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Cotton fabric: types and composition

Cotton fabric is a versatile and durable material used widely in apparel and home decor. It consists mainly of cellulose, making it a natural and sustainable material. Cotton fabric is either woven or knitted, and gained popularity due to its breathability, softness, and flexibility. It is available in a variety of styles, textures, weights, and colors to suit various needs. Cotton fabric is a preferred choice for different products, such as clothing, textiles, bedding, towels, and interior decor. It's easy to clean and maintain, and can be combined with different fibers for a unique look. Cotton fabric offers great resistance to pilling and shrinking and can last multiple uses.

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Matter made from plant fibers is called cotton or cotton. It differs in that the textile fabric is pleasant to the body, does not irritate the skin, does not cause allergies. As a result of progress and many years of experience working on the creation of this material, many methods of processing it were created, so a large number of different types of fabrics based on cotton appeared.

What is cotton fabric?

The discovery for mankind was cotton. From the fibers of this plant a long time ago began to make clothes. Cotton is a hollow plant cell, the maximum length of which reaches 60 mm. It develops from the seed of cotton, that is, it is the fruit of a plant. Cotton yarn, depending on the length and quality of the fibers, according to GOST is divided into 3 types:

  • short fiber;
  • medium fiber;
  • fine fiber.

The raw material is something like cotton wool. Initially, cotton was harvested by hand, with the development of technology, special combines were created that significantly increased the speed of work. The main things that are done on the basis of cotton:

  • materials;
  • cotton wool;
  • cottonseed oil;
  • gossypol (used in medicine);
  • powder.

Cotton rolls

Cotton Fabric Production

Cotton fibers are hidden in a box, which, when ripe, opens, the contents become visible. There may be seeds on the fibers, so after collection already at the factory everything is carefully sorted out, unnecessary elements are eliminated. The main stages of work with cotton:

  1. Cotton picking.
  2. Seed separation.
  3. Sorting into three groups: for matter (length – 20 mm), lint or down (5 to 20 mm) and delint or downs (less than 5 mm).
  4. The fibers are pressed to make yarn..
  5. The yarn can be dyed or remain in this form until the fabric.
  6. Cotton is made from these threads..

Types of Cotton Fabrics

There are several ways in which cotton is classified. One is based on the composition of fibers – the components on the basis of which yarn is made for cotton products. Basically, the thread consists of cotton, but other components can be added: natural (organic), artificial or synthetic. Another option for creating types of matter is based on the method of weaving threads. Another classification – by the method of processing fibers and fabrics.

Structure

Other components may be added to the yarn at the time of its manufacture. Although pure organic cotton is considered the best, now often the following fiber types are included:

  • flax is a natural fiber of plant origin;
  • viscose – artificial, obtained as a result of pulp processing;
  • polyester – synthetic polyester fibers;
  • acrylic – synthetics derived from natural gas;
  • acetate – fibers made from cellulose and chemicals.

Weaving threads

There are several ways to weave threads. The first option is plain weaving: the threads are evenly laid on each other, that is, one goes through the other. In this case, the cotton fabric is smooth, smooth and durable. The main types of fabric of this weave:

  1. Batiste is a thin, translucent cotton fabric made from twisted yarn. Goes to the production of linen, blouses, dresses, handkerchiefs.
  2. Coarse calico – dense cotton, artificial fibers can be added. Sewing bedding, dresses and linings.
  3. A veil is a very thin cotton that shines through, it is used to make decorative hats, scarves, curtains, veils, dresses, blouses.
  4. A marquette is a thin, light, even airy matter from which summer clothes, bedding, and curtains are made.
  5. Mitkal is hard matter, threads not bleached. On the basis of this cotton material, others are made: muslin, chintz, oilcloth, dermatin. Can be used for upholstery.
  6. Muslin is light and thin, dresses and curtains are sewn from it..
  7. Poplin is a dense double-sided material with a small hem. From it sew shirts, dresses, tablecloths, bedding.
  8. Sarpinka is a lightweight material, also called a canvas. The pattern in this case is in the form of a strip or cell, similar to chintz. Make dresses, blouses, skirts from sarpinki.
  9. Chintz is lightweight, produced when dressing calico. Sew shirts, dresses, bedding, clothes for children.
  10. Taffeta is a dense material with a glossy sheen. It is tough, so you can make magnificent draperies, create voluminous silhouettes: wedding dresses, blouses, skirts.

Girls in different models of sundresses

There is also a twill weave of threads: an asymmetric connection of threads, when there is an alternation of one through two or one through three. Such a cotton material is very heavy and dense, there may be protrusions that create a certain texture. Often this material is used to make lining for clothes or all kinds of draperies. Types of materials with such interweaving of threads:

  1. Bumazeya is a warm, thick and very soft cotton matter, on the wrong side there is a pile. From it make shirts, dresses, thermal underwear.
  2. Denim is a very dense and tough material from which jeans were first sewn. From it are made: curtains, skirts, jackets, overalls.
  3. Flannel is a soft, but dense matter with a pile, a pile (one-sided or two-sided). Previously, soldier’s footcloths were sewed from it, now – shirts, clothes for newborns.
  4. A tartan is a cotton material that has a large cage pattern. From it sew: kilts, suits, trousers, skirts, dresses, school uniforms.

Satin is a material that is made according to a special type of filament bonding called “satin weave”: weft threads are directed horizontally to each other and vertically to the warp threads. The fabric is smooth, silky, dense, has a sheen. Outwardly, it looks like silk. From it are made: shirts, dresses, bathrobes, linings, shoes. Diftin or creton have the same weave, but they are more dense fabrics, from which they sew furniture upholstery and outer demi-season clothing.

To make velvet, use a pile weave when an additional third thread is introduced into the fabric. The canvas has a short pile on the front side, it is soft and pleasant, if held by hand. They make elegant dresses, jackets, jackets, curtains and various home textiles from it. For the production of bikes (or footers), the double-face weaving technique is used when three thread systems are used. The canvas is fleecy, dense and soft. They sew warm underwear, women’s, children’s and home clothes.

To make interlock, they use a special type of weaving – crossing. This is a dense knitwear, pleasant to the touch, its surface is smooth, there is no difference between the inside and the front side. They make sports suits and clothes for men from the material. Another type of cotton knitwear is a cooler (a smooth cloth, on the front side – pigtails, and from the inside – bricks). Such cotton matter stretches in width and almost does not change in length, does not crease. This is the thinnest cotton knitwear, the clothes are light and airy: dresses, skirts, blouses.

Finish

Cotton fabrics differ not only in the method of weaving the threads and composition, but also in the type of finish, which consists of certain chemical and physical actions in relation to the cotton material. After these manipulations, the material has an improved appearance, becomes soft and durable. Finishing cotton is of the following types:

  1. Harsh – this is a cotton fabric without treatment, just removed from the loom.
  2. Bleached – brighten the material with bleaches.
  3. Plain dyed – dyed in one color.
  4. Stuffed – this material is monophonic, but a pattern was printed on it.
  5. Multi-colored – this material is made by weaving multi-colored threads.
  6. Melange – a cloth of fibers of different colors as if in a speck.

Cotton tablecloth

Cotton fabric properties

The main advantages of cotton fabrics are their hypoallergenicity, tactilely pleasant sensations, and environmental friendliness. In addition, they have other advantages:

  1. Breathability – thanks to the method of weaving the threads and the structure of the fibers themselves, air can freely penetrate through clothes, heat transfer is well carried out.
  2. Hygroscopicity is the ability of matter to absorb moisture, which indicates comfortable sensations in the heat when a person is sweating, and the greenhouse effect is not created. Wet cotton can increase by another 40%, while becoming more elastic, durable than when dry.
  3. Lightness, softness – a person feels comfortable in these clothes, she is adjacent to the body, does not hinder movements.
  4. It does not cause itching, any manifestations of allergies.
  5. Strength – can withstand a greater load than wool, except that it can be compared with silk.
  6. Heat preservation – warms well, although light and thin material. This is due to the fact that the cotton fiber is hollow inside, therefore it traps air.
  7. Thermoplasticity – when heated, the cotton, as it were, remembers the form, subsequently it holds.

There are also disadvantages to cotton fabrics. Such disadvantages include the following points:

  1. Rotting, if there is a favorable environment for different microorganisms.
  2. Sensitivity to light and heat – after prolonged exposure to sunlight or at high temperatures, the density decreases by half.
  3. Sensitivity to alkalis and acids (inorganic) – aggressive substances cannot be used when washing, but mercerization can be used for processing (quick processing of the fabric with concentrated sodium solution, after which it is washed in hot or cold water), then the material will not suffer.
  4. Wrinkles, so often synthetic fibers are added to it or improved by impregnation and processing.
  5. Stretches poorly, deformed.

What is sewn from cotton

Cotton fabrics by application are divided into household and technical. The first type is 80% of all materials, they are intended for sewing clothes. Among this type of fabric there are decorative ones that are used for the manufacture of curtains, drapes, upholstery, handkerchiefs, and towels. These are not all the fields of application of such material; summer bike blankets, tablecloths, bedspreads, gauze, etc. are made of it. Materials intended for technical purposes are divided into two categories: packaging and packaging.

Cotton Draperies

Price

In large cities, such as Moscow or St. Petersburg, you can find cotton fabric in many specialized retail stores. There you can get to the sale, where the purchase will be made at a reduced cost. In the online store all kinds of promotions and discounts are very common, so there you can buy goods inexpensively. Many sites offer free delivery by mail or courier. Approximate price for cotton fabric in Moscow:

Type of fabric Score Price, in rubles
Batiste All fabrics 709
Satin All fabrics 945
Calico Markilyuks 150
Chintz Markilyuks 100
Satin Markilyuks 480
Flannel Markilyuks 170
Velveteen To the seam 149
Satin Crepe To the seam 330
Knitwear To the seam 525

How to distinguish cotton from other natural fabrics

There are several types of natural fabrics. The main point, how to distinguish cotton matter, is to check for combustion:

  1. The smell of burnt paper appears, while the flame is yellow. Smoldering produces white smoke.
  2. Flax burns like, but smolders much worse.
  3. Wool burns more slowly, while it crackles and forms into a black ball. The smell is like burnt hair.
  4. Silk burns like wool, but it has a specific, pronounced smell.

There are also other ways to recognize cotton; they are based on tactile sensations:

  1. It is warm, soft, and when squeezed by the hand, it wrinkles.
  2. Flax also wrinkles well, but looks smoother and brighter. Draped worse than cotton. Matter to the touch is dense, solid.
  3. Wool will not wrinkle.
  4. The surface of the silk is pleasant to the touch, the material is soft, warm, almost does not crease, it shines pleasantly.
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Comments: 2
  1. Scarlett Foster

    What are the different types of cotton fabric and how does their composition vary?

    Reply
    1. Penelope Morales

      There are various types of cotton fabrics, each with its own distinct composition. Some common types include:

      1. Flannel: Made from brushed cotton, it is known for its softness and warmth. It is commonly used in winter clothing and bedding.

      2. Muslin: A lightweight, plain-weave cotton fabric that is breathable and soft. It is often used in making dresses, curtains, and drapes.

      3. Denim: A sturdy cotton fabric with a diagonal twill weave, known for its durability and use in making jeans and jackets. It is often blended with synthetic fibers for added strength.

      4. Jersey: Knitted cotton fabric with a stretchy and lightweight nature. It is commonly used in making T-shirts, dresses, and undergarments.

      5. Satin: A smooth, lustrous cotton fabric with a satin weave. It has a glossy appearance and is often used for luxurious bedding, formal wear, and linings.

      The composition of cotton fabric can vary based on factors like the quality of cotton fibers, thread count, and finishing processes involved. Additionally, cotton fabrics can be blended with other fibers like polyester or spandex to enhance their properties, such as durability, stretch, or wrinkle resistance.

      Reply
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