How cotton IS made…
Cotton is a natural fiber that comes from the seedpod of the cotton plant. It is woven into many different fabric types. The fiber is hollow in the center and under the microscope it resembles a twisted ribbon. Cotton fiber seems to increase in popularity as modern technology blends it with other fibers and gives it special performance finishes. Cotton can be knitted or woven into cloth.
The two most common weaves for cotton are the plain and twill weave.
- A plain weave produces fabrics like gingham, percale, chambray and broadcloth.
- A twill weave is more durable and is found in denim, khaki and gabardine.
TYPES OF COTTON
Unbleached or Loom state cotton fabric means the fabric has no pretreatment at all – it is straight off the weavers’ loom and is used in its natural state
Bleached or white cotton is when the fabric is subjected to a pretreatment ( or Scour ) to remove all oils and impurities – Bleaching agents are used to “whiten” the fabric
THE RESULT
- The Fabric can absorbs up to 27 times its own weight in water
- Has a comfortable, soft handle and feel to the touch
- It is easy to wash and handle
- Takes dye easily and has good color retention properties
- Durable and strong
- Conducts heat well
- Resists abrasion
- Resists pilling and moths
- Has little resiliency but it is prone to wrinkling
- It weakens from extended exposure to sunlight
- Is easy to handle and sew
cotton is available in the following colours:
