Calico: features and properties of the material

With the development of new technologies in the light industry market, many new types of fabric have appeared. For their production very often very unusual raw materials are used. But despite the huge choice, many people prefer natural materials in the form of calico. This fabric appeared in our country in the XV century, when it was imported from Asia.

Calico is a cotton material. The word itself comes from the Arabic name of dense fabric, which was obtained using the cross mode of weaving. Already from the 16th century, cloth was actively manufactured in Russia and sold at various fairs. Due to its low cost and high quality, matter was in incredible demand. Initially, it was used as a lining fabric for caftans. Over the years, they began to make it much softer, and it became suitable for tailoring. When creating a material, the simplest interlacing is used - plain.

Material Description:

• the fabric looks smooth on both sides;
• natural cotton is used for production, but sometimes synthetic fibers can be included;
• the fabric has a matte surface without any gloss;

• it has environmental safety, does not cause allergies and has high durability;
• in appearance, the fabric resembles a canvas, which is associated with a special cross-weaving;
• the surface of the canvas is always rough, if you hold it by hand.

Based on GOST, the density of the coarse calico is about 145 g / sq. m

When buying material in a roll, one should distinguish between characteristics and density.

• Thin (sparse) fabric has a density of not more than 100 g / sq. m
• Material with a density of 110-125 g / sq. Is very popular. m. Of this material and carried out the tailoring of the main part of bed linen.
• In accordance with GOST, the fabric should have a density of 140-145 g / sq. m
• Very rarely, bleached or printed coarse calico, whose density is 146 g / sq. m. This is the most dense and durable type of material.

An important characteristic when choosing a coarse calico is the width of the material in the roll. From the width depends on the total amount of fabric that is required for sewing a particular product. The greater the width in the roll, the fewer meters of fabric you will need to buy.

The width of the fabric may vary depending on the type.

• Bleached calico is sold in rolls 80 cm wide.
• Harsh calico goes on sale in rolls of 90 cm.

• A very popular parameter is a roll width of 1.5 m. Such material is often bought for self-tailoring of bed linen. Most often this size has printed and dyed fabric.
• On sale you can find harsh calico 166 cm wide.
• Rolls with calico more than two meters are very popular. Often it is bought for sewing a set on a double bed. In such footage sell printed, bleached or dyed coarse calico.

By domestic standards, the fabric should be made of 100% natural cotton. In China or Pakistan, polyester yarn is allowed. But it should not be more than 15%.Due to the natural composition, it does not cause an allergic reaction and is completely safe.

Material with an admixture of synthetic fibers has a more pleasant texture, does not accumulate static electricity, is easy to clean and well absorbs moisture, but can cause an allergic reaction in some categories of citizens.

Fabric is very popular nowadays due to the large number of its advantages:

• very easy to use;
• possesses high hygienic properties;
• has high strength and wear resistance;

• material is environmentally safe due to the natural threads in the composition;
• different antistatic properties;
• possesses hypoallergenic characteristics;
• perfectly erased in many modes and very unpretentious;

• clothes and other products made of this fabric are not deformed;
• fabric has an affordable price.

In addition to the undeniable advantages, the material has several disadvantages:

• the surface of the fabric does not have a beautiful glossy sheen, and it is rough to the touch;
• very low-cost fabric options quickly lose their coloring brightness;

• the fabric is quite dense and tough, which makes it unsuitable for sewing some things;
• during prolonged use, the pellets may appear on the surface of the fabric;
• The fabric is natural, so it can be very wrinkled.

The modern market of light industry provides consumers with 4 basic types of coarse calico.

• Severe calico has a pleasant cream shade. This is an unbleached fabric. According to its technical characteristics and density, it is the most durable type of fabric. It is often used as an upholstery in the upholstered furniture. It is suitable for the manufacture of workwear. For sewing such clothing fabric is pre-dyed.

• White coarse calico not as rough as the first option. It has a lower density, being an excellent option for tailoring sleeping sets, shoe covers and other special clothes. Bleached has the highest value among a large number of varieties.

• Plain dyed fabric has a similar structure as the second option. This fabric is plain and is used for the manufacture of budget linen for the bedroom. It is widely used in the form of lining fabric when sewing costumes and coats.

• Printed fabric It happens with colorful patterns and is incredibly in demand in the textile market. Underwear for a bedroom made of such fabric, as well as pajamas and children's suits for the summer, are very popular. In shops the wide range of coarse calico of various patterns and flowers is presented.

Each fabric manufacturer is very interested in promoting its product in the consumer market. In order to increase the demand and sale of fabrics, the range of goods is constantly increasing, new shades and patterns are being created. To buy domestic material from natural fabrics or imported with an admixture of synthetic fibers - each consumer decides for himself.

Consider the differences of coarse calico from other cotton materials.

• Calico and calico possess similar weaving. However, in the manufacture of calico are used much finer fibers. Chintz has a completely natural composition. In the coarse calico various manufacturers can add synthetic fibers. Chintz is sold in rolls 80 or 90 cm wide. This means that the bedding will have a seam, which buyers of finished products do not always like. Calico is a bit more expensive than calico. Natural chintz also has an unstable color that dims very quickly during operation. Currently, many manufacturers make calico thinned.

• Difference from sateen at coarse calico. Satin gets its name from the method of twisting fibers. They are very thin and rather tightly twisted, which allows you to create an intricate weave.It also creates a sparkling surface of the fabric in contrast to the calico, which has a matte finish. Satin is very similar to silk materials. It can be marketed in natural, artificial or mixed formulations. At cost, it is much more expensive. Experts do not recommend an affirmative verdict, which of these fabrics is stronger.

• Poplin is a material that is made from fibers of different densities. Horizontal fibers are much thicker than transverse ones. If you look at the matter, then on its surface, you can find small scars. Originally poplin was silk, and the calico consisted of natural fibers. Domestic manufacturers produce poplin based on cotton fabrics, and foreign materials can be imported with an admixture of natural fibers and synthetics in various proportions. The composition of poplin may include wool and viscose yarn. It looks great in different colors and tones. The outside of him a little shimmer. Poplin in appearance is much more spectacular, and it costs much more than coarse calico. Calico of superior quality is much denser than poplin. Both materials have high wear-resistant qualities, but the calico will last much longer.

• Polycotton is a blended fabric, which consists of polyester and cotton. From such fabric sew bedding, blankets and mattresses. If it has a greater number of artificial threads, then such matter is not very suitable for making bedding, but their price will be significantly lower.

• The structure of the threads at the percale and calico are similar. The materials are very similar in their technical characteristics. Percale is much thinner and softer with tactile contact. Percale has a high density due to high-quality filaments. Thin fibers do not twist, but connect with a special glue. Bedding of percale belong to the premium class and are much more expensive than coarse calico.

• Calico is different from cotton the fact that shrinks in the process of washing or slightly deformed with improper care. Cotton quality is much better than coarse calico. During long-term operation, no pellets form on its surface. And yet the differences between the materials are minor, and they are very similar to each other. This is a great home textile.

• Polysatin It is a hybrid of satin and polyester fibers. The material has high strength, as well as calico. But unlike calico has a shiny surface. Yet the material is more concerned with synthetic fabrics. The material due to its composition for a long time retains an aesthetic appearance even with repeated washes. Such material costs much less than a calico due to the large amount of synthetic fibers in its composition.

Calico is a fairly common material for creating things and accessories for the home.

• Most often from her sew bedding. This laundry has high performance properties. It is pleasant to sleep at any time of the year. The kits are very strong and durable. A wide range of drawings and colors allows you to choose the desired option.
• Coarse calico make special clothes and uniforms. For tailoring used bleached or dyed fabric. It is great for sewing medical coats, gloves, shoe covers and sheets in medical institutions.

• Coarse material is indispensable if you need to sew home furnishings in the form of curtains, tablecloths, napkins or bedspreads.
• This type of fabric is widely used in the form of lining materials.Such popularity is due to the natural characteristics and high wear resistance of the fabric. It is well washed and has a high wear resistance, which is ideal for linings.

The material is very picky in care and easy to handle. In order that products from coarse calico served as long as possible, it is necessary to follow the basic rules of care for such things.

• After buying things should be washed immediately. This will provide a soft and pleasant to the touch material.
• Before sending to the washing machine it is better to turn the fabric inside out. This is especially recommended for items with a pattern.

• Bleached calico is recommended to boil and bleach. But it is better not to expose other types of fabric to such strong influence. Other types of material experts recommend washing at low temperatures.
• To keep the thing longer its original appearance, it is better to wash the coarse calico separately from other materials.
• In order to calico retained all its qualities, remained soft and ironed easily, it must be pressed in the car at medium or minimum speed.
• To form the product quickly recovered, after washing the thing is recommended to shake.

• It is recommended to dry products from this material in the open air or in a well-ventilated area. Fabric very easily and quickly absorbs extraneous odors.
• Ironing products from calico is recommended when they are not completely dry. Due to humidity, the material will quickly smooth out and be soft.

About the material from which to choose bedding, see the following video.