FIBER |
DESCRIPTION |
FABRIC CARE INSTRUCTION |
Natural fibers |
||
Cotton |
Cotton is a natural fiber that comes from the seedpod of the cotton plant. Cotton fabric is popular because it’s easy to care for and comfortable year-round. In hot, humid weather, cotton “breathes.”As the body perspires, cotton fibers absorb the moisture and release it on the surface of the fabric, so it evaporates. In cold weather, if the fabric remains dry, the fibers retain body heat, especially napped fabrics.
Cotton fibers don’t shrink, but cotton fabric does, so preshrink the yardage. To preshrink, wash the fabric the same way you intend to launder the finished garment. Make sure the fabric is on-grain; that is, that the crosswise and lengthwise threads are truly perpendicular to each other. If the cotton has a permanent finish, it’s not possible to straighten the grain. If the fabric has a print and the grain is off, the print may be skewed once you straighten the fabric. Avoid print fabrics unless the threads are truly on-grain. If it’s difficult to tell the right side of the fabric from the wrong side, mark the wrong side with chalk to avoid confusion and a finished garment with shading differences.
When choosing thread, try to match fabric and thread fibers. Cotton-wrapped polyester thread is fine for sewing cotton fabric. If you’re working with a very stretchy cotton knit, choose a 100% polyester thread because it stretches more than the cotton-wrapped polyester thread. When sewing woven cottons that don’t need to stretch, a 100% cotton thread is perfect. This thread is lovely to work with and, although not as durable as the other two, produces flat seams. |
Cotton is easy to clean; it can be laundered or dry-cleaned. It withstands high water temperatures, so it can be boiled and thus sterilized - 95 oC.
Chlorine bleach can be used to restore white garments to a clear white but this bleach may yellow chemically finished cottons or remove color in dyed cottons.
Most cotton fabrics can be laundered in the washing machine. They should be washed frequently, since they tend to absorb moisture and pick up dirt. Wash white items in hot water, medium colors in warm water and dark colors in cold water. Cotton will shrink more in hot water than cold, and fabric that’s loosely woven shrinks more than tighter weaves. Items with embossed designs and inner construction, such as a lining and shoulder pads, should be dry-cleaned. Loose knits, lingerie and fabrics with special finishes might also benefit from dry-cleaning.
Cotton can also be ironed at relatively high temperatures160-200 oC., stands up to abrasion and wears well.
|
Linen (flax) |
Linen fabric is made from the cellulose fibers that grow inside of the stalks of the flax plant. Linen clothes are appreciated so much because of the comfort they provide. This is especially evident during warm seasons when linen clothing allows doing your activities without worrying for sweating or damping your clothes. Linen fabric easily absorbs perspiration, while leaving a very cool and dry feeling to the skin. Linen is much stronger and glossy than cotton. It has antiallergic properties, good to absorb water, permeable for air and cool fabric. Linen fiber is strong and not elastic, so linen fabrics crumple very easy. After each washing the fabric becomes softer and less wrinkly. The linen fabric does not turn yellowish; it becomes whiter and gentler after time. Linen fiber goes damp and dry very soon, that is why the fabric warms during cold night and cools the body during hot midday. Linen fabric is resistant to static electric load. Linen fabric is ecological. |
Some linen is washable, while others are dry clean only. Be sure to check the label. Washable household linens, handkerchiefs, and linen apparel can be washed easily and become softer with use. White linens should be washed by universal washing prouder under 40-60 oC White linens should be dried in the sun, if possible, to help them to keep their whiteness. Generally speaking, dry cleaning is recommended for drapery linens, upholstery linens and decorative linens. It is better to iron linen fabric with hot iron from the backside – 200 oC.
|
Wool |
Wool fabric is woven from the yarn made from the hair of animals, such as sheep, goat, camel, rabbit and others. Environmentally friendly, wool is an organic fabric that has been used for clothing and blankets for thousands of years. Wool fabric is used to make clothing that is warm and well insulated. It is usually used to make outdoor clothing but is also used to make blankets, socks and fine clothing. Wool fabrics are natural insulators that keep you much warmer than other fabrics, breathe well, this fabric is mildew and mold resistant and waterproof to some extent.
Cashmere is from the Kashmir goat down. Separation of the soft fibers from the long, coarse hair is tedious and difficult, contributing to the expense of the fabric. The soft hair is woven or knitted into fine garments and can also be blended with silk, cotton, or wool.
Angora wool is from the Angora rabbit. This soft fiber is used in sweaters, mittens and baby clothes.
Alpaca is very rich and silky with considerable luster. It comes from the Alpaca. Fabrics made of alpaca fiber are unusually easy to care for and long-lived .Alpaca Fiber can be carded and blended with other natural and/or synthetic fibers
Merino – obtained from New Zealand sheep wool. The wool fibers are very fine. Merino wool is soft and luxurious. Products from the wool is warm, soft and does not cause irritation. |
It is recommended to wash wool clothing by hand or machine wash, not more than 30 C. Knitwear is washed only by hand.
Do not use chlorine. Do not soaked wool sweaters, as this will reduce the resistance of the fabric.
It can be dried in a centrifuge, but not in the dryer. Do not dry well, and do not dry on the direct sunlight or on a radiator.
Pure wool clothes (especially loose bodies) recommended drying on a horizontal surface. Wool can be dried on the shoulders, which will reduce the need to iron them or will easy this process. Ironing should be done from the wrong side, at 110-150 ° C.
Fabrics in which there is a part of angora wool should only be cleaned in dry cleaning.
|
Silk |
Silk of the finest quality is obtained from the unwound filament of the silkworm cocoon. To obtain lower grades of silk, broken or waste filaments and damaged cocoons are retained, treated to remove the sericin, and combed. It has a reputation as a luxurious and sensuous fabric, retains its shape, drapes well, caresses the figure, and shimmers with a luster all its own. Silk is naturally hypoallergenic, yet is still breathable; it absorbs moisture and reduces humidity, which makes it cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
Depending on the thickness of the fibers and yarns, mesh quality and quality silk fabrics can be thin and soft, as well as thick, dense and hard.
|
It is recommended to wash the silk fabrics only at 30 C. When hand-washing silk clothes you should not knead and rub the silk product – it can ruin the structure of the fabric. Note: you can use warm or cold water. After washing, leave the washed clothes on the towel, allowing excess water to drain, or press the water gently wrapped in a towel. It is not advisable to use softeners.
In any case, the silk shall not be dried in the laundry.
Dry cleaning is recommended in order to preserve the color. However, if you wash at home, then into wash water you can add vinegar– this helps preserve the color. Ironing of silk should be done when it is little wet, setting the mode of "Silk", or not more than 110 C. Additionally moisturize while ironing is not recommended as this may damage the fabric and cause a spot. |
Regenerated fibers |
||
Viscose |
Viscose is popular because of its silky shine, softness and ability to absorb moisture and does not accumulate static electricity. It is often used in connection with other fibers.
Fabrics made of viscose easily crinkle, such as cotton and linen. Wet viscose fibers are less durable than in dry form.
|
Viscous recommended to wash by hand or washing machines, the machine temperature not higher than 30 - 40C. It is not desirable to clean and dry in the dryer. It is best to gently squeeze out excess water with a towel and leave to dry horizontally on a towel.
Clothes made of viscose can be ironed on the reverse side a little wet. Ironing temperature 110-150 C. |
Acetate |
Acetate and triacetate looks like silk, with a little sheen and a good drop. Acetate is often used in conjunction with other fibers.
Acetate bad absorb moisture and badly crumpled. It is not resistant to chemical and high temperature influence.
|
Acetate or fabrics / products, which are composed of acetate, should be washed by in the washing machine at delicate cycle at temperature of around 30 - 40 °C. It dries quickly, ironing not need to use too high a temperature. The preferred silk or wool mode: 110 - 150 ° C. Triacetate is more resistant, so it can be washed in the washing machine up to 70 °C. |
Synthetic fibers |
||
Polyester |
Polyester fabrics have a very common use today.
Polyester used either alone, or in connections with other fibers. They are quite resistant to the sun and high temperatures, as well resistant to the effect of chemicals.
|
The polyester textile products can be washed in the washing machine at temperatures up to 40 °C. It is recommended that to use synthetic products suitable washing powder. It is advisable to refrain from drying laundry in the dryer because it can produce, during which the fabric will be able to iron. Ironing should be done with slightly damp cloth, and the recommended temperature is around 150 °C. |
Elastan |
Elastane (also called Lycra) is extremely flexible fiber, the characteristics of which shall also be granted to connections with other fibers. Often used for the manufacture of socks, underwear, swimwear, etc. Elastane fabric shall be expressed in strength, flexibility and is generally does not cease. |
It is recommended to choose the washing and ironing modes according to the rest of the fiber composition of the clothes. Should not bleach with chlorine, because it will ruin the fibers.
|
Nylon |
This fabric is appreciated for its light weight, very high tensile strength and resistance to damage. It keeps the shape well and heat of the body well. Due to the smoothness of its fibers, the material is very easy to wash. This fabric can be washed in the cold water. Nylon dries very quickly and does not require pressing and ironing. Often used in connections with other fibers, in order to increase their strength. |
Wash gently in a washing machine at a temperature – 40 oC. Do not use the centrifuge during drying; it is better to leave the drain off.
When drying in a drying machine the temperature below 60oC.
For ironing "silk" mode is suitable. |
Acryl |
Acrylic is very resistant to the effects of sunlight and chemicals. Acryl strength is as polyamide fabric. Acrylic clothes may lose its shape because of washing.
It is soft and warm, like wool by touch. Acrylic fibers are often blended with wool, thus increasing the strength of the fabric. |
The recommended washing temperature is 40 °C, in a machine wash or by hands. Dry preferably in a horizontal position. Dry as synthetic clothes.
Certainly do not dry in the dryer. The maximum temperature for the ironing is 110 °C.
|