Fabrics and Their Uses
Once you have the patterns design ready, you have to decide the type of fabric which you will use for it. There are many qualities of fabric, and below you can find some of these, so that you can recognize them.
Cotton. Cotton fabric is one of the most commonly used types of fabric, and maybe one of the most important. It is chemically organic, does not contain any synthetic compounds, and it is composed of different, varying lengths of fibers. Cotton as material, has soft and fluffy form, and it is spun into yarn and then it gets woven to create a soft, friendly to skin, and durable fabric. It is used in clothing, handmade crafts, home and decoration items, and they are available in one-color, or printed fabrics.
Jersey. Jersey is a knit fabric, soft, lightweight, absorbent, breathable and stretchy which in the past was made with wool. Nowadays, is made by mixing wool, cotton and synthetic fibers. The right side is smooth, and the back side is piled with loops, which make it ideal for a variety of clothing, apparel and home and decoration items.
Lace. Lace is a delicate, web-like fabric usually made of silk, linen, cotton or polyester threads. It has many varieties in complexity and patterns, and usually are used to accentuate or decorate parts of clothes, or used on lingerie, but also can be used for home decoration.
Viscose. Viscose (or rayon) is a soft, smooth and durable fabric, and gives a silk-like sensation, made from semi-synthetic threads. It is used as silk substitute, as it is much cheaper. It is popularly used in clothing, and at home items, as it is produced in one color, or it is pattern printed.
Crepe. Crepe is a silk, wool, or synthetic lightweight fabric with a distinctive wrinkled, rippling effect and a three dimensional texture. It is commonly used in high fashion for making dresses, suits, blouses, but in home décor like curtains, and pillows as well.
Georgette. Georgette is a type of crepe fabric that is typically made from pure silk, but can also be made from synthetic fibers. Crepe georgette is woven using tightly twisted yarns, which make a slight crinkle effect, less lustrous than the closely related chiffon. It is sheer, delicate, lightweight and has a dull matte finish. They come in solid colors, but often they are printed.
Chiffon. Chiffon is a term that is used to refer to a wide variety of different types of fabrics that all share similar qualities. It is sheer, lightweight, semi-transparent with a simple weave and small puckers, and a rough sensation. Chiffon can be used for evening wear, wedding dresses, blouses, scarves, ribbons.
Polyester. Polyester is a synthetic fabric created by petrochemicals, such as coal and petroleum. It is one of the most popular textiles, and has many applications on clothing. Polyester may be the sole constituent of clothing and apparel, but it is more common to be blended with cotton or another fiber. When blended with cotton, it improves the shrinkage, durability and wrinkling. Polyester is durable, has high-resistance to environmental conditions, but it is not breathable and does not absorb liquids.
Satin. Satin weave is a type of fabric which creates an elastic, smooth, glossy, shiny and soft fabric with a nice drape. On its one side it has soft and lustrous surface, and a duller surface on the other side. It is not durable, as it tends to snag. It is commonly used in clothing, for dresses, lingerie, blouses, shirts and bed sheets.
Linen. Linen is a flax-based textile which is similar to cotton, and it is extremely strong, lightweight, absorbent and breathable fabric, which makes it ideal for summer clothing, and helps to allow air to pass through and moderate the body temperature. It is usually used for household items, and clothing as well.
Silk. Silk is the strongest natural textile in the world. The fibers are produced by the silk worm, as a material for their nests and cocoons. It is very soft, shiny and has immerse tensile strength. In certain lighting conditions, silk produces a shimmering optical effect, due to the triangular prism-like structure of the silk fabrics. These prisms reflect light at various angles, which results in the subtle rainbow hue. Silk is used for formal attire, bedding and more.
Canvas. Canvas is a plain-weave fabric, made of heavy cotton yarn which is tightly woven. It is durable, sturdy and if blending with synthetic fabrics can become water resistant. Most canvas fabrics contain cotton fibers and feature PVC coating on one or both sides, for additional waterproofing. It is usually used in shoes, handbags, and clothing as well.
Chenille. Chenille fabric is a soft material, and its threads are manufactured by placing short lengths of yarn by purposefully piled. It looks different in one direction compared to another, as the fibers catch the light differently. Chenille can appear iridescent without actually using iridescent fibers. The uses of chenille are for clothing, blankets, home décor etc.
Velvet. Velvet is a sleek, soft, luxurious fabric which has evenly cut fibers that have a smooth nap. It has a soft and shiny appearance, and it is popular for evening wear and dresses for special occasions.
Velour. Velour is highly similar to velvet. Unlike velvet, which is a pile weave fabric, it is pile knit fabric. It is more durable than velvet, while retaining many desirable properties. Velour are popularly used in clothing, for skirts, blouses, shirts and tracksuits.
Cashmere. Cashmere is a type of wool fabric which is made from cashmere and pashima goats. It is a natural fiber which is considered one of the softest and most luxurious types of wool, and it is significantly warmer and lighter than sheep’s wool. The fibers are fine, thin and delicate, feeling almost like silk to the touch. It is highly used for making dresses, shirts, sweaters, scarves and hats.
Taffeta. Taffeta is a crisp, plain-woven fabric usually made from silk, but it can be also be woven with polyester, or other synthetic fibers, by twisting yarn. Is has a lustrous, shiny appearance, and it is smooth to the touch, and can vary in weight. This fabric is usually used for evening wear and home decoration.
Denim. Denim is one of the most iconic fabrics all over the world. It is popular across national and cultural boundaries. All denim is made from cotton fibers using a twill weave, which creates a diagonal ribbing. Denim is used in apparel for jeans, skirts, dresses, jackets, vests, etc.
Twill. Twill is a type of textile weave with a pattern of diagonal parallel ribs. Twill weaves have a distinct, often darker front side, with a lighter back. The fabric is opaque, thick and durable, and usually are used one color or multicolor yarns. It is usually used for denim, jackets, shirts and upholstery.
Corduroy. Corduroy is a durable, ridged fabric which is usually made with cotton, or with blends of polyester. It is a versatile, durable fabric which is ideal for dresses, shirts, jackets and more clothing, as they come in a variety of colors.
Cupro. Cupro fabric is recycled, it is not strictly synthetic, and it is hardly a natural fiber either. It is a new category of textiles, which when recycled may have the same negative impact on the environment, as fully synthetic fibers. It is characterized by fineness, elasticity, sheerness and can easily mixed with other fabrics. Usually, it is used for evening wear, lingerie, blouses, summer dresses and other light and form-fitting clothing.
Bibliography:
www.masterclass.com
www.sewport.com