Satin is a unique fabric that resembles silk fibers in appearance, and is not inferior to cotton in quality. It was known in ancient times, but became popular only in the last century. Today, satin is recognized as one of the highest quality fabrics, from which not only expensive clothes are made, but also bed linen sets, curtains and much more.

Satin is the perfect fabric
Satin is an ideal fabric for sewing many types of products, from clothing to bed linen.

The front side of the fabric is smooth and shiny, and the back side is matte and dense. These characteristics depend on the manufacturing technology: the more the threads are twisted together, the more shiny the textile is.

The peculiarity of satin weaving
The peculiarity of satin weaving: the front twisted thread is woven into every fourth back thread

This fabric has several distinctive features. The first is the lightness and smoothness of the satin fabric, which is preserved for a long time due to its high wear resistance. The first noticeable changes in the structure and appearance of the satin appear only after 300 washes.

Snow-white satin with a pattern
Snow-white satin with a very beautiful and interesting jacquard pattern in oriental style

In addition, satin is completely safe for health. It does not cause skin irritation or allergic reactions, so it can be used to cover children's beds. It is pleasant to sleep on it not only in winter, but also in summer. After all, it has the property of low thermal conductivity, which helps maintain a comfortable temperature in any weather.

Is satin cotton or synthetic?

As a rule, satin is made from high-quality cotton. However, it is not uncommon for elastane to be added to it. If 100% cotton in the fabric composition is important, it is necessary to carefully study the composition for the presence of unnecessary impurities.

Cotton satin
Cotton satin with tiger print in mint tones

It is worth noting that products made of cotton practically do not wrinkle, wash well, retain their marketable appearance for a long time and, most importantly, shine. All this is achieved thanks to cotton yarn and special thread filling.

What is better: calico or satin? Which bed linen is better?

Calico and satin
Calico and satin differ in the different ways of weaving cotton threads

Today, the bedding market offers both calico and satin. Both are in great demand. However, satin is considered to be of higher quality. It is recognized as the most durable, long-lasting and beautiful. Therefore, in terms of appearance and performance characteristics, satin wins.

But why do most housewives prefer calico then? This is due to the high cost of satin sets. Therefore, it is better to choose bed sets based on your own wishes and wallet.

How to choose satin bed linen

Yellow satin bed linen
Satin is considered to be an almost ideal material for bed linen.

It should be chosen carefully. Often manufacturers save on the production of bed linen. Therefore, it turns out to be of poor quality and cheap, but they charge a lot of money for it.

First, you need to carefully study the composition of the set. High-quality bedding will be made of 100% cotton. Next, you need to read the density of the satin.

Satin of good density
Even daylight has great difficulty penetrating through high-density satin

The minimum indicator for bedding is 120 threads per 1 square centimeter, the more, the better. The next step is to check for gaps. If you can clearly see through the fabric, then the satin has poor density. The less you can see through the fabric, the better it is.

Advantages and disadvantages of satin bed linen

The main advantages of satin include:

  • no wrinkling;
  • beautiful silky shine;
  • high wear resistance;
  • absence of allergens;
  • environmental friendliness and safety;
  • low thermal conductivity.

The main and significant disadvantage of satin products is their high cost. Some consumers also note that they do not like the smooth (front) side of the fabric.

Comfortable satin underwear
This material provides comfort not only in hot summer, but also in winter.

Mako Satin Bed Linen

Mako satin bed linen with a bright, rich pattern

This satin is known mainly for the production of expensive textiles. According to reviews from people who have already purchased such a set, it becomes clear that it does not differ in any way from natural silk to the touch. At the same time, it surpasses it in softness.

Thanks to the special weaving of threads, all sorts of three-dimensional pictures can be applied to this material. That is why in many stores you can find sets with three-dimensional pictures.

Satin jacquard and stripe satin

Stripe, jacquard and silk satin
Stripe Satin, Jacquard Satin and Silk Satin in Comparison

Satin jacquard is a type of satin that differs from the classic one by its raised print. The relief effect is achieved by using a special machine and a special method of applying paint. With this method, a raised pattern appears on the smooth surface of the satin - jacquard relief.

Bed linen satin jacquard
The main distinguishing feature of the fabric is its external density and at the same time high air permeability.

The main feature of such bed linen is that it has no front side. That is, both sides of the sheet or duvet cover look beautiful and original.

Stripe is translated from English as a strip. Stripe satin is a unique fabric with the effect of stripes of different colors. It is obtained using a special jacquard weave and fibers dyed with natural dyes in pastel colors.

Stripe satin
Stripe satin is made using soft, light tones and regular geometric shapes and patterns.

Children's satin bedding

Children's satin bedding
Children's satin bedding provides comfort at any time of year

When it comes to children, parents always try to give them the best and bedding is no exception. Children's satin bedding sets are just that. Firstly, they are durable and wear-resistant, secondly, they are very beautiful and bright. Therefore, any parent will be able to choose the set that their child will like.

Many pediatricians specifically recommend buying satin bedding. After all, it is more suitable for children's skin than others. The fact is that it has the property of absorbing moisture that forms on the body during sleep. Therefore, during sleep, the baby will not sweat, which means that nothing will disturb his sleep.

Animals - children's bed linen set satin
Children's satin bedding set with funny animals

Some children's bedding sets have information on the label about special treatment. For example, about mercerization - treatment with a composition that protects it from fading, loss of strength and shine. There is no need to be afraid of this, since the solution is completely safe for the child.

Poplin as a material for bed linen

Poplin is a double-sided fabric
Poplin is a double-sided fabric that is made using traditional plain weaving, but from threads of different calibers.

Poplin is a double-sided material resembling silk. Its main difference is a special weaving technology with longitudinal and transverse threads of varying density. This produces a fabric with a special texture – ribs of different sizes.

Today you can find poplin not only from natural cotton, but also from synthetics. It can be bleached or dyed in various ways. In addition to the bedding industry, this fabric is also used for sewing shirts, dresses, tablecloths, curtains.

Classification of bed linen material

There are several classifications of satin based on the characteristics of the pattern application, the origin of the fibers and the purpose.

According to the print application, satin comes in the following types.

  • Plain. This material has no patterns and is mainly used for sewing budget sleepwear.

    Plain satin
    Plain satin is used for inexpensive bed linen sets, as well as for sewing work clothes.
  • Printed. Fabric with a simple or intricate design that can be applied in two ways: reactive or pigment.

    Printed satin
    Printed satin is a fabric with an ornament applied by reactive and pigment printing
  • 3D printed. A completely new type of fabric, which has a rigid structure necessary for the optimal ratio of the elements of the pattern.

    Modern 3D Printed Satin
    Modern 3D printed satin with a 3D effect

Satin is also divided into types by the origin of the fibers. If earlier satin was made only from cotton, today it is made from a wide variety of materials.

  • Satin. This type of fabric has absorbed the best qualities of silk and cotton. Silk is used for the front side, so it is smooth and shiny to the touch, and cotton is used for the back side, which makes it matte and dense. As a rule, curtains, shirts, and tablecloths are made from this fabric.

    Atlas-satin
    Decorative fabric satin has an impressive shine and textured silkiness
  • Crepe satin. Either natural or synthetic fiber is used as a base. Most often found in the manufacture of scarves, curtains and tablecloths.

    Crepe Satin Feature
    The peculiarity of crepe satin is that it is a double-sided fabric: one side is shiny and glossy, and the other is grainy and matte.
  • Blended. Made from cotton and synthetics to reduce cost and improve performance characteristics.

    Satin blend
    Satin blend - this fabric includes all the best from satin (100% cotton) and polyester
  • Satin-double. Made from viscose and cotton. Most often used as a lining material.

Satin can also be divided into 4 classes according to application:

  • staple;
  • corset;
  • curtain;
  • wardrobe.

Dress satin is used more than other types of satin for bedding.

Printed satin

Printed Satin Set
Family set of bed linen made of printed satin

Printed satin is also called coupon fabric. Its main difference from the usual material is that the print is applied to the size of the pillowcases and duvet cover. Thanks to this, the fabric looks beautiful and finished. At the same time, it is necessarily processed - mercerization.

Silk satin

Silk-Satin Stretch
Silk-Satin Stretch in cherry color is perfect for clothing and bedding

This type of satin is an expensive fabric for bedding. It is made of two different fabrics - 100% cotton and silk threads. The density of the weave of the threads in such fabric is 170-200 threads per 1 square centimeter.

Caring for satin products

Satin lingerie
Satin linen is considered noble, so the first wash is done at 40°C, and subsequent ones at 60°C.

Satin bed linen does not lose its external attractiveness even after 300 washes, but only if certain rules are followed.

  • Bed linen should be washed in a washing machine at 30-40 degrees using a mild powder that does not contain bleach or other agents.
  • It is better to wring out the material by hand and dry it in a place inaccessible to direct sunlight.
  • Satin items can only be ironed from the reverse side at the lowest iron temperature.

Thanks to these simple rules, an expensive bedding set will delight the eyes of the whole family for a long time, remaining new and attractive for a long time.

Video: What is stripe satin and how to distinguish it from other fabrics?