Flannel: what it is, properties and varieties

Among the impressive number of fabrics on the market, flannel, successfully used for several centuries, occupies a rather prominent place. This is explained not only by the positive properties of this material, but also by the variety of its varieties offered by manufacturers. This combination naturally attracts the attention of potential buyers, which regularly finds its practical confirmation.

The material in question is a woolen, half-woolen or cotton fabric, which is characterized by the presence of a rare pile-pile. The latter can be both one-sided and two-sided, but its first variety is much more common. The earliest mentions of the flannel are dated to the 17th century — the time when it gained widespread distribution in the territory of Wales. In the old days, this fabric was made from wool yarn, and later in its manufacture began to use a thick cotton thread and other components.

As for the name of the described material, the researchers interpret its origin in different ways. Some point to the old French word "flaine", meaning "blanket", while others prefer the explanation that the term "flannel" is borrowed from Welsh and is translated as "wool fabric." It is easy to see that both options have the right to exist, each of which is associated with softness, warmth and comfort.

Regardless of the specifics of its composition, flannel is characterized by the following key features:

• use of twill or plain weave;
• significant density, not involving the gap between the threads;
• fluffy nap, causing a pleasant sensation when touched.

At first, the products from the fabric in question were expensive, and therefore were available only to rich people. The development of machine production has significantly reduced its cost, so that the majority of stakeholders could sew flannel clothing. In Russia, this material gained popularity in the 18th century under Peter I, who decided to use it for clothing soldiers of his army.

Depending on the specificity of the components used, there are 3 main types of the described fabric - wool, half-woolen and cotton. The first appeared earlier than others and dominated the market until the end of the XIX century, and the wool of domestic sheep was the raw material for its production. In the XX century, flannel began to be produced from another popular raw material - cotton, if necessary, adding synthetic components to it.

Currently, the cotton form of the described fabric is the most common. Demand and combined options for the presence of additives of artificial origin. An example is viscose fiber, which is a product of natural cellulose processing. The presence of this component gives the products an impressive shine, and its content can reach up to 20% (the specific value is determined by the manufacturer).

In addition, the flannel is made from wool. The first component of this material is clear from its name, and the cotton, previously mentioned, is most often the second.Many textile workers prefer other additives — for example, a combination of silk and viscose, which makes it possible to obtain a durable fabric with an excellent appearance.

The material under consideration has a number of remarkable qualities.

• Pleasant to the touch surface. Due to the presence of a soft, fluffy pile, the flannel is one of the most delicate fabrics. This advantage is especially true for young children, who least of all love “biting” materials.
• Ability to retain heat. Products from the flannel allow you to warm up with minimal time costs, reliably protecting their owners from hypothermia. Given the quality of the material described, experts refer it to the winter category, which is confirmed by the traditional classification of fabrics.
• High strength. This property is explained by the composition of the flannel and the density of weaving its threads (from 170 to 260 g / m²), providing resistance to strong mechanical stress.
• Good breathability. This fabric belongs to the "breathing" materials, providing the optimal gas and moisture composition of the pododozhny space. For this reason, flannel products are suitable for swaddling babies whose skin is very sensitive.
• Wear resistance. Experience shows that the considered tissue is not afraid of frequent bending, friction and stretching, and therefore it can be used for many years.
• Unpretentiousness. Care of products from the flannel is quite simple, which is primarily important for its cotton variation. The presence of wool in the fabric requires more caution, but is also not particularly complex.
• Health safety. The described material does not provoke the development of allergic reactions and other irritations of the skin.

As for flannel flaws, their list is as follows:

• abrasion of the pile, manifested over time (this does not affect the strength of the material);
• high hygroscopicity, due to which the fabric dries longer than most consumers would like;
• propensity for creasing of certain types of flannels (at the same time they are easily smoothed).

In addition, the presented material sets after washing in hot water (provided that it is natural).

There are several types of flannel, differing from each other in the method used staining.

• Harsh. Unpainted type of canvas, most often used for technical needs.
• Smooth-colored. Fabric created from pre-dyed yarns.
• Stuffed. A material characterized by the presence of a pattern on one side.
• Bleached. The most popular type of flannel, used both without dyes, and for further printing on it.

It is also necessary to mention two other popular varieties of the described material - a shirt, with a checkered or striped pattern, and a negligent one, which allows for a variety of options for the external appearance. The white-earth flannel is also in high demand, a characteristic feature of which is the presence of a small print - children's toys, fairy-tale characters, flowers, miniature inscriptions on a white mainly background.

Despite the fact that sometimes the flannel is identified with a bike, there is a very significant difference between these fabrics. The first material is thinner and softer, and the second one is distinguished by much greater hairiness and surface density of the canvas. The value of the latter for the flannel is about 215 g / m², whereas with a bike it exceeds 350 g / m².In addition, the second of the examined tissues always has a nap on both sides, which is one of its characteristic features.

Another material that is classified as warmed is bomeneus. In terms of its properties, this cotton fabric is very close to the flannel, but differs from it in somewhat greater thickness and density. In addition, a characteristic feature of boismey is a pile on one of the sides — usually a purl.

Worthy of consideration is the fleece, the main difference of which from the flannel lies in its origin: it is made from polyester fibers, and therefore belongs to a synthetic category. Another feature of it - the ejection of moisture out, rather than its absorption, so that it is particularly popular with athletes, tourists, fishermen and hunters.

The fourth material, which is very similar to the flannel in terms of characteristics, is the flannelet, also referred to as Winsiett - equally fluffy, but slightly lighter and softer. By origin, it can be half-woolen or cotton, and the products that are produced from it most often are bedding sets. They organically combine softness and the ability to store heat, and therefore are ideal for cold nights, guaranteeing maximum comfort to their owners.

One of those tasks for the solution of which flannel is most often used is the manufacture of baby clothes. In most cases, for this purpose, a printed version of this material is used, which allows to negate the effect of dyes on the skin of a child.

Also, depending on the type of flannel, many other popular items are sewn from it:

• bleached - first of all, bedding;
• plain colored - coats, suits and other plain clothes;
• shirt - insulated products that are in demand among fans of the informal style (the most popular shirts in a cage);
• negligent - As a rule, women's robes and dresses;
• severe unbleached - items for wiping, as well as products used for pasting hammers of the piano and other percussion parts of musical instruments.

In order for products from the flannel to please their owners as long as possible, the latter should pay due attention to the care of them. For cotton varieties of this fabric, it provides for the following recommendations.

• It is advisable to carry out the first wash in cool water, and the next washout is at a temperature of 60-90 ° C.
• To give the products maximum softness they need to be rinsed with the addition of glycerin (the optimum concentration is 1 tablespoon per 10 liters of water).
• It is reasonable to refuse the use of chlorine and other aggressive bleaching components in order to avoid weakening of the fabric fibers.
• Rubbing can cause premature lint to roll off. The best solution in such situations is the use of delicate products that remove contamination without a strong mechanical effect.
• It is advisable to dry the products in the shade, avoiding direct sunlight. In addition, it is worth refusing to use heated towel rails and heating radiators.
• Ironing fabric should start from the wrong side, setting a moderate temperature of the sole of the iron.

If the material of the product is wool flannel, the following conditions must be observed:

• washing with the use of emollients at temperatures up to 40 ° C;
• rejection of friction and twisting;
• rinse with the addition of 1 tbsp. l vinegar;
• drying in a well straightened form;
• ironing with the use of steam or water-soaked pad.

In conclusion, it remains to state that the consistently high popularity of flannel is justified by the mass of the advantages of this material, several times exceeding the number of its disadvantages. Such fabric will always be in demand, which is explained by its relevance for the majority of potential consumers.

See a video review of the fabric in the video below.