Natural. Types of fabrics for clothing What applies to natural fabrics

Natural fabrics: beauty and energy of nature

Textile materials that surround a person - clothes, bedding, curtains, curtains, furniture upholstery and much, much more - must have not only attractive colors and an original cut. It is very important that all these things are convenient, comfortable, hygienic and, most importantly, do not cause harm to the body. Natural biologically pure fabrics fully possess these properties.

Made from fibers created by nature itself, natural fabrics are exceptionally environmentally friendly and safe. Based on their origin, they are divided into three main groups:

Vegetables – cotton, flax, hemp.
Animals – silk, wool.
Mineral – awn, asbestos.

Each type of material made from natural, rather than chemical, fibers has certain properties - both positive and negative. Let's look at them in more detail.

India is considered the birthplace of cotton, and archaeological excavations allow us to date the beginning of the cultivation of this crop to the 20th century BC. “Fabric woven from air” - this is the description given to cotton fabric by ancient chronicles.

The first rolls of cotton fabric brought to Europe in the Middle Ages were literally worth their weight in gold. Only the wealthiest and noblest townspeople could wear clothes made from these fabrics.

The range of cotton fabrics offered by the modern textile industry numbers more than one hundred items. The undoubted advantages of such materials include the following:

hygroscopicity. Cotton fibers can absorb up to 40% moisture while remaining dry. Therefore, fabrics are often used for sewing summer clothes, bedding, bath towels and robes;
strength. The material has sufficient strength and resistance to mechanical damage. True, under the influence of high temperatures or ultraviolet radiation it noticeably decreases;
aeration. One of the main advantages of the material. Fabrics made from cotton “breathe” without creating a greenhouse effect on the surface of the skin;
ease. Most cotton fabrics have a fine structure, so clothes made from them are almost weightless;
hypoallergenic. The fibers do not contain substances harmful to the human body and do not cause skin irritation or other diseases. A child can safely wear cotton items from the first minutes of birth, since they are absolutely safe;
ease of care. The fabrics are easy to wash by hand or in a machine, dry quickly and smooth out remarkably well. They are resistant to various chemicals, including chlorine.

Cotton fabrics are easy to process: they do not slip, crumble little and have good thermoplasticity, that is, they “remember” their shape when ironed. But unfortunately, not all of their properties can be considered positive. The following are also on the list:

high creasing. After just a few hours of wear, folds and creases appear on the clothes, which spoil the appearance;
lack of dimensional stability. All cotton fabrics shrink greatly when wet-heat treated;
loss of color. Over time, the colors on the material fade, especially after exposure to bright sun;
wearability. Clothing and other cotton items have a short service life and quickly lose their attractiveness.

The low price of the products can compensate for these shortcomings. As one thing breaks down, you can freely buy a new one without damaging your wallet.

It is important to know! You can get rid of the disadvantages inherent in cotton materials by introducing a small amount of artificial or synthetic fibers. Viscose, polyester, elastane or nylon will make fabrics stronger and more durable without detracting from their natural properties.

List of the most common cotton fabrics

There are several classifications of cotton fabrics: by type of weave, finishing method, seasonality, etc. Here is a small list of fabrics depending on their purpose:

Linen: cambric, chiffon, madapolam, calico, rosin, interlock, kulirka, nansuk.
Shirts and dresses: chintz, flannel, flannel, satin, tartan.
Suit and coat: denim, raincoat fabric, cloth, gabardine.
Furniture and upholstery: velvet, corduroy, plush, jacquard.
Bed sheets: calico, satin, poplin, percale, teak.
Curtains: cambric, guipure, muslin.
Towels: terry, waffle fabric.
Special: gauze, moleskin, tarpaulin.

It should be mentioned that the same material can be used both for sewing summer dresses and as lining or bed linen. It all depends on its strength, thickness, degree of coloring, patterns and decorative finishing.

Like cotton, linen fabric came to us from time immemorial. Roman patricians dressed in linen togas; chitons and cloaks made of this material were worn by orators of Ancient Greece. Even on the mummies of pharaohs who lived more than 10 thousand years ago, remains of linen are found.

It is noteworthy that the Slavic peoples called linen fabric made from flax, because all their clothes were made only from it. Such shirts, sundresses, caftans and trousers were highly durable and were worn for many years.

Flax is grown and processed in Russia, Belarus and Ukraine. The uniqueness of this material is such that it can be used to make both thin translucent cambric and coarse canvas or tarpaulin. Linen fabrics have the most valuable properties:

breathability. A person will never sweat in clothes made of linen;
thermal comfort. Even in the summer heat, wearing a linen shirt will keep your body temperature 2–3 degrees lower;
hygroscopicity. The fabric not only absorbs excess moisture, but also evaporates it perfectly, remaining completely dry;
strength. Of all natural fibers, linen has the greatest strength and abrasion resistance;
resistance to pollution. The material does not accumulate dust and is easy to clean and wash;
Dielectric qualities. Even a slight, less than 10%, presence of flax fiber in the product prevents the appearance of static electricity charges in it;
wear resistance. The fabric does not lose its attractiveness for a long time;
safety. Linen products do not emit toxins and do not provoke allergies or other diseases.

Important fact! Linen is a natural antiseptic. It has been noticed that a wound covered with linen canvas heals several times faster. It is not without reason that flax threads are used as suture material during surgical operations.

The biggest disadvantage of such fabrics is their high wrinkleability when worn. And although they can be ironed even with a very hot iron, it takes too much time to iron out all the creases.

Therefore, textile enterprises, along with pure linen, produce mixed fabrics with the addition of a small amount of cotton or synthetic fibers. Such materials do not wrinkle and lend themselves well to draping, forming beautiful, evenly falling folds. The most popular combinations are flax and nylon, flax with lavsan and flax with nitron.

Types of linen fabrics

According to the type of finishing, flax materials can be harsh, have a natural gray-yellowish color, bleached, dyed or multi-colored. They are obtained using twill, plain, finely patterned and other weaves.

In addition, linen fabrics can be divided according to purpose. The most common groups are:

Dress and costume. They are used to make sundresses, trousers, shirts, skirts and other products.
Bed linen. Sheets, duvet covers, pillowcases, napkins.
Dining rooms. Tablecloths, napkins, towels.
Technical. Bags, canvas, ropes, ropes, tarpaulins, trim.

Linen fabrics are quite capricious to sew. Lightweight fabrics can slide off the cutting table, while dense ones are difficult to cut with scissors. Both of them crumble a lot and shrink significantly during wet-heat treatment. Therefore, before you take linen fabric for sewing, it must be decated - moistened and dried.

People learned to grow hemp and make fabric from it in ancient times. Even then they appreciated the high strength of products made from this plant, and other equally important qualities:

hygroscopicity. The canvas can absorb moisture five times its own weight;
maintaining heat exchange. Clothing made from hemp fabric is comfortable both in winter frosts and in summer heat;
safety. The material not only does not cause skin irritation and allergies, but is itself capable of destroying many microbes and bacteria that are dangerous to humans;
UV resistance. Hemp blocks radiation harmful to the body by more than 90%;
durability. Experts say that things made from hemp fabric are more likely to get boring than to become unusable.

Important fact! At the beginning of the 20th century, the world-famous company LEVI’S, interested in the unique properties of hemp, launched the production of jeans from this fabric. However, the ongoing fight against drugs did not allow the idea to spread.

Currently, the production of hemp fabric from non-narcotic plant species has been restarted. Hemp fabric (the name comes from the English word “hemp” - hemp) is very popular among adherents of a healthy lifestyle.

Several thousand years ago in China they first learned to unwind the finest fibers from silkworm cocoons. The fabric that was made from these threads was light, thin, with a shiny iridescent surface. According to the law issued by the emperor, it was strictly forbidden to export silk from the country, and the fabric manufacturer faced the death penalty for disclosing the secrets of production.

However, already in the 17th century, ubiquitous merchants began to secretly and then openly deliver scrolls of silk cloth to Europe. Thus began the victorious march of the most beautiful of fabrics around the world.

Already in the twentieth century, after the chemical revolution and the discovery of synthetic materials, artificial silk began to be produced from acetate fiber. The fabric is certainly very attractive, with a smooth, shiny finish. But, alas, it will not replicate the properties of real natural silk. After all, natural material boasts many unique qualities:

aeration capacity. The fabric is so breathable that the skin simply does not feel the touch of clothing;
absolute moisture absorption and evaporation of sweat;
thermoregulation. Within 10-15 minutes after putting on, silk clothing reaches human body temperature;
hygiene. The fabric prevents the proliferation of microbes and pathogenic bacteria;
wear resistance. With proper care, silk products can last more than 10 years.

If we talk about the disadvantages of silk, then the main thing is its high cost. In addition, it is worth mentioning the following properties:

creasing. It is better not to sit down in a silk dress, as folds and creases immediately form on the fabric;
UV instability. When exposed to bright sunlight, the fibers can break down and the fabric will “creep”;
the formation of stains when liquids come into contact with the material;
Difficulties in cutting and sewing, requiring certain skills;
special delicate care that natural silk requires: hand washing using special products, drying away from the sun and heat devices, ironing at low temperatures.

As with other natural materials, the shortcomings of silk are removed by adding synthetic or artificial fibers. Most often, viscose or polyester play this role. If you want the fabric to become more stretchable and tight-fitting, then a small percentage of lycra is introduced.

Types and uses of silk fabrics

The range of silk fabrics compared to cotton or wool is not so wide. They can be sorted depending on their purpose into the following groups:

Dress and blouse. Crepe de Chine, crepe georgette, crepe chiffon, satin, cambric, brocade.
Curtains. Jacquard, tapestry, velvet, epontage, taffeta.
Curtains. Organza, foulard, gas, excelsior.
Lining. Toile, charmeuse.

Interesting fact! Doctors say that natural silk fibers contain amino acids that have a beneficial effect on the gastrointestinal tract and improve blood circulation. This means that sleeping on silk sheets is not only pleasant, but also very useful.

Perhaps, among all natural materials, wool is the oldest. This is evidenced by Neolithic rock paintings found in caves on the territory of modern Switzerland. They depict the process of making woolen fabrics using primitive devices.

The fabrics are made from the hair of various animals: sheep, goats, rabbits, camels and llamas. The main property of fabrics is a high degree of heat retention, so they are used to make outerwear, as well as sweaters, jackets, hats, scarves, blankets, blankets and other products. In addition, woolen fabrics have other, no less important qualities:

high elasticity. Clothes, which become deformed during wear, easily return to their original appearance after removal;
breathability. This property is more characteristic of knitwear and light dress materials;
hygroscopicity. It manifests itself differently in all types of woolen fabrics. Some, for example, gabardine, are completely incapable of absorbing moisture;
wear resistance. Wool itself is not strong enough in most cases, but adding some synthetics immediately makes the fabric much stronger;
functionality. Almost all woolen fabrics are easy to cut and sew. They do not crumble, do not slip and drape easily, allowing you to embody any ideas;
safety. Like other natural materials, wool is not a source of allergies or other diseases.

Many people are attracted by the fact that wool fabrics do not accumulate dust and are resistant to stains. In addition, they have the ability to weather odors, which is especially pleasing to smokers.

As for the disadvantages, here, as in the case of silk, monetary issues come to the fore: products made from some types of raw materials, for example, cashmere or alpaca, are very expensive. We should also not forget that woolen items are susceptible to moths and must be properly stored so that they last as long as possible.

Assortment of wool fabrics

Animal wool materials are used not only for sewing clothes, but also for making many other products. Let's consider their use using the example of some well-known fabrics.

Cashmere – elegant coats, jackets, scarves and stoles.
Flannel - children's clothing, pajamas, bathrobes.
Gabardine - jackets, raincoats, backpacks, bags, suitcases.
Velor – jackets, suits, furniture upholstery, curtains.
Tweed - men's and women's suits.
Bike - demi-season coats, blankets.
Reps - uniform.
Tartan - skirts, dresses, curtains.
Felt – hats, shoes, decorative items.
Plush - children's toys, furniture covers.

It is important to know! It is preferable to wash woolen items by hand, using liquid rather than powder detergents. You only need to iron them through a cotton cloth, setting the iron regulator to the lowest temperature.

Mineral fabrics

The materials included in this group are obtained by processing rocks containing large amounts of calcium, magnesium, iron and aluminum. Such fabrics are used in the production of heat-resistant technical products: conveyor belts, vapor barrier coatings, etc.

Since mineral fibers have fire-resistant properties, they are added to fabrics used to make protective clothing for firefighters and metallurgical workers. But wearing such products for a long time is not recommended, since asbestos sheets can emit substances harmful to the body.

Nowadays, more and more consumers prefer to buy only natural fabrics. Made from biologically pure raw materials, they are filled with the life-giving energy of nature itself, which they generously share with people.

Classic or natural fabrics are divided into three categories according to the type of raw material from which they are made (woven) and its origin. The three main ones are:

vegetable, which are obtained by processing cotton, hemp, jute or flax;
animal origin, which uses wool and silk;
mineral tissue obtained from asbestos processing (spinous tissue).

Fabrics made from plant materials

All natural fabrics made from recycled plants are hypoallergenic and soft. They do not accumulate static electricity and absorb sweat well. The material shrinks when washed and wrinkles when worn.

Made from cotton

The seeds of the cotton bush are covered with white fluffy fiber, which is used for making thin threads. In Russia, fabrics woven from such threads have been called cotton for two centuries.

The advantages and distinctive properties of the fabric are included in the list.

The thin fiber, 5-60 mm long and approximately 20 microns thick, consists of 5% fats and mineral impurities and 95% cellulose. This composition explains all the wonderful properties of the material created from cotton threads.
High hygroscopicity of the material. The fibers absorb moisture well, increasing in volume by 40%, while simultaneously becoming stronger by 15%.
The fibers are tensile stronger than wool, almost equal in wear resistance to silk and slightly weaker than flax.
The strength of the fabric is halved after 900 hours of exposure to solar radiation.
Strength is also halved with prolonged (more than 70 hours) constant heating to 150 o C.
Good thermoplasticity. The fabric remembers its shape after heat treatment, that is, it irons well.
Excellent thermal insulation of the fabric is ensured by the dense structure of the fiber.
Cotton fiber is neutral to organic acids.
Subject to rotting.

There is no better material for a light summer dress, blouse, or pastel linen.

Made from linen

For more than 5,000 years, people have been using this cereal to make natural fabrics. After multi-stage complex processing, fibers are separated from the stems, from which threads are then spun for future linen material.

Properties and characteristics of fabric.

The environmental friendliness of linen materials is ensured by 100% natural raw materials.
High thermal conductivity. It has been experimentally proven that the body of a person dressed in linen clothes is not overheated and has its own temperature a couple of degrees lower than under other fabrics.
Linen absorbs water well.
Linen is less susceptible to contamination than other fabrics.
Does not promote the activity of fungi, bacteria and pathogens. Silica, which is part of flax threads, turns the fabric into an excellent antiseptic.
Linen threads are used in surgery for suturing during operations, since they are completely absorbable and are not rejected by living tissue.
Linen retains its shape after heating. Easily wrinkles and irons at high temperatures (200 o C).
Has increased strength.

A light, lightweight suit made of natural linen fabric is the best indicator of a young man’s wealth and well-being.

From hemp

Hemp is a medicinal plant. Its beneficial properties are preserved even in threads that are made from fibers (bast) of the plant:

hypoallergenic;
antiseptic.

In addition, hemp fabric has properties such as increased strength and hygroscopicity. It protects the skin from ultraviolet rays by 95%, without creating a greenhouse effect. Fabrics made from hemp fibers are strong and durable.

Animal tissue

Wool

Animal hair is the very first material that was used to make the clothing of the first man. In our manufactory, the most consumable material is sheep's wool. However, around the world, many other animals also contribute to the textile industry: goats, camels, rabbits, dogs, etc.

Mammalian hair contains keratin protein with a large amount of sulfur. This largely explains the properties of woolen fabrics. This is not a complete list of them.

Wool has low thermal conductivity, which means it has high heat-protective qualities.
Great elasticity. The fabric wrinkles slightly due to the voluminous elastic elongation of the fibers.
Fabric soaked in hot water can expand in size by 50% and then return to its original shape.
Good hygroscopicity.
Wool fabric is resistant to chlorine and alkali.

Clothing made from this material is very popular. Suits, trousers, sweaters, coats made of wool are the most comfortable clothes for the Russian climate.

Silk

The thinnest thread from which the silkworm builds its cocoon became the raw material for the creation of silk fabric many millennia ago. From one cocoon, 800-1000 m of thread (mulberry) with a thickness of approximately 32 microns is obtained!

Mulberry consists of a quarter sericin and three quarters fibroin. This composition provides the benefits and main remarkable properties of silk.

Good hygroscopicity.
Chemical resistance – neutral to organic solvents.
Low light fastness - the strength of silk fabric decreases after 200 hours of exposure to sunlight.
Excellent hygienic properties of the fabric.

Silk is very beautiful, light and shiny. It is impossible to imagine a woman's wardrobe that would not contain underwear, blouses, dresses or scarves made of this material.

Mineral fabrics

Materials made from mineral fibers are used mainly for industrial purposes. Natural mineral threads are made from special rocks that contain large amounts of calcium, magnesium silicate, iron and aluminum.

Using the properties of fabric mineral fibers, fire-resistant workwear, various filters and insulation materials are made from them. The permanent use of such clothing is prohibited by the Ministry of Health, as it is harmful to human health.

One of the main factors thanks to which a person has long been able to protect himself from the vagaries of the weather is the production of fabrics and clothing. Since its inception in ancient times, this industry has developed dynamically, and today the consumer is presented with a wide variety of materials made from both natural and synthetic components.

Depending on the type of production, fabric products are conventionally divided into several categories. The main ones are:

Natural. These include wool, cotton, and linen. This category is made from raw materials of plant and animal origin.
Artificial. These include viscose, lurex, acetate. This variety can be created from organic and inorganic components. In particular, these can be cellulose and protein, as well as metal and glass, respectively.
Synthetics. The most popular raw materials here are polyester, polyvinyl, polyamide. Fabrics of this class are created from polymer threads.

The range of modern fabrics is large, and this is due not only to the possibilities of using various raw materials. The finished material acquires its final characteristics through processing and the use of manufacturing technologies. In this case, the characteristics and properties are most often determined by the type of weave.

Types and features

Among the variety of options, the consumer’s attention is attracted by the characteristics of the fabrics used in tailoring. Most often this is:

Polyester

Inexpensive synthetics, which are made from polyester fibers. The surface is similar in appearance to wool, and in properties - to cotton. Distinctive features that allow you to sew inexpensive clothes are strength, wear resistance and the ability of products to retain their original appearance for a long time. In addition, the characteristics of the fabric make it easy to wash, reducing clothing maintenance to a minimum. The material dries quickly and easily changes shape under the influence of temperatures. This opens up wide possibilities for designers when creating folds, decorating clothes, curtains, curtains, etc.

Cotton

In the production of cotton fabric, soft and thin fibers are used, twisted along the axis. The material is characterized by high strength, resistance to chemical attack and the ability to maintain its original characteristics even under prolonged exposure to factors such as ultraviolet radiation, moisture, high and low temperatures. Fabric and clothing have an average hygroscopicity of 18-20%, so they dry slowly. The only drawback of the material is its low ability to retain shape and the risk of shrinkage if not properly cared for. Cotton products wrinkle quickly, which is not always convenient in everyday conditions. The advantages of this material include: extraordinary softness, breathability, durability. The scope of application of cotton fabrics is wide. The material becomes an excellent solution for sewing clothes and workwear, bed linen, furniture upholstery, etc.

Jacquard

Large-patterned fabric obtained using the technology of weaving warp and weft threads. High aesthetic characteristics and the complexity of the production process make the material an elite-class product. Natural raw materials are used to create the canvas, including cotton and linen, as well as wool and silk threads. In modern production, synthetic fibers can also be used, as well as a combination of artificial and natural components. Manufacturing technology allows us to produce plain fabrics and fabrics with colored inserts. The “tapestry” effect is achieved using special dyeing methods. Today, jacquard is widely used in sewing outerwear, upholstery and other products. The cost of the material largely determines the raw materials, as well as the fabric processing technologies used.

Silk

Natural fabric, created using thread from a silkworm cocoon. The demand and extraordinary popularity of such fabric is due to the wide possibilities in the manufacture of clothing, in which the average person receives exquisite clothes that are comfortable to wear. Modern technologies make it possible to create artificial silk. However, the value of such material, as well as the characteristics, differ significantly from the real thing, made from silk thread. First of all, these include unique shine, smoothness and strength: indicators that are achieved thanks to multi-stage production and the characteristics of silkworm threads.

Felt

Like felt, felt is created using wool felting technology. The process is carried out manually, and its result is the production of pieces of material. Unlike its denser counterpart, the production of felt uses thin goat or rabbit fluff, thanks to which the fabric acquires its characteristic features. The creation of material today is somewhat different from the technology used in ancient times. With the advent of synthetic threads, it became possible to obtain smooth or fleecy fabric, which can also be divided into suede or long-pile felt subtypes. Most often, this material is used for sewing clothes that come into contact with the body. These can be hats, scarves, coats, etc. Thanks to the special texture of the fabric, such clothes can retain heat and create comfort when worn.

Fleece

Synthetic fabric, which today is one of the most popular in tailoring clothes and products intended for everyday use. In the production of fabric, a combination of several types of artificial fibers is used, the main one of which is polyester. The result of using this technology is the production of fabric that is lightweight, resistant to moisture and easy to care for. Various production methods, at the same time, significantly expand the range of material thickness. Today, fleece is widely used for casual clothing and lining. The anti-pilling coating, which is often characteristic of modern fabrics, ensures the longest service life without loss of original characteristics. The main advantages of the material are hygroscopicity, lightness, and elasticity. Among the characteristics that provide comfort when wearing fleece clothing are breathability, the ability to dry quickly after washing, and minimal care and storage conditions.

Calico

Thick fabric made from cotton threads. Thanks to the use of plain weave technology, manufacturers obtain a durable material that is widely used by people in everyday life. The main subtypes of calico, which are popular among the modern man in the street, are suvoraya, bleached, printed and plain-dyed fabric. Various manufacturing techniques make it possible to create high-performance fabric, which is widely used for the manufacture of bed linen, tablecloths, curtains and curtains, etc.

Velveteen

Cotton fabric (can also be synthetic), characterized by increased density. A special feature of the material is the presence of a front side covered with fleecy scars and a back side with a smooth surface. Among the characteristics of the fabric are high elasticity, strength, and durability. Clothing made from corduroy is very warm, pleasant to the touch, and durable. The advantage of this material is its affordable price. Disadvantages include the risk of shrinkage and loss of appearance due to improper care. In modern clothing production, several subtypes of corduroy are used, including: cord, ribbed and shaped corduroy.

Velours

The fabric has a soft pile, is velvety and has high aesthetic appeal. The material in this category belongs to premium products and is widely used for sewing warm, practical, dense and wear-resistant clothing. Modern production allows us to produce several subtypes of velor. The main ones are: velvet and drape. Velor fabrics also include not only cotton materials, but also fabrics made from felt and leather.

A material that is obtained artificially from natural raw materials. A special feature of this fabric is its ability to be similar (depending on the technology used) to linen, silk or wool. Viscose products are very popular. This is due to the affordable price and the opportunity to get clothes for everyday wear that have a maximum service life. In the production of household items today, three types of viscose are used: spatula, technical and textile, however, only the last category is suitable for sewing clothes.

Guipure

In modern industry, guipure is made from several types of synthetic fibers, or with their addition. The main features are transparency, low weight, and rigidity. Disadvantages include low tear resistance and demanding conditions for care, wearing and storage.

Cashmere

A distinctive characteristic of the material is its extreme softness and tenderness. This feature is achieved through complex production and twill weaving, which uses thread made from the down of cashmere goats. The high cost of linen, as well as cashmere clothing, is due to comfort, aesthetics and hypoallergenicity. It is believed that real cashmere can be made from the down of animals living only in Pakistan, India, Nepal and China. This is due to the fact that when trying to recreate the fabric from the wool of ordinary goats, all the unique properties of cashmere are lost.

Mohair

The material is made from the wool of the Angora goat. The most common variety today are uniform white fabrics, which are distinguished by a soft luster shine. The unique effect of such a product is provided by technology that uses transitional hair. The result is a resilient, fluffy fabric with high tensile strength, resilience and durability. The natural shine characteristic of mohair does not disappear even after dyeing.

Satin

The fabric is made from cotton fibers using satin weaving. It is characterized by a smooth and silky surface, in which weft threads predominate. The most popular ones today are printed and bleached satin. This material is widely used in the production of bed linen, lining fabric and casual clothing. Less commonly, satin is used to make men's shirts and summer dresses.

Fatin

Modern tulle is distinguished by a mesh structure, which provides the fabric with flowing lightness. The material is made of polyester, which makes it homogeneous and extremely durable. The main area of use of tulle is the creation of decorative elements of clothing. Soft fabric is also used in gift making and interior decoration. The characteristics of mesh tulle allow it to be successfully used as a canvas for embroidery.

Chiffon

The lightweight, flowy material with a somewhat loose texture was originally made from silk and crepe yarn. Today, artificial components are used in production that can provide greater tensile strength and aesthetic appeal. The popularity of this type of material is due to the wide selection of varieties. The most famous and popular of them are: crepe chiffon, jacquard chiffon, double-sided chiffon and satin variety. Chiffon with lures, shanzhan, pearl chiffon, etc. are also used in the manufacture of designer clothing. Clothing items made from this material are distinguished by their elegance, lightness and comfort to wear.

Openwork: woven or knitted material with thin, lace-like through patterns.

Velvet: fabric with thick, long (2-3 mm), straight pile. Velvet is often cut against the grain.

Batiste: A lightweight plain weave fabric made from fine-staple cotton, linen, wool or rayon.

Belset: microfiber fabric with a fluffy and soft surface similar to peach skin, imitation velor leather.

Boucle: fabric with an uneven, knotty surface formed by thickened yarn.

Velsoft: knitted polyester fabric with a soft brushed side, mainly used for sewing home clothes (robes, pajamas), as well as for bed linen, blankets, etc. Also called microfiber.

Corduroy, ribbed velvet: a collective name for velvet fabrics with longitudinal ribs of varying widths, from very narrow to wide.

Velours: collective name for soft fleecy fabrics with thick short pile.

Vichy: two-color fabric in a contrasting rectangular check, made of cotton or mixed fibers.

Pile elastic: fine jersey with a fleecy surface reminiscent of velvet.

Veil: a sheer, plain-weave fabric, most often made of cotton.

Knitted fabric: material imitating hand knitting.

Gabardine: dense fabric made of cotton, wool or chemical fibers with a pronounced small diagonal rib on the front side, always running from left to bottom to right to top. The rib gives gabardine a striped fabric effect.

Glencheck: fabric with a pattern of overlapping cells. The cells may vary in color or be tone-on-tone.

Tapestry: motley patterned fabric of muted colors with blurry transitions from one color to another.

Double sided fabric: collective name for fabrics that have two different faces.

Denim: denim in which only the warp thread is dyed. The weft thread is white. Thanks to this weave, the front side is most often blue or black, and the back side is white.

Jersey: a collective name for a variety of knitted materials, from lightweight jersey polo to thick wool jersey.

Denim fabrics: the fabrics are predominantly cotton, often with a small pile. Pre-washed to provide the signature slightly worn look of denim.

Drape: soft, voluminous fabrics with long pile.

Duvetin: the so-called false velvet is a satin weave fabric made of cotton or viscose with thickened weft threads. After dyeing, the fabric is combed and it becomes rough.

Duchess: very shiny high quality satin made from silk or chemical fibers.

Jacquard: a collective name for all fabrics in the pattern of which different types of weave of threads alternate. Using different threads for the warp and weft (for example, matte and shiny, light and dark) enhances this effect.

Georgette and crepe georgette: fabric made from highly twisted crepe twist threads has an uneven, finely structured surface. The fabric is soft, flowing to the touch - “sandy”.

Artificial fur: a collective name for fabrics or knitted materials covered with thick pile, which well imitate natural furs and are very different in pile length and color.

Cloquet: crepe two-layer fabric with a “bubble” surface. During the finishing process, the bottom layer of fabric contracts and the top layer forms uneven swellings. Cloquet cannot be ironed.

Leather: natural animal skins. There are nappa leather (kid leather) with a smooth surface and velor leather (suede) with a fleecy surface.

Crepe: collective name for fabrics with a grainy, knotty surface acquired through crepe twisting of yarn, interlacing of threads, or embossing on the fabric.

Crepe with longitudinal folds: artificial crepe with a surface resembling tree bark.

Crepe de Chine: a thin fabric with an uneven surface made from crepe twisted yarn in a plain weave with a grainy surface.

Crinkle, crash: crinkled fabrics. The folds are often wrinkled in the lobar direction and are more or less pronounced.

Lace: There are many varieties of lace: embroidered (Plauen), woven (machine), woven with bobbins (Valenciennes) or crocheted (basson).

Lavable: Light, crepe-like, flowing fabric with a smooth surface, easy to wash, made of silk or chemical fibers.

Lame: shiny, iridescent fabric with metallic and other shiny, showy threads.

Loden: medium and heavy woolen fabrics, very dense, thanks to felting, and very durable. Shaggy loden is a fabric covered with a long pile adjacent to one side; cloth loden is a fabric with a matte, lint-free surface, reminiscent of felt. Loden is often confused with boiled wool: knitwear felted on one side, optically reminiscent of loden. (They are confused, most likely, because it is so often designated in stores.) It differs from loden in its looser structure and, of course, it is not so heavy and dense.

Matlasse: double fabric with a relief, as if “quilted” pattern.

Terry fabric: voluminous soft fabric made from looped yarn.

Wet silk: silk fabric that, after washing and rubbing, has acquired a slightly fluffy “peach” surface. Wet silk is not washed, but sent for dry cleaning.

Moire: rep weave fabric with thin warp threads. It has a wavy pattern, which is applied during embossing (calendering).

Muslin: light and loose fabric of plain weave, mainly cotton or wool.

Organza: transparent, rigid plain weave fabric.

Pallet: fabric or knitted material with sewn sparkling metal plates.

Panne: very shiny velvet fabric with pressed pile.

Papillon: wool poplin with a small transverse rib.

Pepita: fabric in a small light-dark check.

Percale: thin but dense cotton fabric with a plain weave. Silky, soft, reminiscent of cambric. Mainly used for sewing bed linen, ideal for printing and dyeing with textile paints.

Pique: fabric with a relief pattern reminiscent of machine stitching.

Thick taffeta: Medium weight cotton fabric with plain weave.

Lining twill: fabric in which both sides are “facing”: one surface is crepe, matte, and the other is shiny, smooth.

Poplin: rep weave fabric, which is formed by very thin warp threads and thicker weft threads.

Reps: fabric with pronounced scars, most often transverse.

"Roman Jersey": heavy, low-elastic double-sided knitwear, most often made from high-quality natural wool, with facial loops on both sides.

Twill: Rough cotton fabric with a diagonal effect.

Satin: very smooth, softly falling fabric with a shiny surface.

Seersucker: fabric in which the entire surface or individual stripes resemble tree bark. In real fabric with this name, the effect is achieved due to a special weave of threads, in “fake seersucker” - due to finishing (chemical treatment) of the fabric.

Cloth: a plain-weave woolen fabric that, through felting and final backcombing, acquires a felt-like surface.

Knitwear with terry/brushed back: fabric made of cotton or a mixture of cotton and other fibers.

Taffeta: fabric made of natural silk or chemical fibers. Rigidity
It is acquired during the finishing process (chemical treatment), and therefore taffeta wrinkles a lot.

Tweed: a fabric made from coarse, knotted wool yarn that has a hand-finished appearance. Warp and weft often come in different colors.

Thermovelour: fluffy fabric with double-sided pile, very warm and breathable.

Herringbone fabric: twill weave fabric with distinct diagonal stripes.

Chicken foot fabric: fabric with a small pattern resembling a cage. Denticles at the corners of cells are typical for the tissue.

Ribbed knit: Elastic material with alternating knit and purl stitches.

Tulle: a transparent mesh fabric, often with a honeycomb structure.

Shaped: fabric with a fine pattern, which is formed by changing the type of weave. Most often with a matte-shiny effect.

Phil-a-fil: fabric with a stepped fine pattern, which is formed by alternating light and dark warp and weft threads.

Flannel: collective name for fabrics made of cotton, viscose or wool, with one- or two-sided brushing.

Fleece: see thermal velour.

Chintz: polished cotton fabric, the surface of which gives the impression of being waxed. Thanks to impregnation, it does not get dirty and is not wetted by water.

Shanzhan: fabric with multi-colored warp and weft threads that create an iridescent effect.

Silk Brocade: jacquard fabric, often made from polished yarn. Another name for “brocat” is Italian, meaning “embroidered”.

Chenille: heavy, velvet-like fabric with double-sided pile.

Chiffon: a very thin, delicate flowing fabric made from crepe twisted yarn consisting of silk or synthetic fibers. Chiffon has an uneven surface to the touch, reminiscent of “sand”.

Photo: Jan Schmiedel ; getti images (4), dpa, clip dealer.
Material prepared by Elena Karpova

If the advantages of synthetic or mixed fabrics often require proof, then natural materials are excellent a priori. Products that carry natural energy warm, protect, decorate a person, and bring amazing comfort and coziness to his home.

We will introduce our readers to the great and diverse world of natural materials, different in composition, method of weaving and thickness of threads, obtained from animal wool, butterfly cocoons and various parts of plants.

You will learn how cotton can be transformed into:

We buy cotton products or wonderful bedding and enjoy their breathability, not realizing how differently these fabrics are constructed.

Did you know that cotton fibers can be used to make:

We tried to list everything and told how a material with unique performance characteristics is obtained from straw. You will find out what it is famous for and whether it has any disadvantages.

For those who are interested in silks, here is our selection of articles about these wonderful materials. Many of our readers will be surprised how different natural silk can be.

Among the silks, you will definitely find the fabric of your dreams.

Another of our tasks is to introduce the reader to the variety of woolen fabrics. We will tell you about:

There are fabrics that are woven from cotton, silk or wool. This is , and . Their properties depend on the composition, and what they have in common is a soft pile on the surface. You will learn how these fabrics differ and where they are used.

We are pleased to present not only modern natural fabrics, such as exclusive high-quality ones. We delved into the archives and found a description of the vestments of a clergyman two hundred years ago, made of heavy and luxurious material, this is legendary, consigned to history, it is no longer produced.

Each article contains not only comprehensive information about the production, composition and areas of application of the fabric. We have provided recommendations from professionals containing rules for the care and storage of products made from natural fabrics, and also posted many interesting illustrations.

We have prepared for you their bright, memorable retrospective.

Publications about natural fabrics used in home textiles and clothing.