Marquisette fabric: features and properties of the fabric. Rules for fabric care

Marquisette fabric is a popular option for a range of clothing items because of its airy and lightweight texture. It is frequently used in clothing that calls for a hint of sophistication and elegance because of its delicate weave, which gives it a soft, almost sheer appearance.

This fabric is prized for its longevity in addition to its visual appeal. Marquisette is surprisingly strong despite its delicate texture, making it appropriate for both special occasions and daily wear. Making the most of marquisette can be facilitated by being aware of its special qualities and features.

To preserve marquisette fabric’s quality over time, proper maintenance is necessary. You can guarantee that your marquisette clothing stays gorgeous and lasts longer while maintaining its original charm by adhering to specific care instructions.

Feature Description
Material Lightweight, sheer fabric made from cotton, silk, or synthetic fibers.
Texture Soft and smooth with a fine weave, creating a delicate appearance.
Breathability Highly breathable, making it ideal for summer clothing and curtains.
Durability Not very strong, prone to tearing if not handled carefully.
Care Instructions Hand wash or machine wash on a gentle cycle; avoid high temperatures.
Ironing Iron on a low setting to prevent damage.
Drying Air dry or tumble dry on low heat.

What type of fabric is this?

Tightly twisted combed yarn is used to create this natural material. Before the fabric is created, cotton threads are mercerized. After applying caustic soda to them, they are thoroughly cleaned in both hot and cold water. Following this procedure, the fabric gains a smooth sheen, increased resistance to UV rays, and more resilient coloring.

The interweaving of the threads is straightforward. Because of the thread twisting, the marquisette is light and thin—almost translucent—but dense—weighing between 58 and 72 grams per square meter. The material feels slightly hard and smooth to the touch.

History of origin

The cloth first showed up in France in the eighteenth century. The window curtains in the Baroque and Rococo periods were gathered with ribbons to create luxuriant folds. The fabric used to cut these curtains was referred to as "marquisette," and the curtains themselves were known as "awnings."

They then started using this material to make summer clothing. They took exquisite silk for noble ladies and cotton for children.

Currently, marquisette is made in numerous nations. China and Italy are the global market leaders.

Fabric composition and its properties

Marquisette was originally fashioned from silk or fine cotton. As of right now, there are alternatives. According to composition, there are

  • cotton marquisette (more durable and wear-resistant);
  • silk (softer to the touch);
  • viscose, from threads of increased twist (the softest);
  • mixed cotton/silk or cotton/viscose (usually half or more cotton);
  • with the addition of a small amount of synthetic fibers, for example, polyamide.

Wearing a material that absorbs moisture and removes heat more quickly may become uncomfortable in hot weather when synthetic materials are added. However, it gets stronger and more resilient and gets easier to wear and maintain.

Marquisette is a smooth, slightly sheened fabric that feels good to the touch. The fibers are twisted, giving it a dense, slightly stiff texture. Because marquisette maintains its shape well, you can create folds and draperies with it. The material is translucent and thin. You can create an intriguing moiré effect by stacking one layer of marquisette on top of another.

Marquisette fabric is a sheer, lightweight material that is perfect for summer curtains and apparel because of its breathable qualities and delicate texture. The main characteristics of marquisette, including its softness, adaptability, and durability, will be discussed in this article along with helpful maintenance advice to preserve the fabric’s quality and longevity.

Types of fabric

Marquisette uses a different dying technique and can be

  • printed (most often the fabric is decorated with a floral pattern, polka dots, cucumbers, stripes and other patterns are found);
  • monochrome (plain dyed), often in light colors;
  • bleached.

By kind of surface, there are:

  • smooth;
  • "creche marquisette" – with chaotically lying vertical folds of different sizes.

The composition indicates that marquisette can be:

  • natural (cotton and silk);
  • viscose;
  • mixed (with the addition of synthetic threads).

Pros and cons

  • keeps its shape well, does not stretch or shrink;
  • breathable – clothes made of such fabric are comfortable even in summer;
  • lightweight;
  • hygroscopic;
  • pleasant to the touch;
  • hypoallergenic material;
  • fast coloring – does not wash out after washing and does not fade in the sun;
  • environmentally friendly and safe for health;
  • prevents the development of bacteria on the surface;
  • washes well and can be ironed;
  • dries quickly.
  • due to the strong twisting of the threads, the fabric noticeably crumbles (you need to make large allowances);
  • if you pull it too tightly, the seams may come apart (for clothes, it is better to choose models that are not tight-fitting);
  • high price.

What standards are used in manufacturing? What is taken into account in them?

As per GOST 29298-2005, cotton fabric may have up to 10% viscose added to it. There are specifications regarding shrinkage following washing: the measurements must vary by no more than 1.5% to 2%.

The fabric’s width is also standardized, with a minimum of 70 cm and a number that ends in "0" or "5". Take 135 or 140 cm, for instance.

The following ranges apply to how wide or narrow the fabric can be:

  • with a width of 70 cm – by 10 mm;
  • up to 100 cm – by 15 mm;
  • 100-150 cm – 20 mm;
  • wider than 150 cm — 25 mm.

A whiteness of 82% or greater is necessary if the fabric was bleached.

For what purposes can it be used?

Ways to use a marquisette:

  1. The original purpose is preserved — for light translucent curtains. The fabric is easy to drape and lays beautifully. Curtains do not fade in the sun.
  2. For making women"s clothing: blouses, dresses, skirts, sundresses, scarves, etc.p. The fabric is especially good for summer clothing. Due to the fact that the marquisette allows air to pass through and holds its shape, it will not be hot.
  3. In a man"s wardrobe, marquisette is used for sewing shirts.
  4. The fabric is also suitable for children"s clothing, as it does not irritate the skin and is easy to wash.
  5. Used for making underwear. It is pleasant to wear and attractive in appearance.
  6. High-quality bed linen is sewn from marquisette. It is more expensive than some other types, but durable, practical and pleasant to the touch.

Marquisette fabric is a great option for clothing that needs to be both fashionable and comfortable because of its exceptional lightweight and breathable properties. It looks delicate and sheer due to its fine weave, making it ideal for dressy outfits like evening gowns and summer dresses.

Although it’s quite easy to maintain, marquisette fabric does need careful attention to detail. It’s best to hand wash or use a gentle machine cycle with cold water to preserve its texture and appearance. Twisting or wringing the fabric can harm it, so avoid doing so. Rather, place it flat to dry, making sure it keeps its structure and form.

You can appreciate the elegance and robustness of marquisette fabric for many years to come if you adhere to these maintenance instructions. This fabric offers a special combination of comfort and elegance, making it suitable for both formal and casual wear.

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Maria Vlasova

Fabric researcher and collector. My passion is finding rare and unique materials that can inspire me to create something special. I travel a lot to find new fabrics and learn about the traditions of their production. On this site I share my discoveries and talk about how to choose and use fabrics in different areas of life.

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