Properties of different fabrics, how to choose the most suitable for you?

Cotton

Fiber obtained from the cotton plant. Durable, heat-resistant, comfortable and healthy fabrics are obtained from cotton fiber. Cotton fabrics are very absorbent, which makes them especially attractive to wear in hot weather. They are not heating in themselves, so they are popular for making summer clothes and also for work clothes (also because of their durability).

The quality of cotton fabric depends on the length, purity and processing methods of the fibers.

Cotton fabrics can shrink quite a lot and can be shrunk when washed, so it is highly desirable to wash or at least steam them thoroughly before ironing and sewing. To improve the properties of the material, cotton is specially treated - mercerized. As a result of this treatment, the cotton does not lose its natural properties - it becomes softer, silkier, but remains just as strong, does not lose color during the washing process, is less wrinkled and does not shrink.

Cotton fiber fabrics are used both in pure form and in combination with man-made fibers such as elastane, polyester, etc.

White cotton fabrics can be washed in very hot water - up to 95^TheC and, if necessary, bleach may be used.

Dyed cotton fabrics should be kept at a moderate temperature as this affects the color quality.

When buying finished products, be sure to pay attention to the washing instructions. The recommended washing temperature for dyed cotton fabrics is 40-50^TheC

For dyed cotton fabrics, we recommend using washing powder for washing colored products. Detergents must be free of bleach.

It is not recommended to dry dyed cotton (non-mercerized) in direct sunlight - as the color may fade.

It is recommended to iron cotton products while they are still slightly damp. The brighter the color of the fabric / suit, the more it is recommended to iron it from the left.

It is not recommended to dry in the tumble dryer until it is completely dry, as it will no longer be possible to iron the resulting creases. Recommended ironing temperature 160-200 ^TheC.

lins

Flax is obtained from the fibers of the flax plant. It is durable, with good air permeability, absorbs moisture well and dries quickly. It creases and shrinks during washing, so like cotton, it is recommended to wash it before sewing, and even moisten it again before ironing. Linen is a fabric that warms in cold weather and cools in hot weather.

Due to the good properties of linen fabrics, they are popular not only for clothing, but also for bed linen, towels and household textiles. However, when sewing clothes, it is recommended to avoid complicated patterns, drapery, etc., as it should be taken into account that the fabric will wrinkle and the product will be difficult to iron. Linen fabrics, like cotton, are widely used in the world due to their natural origin in terms of composition. Their rich natural shades make it distinctive and easily recognizable.

Linen products should be washed in a gentle washing machine mode. Use universal washing powder for white fabrics, but be sure to follow the natural tones or dyed linen so that the washing powder does not contain bleach.

The recommended washing temperature is 40 - 60^TheC

Similar to cotton fabrics, it is not recommended to dry to dryness, but to iron wet. It is not recommended to dry in a tumble dryer, which will promote the formation of non-ironable creases.

When flax fabrics / products are dried or stored in direct sunlight, they will fade.

Ironing temperature up to 200 ^TheC

Vilnius

Wool fibers from long-haired animals are the raw material for these products - sheep, camels, rabbits, llamas, etc. Wool fabrics are characterized by excellent heating, so they are especially popular in clothing both in the form of pure fibers and in combinations with artificial and synthetic fibers, which gives the wool more flexibility or durability. One of the good properties of wool is its ability to "repel" dirt. Woolen fabrics have little wrinkles, retain heat well, but do not dry very well and require special care.

Cashmere is obtained from goat wool by combing. Both very thin and thick fabrics can be made from this fiber. They are characterized by their warmth and flesh. Cashmere fabrics are ranked in the category of expensive fabrics.

Angora - this is obtained by spinning wool rabbit wool. It is extremely fluffy, soft, warm and gentle to the touch. These wool fibers are so soft that they are difficult to spin together, so they are most commonly used in combination with other fibers. It is to be expected that fabrics with added angora wool will fluff.

Alpaca - like llama and camel fiber, is obtained from animals of this family. The Alpaca is a mountain goat of the llama family. These wool fibers are often used in combination with sheep or merino wool fibers, as well as synthetic fibers such as acrylic.

Merino wool - obtained from merino wool and especially soft wool from merino wool. These wool fibers are extremely fine, yet long. Products made of this wool are warm, soft and non-irritating to the skin.

It is recommended to wash wool products by hand or in a gentle mode of the washing machine for no more than 30 ^TheAt temperature C, I use special detergents for wool that do not contain enzymes and bleach. Wash knits only by hand.

Chlorine must not be used.

The products must not be left dipped, as the material will lose its strength.

The products can be gently spun, but should not be tumble dried. It is also not recommended to dry in direct sunlight or on radiators.

It is recommended to dry pure wool products (especially loose structures) on a horizontal surface. Dense fabric products can be dried on the shoulders, which will reduce the need for ironing or make the process easier. Ironing is recommended on the left side and / or using an extra cloth and a suitable iron temperature of 110-150 ^TheC.

It is recommended to clean the materials with angora wool only in a dry cleaner.

Silk

Natural silk is produced using cocoons from silkworm larvae, from which raw silk is obtained and then processed into silk fibers.

The main properties of silk are the ability to cool in hot weather, but in warm weather - to warm the wearer. Silk absorbs moisture well and little wrinkles. Sweat can damage the fabric - it can become brittle and break easily.

Depending on the quality of the fiber and the thickness of the thread, the weave and the quality of the silk fabric can be thin and soft, as well as thick, dense and heavy.

It is recommended to wash silk fabrics only by hand 30 ^TheAt C without wrinkling, rubbing or cutting. You can use lukewarm or cold water for rinsing. After washing, leave the product lined with a towel to allow excess water to drain or gently wrap the water in a towel. Silk fabrics should not be dried in direct sunlight or in close proximity to a heat source. Under no circumstances should the silk be dried in a tumble dryer.

Dry cleaning is recommended to preserve the color of the fabric. However, if washed at home, a little vinegar solution can be added to the water - it helps to preserve the color.

It is recommended to iron a little more wet silk, in gentle mode - 110 ^TheC. Additional wetting during ironing is not recommended as it may cause stains and damage the fabric.

Artificial fibers

Viscose

Viscose fiber is obtained from cellulose without impurities. Viscose is pleasant to the touch, permeable to air and water, it does not tend to accumulate static electricity. It surpasses cotton in absorbing moisture, but is less resistant to load.

In the process of generating viscose, it can be given the characteristic appearance of cotton, linen, wool or silk. It is also popular for use in connections with other fibers.

Viscose fabrics tend to wrinkle and, like cotton and flax, can shrink when in contact with water. In addition, viscose fibers are less durable than dry when wet.

It is recommended to wash the viscose by hand or in a gentle mode of the washing machine at a temperature not exceeding 30-40 ^TheC. Do not rub and cut and do not tumble dry. It is best to lightly press the excess water into the towel and leave to dry horizontally.

Viscose products can be ironed slightly damp on the left side or slightly moistened if necessary. Ironing temperature about 110-150 ^TheC.

Acetate

Acetate and triacetate look like silk, with a slight sheen and a good drop. Acetate is often used in combination with other fibers. It is often used to make lining fabrics, and due to its properties, it is suitable for pleating.

Acetate absorbs moisture poorly and little wrinkles. It is not resistant to chemicals and melts at high temperatures.

Acetate or fabrics / articles containing acetate are washed by hand or in a gentle washing machine at a temperature of around 30-40 ^TheC. It dries quickly, do not use too high an ironing temperature. The most suitable mode is silk or wool: 110-150 ^TheC.

Triacetate is more durable, so it can be machine washed up to 70 ^TheAt C temperature.

Synthetic fibers

Polyesters

Polyester fabrics are very common today. These fabrics are durable, often pleasant to the touch and little wrinkled.

Polyester is used both alone and in combination with other fibers. They are quite resistant to sunlight and high temperatures, as well as the effects of chemicals.

Polyester fabric products can be machine washed at temperatures up to 40 ° C ^TheC. It is recommended to use washing powder suitable for synthetic products.

It is advisable to refrain from drying in the tumble dryer, as this may create creases in the fabric that will not be ironed later.

It is recommended to iron a little more damp cloth, you can also use steam, and the recommended temperature is around 150 ^TheC.

Elastane

Elastane (also known as lycra) is an extremely flexible fiber that also imparts these properties to compounds with other fibers. Often used in socks, underwear, swimwear, etc. For the manufacture of articles.

Elastane gives the fabric strength, extreme elasticity and is mostly wrinkle-free. This makes it comfortable to wear, the flexibility fits the shapes. .

It is recommended to select the washing and ironing modes according to the composition of the other fibers in the product.

It is not recommended to bleach with chlorine-containing products as they will damage the fiber.

Polyamide

Polyamide is also known as nylon. These fabrics are durable and usually light in weight. They are quite good in terms of air permeability and also tend to retain heat. Polyamide fiber is characterized by repelling water, moisture. When washed, these fabrics do not shrink and dry quickly.

Often used in joints with other fibers to increase their strength.

Machine wash 40 ^TheC in gentle mode. It is not recommended to cut out in a centrifuge, but to allow the water to drain.

Softening rinse aids should not be used to maintain the water repellent properties of polyamide fabric.

When drying, the temperature in the tumble dryer must not exceed 60 ° C ^TheC.

Silk mode is suitable for ironing.

Acrylic

Acrylic is very resistant to sunlight and chemicals. It is comparable to polyamide in its durability, but acrylic products can lose their shape when washed.

It is soft and warm, resembling wool to the touch. Acrylic is often added to wool fibers, thus increasing their strength.

The recommended washing temperature is 40 ^TheC, gentle mode. It is advisable to choose a washing powder suitable for synthetic materials.

Under no circumstances should you tumble dry.

The maximum ironing temperature is 110 ^TheC.