What kind of fabric is moleskin? What are its parameters and properties?

A cloth that frequently draws attention is moleskin because of its distinct texture and toughness. Contrary to what its name suggests, this material is a tightly woven cotton fabric with a brushed surface rather than animal skin. It is comfortable and adaptable thanks to its velvety, suede-like texture.

Because of its durability and strength, moleskin was first created for workwear but has since become a popular option for more upscale clothing and home textiles. The fabric is particularly helpful in colder climates because of its dense weave, which provides warmth and wind resistance.

This essay will examine the unique qualities of moleskin, including its many applications and essential characteristics. Comprehending the properties of moleskin can assist you in selecting the appropriate material for your purposes, be it upholstery or clothing.

Feature Description
Material Moleskin is a heavy cotton fabric with a soft, brushed surface.
Texture It has a smooth, velvety feel similar to suede.
Durability Extremely durable and resistant to wear and tear.
Breathability Moderately breathable, keeping warmth while allowing some airflow.
Uses Popular for workwear, outdoor gear, and sturdy clothing.
Maintenance Easy to care for; typically machine washable.

What kind of fabric is this?

Moleskin is a robust, dense fabric composed of cotton yarn that has a fleece backing and a smooth exterior. The satin weaving technique, in which the weft thread covers four or more main threads, is used in weaving factories to create the material.

  1. Harvesting cotton, cleaning the raw material from impurities.
  2. Twisting and forming fibers into thin threads.
  3. Weaving on machines.
  4. Dyeing the finished fabric.

Moleskin used in the production of workwear is impregnated with various compounds based on the type of protection needed, such as fire, moisture, acid, or electrical insulation.

History of origin

England is the country where moleskin fabric originated. The material was known as "devil’s skin" due to its extreme density when it was first produced in Russia in the 19th century. The following uses for modern moleskin were known to exist at the time:

  • sewing military, protective clothing;
  • manufactured artificial leather, as a base;
  • shoe manufacturing, book bindings.

Vibrantly colored moleskin was in demand for making ski suits in the middle of the 20th century because it provided protection from the cold and moisture. Moleskin was driven out of the sportswear market by the introduction of membrane synthetic materials.

Fabric composition and its properties

Structure: impregnating compounds, satin threads woven from cotton yarn. The addition of synthetics to moleskin is not specified in the standard GOST R 57877-2017 "Technical conditions for fabrics for workwear," although the market does provide such fabrics.

Characteristics of a material composed entirely of cotton:

  • density – provides dust protection, durability;
  • low shrinkage – the size of the clothes after washing almost does not change;
  • smoothness of the outer surface – scale, metal shavings on the suit do not linger, but roll off;
  • fleece from the inside – extends the service life of the worn item, maintains comfort.

Moleskin doesn’t cake when stored for a long time. Keep the fabric somewhere dry to avoid mold growth.

Types of fabric

Moleskin fabric types are categorized based on density. The fabrics have the same qualities, even though the group markings might not match. The most well-known brands are:

  1. C173-YUG – surface density 250 g/m². Treated with a fire-resistant compound, which is enough for 3-5 washes.
  2. C174-YUG (C27-YUD) – weight of 1 m² 250 g. Resistant to aggressive chemicals: diluted by 20% solutions of acids, alkalis.
  3. C159-YUG (C28-YUD) – density 280 g/m². Withstands extremely high temperatures.
  4. C26-YUD – weight of 1 m² 347 g. The fabric is dust-proof, suitable for making dust collectors.

The brands P25 and P29 are comparable to C27-UD and C28-UD, respectively.

Pros and cons of the fabric

  • high density of the material;
  • abrasion resistance;
  • dust resistance makes washing easier: dirt is easily washed off from smooth fabric;
  • hygroscopicity – the ability to absorb sweat;
  • safety – cotton is a harmless plant.

Although its rigidity is a questionable drawback, moleskin is a good material for protection. glaring flaws

  • increased friability of fibers when cutting;
  • unsuitability for hand sewing;
  • the needle barely pierces the dense fabric.

Wearing clothing made of this rigid material for extended periods of time can be uncomfortable due to its stiffness.

Renowned for its strength and warmth, moleskin is a long-lasting, finely woven cotton fabric with a smooth, suede-like finish. Because of its resistance to wear and wind, it is frequently used in workwear and outdoor clothing. The brushed surface of the fabric creates a cozy feel, and its dense weave provides good weather resistance. Because of its exceptional resilience, comfort, and insulation, moleskin is a well-liked material for both functional and fashionable clothing.

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

The guidelines outlined in GOST R 57877-2017 govern the production of moleskin. The table provides a summary of the regulatory document’s extract.

Controlled characteristics Dimensionality Parameter values
Surface density g/m² ≥250
Tearing force: warp/weft, not less than N 400/600
The same, tearing (tearing) N 20/30
Minimum abrasion resistance cycle 2000
Maximum change in size after washing, dry cleaning % -3.5

Some businesses use their own tech.conditions that permit some deviations from the state standard in place of the GOST requirements.

For what purposes can it be used?

Mozhkin is used because of its characteristics. Technical preemptive instructions for producing devices requiring impenetrages (filters, sprayers, tents, covers, etc.). and sewing garments for the workplace.

Dense fabric costumes are necessary for all sectors of the country’s economy:

  1. Energy, communal, rural, fishing, forestry.
  2. Production sphere: metallurgical plants, mining, machine -building, petrochemical industry.
  3. Medical, sanitary and epidemiological services, population.
  4. From dense fabric sew a uniform for power structures.

A distinctive fabric with a reputation for combining durability and softness is moleskin. Its name may imply that it is made of animal skin, but in reality, it is composed of thick cotton that has been brushed. Its texture is smooth and suede-like, and it feels warm and cozy against the skin as a result.

Because of its exceptional durability, the fabric is a popular option for workwear and outdoor apparel. Wear and tear can be resisted while maintaining flexibility, making it appropriate for clothing items like jackets and pants that need to be strong and warm.

In addition to being tough, moleskin provides decent insulation and wind resistance. It is a useful fabric for harsher environments and colder climates because of these characteristics. Regardless of whether you’re searching for something warm to wear every day or robust enough for frequent use, moleskin offers a flexible option.

Video on the topic

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Household tests of natural cotton fabric Moleskin 3.0. on refractory.

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Household tests of natural cotton fabric Moleskin 3.0. for water-repellent properties.

281/Z – Household tests of natural cotton fabric Moleskin 3.0. for water-repellent properties.

What fabric do you most often choose for home textiles?
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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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