Types of cotton fabric – name, properties and application

Cotton is a very adaptable fabric that is favored for its breathability and comfort. There are several varieties, each with special attributes and applications. By being aware of these variations, you can select the best cotton fabric for your requirements.

Cotton textiles suit a variety of needs and tastes, from sturdy denim to airy muslin. Every variety of cotton has unique qualities that suit it for particular uses, such as formal wear, everyday wear, or home furnishings.

We will examine the various varieties of cotton fabric in this post, emphasizing their best uses and qualities. This guide will offer insightful information whether you’re a fashion enthusiast or just searching for the best fabric for your upcoming project.

Basics of production, composition

The source of the material is cotton plant fibers. This is a low-key shrub that doesn’t need particular care guidelines. China, the United States, India, and Pakistan are the primary cotton-supplying nations.

Only the cotton in the plant’s "box" is used in the fabric-making process, leaving the plant unprocessed overall. When it ripens, the box’s petals open to reveal a soft, white, fluffy substance. To create threads, it is gathered and processed in factories. The cotton fibers are first twisted and pressed before being bleached; cotton is naturally grayish-yellow in color, and it may get dirty during the collection process.

Both during the thread processing step and once the fabric is ready, the material is dyed. Human-safe synthetic dyes that are resistant to changes in temperature, detergents, and other environmental elements are used for this. Cotton threads are strengthened before weaving by a process called mercerization, which involves soaking in sodium at 0 °C.

The term "cotton" is often used to describe fabrics made of cotton. In actuality, the material is composed entirely of non-paper materials; the word’s foreign origin is where the name originates. The truth is that cotton arrived in Russia far sooner than paper, having been imported from Italy under the name "bombaggio." Minerals and fats make up the remaining 5% of cotton, which is composed of 95% cellulose.

Some types of fabrics may contain polyester added to them. This is done to give the material more luster and strength. Additionally, cotton is combined with flax and viscose, two more natural fibers.

Properties and characteristics of cotton fabric

The primary characteristic of cotton fabrics, which has led to their widespread use, is their ability to allow skin to "breathe." Consequently, these items are crucial for children and allergy sufferers, even though everyone who values ease and comfort in clothing wears them.

Among the other advantageous aspects of the content, the following stand out:

  1. Durability – even after numerous washes, cotton does not stretch or shrink (if decatization was carried out), it is ironed at high temperatures. And also, you should not worry that the fabric will tear from an awkward movement – the weave of cotton is strong to withstand impacts.
  2. Easy to process – sewing from such a patch is easy, the lines lie evenly, and the cuts do not crumble.
  3. Hygroscopicity – strongly absorbs water, which is an advantage of cotton when sewing summer clothes and bed linen.
  4. Remembers the shape after ironing.
  5. Retains heat.
  6. Inexpensive.

While they are rare, the following drawbacks are present:

  1. Shrinks a lot if the fabric was not decatized before sewing.
  2. Wrinkles (but can be ironed without problems).

The GOST 29298-2005 tables provide a description of the precise properties of cotton fabrics based on their intended use.Since these numbers are a measure of quality, these standards are followed when making garments and textiles.

Types of weave

For cotton materials, there are four common weave types:

  • Satin – 1 weft thread overlaps 4 or more warp threads. With this type, the arrangement of the threads resembles a mosaic.
  • Twill – unlike satin, the weft thread forms a clear diagonal line.
  • Plain – a simple type in which the weft and warp threads alternate every other.
  • Reps – has a rarer weave than the above-described types, so a clear pattern is formed on the surface of the fabric scar.

Types by fabric type

  1. Suiting – do not have stretch properties unless spandex threads have been added to their composition. They are part of natural cotton fabrics.
  2. Knitwear – stretches and is often used in the manufacture of clothing. Such materials include, for example, jersey and footer. May have a percentage of synthetic additives.
  3. Fabrics with impregnation – have additional properties, for example, fireproof or water-repellent. Some types of cotton products are treated with resins to reduce wrinkling.

Appearance

Cotton materials are classified according to their finishing technique into:

  1. Raw – this fabric has not been bleached or dyed. Used in the manufacture of workwear, in manufacturing and in other industries where the appearance of the fabric is not important, but its wear resistance. Has a high density.

  1. Bleached – the fabric is treated with bleaching solutions, due to which it becomes thinner than raw fabric and acquires a snow-white color. Further, it is sold in white or additionally dyed.

  1. Plain dyed – fabrics dyed in one color.

  1. Printed – the pattern is printed using a machine, due to which it adheres better to the fabric.

Density

The kind of fabric determines the density of each kind of material. Densities for cotton materials range from 55 to 900 g/m²:

  • 300-900 – tarpaulin and other technical;
  • 400 – denim, velvet, corduroy;
  • 170-250 – jacquard;
  • 130 and more – satin;
  • 110-142 – calico;
  • 70-150 – poplin;
  • 80-100 – chintz;
  • 55-70 – cambric.

Names of cotton fabrics

Name Description
Satin smooth shiny fabric with high density. Due to its shine, it is often compared to silk. Made of 100% cotton or using polyester.
Percale more often used for sewing bed linen, because. k. on average, the density of this material is 115 g / m². Stronger than satin, although it has a smaller thickness.
Poplin matte fabric with plain weave. Often used in handicrafts for patchwork techniques, such as patchwork, due to the variety of colors.
Batiste thin, translucent fabric. The most delicate type of cotton fabric. It is used to sew not only clothes or bed linen, but also curtains.
Chintz cheap material, known to everyone since childhood. Has a wide variety of colors and patterns, made from 100% cotton.
Flannel soft, dense fabric with pile, has a warming effect. Ideal for sewing adult and children"s pajamas, diapers.
Futer has a smooth front side and fleece on the inside. To make the product stretch better, elastane is added to the composition in addition to cotton.
Kulirka knitted fabric. To make the material more elastic, elastane is added to it.
Calico 100% cotton fabric, with a plain weave.

How to determine cotton, or no

You can light it on fire if you have an extra piece or a few strands of material. Synthetics will melt, and cotton and other natural textiles will burn. Furthermore, natural rags turn to ash, while synthetic rags roll into a lump and release an unpleasant stench.

Utilize cotton’s hygroscopic quality as well. Natural material absorbs water instantly when submerged in it.

If the aforementioned techniques cannot be used to verify the content, pay attention to the product’s appearance. While pure cotton is matte and rough, synthetic additives give the item a shine and smoothness.

There are many varieties of cotton fabric, each with special qualities and applications. Selecting the appropriate cotton for your clothing needs is made easier when you are aware of the various varieties, including muslin, sateen, and percale. This article examines the best uses for each type of cotton fabric, from the crisp and breathable properties of percale to the soft and opulent feel of sateen, so you can choose the ideal cotton fabric for your upcoming project.

Where it is used

Products made of cotton are widely available. Cotton fabric is widely used in medicine (bandages, dressings, robes, etc.) and is used to make bed linens and children’s clothing (diapers). Not only are suit fabrics used in clothing to make skirts, shirts, and other items, but knitwear is also used to make dresses and casual T-shirts.

Type Properties and Application
Plain Cotton Soft and breathable, used for everyday clothing like t-shirts and dresses.
Egyptian Cotton Luxuriously soft and durable, often used in high-quality bed linens and towels.
Organic Cotton Grown without synthetic pesticides, ideal for eco-friendly clothing and baby products.
Muslin Lightweight and breathable, commonly used for baby clothes and as a base fabric for embroidery.
Poplin Smooth and slightly crisp, used for dress shirts, blouses, and casual wear.
Denim Heavyweight and durable, widely used for jeans, jackets, and workwear.
Chambray Lightweight and soft, similar to denim but lighter, used for casual shirts and dresses.

Making better decisions for your clothing needs can be aided by knowing the various types of cotton fabric. From the durability of denim to the softness of brushed cotton, each variety has special qualities to offer. Knowing what each type of fabric offers will help you choose the material that will work best for comfort, style, and functionality.

Cotton offers a variety of options suitable for different applications, whether you’re looking for something lightweight and breathable like percale or a fabric with more structure like canvas. Cotton is a popular fabric for both specialized clothing and daily wear because of its versatility.

Selecting the ideal cotton fabric requires taking one’s preferences and intended usage into account. With this information, you can make sure your clothes are comfortable, functional, and fashionable. Cotton’s durability and adaptability make it a timeless fabric choice.

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Sergey Litvinov

I have been working in the field of textile art for over 20 years. I am passionate about textile design and create unique things inspired by traditions and modern trends. In my articles, I talk about how you can use fabrics to create unique and stylish things with your own hands.

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