High-quality, beautiful and fashionable fabric is the key to the success of every sewing product. Different types of fabrics are easily created thanks to certain features of the raw materials and various weaving patterns that determine their structure, properties, and appearance. What are the names of fabrics and their characteristics, as well as properties? All this will be discussed in this article.

All types of fabrics can be divided into types of raw materials: natural, synthetic and artificial.

Based on the color scheme, the types of fabrics can be divided into multi-colored (melange, mulled, printed, multi-colored) and plain.

The centuries-old history of weaving has created a huge number of different types of fabrics that amaze with the choice of textures, surface effects, and patterns.

Types of fabrics

Openwork is a fabric made of wool, cotton or silk yarn that has a through pattern.

Angora - is made from the warm wool of young Angora goats and rabbits bred on farms in Italy, Japan, England, and France.

Satin is a plain-dyed fabric with a noticeably shiny surface.

Velvet is a soft cotton fabric with a slightly nap surface. It can be patterned or plain-painted.

Batiste is a dense and light, linen or cotton fabric with a wide plain weave that is soft to the touch.

Calico is a dense linen or cotton fabric of a plain weave type, which is produced from carded yarn.

Corduroy is a thick cotton fabric with an interesting cut pile that has pile stripes.

Velor is the generally accepted name for materials that have a velvety, pile-like outer surface. This includes not only fabrics (cotton, rayon, wool), but also felt and genuine leather. Some countries call such types of fabrics as corduroy and velvet velor.

Viscose is the name of an artificial fiber made from cellulose and thin fabric based on it.

Voile is a transparent thin fabric made of cotton threads of plain weave.

Gabardine is a half-wool or pure wool fabric of twill weave, on the surface of which there are noticeable diagonal scars. It is highly waterproof and wear-resistant due to the uniformity and density of the surface.

Guipure is a beautiful lace fabric made of thin silk or cotton threads, consisting of separate fragments connected by threads.

Denim (i.e. denim) is a cotton fabric of twill or plain weave that has a high level of density and strength.

Devore is an interesting material on which the pattern is obtained by artificial burning (more precisely, chemical etching) of some of the fibers.

Drape is a soft woolen fabric with a very smooth surface, which, as a result of rolling, forms a kind of felt-like covering that covers the weaving.

Cashmere - wool blend or with a diagonal rib over the entire surface. Made from the wool of Himalayan goats.

Crepe-satin is a thin double-sided fabric made of silk artificial threads: 1 side is satin, 2 is matte with a certain crepe effect.

Linen is a fabric that is made from threads that are produced from flax stems.

Organza is a transparent material, hard to the touch, made from chemical fibers or natural silk.

Brocade is a dense fabric of rather complex workmanship with beautiful patterns of silver and gold threads.

Twill is a fabric made from wool or silk threads of twill weave.

Satin is a fabric made from silk, cotton and wool threads with a shiny surface.

Tweed is a woolen twill weave.

Cotton is pure cotton made from the small cotton plant.

Silk is a beautiful lightweight fabric that is made from threads obtained mechanically from the cocoons of silkworms.

Wool is a warm material formed from natural fibers, which are made from the wool of camels, goats, and sheep.

Chiffon is a translucent, delicate, thin fabric made from threads of cotton, viscose, silk, or synthetic origin, formed during the process of crepe twisting.

Various types of fabrics for clothing allow designers, fashion designers and seamstresses to create more and more new looks.

The appearance and service life of each garment directly depends on the fabric from which it is made. The variety of materials is due to the characteristics of the raw materials and the weaving of the threads on the loom. The modern textile market offers a wide range of fabric samples, the range of which can sometimes be difficult to navigate.

Natural fabrics

Depending on the raw materials, natural, non-natural (artificial and synthetic) and mixed types of fabrics are distinguished.

Natural ones are made from natural raw materials animal or plant origin. They are divided into cotton, linen, wool and silk. Here is a list of the most common fabrics in alphabetical order:

Atlas. Silk fabric of satin weave, the front smooth iridescent surface is similar to silk, but the structure is denser. The fabric is strong, durable, hypoallergenic and good breathability.

Satin is an excellent dress fabric that is widely used for sewing wedding and evening dresses. In addition, robes, suits, trousers, bed linen, curtains and decorative pillowcases are made from it.

Velvet. The beauty of velvet is not only in appearance, but also in tactile sensations. This is one of the most pleasant materials to the touch: soft and dense with a delicate pile. The material has long been used to sew dresses for people of the upper class. Today, velvet is also associated with luxury; outfits made from it are most often worn on holidays.

This material is used to make:

1. Accessories (hats, gloves, shoes, bags);
2. Clothes (dresses, jackets, vests, trousers);
3. Theatrical costumes and scenery;
4. Decor items (curtains, pillows, sofa upholstery).

Batiste. This is a thin but rather dense translucent fabric obtained by weaving cotton and linen threads. Used in production:

1. Underwear;
2. Home textiles;
3. Bed linen sets;
4. Blouses, shirts;
5. Nightgowns;
6. Wedding dresses.

The undeniable advantage of the material is hypoallergenicity.

Calico. A material characterized by strength, density and durability. The composition of calico is 100% cotton. This is a hypoallergenic, natural fabric, widely used in Russian textile production. It is especially popular to make bed linen from it. The disadvantages of calico include the rapid appearance of pellets and lack of shine.

Velveteen. Belongs to the group. In modern production, synthetic fibers are often added to it, which makes it more durable and elastic.

They sew from corduroy:

1. Children's and adult clothing (hats, skirts, trousers, jackets, jackets);
2. Curtains, decorative pillowcases;
3. Upholstery of upholstered furniture;
4. Shoes.

Denim. This is a durable cotton material used for sewing outerwear, hats, shoes, dresses, shirts, and trousers.

Denim benefits:

1. Strength;
2. Ease;
3. Naturalness;
4. Durability;
5. Attractiveness;
6. Convenience;
7. Practically does not wrinkle.

Flaws:

1. It sheds a lot, so it needs to be washed separately;
2. Denim clothing shrinks.

Suede. It can be of either natural or artificial origin. - luxurious material with high cost. As an alternative, manufacturers offer more affordable faux suede. It is also characterized by softness, velvety and grace. Suede is used to make clothes (skirts, jackets, jackets, trousers), shoes, home textiles, and upholstery for upholstered furniture.

Interlock. This is the name of a type of knitwear widely used for sewing children's clothing. Natural cotton material, dense, smooth, and visually attractive, is ideal for the production of clothing and underwear for babies. It does not irritate sensitive skin, retains heat well and is hypoallergenic.

Linen. This is the name of natural fabric, clothing from which makes you feel closer to nature. An ideal option for those who strive for environmental friendliness. The most important positive characteristics of flax:

1. Naturalness;
2. High thermal conductivity;
3. Hypoallergenic;
4. Increased wear resistance;
5. Antistatic properties.

Flaws:

1. Fast creasing;
2. Shrinkage when washing;
3. Shedding of cuts.

Pashmina. A unique material, an elite variety of cashmere, products from which are real works of art. Pashmina is 100% down without guard hair. For comparison: cashmere contains only 40-80% fluff. This is an ideal material for making airy, soft and incredibly warm scarves.

Types of scarves and their names: shawls and stoles. The shawl is a long scarf. A stole is a wide rectangular piece in which you can wrap yourself or drape beautifully over clothes.

Felt. In fact, felt belongs to the category of non-woven materials, as it is produced by felting the wool of goats, rabbits, and llamas. It has a dense and rigid structure and is suitable for sewing toys, accessories, and decorative elements. You can also find hats, sweaters, and pants made of felt, but there are very few of them on the market, and they are most likely found in specialized stores.

Flannel. This piece of soft fabric is made from cotton, wool or wool blend threads. Thanks to this, it has good wear resistance and thermal conductivity. Flannel is ideal for sewing home clothes: trousers, shirts, dressing gowns, pajamas. It makes the best warm diapers for babies. Most men are familiar with this material from their plaid shirts.

Cotton. Material of natural origin. Products made from 100% cotton have always been highly valued. Nowadays it is often mixed with non-natural fabrics (polyester, viscose) to increase the strength and attractiveness of the product. Cotton itself is hypoallergenic, retains heat well, is hygroscopic, and is relatively inexpensive. It is widely used for sewing children's and adult clothing, bed linen, and home textiles.

Silk. This is a delicate fabric, the threads of which are obtained from the cocoons of the silkworm. The fabric has very beautiful iridescence and a smooth texture. Natural silk is a truly luxurious material from which expensive clothes are made. Among its varieties, satin, satin, and chiffon are popular. Dresses, dressing gowns, nightgowns, and bed linen are made from silk; products made from fabric with ombre coloring are especially attractive. Beautiful light coats are made from bubble silk.

Non-natural materials

These materials are obtained artificially. For production, substances of both natural and chemical origin are used, so they cannot be classified as hypoallergenic fabrics. This group, in turn, is divided into artificial and synthetic materials.

Artificial Matter

These are non-natural materials that are obtained from natural substances of organic (cellulose) and inorganic (glass, metal) origin.

Acetate. An artificial substitute for expensive silk. Externally, it is very similar to the original: soft, elastic, smooth and does not tolerate high temperatures when ironing. It is produced from cellulose. often added to other types of fabrics, for example, wool, acrylic, elastane, to give the product new properties.

Viscose. This is the first fabric obtained artificially, and to this day the most popular among this type of fabric. In its pure form, viscose is very thin and soft and wears out quickly. Therefore, it is rarely used in production without additives.

Tencel. The material is of plant origin, originally from Australia, environmentally friendly, hypoallergenic, and almost wrinkle-free. Therefore, it is widely used in the production of clothing and bed linen.

Synthetic fabrics

They are obtained on the basis of synthetic polymers, i.e. substances created by man in laboratories. The most common types:

Modal. The main raw material for its production is eucalyptus cellulose. Therefore, modal is considered an environmentally friendly material, which in some characteristics even surpasses cotton. The fabric is pleasant to the body and allows it to breathe. Therefore, it is often used for sewing leggings, tracksuits, socks, and tops. It hardly wrinkles and looks aesthetically pleasing. But sometimes modal can cause allergic reactions. And this is its main difference from natural cotton.

Nylon. Made from polyamide fibers, it can serve as a cheaper alternative to natural silk. It has an attractive appearance, smoothness, shine, and can be easily painted in different colors. Nylon is used to make hosiery, swimsuits, dresses, blouses, backpacks, and military equipment.

Polyamide. Consists exclusively of synthetic fibers. Has many positive properties:

1. Does not wrinkle;
2. Lasting;
3. Keeps its shape well;
4. Dries quickly;
5. Lets air through;
6. Does not rub off;
7. Does not burn;
8. Easy.

One of the disadvantages is that the fabric does not retain heat and is highly electrified.

Polyester. Made from material. Depending on the production technology, fibers from other fabrics can be added to it, resulting in different types of this material.

The advantages of polyester include strength, wear resistance, resistance to high temperatures and dirt, and ease of care. The main disadvantage is poor breathability. Therefore, 100% polyester is not used for the production of summer clothing. It is used to make warm outerwear, bags, and backpacks.

Mixed view

This type is obtained by mixing several fibers. Both natural fabrics can be combined with artificial ones, and artificial ones with synthetic ones.

Openwork. This is a thin lace fabric obtained by intertwining different threads: cotton, wool, silk, synthetic. Openwork fabric is widely used for sewing dresses, blouses, wedding dresses, skirts and accessories.

Tapestry. The composition of tapestry fabric today includes: polyester, wool, silk, cotton, acrylic and viscose. This is a rather heavy material, so it is rarely used for sewing clothes. Mainly used for sewing decorative pillowcases, wall upholstery, poufs, sofas and armchairs.

Organza. Transparent thin rigid fabric - mesh made of polyester, silk or viscose. It can be matte or shiny, plain or painted. The main area of ​​application is sewing curtains and curtains. It is also used for finishing skirts, dresses, and wedding veils.

Brocade. Heavy, rich-looking material made of silk, viscose with lurex, natural cotton with metallic threads. This is a material for making concert dresses, church vestments, and evening dresses.

From such a variety of fabrics, every woman can choose the option that suits her and create her own unique look.

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For your convenience, we have prepared for you a detailed description of the fabrics and their main properties and characteristics that are used in the manufacture of clothing for the products that are presented in our online women's clothing store "Most Fashionable". If you lack a description of any fabric or have other wishes, you can always write to us about it. All wishes will be taken into account and implemented to the extent possible.

Description of fabrics. Their main types and characteristics

The highest quality artificial fiber, stable in shape, resistant to heat retention, often used instead of wool or in conjunction with it to improve some of the characteristics of the product. Acrylic is also called “artificial wool”, which in its own qualities is similar to natural wool; it has many extremely rare properties. Acrylic fibers can be dyed very well, as a result of which you can make yarn of bright, highly saturated, intense colors. Acrylic canvas has many advantages - hypoallergenic, pleasant to the touch, color fastness. Things are pleasant and comfortable to wear in everyday life, they are comfortable and warm. This material is not fussy when caring, but you should follow some recommendations: wash products at a temperature of no more than 30C, things should not be wrung out, they should be laid out on a flat surface until completely dry. Ironing should be done at minimum temperature.

Alex– a fabric with good elasticity, which is a representative of the “knitted family”. Due to the fact that the fabric is made by knitting (the loops are tightly intertwined with each other), Alex holds its shape perfectly and practically does not wrinkle. Most often, the fabric contains cotton, viscose fibers and about 30% polyester. Business dresses, trouser suits, and classic skirts are made from this material.

Angora- wool fabric of the Angora goat, gentle to the tactile sensations, with a distinctive soft and delicate pile. The fabric comes in light and medium-weight types, plain-dyed or melange. The use of angora is widespread. Women's dresses, all different suits, lightweight coats, etc. are made from it.

Smooth and dense fabric with a glossy front side. Satin is highly wear-resistant, drapes well, and with proper care retains its shape. Fabric made from silk threads is susceptible to high temperatures, but material with the addition of synthetic fibers is more resistant and durable. Satin is used to make evening and cocktail dresses, long skirts, and blouses. Fabric composition may vary. The most expensive products are made from 100% silk. More affordable fabrics will contain cotton and viscose fibers. The cheapest satin is made from 100% polyester.

Velvet– noble fabric with resistant pile. Made from silk, wool and cotton threads. Viscose can also be added to the structure of the material, due to which velvet becomes more durable and stretches well. The fabric is distinguished by its texture - soft pile, up to 5 mm long, gives a pleasant tactile sensation. The peculiarities of velvet are its iridescent surface and color saturation, but the disadvantages include difficulties in care, since such things can only be washed by hand, and stubborn stains are quite difficult to remove.

Airy, lightweight fabric, which, although it seems very delicate, is highly durable and able to retain its shape. The most expensive cambric is the one that is made by hand from linen and cotton threads using the twisting method. But modern industry allows everyone to wear products made from this fabric - in addition to cotton fibers, the fabric contains synthetic threads, which make the material easier to care for and more affordable. Summer dresses, sundresses, skirts are sewn from cambric, and it is also used for finishing blouses.

Natural stretch fabric, which contains a large amount of cotton fibers and a small percentage of elastane. The fabric has the property of high thermal conductivity, which is accompanied by a feeling of pleasant freshness and coolness.

Biflex. A fabric that stands out for one property: it stretches perfectly. It is made by spinning - the threads are intertwined with each other on a special machine. Biflex can have different densities and compositions. Most often, more than 50% of the composition is lycra and lurex - synthetic materials that are responsible for the shine and characteristics of the fabric. The composition may also include microfiber and nylon - another representative of the “synthetic” ones, which give supplex moisture-proof properties. Tracksuits and swimsuits are made from this material.

Boucle- a fabric made from wool thread. Its characteristic features are the presence of many small curls and a knobby surface to the touch. Bouclé is also compared to small astrakhan. The fabric composition, in addition to wool, may include cotton, viscose, and synthetics. The thicker the material itself and the curls, the more wool it contains. They make coats, suits, and scarves from boucle. The most famous fans of boucle suits are Jacqueline Kennedy and Sophia Loren. This fabric does not wrinkle, and woolen products can only be washed by hand.

Velveteen— this material is a synthetic fabric, the outer part of which is made of pile. This material has been known since ancient times, being considered the “fabric of kings,” which made it very expensive and practically inaccessible to the general public. However, now this fabric is made using a slightly different technology, which has increased the elasticity of the material itself. In addition, products made from corduroy are quite pleasant to the touch and durable, but special care must be taken when washing - the material can lose its shape and wrinkle.

Velours- fabric with low, very dense and soft pile. A material that is pleasant to the body, used for sewing clothes. Things made of velor are comfortable and cozy. Items made of velor practically do not dry out and are resistant to other damage, do not stretch and look like new after a long time. Fabric composition: lycra, cotton with polyester or can consist of 100% cotton. Thanks to the inner layer of jersey that comes into contact with your baby's skin, which is made of cotton. Things made of velor are comfortable, cozy and warm for children and adults. It is recommended to wash at less than 35 degrees, also hand wash. Ironing after washing is not recommended.

Viscose- a delicate, tactile fiber (fabric) with the highest brightness of color and soft shine. Viscose has a composition similar to natural cotton fiber and is therefore hygroscopic and easily permeable to air. Moreover, it gives a feeling of coolness in hot weather.

Gabardine. A fabric that is durable due to a special weave of threads - embossed, diagonal weaving is used, and also holds its shape well, allowing you to create draperies and textured folds that do not deform after washing. Natural gabardine is made from merino sheep wool - expensive suits and short coats are made from this material. Today, gabardine is most often composed of cotton, rayon and textured polyester threads. Skirts, jackets and suits are made from this fabric.

Galliano- a fabric that got its name thanks to the famous Italian designer, who, when sewing products, pays special attention to the lining. Yes, galliano is a lining fabric that can have a different composition. For example, the lining that will be used to sew a coat or jacket will contain twill and viscose. For dresses and skirts, galliano fabric is used, which consists of satin and polyester. This material is durable, holds its shape well, but has virtually no stretch.

Guipure- translucent fabric in the form of lace patterns on a mesh base. This material is widely used for the production of products consisting of it, as well as some individual elements for models, for example: lace sleeves of dresses, sweaters, etc., lace inserts on the back in summer or demi-season models. Guipure is used for the production of evening dresses, sweaters and other things. Lace overlays give the models a festive look.

- a combination of two elegant fabrics that allows you to get an impressive material at low cost. On the front side you see a sophisticated guipure pattern, and on the back side you see smooth and pleasant to the touch satin. To make this fabric, stretch satin is used, which includes lycra, as well as guipure. The latter, as a rule, is made of cotton or polyamide threads, less often - of silk, linen and viscose. Guipure on satin is chosen for sewing corsets for evening dresses, jackets, and skirts.

Guipure Printed. A fabric that consists of two elements: embossed lace and a thin mesh, which, in fact, connects the lace elements. Lace is usually made of cotton, but the mesh may contain synthetic fibers, which add wear resistance and strength to the product. Printed guipure, unlike traditional guipure, can have different color schemes, since the color and design here are applied mechanically. Original dresses are made from this material; it is used as inserts in jackets and evening dresses where a corset is used.

Diving- High-quality and highly elastic fabric, which gives it a dimensionless effect. It fits your body perfectly, drapes perfectly and holds its shape well. The fabric is breathable and has the important inherent property of removing moisture and sweat from the surface of the body. Diving is a versatile and durable fabric and is often used for sewing: not only everyday women's clothing, dresses, but also for the production of sportswear, including athletics.

Diving Micro- a fabric that, unlike its “brother” - diving, has a very wide range of applications. It is used to make dresses, pencil skirts, tracksuits, and leggings. It is made from thin viscose fibers and is lightweight, stretches well and does not restrict movement. In addition to viscose, micro diving also contains lycra, polyester and elastane. Due to the presence of lycra and elastane, the fabric drapes well and fits well.

Double thread- thickened knitted fabric, made on the basis of kulirka, simply “Kulirka”, one of the natural cotton-based materials widely used in our everyday life. the outer side is flat and smooth, and the inner side is loop-shaped, created by knitting interlining threads of the highest density from the inside. The fabric is resistant to wear and does not lose shape, pilling or stretching. This natural and natural material allows the skin to breathe perfectly even in warm and hot weather, easily passing air through itself. Important: it is advisable to wash at a temperature of no more than 30 degrees, as the fabric shrinks after washing. Composition – 100% cotton.

Thickened fabric. Either wool (worsted) or cotton spun yarn. Scars are clearly visible on the surface of the fabric; they are obtained as a result of appropriate selection of the proportions of density and thickness and the introduction of a special weave of threads. The diagonal is so strong that it is used for sewing military uniforms, and for you and me, coats, jackets and other things are sewn from it.
During production, the fabric is created on the basis of natural materials. Therefore, the fabric is hygroscopic and allows air to pass through quite easily, allowing the body to breathe. All things made from this material bring convenience and comfort, including practicality in use to the owner. The product does not cause hypoallergenic reactions. I would like to note the thermal insulation characteristics: in cool times, clothes made from it warm and retain heat, and at elevated temperatures, on the contrary, it gives a feeling of freshness and coolness.

Jacquard— this material is a special fabric that is made by complex interweaving of various threads. This technology also affects the price of the final material, which is quite high. As for products made from this fabric, they are very durable, lightweight, wear-resistant and hypoallergenic. The use of natural materials in production allows this fabric to be used even for clothing for newborns.

Suede- aka champoo (aka rovduga and vezh), this is leather made from deer and sheepskins using a method called fat tanning. It has characteristic properties: soft silkiness, a certain velvety quality and such an important property as moisture resistance. Painted in different colors. A distinctive feature of the fabric is its sponginess and porosity.

The material is made by combining a cotton or silk base with microfiber or polyester threads. Clothes - skirts, jackets - are made using a woven method - microfiber cloth is split into small fibers and applied to a cotton or silk base. This method ensures the reliability of the material. The non-woven method, in which polyester threads are glued to a base, is distinguished by its low cost, but also of lower quality processing. Artificial suede is soft, wear-resistant and practically does not deform.

The material consists of two parts: a base and a layer of polymers. It has good strength, elasticity, hypoallergenicity and withstands frost and ultraviolet radiation. Cotton and polyester can be used as a base, and polyurethane as a top layer. The combination of a fabric base and porous polyurethane makes faux leather a fabric that is highly breathable and can be used to make dresses, skirts, leggings and trousers.

– this includes several types of canvases that differ in their composition, but have several mandatory properties. Suit fabric should hold its shape well, fit your figure and be wear-resistant. The material can contain wool with elastane, cotton with the addition of polyester, and viscose. The best suiting fabrics are considered to be cotton with the addition of synthetic fibers - they are good for the summer-spring period, as well as woolen fabrics with viscose and elastane. The latter are worth choosing for a warm winter-autumn suit.

Suit fabric "Tiare"- a fairly thick, plain-dyed suiting fabric of a dark color with elastane; the clothing is flexible and elastic, which gives it a sort of dimensionless quality and does not restrict movement. A special feature is the softness, comfort and amazing pleating of the fabric. "Tiare" is widely used for sewing school clothes and clothes for women. Often used to make dresses, jackets, skirts, sundresses and much more.

— this fabric is almost 100% natural cotton. Sometimes certain impurities of organic origin are added to the composition, but they only enhance the positive characteristics of cotton. Clothing made from cotton absorbs moisture well and allows air to pass through, which makes it almost indispensable in the summer. It also has good hypoallergenic properties, but with prolonged wear the color saturation may be somewhat lost. However, this drawback is more than covered by its undoubted advantages.

Natural fabric made from cotton fibers. Cotton is distinguished by its hypoallergenicity, ability to pass air well and durability. The type of fabric called "shirt" has several features. The first is the composition. This cotton will consist of 100% cotton without the addition of viscose or lycra. The second is the ability to keep its shape well, which is achieved thanks to the composition and dense weaving of the fibers. Shirt cotton is used for making blouses and, as the name suggests, for making dress and casual shirts.

Crepe- a category of fabrics, mainly silk fabrics, whose threads are produced with significant (crepe) twist, and also in some variants with special (crepe) weaves. Crepe fabrics have characteristic properties: low creasing and excellent appearance, elasticity and wear resistance, as well as good drape. To highlight and emphasize all the splendor and grace of the crepe pattern, it is most often made plain-dyed. Due to the fact that crepe threads have increased rigidity, it has the disadvantage of increased fraying.

Lightweight but fairly dense fabric with a slightly rough surface. The prefix “crepe” indicates a special method of weaving threads - first they are twisted in different directions, and then intertwined using the traditional plain method. Thanks to this technology, a durable but lightweight material is obtained. Crepe chiffon is used to make evening and summer dresses, skirts, and scarves. The fabric lends itself well to draping and is durable. Composition: 100% silk.

Corn- excellent moisture absorption is one of the main distinctive properties of the fabric. What’s interesting is that the corn dries instantly, one might say before our eyes. We also include the ability of the fabric to retain color for a long time, resistance to fading when exposed to sunlight and other external influences. It is worth highlighting its most basic advantage - it is hypoallergenic. The fabric is very pleasant and soft to the touch.

Linen is a fabric of natural origin obtained from a plant. Products made from this material have very good breathability characteristics, which is a big advantage in very hot weather, and they are also hypoallergenic and durable. Linen retains its integrity quite well, despite frequent wear and regular washing. It is worth noting that this material is sensitive to temperatures, so these clothes should be washed in not very hot water so that the material does not shrink.

Madonna- a fabric that is characterized by maximum breathability and consists of synthetic materials - polyester and viscose. Sometimes spandex fibers are added to the composition - this fabric will be as elastic as possible. Madonna is good because stains from the surface are easily removed due to the fact that the fabric fibers undergo special treatment. Evening dresses are made from this material when you need to create a model with heavy folds, as well as jackets and suits.

Fabric "Macaron", (also “macaroni”, “pasta”) is a fabric of plant origin, usually calico, 100% cotton. It got its name thanks to its simple design - thin lines on a light background. For a finished weaving pattern, a clear perpendicular weave of threads is necessary. The material comes out very pleasant and light. It is used for needlework, sewing children's clothing, bed linen, and home costumes.

Oil is a synthetic material based on polyester and viscose. The use of these materials allows clothes made from oil to be breathable, not wrinkle, and not lose their shape for a long time. It is noteworthy that wearing such clothes in the heat allows you not only not to experience discomfort, but also to feel a feeling of freshness and coolness, which makes this fabric extremely popular among manufacturers of summer clothing.

Practical and pleasant to the touch. It is often used to sew home textiles, bathrobes, pajamas and tracksuits. The composition is usually linen, cotton or bamboo. The surface of the terry is made up of loops of warp threads. The pile can be single- or double-sided. High-quality fabric perfectly absorbs moisture, does not deform and does not require ironing. There are canvases with a relief pattern and cut pile.

Memory– a fabric that restores its shape well, does not wrinkle and has a matte shine on its front side. The polymer fibers that make up memory are responsible for the ability of the fabric to remember and restore its shape. The material has the following properties: does not allow moisture to pass through, does not stretch, and repels dirt. They make jackets, raincoats, and coats from memory. The fabric is also suitable for making skirts and suits. In this case, about 30% satin or cotton is added to its composition.

Micro oil- very similar in composition to knitted fabric. The fabric consists of: polyester 90%, viscose 5%, lycra 5%. Incredibly thin, flowing material pleasant to the body.

Mohair- a thin, silky fabric made from the wool of the Angora goat. It is used for sewing dresses, suits, sweaters and even coats. Until 1820, this fabric was available only to the Turkish Sultan, but in the mid-20th century, Angora goats began to be exported from the country and sold as valuable material in European countries. Mohair is very light, retains heat well and has a soft shine.

Neoprene- This is a synthetic material that is made on the basis of foam rubber. In the modern world, this material is used in a variety of areas, but it is most widespread in water sports, where it serves as the basis for athletes’ clothing. This is quite understandable, because this material does not allow moisture to pass through, and also allows you to retain the natural heat of the human body, regardless of temperature changes.

Nicole- a fabric that is practical and has bright colors. It consists of almost 70% polyester, which makes it wrinkle-resistant, retains its rich color and washes well. Contains elastane and viscose - the product will fit well to your figure. Summer sundresses, dresses, shorts in catchy yellow, turquoise, pink shades, as well as formal suits in classic gray and black colors are made from Nicole fabric.

- airy, light fabric, which, at the same time, is rigid. The material holds its shape well and can be either shiny or matte. It all depends on the composition of the fabric. “Shiny organza” is one that is made from polyester fibers that undergo additional processing. Matte fabric is made from viscose and silk threads. True, silk organza can rarely be found, since such material is very expensive. The fabric can be decorated with lurex or metallized threads. Organza is used to trim dresses, skirts and suits.

- a fabric that has complex production technology and consists of several elements. The first is a base made of polyester or oil, which is responsible for the practicality of the material. Thanks to polyester, the sequin stretches well. The second element is, in fact, sequins, sparkles that are sewn to the base. They are made from plasticex or thin metal plates. Sequins can have different shapes, colors and different levels of shine. As for the composition, sequin fabric is usually synthetic.

To make the lining, fabrics with synthetic fibers are most often used, as they are durable. Viscose is a fabric that is used as a lining in tracksuits. Satin is considered the best option for lining coats and men's suits. Polyester is the most popular lining fabric used when sewing down jackets and jackets. Satin is an expensive fabric that is used as a lining for evening dresses, skirts and classic suits.

- fabric based on cotton. Most often, it consists of 80-90% cotton, and is supplemented with synthetic, less often silk threads. The main advantages of poplin: the fabric is highly breathable, soft to the touch, holds its shape well and does not require ironing. After several washes, poplin will not lose color or stretch. They sew dresses, shirts and jackets from this fabric - that is, practical products that should not lose their shape, but are certainly wear-resistant.

- a fabric that looks like elastic and belongs to the “knitted family”. The material is made by knitting, in which the front loops alternate with the wrong ones. Due to this, the resemblance to a small elastic band is achieved. Children's hats, home clothes, and underwear are made from ribana. Fabric composition: 100% cotton. There are also fabrics with the addition of viscose and polyester (no more than 5%).

Gozhka- a fabric that many associate with burlap. But matting is more elegant both in appearance and composition. Ideal material for sewing outerwear and for suits, dresses in the spirit of Audrey Hepburn and Coco Chanel. The fabric contains natural materials: wool, cotton, linen. 2-5% acrylic is also added to increase wear resistance. The matting holds its shape well and has a dense texture. Another feature is that the fabric does not wrinkle and does not require special care.

A non-woven material that has unique properties: retains its shape well, does not absorb moisture and has high thermal insulation characteristics. To make padding polyester, synthetic fibers or recycled materials are used. The fibers are held together by gluing or heat treatment. The density of padding polyester depends on the thickness of the layers used. The minimum density is 0.04 kg per m², and the maximum is 1.5 kg. This material is used as insulation for jackets, down jackets, and tracksuits.

Software– looking at the name, it becomes clear that this fabric is soft. Outwardly, it resembles velor, but the composition of the software is somewhat different. The fabric can consist of cotton, elastane and viscose fibers. 100% polyester is also available. The front side of the software has a relief structure and barely noticeable lint, while the back side is matte. Dresses with frills and skirts are sewn from this fabric - it lends itself well to draping, allowing you to create folds that perfectly hold their shape. The material can withstand washing at 40 degrees, the color will not fade in the sun, and you won’t have to iron soft clothes.

Light, weightless and delicate fabric that stretches well and retains its shape. Its composition is synthetic material. Stretch mesh is used to decorate wedding and evening dresses. Recently, this material has been chosen for sewing tutu skirts, as well as shapewear. Due to the fact that the material has a low density, products made from it must be washed on a delicate cycle. Fabric composition: 95% polyester and 5% elastane.

- a fabric that is distinguished by its density and glossy surface. It is made by plain weave of threads, due to which the material is distinguished by its ability to repel moisture. The dense weaving of the threads opens up another ability of the fabric - it perfectly holds its shape and forms rigid folds. Taffeta is made from polyester, viscose, acetate and cotton. Less commonly, you can find silk threads in the composition. Evening dresses and skirts are made from this fabric, and taffeta is also used to decorate blouses and trousers.

Tweed– wool fabric with good density. It is made by twill weaving thick fibers. The fabric is distinguished by its textured surface, and the combination of threads of different colors and the method of weaving create a textured pattern with rough knots typical of tweed. Women started wearing tweed suits thanks to Coco Chanel. The famous skirt and jacket sets in pale pink, black and white were made from this natural wool fabric. Tweed has elasticity, strength, does not wrinkle, and the only drawback of the fabric is that it must be protected from moths.

tiar- the fabric from which suits are most often made, both trouser and with a skirt. The material is distinguished by a smooth, even surface with a barely noticeable diagonal scar. Most of the composition is polyester, thanks to which the tiara holds its shape well and does not wrinkle. Contains viscose and wool - these fibers add softness and make the products warm. The tiara will definitely contain elastane, which ensures the elasticity of the fabric. Most often, tiaras are used in black, brown, dark blue and gray costumes.

Thinsulate- is one of the best insulation materials for clothing today. Ultra-light material that does not absorb moisture, thanks to which it will warm you even in damp weather, and has amazing thermal insulation qualities. Thinsulate is one of the weightless insulation materials, it has the best qualities of bird down, only after washing it will not crumple or bunch up like down - this is one of the most positive qualities of this insulation. Thinsulate is very effective and can keep you warm even in cold weather - 60 degrees. Care - Thinsulate items can be washed either by hand or in a machine. If you have chosen automatic washing, it is recommended to select a gentle mode: revolutions less than 600 per minute, water temperature less than 40°C, gentle spin. Even with repeated washing, things do not lose their original appearance and shape, the fabric dries very quickly.

Three-thread- thickened knitted fabric, made on the basis of kulirka (kulirki are natural materials based on cotton), the outer side is smooth, and the inner side is thick pile, which is formed as a result of knitting interlining threads on the outer side. This fabric is resistant to pilling and stretching of the material, serves for a long time and does not change shape in any way. This is a natural fabric, it allows air to pass through, allowing the skin to breathe, and thanks to the brushing it retains heat, making the material ideal for cold weather. The three-thread fabric is pleasant to the body and sensations. Recommended care: wash at less than 35 degrees. Fabric composition: 100% cotton.

- knitted fabric, which has its own peculiarity - the front and back sides are different in appearance. The front is a smooth fabric, soft to the touch, but the back will be distinguished by the presence of fleece, which is formed by weaving the fibers of the footer (thick cotton fabric). The latter add thermal insulation properties to the material. Three-thread "Loop" is used for sewing sports suits. Fabric composition: 100% cotton.

Trick is a lightweight knitted fabric based on synthetic threads. It holds its shape perfectly, is elastic, has a smooth and shiny surface. This material absorbs moisture well and dries quickly. Stains can be easily washed off and there is no need to iron at all. As a rule, tricks are used for sewing tracksuits, tops, and leggings. There are plain and printed fabrics.

Soft, fleecy, pleasant to the touch fabric, which is popular among world designers due to its two qualities - the “ability” to retain heat well and durability. Natural angora is made from goat wool and has a silky shine. But angora knitwear refers to mixed fabrics, which include wool, viscose and polyester. The percentage of the latter, as a rule, is up to 55%. Cardigans, warm dresses with sleeves, and tracksuits are made from this fabric.

Jersey jersey - as is already clear, this is a type of knitted fabric that is knitted using the single-row weaving method, and not woven like other fabrics. How can you tell if it's a jersey? You can take the raw edge of the fabric and stretch it across the width. It should be wrapped in a roll. The composition of the fabric may include woolen threads, cotton, polyester and mixed fibers. The more elastane and synthetic fibers in the composition, the better the jersey stretches. The fabric is used to make both homewear, cardigans, dresses, sweatpants and T-shirts.

A fabric that, although it belongs to the “knitted family,” is made of synthetic fibers. It does not wrinkle, is durable, wear-resistant and has excellent elasticity. The front side of the fabric can have a shiny finish, while the back side will look like a traditional knitted fabric. Disco knitwear is used for sewing cocktail dresses, blouses, tight-fitting skirts and overalls. Fabric composition: 95% polyester and 5% elastane. Some manufacturers add cotton fibers to the composition.

A fabric that differs in the way the threads are woven. Here the transverse thread is reinforced, and the canvas itself is distinguished by the presence of small scars, due to which the material is externally similar to rep. To the touch, the “ribbon” is a velvety, soft fabric. This knitwear does not wrinkle, quickly regains its shape, has good breathability and thermal insulation. They make dresses, trousers, and skirts from rib knitwear that fit perfectly to the figure. Fabric composition: 95% cotton and 5% lycra or 40% cotton, 30% viscose, 30% polyester.

Flannel- a very soft and fleecy type of cotton-based fabric. Widely used for making home textiles. It has a twill or plain weave of threads, a uniform two- or one-sided pile. It has excellent absorbent and heat-saving properties. It is often used in the production of bathrobes and warm pajamas. There are printed, shirting, bleached, plain-dyed and robe flannel.

Fleece- This is a synthetic material made from polyester, as well as other materials of artificial origin. Fleece material can be used as a lining and also as an outer material. Products made from fleece are quite light and dense, which makes this material indispensable in the manufacture of sportswear.

Flock- dense fabric based on polyester and cotton. It can withstand heavy loads and is often used as upholstery for upholstered furniture. In the production of the material, finely cut fibers are used, which are applied to the adhesive base using a special tool - a flocker. It creates an electrostatic field that allows tiny particles to be firmly attached.

French knitwear- knitted fabric with excellent stretchability. Knitwear is widely used in sewing all types of clothing, turtlenecks, women's dresses, suits for women, jackets, sweaters, pullovers. The loose composition gives this fabric softness. French knitwear allows human skin to breathe, protecting it from hot and cold weather.

Cotton is a natural material obtained from a plant that is used in many types of other fabrics. Cotton products are very light and pleasant to the touch, breathable, which allows you to wear these clothes even in the hottest weather. Cotton is used in a wide variety of industries - from tailoring to furniture production. It is not recommended to wash cotton items at hot temperatures, otherwise they may shrink and lose their shape.

Cotton harvester- This is 100% natural fabric. Typically used for sewing bed linen and home textiles. Crinkled fabric is obtained by special twisting of threads and heat treatment. The result is an interesting relief pattern, the fabric itself is light, breathable, and pleasant to the touch. The advantage of harvester cotton is that it does not require ironing and maintains a neat appearance for a long time.

- a material that is distinguished by its ability to retain heat well. This is achieved by producing the material - synthetic fibers are twisted and combined using a thermal method. Cavities are formed inside the fibers, which retain heat. Holofiber is non-toxic, allows air to pass through well, does not absorb odors and does not shrink when washed. It is used as insulation for jackets, down jackets, sports and ski suits.

Silk is a fabric of natural origin obtained from cocoons that are woven by silkworms. The technology for its production is quite complex, which naturally affects the cost of the final material. However, its advantages brighten up this small drawback. The fabric is very breathable, absorbs and evaporates moisture, and also has a positive effect on the human skin itself - the chemical composition of silk allows the epidermis to regenerate faster. In addition, silk items are reliable protectors against various ticks and lice, as well as other harmful microorganisms.

Chiffon— this material was made using natural silk, but later synthetic materials began to be used. Products made from chiffon are unusually light and airy, but their strength leaves much to be desired. However, this material is quite widely used in many fashion houses as a material for clothing.

- this is a fabric that is a mixture of cotton and viscose in a ratio of 50 to 50 (there are fabrics with 60% cotton and 40% viscose). The material itself has a fairly dense structure, but this does not affect its weight - the fabric is quite light and airy. The stack is very pleasant to the touch, not for nothing that dressing gowns were made from this material in Soviet times. The fabric may be somewhat reminiscent of wool, but its structure is more delicate and elastic.

Eco-leather is a synthetic material made from polyurethane. From the name it is clear that it is a substitute for natural leather, but, unlike leatherette, it is practically in no way inferior to it. The discovery of this material made it possible not only to save a considerable number of animals, but also to take care of the environment, because the production of natural leather is often associated with its pollution. As for the fabric itself, it is very reliable and similar in its characteristics to genuine leather.

To make our wardrobe more and more diverse, manufacturers are constantly developing new types of fabrics, and the buyer cannot always understand by name what kind of material it is and where it can be used. Do we need to know what lies under the incomprehensible name? Sometimes it's just necessary. Online stores and trade through catalogs are gaining more and more fans, and a picture cannot always convey complete information about a product. You liked the brokat dress, but how do you know if it will cause allergies and whether the touch of the material on your body will be pleasant? Classification by types of raw materials and characteristics of the type of fabric will help to find the answer to this question.

Raw materials for textile production

The properties of fabrics primarily depend on the raw materials that were used in the production of the material. Natural fibers can be considered the most ancient, known to primitive people. Animals gave people wool and fluff, insects - silk. Plants were also used to make threads:

• cotton;
• gorse;
• nettle;
• hemp;
• jute.

Hearing that the material is made of man-made fiber, some buyers may refuse it because they will immediately imagine chemical polymer fibers. In fact, natural raw materials are used in the production of these fabrics: organic fibers, metals. After processing, they turn into fabrics with lurex, viscose, acetate.

Synthetic fabrics are produced using chemical technologies. They should not be neglected; if used correctly, such materials will not cause harm to the body. All women wear the thinnest, beautiful, and at the same time durable tights and would never agree to dress their legs in natural, but not at all elegant, cotton.

All synthetic fabrics are divided into the following categories:

• polypropylene and polyvinyl: dralon, cashmilon;
• polyester: diolene, tesil, slotra;
• polyamide: Dederon, Chemlon, Silon.

Sometimes by the name of the material you can understand from what material and in what area it was made. Angora is made from the down of Angora rabbits and goats - from the wool of valuable animals living in South America. In the Indian state of Kashmir, the wool of Himalayan goats is woven into a fine and warm wool. It was from this material that brown school dresses for girls were made during Soviet times.

Fabric is not just a material made from threads on a loom. On sale you can find both knitted fabrics and pressed cuts, such as felt. To create fabric, a weaving loom is used, on which different types of weaving can be performed. The beautiful texture in itself gives the material a decorative appearance: shine, shimmer, hairiness. In some cases, a two-layer weave is used, in which two fabrics are fastened together with special threads. Sometimes the resulting fabric is combed or pressed to give the fabric a fluffy, voluminous appearance.

Crepe weave is created by the difference in tension and twisting force of the warp and weft threads. Depending on the type of raw material, different ones are produced:,. The elegant lightweight material is used for sewing dresses and blouses. Often the fabric is double-sided; when sewing, you can combine shiny and matte surfaces.

It is not always possible to understand by the name what kind of thread is used to make the fabric. Sometimes the name of the fabric is given depending on its texture, although the raw materials used may vary.

• Velor has a fleecy texture. Several types of fabric are combined under this name: corduroy, .
• Pique is woven from cotton or silk; a pattern consisting of small longitudinal scars is noticeable on the surface.
• Fleece is a warm and soft material made of wool or cotton with a fleece on one side.
• Drape is a dense material for outerwear. The front side is combed, resulting in a felt or fleecy texture, under which the interlacing of threads is not visible.
• Etamine. Thanks to the rare interweaving of very thin threads, an airy fabric is obtained for elegant dresses and blouses.
• Brocat can be made from silk or synthetic fibers with lurex threads. Material for elegant dresses, the texture resembles brocade.
• During production, ratine is processed with special rollers, resulting in a dense material for outerwear with small waves in the pile.
• Velvet is an elegant fabric with thick pile. The most expensive fabric is made from natural silk, while the cheaper fabric is made from a synthetic base with silk fibers.

Everyone knows what knitwear is, but they don’t always know how to handle it correctly. When making fabric, it is not a loom that is used, but special knitting machines, as a result a fabric is formed from intertwined loops. These types of fabric stretch well and fit the body perfectly, but they must be handled with care. If you accidentally damage just one thread, the loops may begin to unravel.

When purchasing knitwear, remember that there are varieties of this fabric in which the threads are woven in a special way and do not unravel when cut.

Types of patterns

The threads can be intertwined in the usual way, creating a smooth surface, and sometimes the weft passes the warp in a certain pattern - and a beautiful design is created right under the hands of the weavers. Some fabric names come from the types of patterns created by specially arranged fibers. Sometimes the threads are stretched so that gaps and holes are formed between them, giving the products lightness and airiness. In the store, you can notice how varied there are canvases made from the same raw materials. Wool can be used to make a very thin and light piece for an elegant dress or thick felt for insulation.

You can purchase the following types of fabrics for various purposes.

• Boucle – used for sewing outerwear. Knots are scattered across the entire surface of the fabric, creating an interesting texture.
• Gabardine is used for demi-season products: jackets, raincoats. The dense twill weave of the threads does not allow water to pass through. The surface is decorated with three-dimensional ornaments.
• Openwork is a fabric made from natural raw materials with a pattern of holes.
• Poplin can be made from wool, cotton or silk. A thin thread is wound on the weft, and a thicker yarn is wound at the warp. Thanks to this combination, small scars are formed on the surface.
• Guipure is made from silk or cotton using lace weaving.
• Corduroy is a fleecy fabric on a natural basis with a pattern of narrow stripes.
• Reps. To create a texture from transverse ribs, the warp thread density is high and the weft thread density is low.
• Damask is a silk fabric that combines various types of weaves, resulting in a matte background with satin patterns.
• Chiffon - thin threads of crepe twist allow you to get an airy, flowing fabric. Various raw materials are used in production, but the highest quality fabric is made from silk.
• Plaid. To create large colored cells on the warp and weft, threads of corresponding colors are alternated.
• Satin was first made from silk, but is now also made from synthetic materials. The weft passes over 5 warp threads, resulting in a shiny, flowing fabric for formal dresses and blouses.
• Panama is made of wool or cotton. Produced by double or triple weaving, the result is a textured pattern of small rectangles.
• Gas, muslin, muslin– airy transparent fabric made of cotton or silk. Thin threads are sparsely intertwined, leaving gaps between them, giving the fabric a light, weightless appearance. This type of fabric is often used to make lightweight scarves and shawls.
• Shanzhan is a dense, iridescent cotton fabric. To create this effect, threads of different textures and colors are used for the warp and weft.

The fabric can be created from the highest quality raw materials and have an excellent texture, but if the color scheme is not thought out, a thing made from this material will not look good. Designers are developing different solutions: a single-color cut or a combination of colors. The pattern can be created during weaving or subsequently applied to the material.

Advantages and disadvantages of different types of matter

When you choose material for sewing clothes or other products, you need to take into account the characteristics of the type of fabric. It is difficult to say whether any property is an advantage or disadvantage. If you need leggings or a suit for sports, stretchy material is required, usually knitwear, but when one is going to sew fabric for a hammock, this quality will prevent the product from fulfilling its purpose. Flowing iridescent fabrics look good on a ballgown, but not on a formal business suit.

Cotton fabrics are perfect for sewing clothes: they are pleasant to the body and do not require complex care. Linen has the same advantages, but it wrinkles easily, and ironing this material is very difficult. The addition of synthetic or artificial raw materials to plant fibers eliminates this disadvantage. Natural silk can be used to make fabric for sewing formal clothes. The fabric is light and durable, but the price for such materials is very high. Products made from wool and down are very beautiful and retain heat well. Weaving factories produce materials for the manufacture of outerwear, dresses, and light suits - it all depends on the thickness of the warp and weft threads. Woolen items have one disadvantage: pills quickly appear on their surface. If a little synthetic is added to natural fibers, the problem will be solved.

Viscose is similar in properties to fabrics made from plant fibers, but these fabrics are less durable. When buying viscose clothes, keep in mind that they shrink a lot after washing. Acetate resembles silk in appearance, but it is less hygroscopic and wrinkles easily, and the fabric can only be ironed after it is damp. To reduce the negative effects, when making fabric from artificial raw materials, synthetic fibers are added to it.

In the store, you can find out the name of the fabric and its composition using the description on the label or consultation with the seller, but what to do if you have a piece of fabric without documents? Fire will help you recognize the types of fabrics. Light a small piece and watch it burn.

• Fabric made from plant fibers burns well and brightly and emits a burnt paper smell.
• When natural silk is set on fire, the smell of burnt hair is felt. A ball appears at the end of the fiber, which is easy to crush with your fingers.
• Natural wool burns poorly and leaves an unpleasant smell of burnt hair and brown or black ash.
• Synthetic materials burn only in the presence of a fire source and melt at the same time. A viscous mass is formed, which hardens and turns into a solid ball.

How to choose the right fabric for sewing?

In order for the item you sew to perform its functions well, you need to be able to choose the right type of fabric. Home clothes during the cold season should be warm and soft so that you can walk comfortably in them all day. A flannel or flannel is good for such purposes. During the hot period, it is better to give preference to chintz or natural thin knitwear; these materials allow air to pass through well and you will not sweat in them. For sports or work that requires active movements, a material that stretches and will not constrain you is suitable.

If you are sewing a dress from fabric with an interesting texture or large woven patterns, avoid styles consisting of small parts. Many cuts will destroy all the beauty of expensive material.

Outerwear should protect from rain and cold. For the winter period, you can use thick woolen fabrics: drape, ratin. If you don’t like the heavy weight of woolen materials, you can sew a coat from light fabric and use modern weightless fillers, such as padding polyester, as insulation. It often rains in spring and autumn, so for raincoats and jackets it is better to use fabrics with or densely woven materials: gabardine, shanzhan.

For holidays and special events, a dress made of light flowing fabric or expensive material with good texture, shine, and shimmer would be appropriate. The bride can sew an outfit from silk satin or brocade. Details made of muslin or muslin, which can be decorated with embroidery, will add airiness to the image. A respectable woman would be more suited to dense materials with a beautiful woven pattern.

There are a lot of materials, but if you learn to classify them, you can easily select fabric for clothes, curtains or bed linen. First of all, pay attention to the raw materials from which the threads are made. For things that come into contact with the skin, soft, hygroscopic, “breathable” fabrics are needed. The density and texture depend on the type of weave; the colors add beauty to the product. The list of fabrics is huge, it is very difficult to remember all the names, but often it is enough to know the basic characteristics of the fabric to understand whether it suits you or not.

Which fabric is better, natural, artificial or synthetic? With the development of modern industry, answering this question is becoming increasingly difficult. Fabrics made from fibers of natural origin seem better, because they do not cause allergies, are highly breathable, are environmentally friendly and are generally well accepted by the human body, but there are only four types of them (linen, cotton, wool and silk) and they also have their drawbacks. There are more and more synthetic materials every year, and manufacturers are trying to endow them with properties that are not inferior in quality to natural ones. Let's try to compare the properties of different fabrics.

Natural

Artificial

Fabrics obtained from natural substances (proteins, metals, glass, cellulose). In 1890, the first production of artificial fibers from cellulose was founded in France. At first, fiber was used as an additive to natural ingredients, but by 1970 its quality not only improved, but also began to impart additional properties to products (heat resistance, strength, elasticity), which contributed to its popularization.

Synthetic

Fabrics formed from fibers obtained from high molecular weight compounds. Such chemical compositions do not occur in nature. In the field of production of material from synthetic fibers, new technologies are constantly being developed aimed at improving and expanding the range of their properties.

• Polyvinyl (cashmilon, dralon)

  Synthetic fabrics are very similar in properties to wool, but have a number of advantages: they do not wrinkle, hold their shape and are wear-resistant.

• Polyamide (nylon, anide, nylon)

  The fabrics hold their shape perfectly, resist stretching and do not wear out for a long time. They are very elastic, easy to care for and dry quickly.

  Disadvantages: they do not retain heat well, do not absorb moisture and have low light fastness.

• Polyesters (gabardine, pikachu, polyester)

  Fabrics obtained from oil refining. They have good breathability, do not require special care, and are very pleasant to the touch. Their properties are in many ways similar to cotton fabrics.

• Polyester (lavsan, dacron, tergal)

  Fabric made from polyester fibers. It has high wear resistance, does not wrinkle, tolerates moisture and heat treatment well, and has good light fastness.

  The main disadvantage of the fabric is that it is highly electrified.

The choice of fabrics in modern salons and stores is huge, but, unfortunately, at the moment no one can answer which fabric is better. In each specific case, you will have to choose based on what exactly needs to be sewn and what properties the product should have. When choosing fabric for curtains, pay attention to drapability (the ability to form folds), light transmission, texture and color.

If you don’t have a burning desire to delve into the intricacies of sewing craftsmanship, you can always contact the OKey Design salon and use the services of a professional designer. Our staff will be happy to help you.