finished products retain their shape, and the material can be used to create any product, even knitted swimsuits. It is easier to work with threads of this composition due to slip. The addition of elastane significantly reduces the price of natural yarn due to its low cost.

Combination with other fibers

Spandex is rarely used as an independent material. Much more often it is included in the fabric as a synthetic additive. The amount of spandex in the product ranges from 2 to 30%, in stockings and tights it reaches 50%.

Spandex is combined with natural, artificial and synthetic fibers, improving their performance characteristics.

• Cotton with spandex shrinks less, is easier to iron, and fits to your figure.
• Linen becomes elastic, eliminating the problem of excessive creasing of the material.
• Silk becomes resistant to wear.
• Knitwear retains its shape better.
• Viscose becomes stronger, especially when wet.
• Polyester is breathable.

How to care

When buying items with Lycra, pay attention to the labels. Compliance with these care rules will extend the life of your clothing. Primary requirements:

1. Hand washing of spandex products is carried out at a temperature not exceeding 40°C. Machine - must be designed for use on delicate fabrics.
2. Do not use chlorine bleach.
3. You need to iron things at a temperature of no more than 150 degrees, although many products do not require such a procedure, taking the shape of the body when worn.
4. Do not use high temperatures to dry spandex products.
5. Dry cleaning is not recommended because aggressive effects of the components are not allowed.
6. Please note that fabric easily absorbs odors.

Detergents

The most important thing is to use the right detergent for polysatin. Various gels are sold, they are used less than powder. Such products contain a minimal amount of surfactants, as well as a complete absence of phosphates.

Detergents

The following substances are used:

1. Persil Gel works great on dirty areas. The product penetrates deeply into the fabric, leaving no streaks after washing. Using the gel, the product is smoothed. The product is produced in bottle and capsule form.
2. Wellery gel is considered safe, effective, and has an unobtrusive aroma. The substance helps the spandex remain in excellent condition. The product has a mild effect, ideal for using delicate linen.
3. Synergetic refers to hypoallergenic substances. Used for elastane as well as other fabrics. The gel foams easily and is washed out of the product.
4. Pigeon helps to cope with stains, while perfectly maintaining the original shade. All elements contained in the composition are washed out of clothing. The product does not spoil elastane, so it is suitable for cleaning the material.
5. The gloss is intended for cleaning synthetics. It washes lycra leggings well and is suitable for black items. When washing, no streaks or stains remain. The color is retained after washing, things will be soft and delicate. When using Losk, the underwear does not stretch or shrink. Most housewives prefer to prepare washing gels with their own hands. But it is not always possible to cope with severe pollution. The prepared products are used in cool, warm liquid.

Drying

If dried incorrectly, the laundry begins to become damaged and stretch. Things are dried outside or on the balcony, but the ropes must be checked for cleanliness. Rust or dirt will ruin the laundry. It is not recommended to dry items in the sun, as the items will fade and lose color. It is best to turn all outfits inside out.

It is not advisable to hang things made of elastane in the wind, it negatively affects them and the clothes begin to deteriorate. The product is removed from the rope immediately after drying. When drying material in frosty weather, it is recommended to add a small amount of salt, then the clothes will not freeze.

You should not dry items in the kitchen; it is best to hang laundry in a ventilated area at room temperature. Do not use the dryer for spandex, vorin and other finicky items. When dried using this method, the fabric becomes damaged or deformed. All outerwear should be dried on hangers.

ARTICLE FOR YOU

How to wash interlock items: in the washing machine and by hand

Ironing

It is recommended to iron synthetic items at a low temperature. Ideal for the material would be 150 degrees or the “Silk” mode. It is important to look at the composition of the product. If it contains a huge amount of synthetics, it is recommended to abandon the procedure. The material will self-level, take on the correct appearance, and stretch on the body.

Ironing spandex

When containing lycra and silk, iron laundry at medium heat. When using a mixture of lycra and natural materials, it is advisable to iron the products through gauze. It is recommended to run the iron in an inconspicuous area first to ensure that the fabric does not become damaged.

When ironing with an old iron, you should monitor the temperature and avoid overheating, otherwise the product will deform. Modern equipment has regulators that allow you to set the required mode. It is advisable to look at the label on the clothing each time you iron to make sure at what temperature to iron the fabric.

It is not difficult to wash artificial material and other fabrics. For proper washing, it is recommended to follow simple rules. The fabric can be washed at a temperature of no more than 40 degrees.

If all recommendations are followed, the products retain freshness and color for a long period of time. If it contains a small amount of spandex, the clothing can be washed normally.

Sewing features

The textile industry uses special equipment that helps to apply embroidery even on thin fabric. At home, it is important to follow these rules:

1. The future seam should be marked with a special pencil or chalk in the areas of further stitching, because noticeable marks may remain from the pin.
2. You should choose a needle for a special purpose: for knitwear or stretch fabric.
3. For stitching, it is better to take an elastic thread, the skills of working with which also need to be worked out.
4. Pre-test the seam on a piece to know how the product will behave. It is necessary to select the optimal stitch length to avoid further disappointments when working with workpieces.

spandex fabric price

The cost of fabric depends on its type. The price range is 45-300 rubles. You can buy elastane on the online store website or in regular retail outlets. Spandex is sold by the meter. By purchasing canvas in a roll, you can save money.

Origin story

Spandex was discovered in 1958 by US chemists. They wanted to find a synthetic substitute similar to rubber. As a result of chemical experiments and several experiments, a new matter appeared with high strength and restorative characteristics.

Later, polymer production began in Europe and Japan. In the Russian Federation, elastane, as the polymer fabric was called in Europe, appeared in 1975. Now it is produced in the USA, Italy, Japan, Russia, South Korea, and China for the manufacture of clothing and various accessories.

The leader among them is China, and around the world 400 thousand tons of linen are produced annually, and this figure is constantly increasing.