Natural bedding made from calico: features, advantages and disadvantages

12:36, 31.08.2021 562

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Natural fabrics for bed linen remain in trend regardless of fashion trends

Calico is one of the best options for autumn.

A cheerful morning depends not only on the weather and a cup of coffee, but also on the quality of your sleep. You can go to bed on time, but if the bed linen turns out to be uncomfortable or out of season (and this also happens), then there is no need to talk about a good mood. Today, stores offer a huge selection of sets made from natural fabrics. The options made of satin, silk and calico deserve special appreciation. Since we can talk about their differences endlessly, we will focus on one of the most common options - calico.

Material advantages

• Soft texture, pleasant to the touch.
• Environmental friendliness and safety - the product is made from natural raw materials, painted with dyes that are harmless to humans, does not irritate the skin, does not accumulate static electricity, does not promote the reproduction and activity of microorganisms, does not cause allergic reactions or impaired immunity.
• Resistance to fading - the brightness of the color and the clarity of the patterns are preserved for a long time.
• Thermoregulation – the material cools in hot weather and allows you to warm up faster in cold weather.
• Hygroscopicity - the fabric quickly absorbs and removes moisture.
• Air permeability, which provides a favorable microclimate for the body.
• Practicality - there is no need for special care, the material does not wrinkle, does not deform, and can withstand more than 300 washes without loss of aesthetics and performance properties. Calico bedding is great for daily use.
• The cost of bed linen is affordable for all categories of the population.

The disadvantage of the material is that due to the seals on the threads, small pellets form on the bed linen. But this minus can also be considered an advantage, since due to the seals a light massage effect is created, thanks to which dead skin cells are better separated and microcirculation is improved.

Characteristics

Advantages:

Since the composition is usually 100% natural cotton, products made from calico have all the properties of cotton fibers:

• environmental friendliness and natural origin. The material is environmentally friendly; no toxic components are used in its production;

• hypoallergenic. Cotton is not an allergen, does not cause skin irritation and can be recommended for people suffering from allergic diseases;

• hygroscopicity. Capable of absorbing excess moisture while remaining dry to the touch;

• heat-regulating properties. In hot weather, bed linen will help you not to overheat, and in cold weather it will help you not to freeze;

• antibacterial. Natural cotton is an unfavorable environment for the proliferation of dust mites and mold fungi;

• ease of care. Machine washable, the fabric can be easily ironed without effort, practically does not wrinkle, and washes well;

• wear resistance and durability. The product can withstand up to 300 washes without compromising quality;

• affordable price. In terms of cost, the material is not much more expensive than the cheapest cotton fabric - chintz, but its quality is many times higher;

• high consumer qualities. The canvas is very durable, high density, non-shiny in appearance, matte surface. It paints very well and holds its shape wonderfully - it does not stretch and practically does not shrink.

Flaws:

• to the touch the canvas may seem somewhat rough, harsh, somewhat rough, so people with particularly sensitive skin may need to choose a different material;
• When in contact with synthetic materials (for example, when washed together), the fabric may lose its smoothness and elasticity. Strictly speaking, this is not so much a disadvantage as a consequence of non-compliance with the rules of care.

Density of calico

What is the best density of calico for bed linen? It is up to the buyers to decide, since the appearance of the material and its performance properties depend on this parameter.

• 90-120 g/m² - a thin, short-lived fabric that is translucent in the light, has a loose structure and a rustic appearance, shrinks after washing even in warm water, and is used for sewing budget bed linen. Products made from low-density calico are purchased for temporary use (as a set for guests, a stay in a hospital or a business trip), as well as hand washing.
• 120-140 g/m² is the most optimal option for bed linen. This fabric is resistant to abrasion and tearing, but remains light and soft.
• 140-145 g/m² – high-density, very durable and wear-resistant material, which is used to make beds for hospitals, sanatoriums, hotels and other public institutions.

Bleached calico, plain-dyed and with a printed pattern, is used for sewing bedding.

Properties, advantages and disadvantages of calico fabric

Recently, more and more often, natural cotton fabrics have begun to be designated by the general name 100% cotton, which misleads the buyer and presents a certain difficulty for inexperienced buyers in choosing the fabric suitable for their purposes.

This leads to the fact that a number of cotton fabrics have become absolutely undeservedly considered to be of poor quality, while the only thing is that cotton fabrics have many varieties: calico, chintz, satin, twill, poplin, cambric, etc., which, in turn, have different characteristics and properties, according to which they are suitable for different products and purposes of use. In this article we will look at the properties, advantages and disadvantages of the popular cotton calico fabric.

Calico is a fairly ancient type of cotton fabric. In Rus', it became known back in the 16th century, when Asian merchants brought fabric called “bazz” to the markets of the Moscow state. And at the end of the 18th century, calico began to be produced in the county town of Kineshma, Ivanovo-Voskresensk province. At that time, calico was an inexpensive material; soldiers’ underwear and linings for caftans were made from it. It was only much later that the fabric began to be decorated with patterns and used for the manufacture of children's and women's clothing; it became indispensable as a lining when sewing outerwear.

Calico is made from cotton and is distinguished, first of all, by the simplest weave of threads - plain.

The surface of the material is the same on both sides, smooth and matte.

Calico has four main types according to its density and color:

• Harsh . This is the densest unbleached and undyed material, which has a pleasant milky tint. Severe calico is used for upholstery of internal furniture elements and sewing workwear.
• Bleached. The fabric is a little softer than the harsh one and is used to make bedding.
• Plain painted. In terms of density and structure, plain-dyed fabric is similar to bleached fabric, only dyed in various solid colors. Bed and table linen, linings for coats and suits are made from this material.
• Printed. The most attractive of all types of calico. There is a color pattern throughout the canvas. This material is used to sew bed linen, children's and adult clothing, and make tablecloths and napkins.

Calico has a number of advantages.

• It washes well, withstanding more than a hundred washes, maintaining its size, color and pattern.
• Easy to iron, you can do without steaming.
• The fabric is pleasant to the touch.
• Natural material wonderfully allows air to pass through, allowing the body to breathe.
• The material is hygroscopic and perfectly absorbs any liquid, including human sweat.
• The material is low cost.

Speaking about the disadvantages of calico, it should be noted that the fabric is not shiny. Its surface is smooth but matte. Calico is not a very dense material, so after prolonged use the products may become covered with pellets.

The greatest interest among buyers is printed calico, which is purchased for the manufacture of bed linen, home textiles and clothing. In order not to make a mistake in purchasing the most suitable calico for your purposes, you should distinguish it by density.

Fabric density is the weight of threads spent on 1 m² of fabric. The quality of matter directly depends on its density. If the fabric has a density of 145 g per 1 m², then the material can be considered durable, wear-resistant, and of the best quality. Bed linen is made from this fabric for kindergartens, rest homes, and hospitals.

Less dense calico 125 g per 1 m² of fabric is used for home textiles. If the density of the material is less than 120 g per 1 m², the weaving of the threads can be clearly distinguished in the light. Such material is short-lived, it will wear out quickly and can fade when washed, but the cost of such material is much lower than quality. This calico is used in households for products of low durability. However, calico with a density of 125 g/m and below is excellent for sewing summer clothes, and its price is low.

Calico is also distinguished by its manufacturer.

Türkiye is the world leader in the production of cotton fabrics. Turkish calico is a lightweight, high-quality material, in most cases consisting of 100% cotton or having up to 15% synthetic additives. The fabric has bright, rich colors, does not wrinkle, does not fade or pill.

Another country famous for producing high-quality calico is Pakistan. Pakistani calico consists of 80% cotton and 20% synthetics. Lightweight and soft material that can allow air to pass through and retain heat, while at the same time being durable and wear-resistant. The only disadvantage of Pakistani calico is its high cost.

On the Russian textile market, products from the Ivanovo Textile Factory and the Shuya Cotton Mill are especially popular.

Ivanovo produces calico of all existing types, consisting of 100% cotton. Ivanovo fabric is of high quality, beautiful colors and affordable price. This completely natural fabric may be inferior to similar fabrics from other manufacturers in terms of density, but its inexpensive price makes it accessible and popular.

The calico produced by the textile workers of KhBK "Shuiskie Chits" is in deserved demand. The density of the material produced by this factory is 142 g per 1 m². The fabric is durable and practical.

In order for calico products to serve for many years, they need to be properly cared for. Clothes and bedding made from calico should be washed at a water temperature of 30 to 60 degrees. You can use various powders and conditioners, as the fabric is resistant to chemicals. To preserve the brightness of the color, the product must be turned inside out. and use powders for colored fabrics.

Dry in the usual way, hanging on a line. Machine drying is allowed. To make cotton items easy to iron, you should not overdry them; it is better to leave them a little damp.

A large selection of high-quality calico at prices from Russian and foreign manufacturers can be found here:

Features of care

Bedding sets made from calico can be washed at temperatures from 30 to 60 degrees using any washing powder without bleach. Drying - in the dryer or in the fresh air in a straightened state, away from direct sunlight. It is not necessary to iron the products, but if you cannot do without it, then slightly moistened or under-dried fabric will be ironed better and faster.

The Ellina online store offers a wide range of bed linen made from calico and other materials at competitive prices. Delivery is provided to all cities of Russia. You can get advice and submit an application by phone.

Kinds

Today, bed linen from this material is produced by many companies, both domestic and foreign. In Russia, the best calico is traditionally considered to be that produced in factories in Ivanovo.

Calico bed linen sets are presented in a huge variety according to various criteria:

• By size:

• one-and-a-half-sleeper;
• double;
• EURO size;
• teenage;
• children's

Calico is a fairly hard material, so sets made from it for newborns are less popular. But some manufacturers now use special children's fabric, which is softer and more delicate than usual.

• According to the configuration - one-and-a-half and double sets consist of 1 sheet, 1 duvet cover and two pillowcases. "EURO" - 1 duvet cover, 1 sheet and 4 pillowcases. Teen, baby and toddler sets contain 1 pillowcase, 1 duvet cover and 1 sheet, while newborn sets can be equipped with additional bumpers and a canopy.

Some manufacturers also offer a “family” size, with one sheet, two duvet covers and four pillowcases.
In addition to ready-made sets, you can often find just sets of pillowcases or a set consisting of a pillowcase and duvet cover. Each piece of bedding can also be purchased separately.

• By type of material:

• according to GOST – canvas with a density of 142 g/sq.m. The most dense and durable variety, but also the most rigid. Composition – 100% natural cotton;
• children's - the density of this variety is 125 gq.m. It is designed specifically for children's bedding. Since it is softer and more tender according to GOST;
• luxury - made from cotton threads, which are 20% stronger and one and a half times thinner than standard ones. Due to this, the material acquires higher consumer characteristics - it is much softer and at the same time has increased wear resistance.

• By painting method:

• bleached - white fabric, usually used for hotels, hospitals, etc.;
• plain dyed - a plain fabric with uniform coloring;
• printed - fabric with a pattern. Based on the design of the designs, a distinction is usually made between geometric patterns, ornaments, floral patterns and applied prints.

Expert opinions

Demyanova I.A., fabric quality expert, Kyiv, Ukraine

“I am an expert in determining the quality of fabrics, I work in a specialized office. In my line of work, I come across a variety of products, including home textiles. Luxury calico bedding has an ideal price-quality ratio. They are slightly less soft than satin or poplin and not as smooth to the touch, which some buyers especially like. At the same time, their parameters are superior to other products in this category, and most importantly, they retain a pleasant appearance for a long time.”

How to wash calico correctly

Many housewives highly value calico for its “indestructibility”. It's no joke - at least 200 washes without loss of color or thinning of the fabric! But the manufacturer also gives care recommendations for a reason. If you wash using “grandmother’s” methods using boiling and “whiteness,” even dense calico fibers will very quickly fade and become thin. Therefore, especially at first, the recommendations must be followed.

• Wash at a temperature not higher than 40°C;
• You need to use soft gels and liquids that completely dissolve in water and rinse off;
• Iron on cotton setting at medium temperature.

From everyday observations: it is important not to overdry the calico; it is better to remove it slightly damp and dry it with an iron. Dried dense fibers make the fabric stiff and you will have to make an effort to straighten the linen (especially if it is new).

Bed linen store Calico on the Internet

Our online store is made as convenient as possible for its visitors. Anyone, regardless of gender and age, can easily obtain any information they are interested in. Those looking for Calico bed linen will be pleasantly surprised by the price of the set, since it is available to a wide range of buyers. Available in most sizes, the sets come in a variety of colors and patterns, providing a wide choice to suit a wide range of tastes. Therefore, since you have decided to buy Calico bed linen, the Ivanovo Textile online store is at your service!

Rules for caring for calico bed linen

The convenient thing is that such underwear is practical and does not require special care. If you follow simple recommendations, it will last a long time.

Wash depending on density at 30-40 degrees Celsius. You can use both gels and powders for the washing machine; the fabric will withstand everything. You can also add rinse aid for softening and aroma. It is also important not to wash with synthetic materials, as this may damage the softness.

The most important thing is not to dry it too much. Iron at medium temperature, without steaming. Choose a medium, gentle temperature regime. Iron inside out (especially if there is embroidery on the front side). It is optimal if the laundry is still slightly damp.

How much does a calico calico PCB cost?

Three reasons for the popularity of calico: naturalness, long service life, low cost. The latter does not mean a super low price, but the fact that calico is the least expensive among other natural fabrics for home textiles. If you see calico PCB cheaper than 800-1000 rubles, this is a reason to think about the composition (is it polyester), the quality of the fabric, tailoring, and size compliance. The price of a high-quality calico set from a well-established manufacturer can reach 2,000 rubles, and imported ones (for example, Turkish) are even more expensive.

Key Benefits

Luxury calico bedding is distinguished by a wide range, which includes both everyday home linen sets and ceremonial, festive textiles that can be presented as a gift. They have the following advantages:

• strength and tensile strength;
• no deformation;
• durability of use;
• pleasant tactile sensations;
• environmental friendliness;
• bright, durable designs and patterns;
• comfort in sleep;
• ease and unpretentiousness in care;
• low cost.

Anyone can purchase products made from luxury calico at an affordable price. High wear resistance allows them to be used for a long period of time. They are suitable for connoisseurs of natural textiles, which provide incredible coziness and comfort in the bed.