Percale is frequently referred to as a fabric that combines comfort and luxury. It’s made entirely of cotton and has a cool, crisp feel that many people find too good to resist. However, what distinguishes percale from other cotton textiles? Its distinctive weave and quality hold the answer.
Because percale is tightly woven, it has a smooth finish and long-lasting durability, unlike other cotton fabrics. Its strength is increased by this weave, which also gives it an appealing matte appearance. As time goes on, the fabric gets softer with every wash, increasing in comfort.
Another reason percale is a popular option, particularly for bedding, is its breathability. It permits air to flow, keeping you cozy and cool throughout the entire evening. For people who value comfort and quality in their textiles, percale is a popular option because of its breathability, durability, and comfort.
- What is percale
- Features of production
- Description, types and composition of the fabric
- Density and structure
- Characteristics
- Types of fabric
- What is sewn from percale
- Pros and cons of percale bed linen
- Video on the topic
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What is percale
Natural percale is a long-lasting, high-density cotton fabric. It is thin, silky, and soft all at once. Its qualities are similar to satin or natural silk, and it almost has the appearance of the finest cambric.
The medium-thick and thin threads used to make it are taken from combed long-fiber cotton. Instead of being twisted in the conventional manner, the fibers are coated with a unique glue called sizing. Such thread processing yields a heat-retaining, lightweight, and fluff-proof fabric that is long-lasting.
The ancient fabric is over four centuries old. Furthermore, India is regarded as its birthplace. Later, because Europeans enjoyed Indian textiles, they started using long-fiber cotton that was imported from eastern nations to make sturdy cloth. Particularly successful in this regard were the French, who in the eighteenth century started using this material to sew sails for their fleet of ships.
It was the turn of aircraft construction after the conquest of the seas. The wings and body of aircraft were covered with cotton fabric impregnated with special varnishes in the first half of the 20th century. It was dubbed the "baby diaper of aviation" at the time in jest.
The eastern nations that produce cotton—India, Egypt, Pakistan, and China—are the top producers of percale fabric. Portugal, Italy, and France produce textiles in Europe. In Ivanovo, Russia.
A great option for comfort is percale, a 100% cotton fabric that is distinguished by its crisp, cool feel and enduring durability. Its popularity is attributed to a special weaving technique that creates a matte, smooth surface that is ideal for opulent bed linens and apparel that feels airy and light against the skin.
Features of production
Combed long cotton fibers are used to make the fabric. First, the type of cotton, thickness, and length of the fibers are examined to determine the quality of the original spinning material. Sometimes raw materials from various batches are combined to produce yarn of consistent quality.
When compared to other natural fabrics, percale’s density, strength, and other unique qualities can be attributed to the use of long-fiber cotton varieties during production. Furthermore, there is no threading of the fibers. as is customarily carried out.
Additionally, they receive sizing treatment (an adhesive composition consisting of a blend of natural components). This process increases the fibers’ density and strength, which benefits the cloth as well. Sizing removes lint, keeps yarn from breaking, and gives threads a smooth, resilient, and fade-resistant appearance.
Simultaneously, the resultant dense and even percale fabric retains all of the natural qualities of the raw material and is machine washable. Throughout the production process, some but not all of the adhesive composition is washed out. Anyway, there is no risk to human health associated with its composition.
There is nothing particularly unique about the way the threads are woven together. It is woven using the cross-shaped plain weaving technique, just like a lot of other fabrics.
Description, types and composition of the fabric
Percale fabric comes in various proportions depending on the natural and synthetic fiber content of the fabric.
- Natural – 100% cotton. This is a classic option.
- With the addition of linen fibers, less often – with the addition of silk threads.
- Consisting of cotton and a small admixture of synthetic fibers (polyester, spandex, nylon) in the amount permitted by GOST.
The strength and elasticity of natural materials are increased by synthetic and artificial fibers. Make it softer and more palatable to the touch. Take away a natural fabric’s tendency to wrinkly appearance. Synthetic fabrics cost less. It does not, however, absorb moisture as well. additionally lacks durability.
Density and structure
Percale material has two sides because of the weaving technique. both the inside and the face have the same pattern. It is applicable to both sides.
The fabric’s density, or the quantity of threads per square centimeter, is 400 threads/cm^2. However, a fabric density of 30 to 160 threads/cm2 is adequate for bedding. It won’t be translucent and won’t let down or feathers to show through blankets and pillows.
Characteristics
The characteristics of percale bed linen fabric aid in identifying the type of material and highlighting its unique features. It competes with silk and satin in terms of beauty and tactile experiences, and it outperforms poplin and calico in terms of density and strength.
The primary attributes that place percale in the premium class and compare it to pricey silk fabrics are as follows:
- the canvas is light – almost weightless;
- high density;
- velvety silky matte surface;
- variety of patterns on the canvas, durable coloring;
- properties of natural fabrics – hygroscopicity, hygiene, ability to “breathe”.
Types of fabric
Percale fall into two groups based on their intended uses:
- Technical fabrics. They are used to make tourist tents, marquees, awnings, sails, parachutes. Used in the military and chemical industries.
- Household fabrics – fabric from which bed linen, textiles, clothing, pillowcases, mattresses, featherbeds are sewn.
Material for household needs categorized according to how a pattern is applied to the fabric:
- plain dyed;
- bleached;
- jacquard;
- printed;
- embroidered.
What is sewn from percale
When percale material was first produced in large quantities, it looked like rubberized fabric. Back then, sizing was done using imperfect adhesive compositions that resembled liquid rubber. Sweat was not well absorbed by the fabric, and skin contact resulted in uncomfortable feelings. It wasn’t appropriate for textiles used in homes and clothes.
Nonetheless, the composition-impregnated fibers exhibited exceptionally high strength. For a very long time, the fabric was not torn or worn out. During the first part of the 20th century, aircraft bodies were made using the fabric’s qualities and dependability. Technical fabric was and is used in the sewing of parachutes, boat and yacht sails, awnings, and tents.
Technologists developed a different sizing over time that is essentially undetectable on the fiber. There was a delicate, silky textile material that made no skin irritation at all. Thin, resilient percale fabric is a premium linen material that is highly valued in the textile market and has earned a spot next to the finest textiles.
Pros and cons of percale bed linen
Bedding set manufacturers were drawn to natural fabrics because they had the advantage of moisture removal and temperature balance—keeping you warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
Characteristics of bedding that housewives particularly value are:
- The fabric is dense, durable, but quite thin and light.
- The texture is smooth, soft, pleasant to the body.
- The linen does not wear out for a long time, does not lose its appearance, pellets do not form on it.
- Suitable for pillowcases, covers, as it does not allow fluff and feathers to pass through.
- The fabric is hygroscopic, breathable.
- 100% natural composition (raw materials, natural dyes, impregnation for fibers).
- Excess adhesive mass is practically washed out with subsequent washings: with each wash the material becomes softer.
- The fabric does not stick to hair, pajamas, body.
- Long service life – 10-20 years or about 1000 washes.
- Ability to choose a set by style and coloring (bleached to a shining white, multi-colored, plain, with a printed pattern).
- Suitable for children"s and sensitive skin.
- Easy to care for: the fabric does not fade, does not fade, does not shrink when washed, irons well, does not require delicate detergents.
- The material is combined with embroidery, lace.
- Easy to process and cut: cuts do not unravel, edges do not fray.
- During long-term storage, percale fabric does not absorb moisture, yellow spots do not form on it.
Cons of using percale bedding:
- it wrinkles a lot (reason – natural composition);
- dries for a long time (the reason is the high density and ability of fibers to retain a large amount of moisture);
- synthetics in the composition can worsen the "breathable" properties of the fabric;
- relatively high price: percale is indeed more expensive than calico, chintz, poplin. But taking into account its service life, the cost is quite justified.
For instance, a percale family set costs between 2800 and 3500 rubles, a double set costs between 2400 and 2600 rubles, a one-and-a-half set costs between 1500 and 1900 rubles, and a children’s set costs between 1200-1700 rubles.
Feature | Explanation |
Breathability | Percale allows air to flow, keeping you cool during the night. |
Durability | Its tight weave makes percale resistant to wear and tear. |
Softness | Over time, percale becomes softer without losing its crisp feel. |
Easy Maintenance | Percale is simple to care for and stays smooth after washing. |
Natural Fabric | Made from 100% cotton, it’s a healthy choice for sensitive skin. |
The reason percale has remained popular for so long is that it perfectly balances durability and comfort. This fabric, which is made entirely of cotton, has a cool, crisp feel that is popular, especially for bedding. Its tightly woven fabric prolongs its lifespan without sacrificing comfort because it is more resilient to abrasions and wear and tear.
Breathability is another factor in percale’s popularity. In warm weather, the natural cotton fibers allow air to circulate freely, keeping you cool. For those who appreciate a restful night’s sleep, this makes it their first option.
The allure of percale is ultimately found in its simplicity. This fabric provides luxury without requiring a lot of upkeep. Given its softness, durability, and ease of maintenance, it’s no wonder that percale is still a popular choice in many homes.