One of the most popular fabrics is calico. Its use in Rus' began in the 16th century.
A natural cotton product that does not cause allergic reactions or skin irritation, so it was used for sewing children's clothes, bed linen, lining for caftan, making underwear, diapers for newborns and much more.
Content
Description, composition and properties
The fabric is made using the technique of simple plain weave, thereby giving it density, practicality and wear resistance. In Russia, according to GOST, calico consists of only 100% cotton, and in Pakistan and China, polyester thread is added, which should not exceed 15% of the total composition.
Advantages
- With frequent washing, it retains its size, color and pattern.
- Cheapness of the material.
- Absorbs any liquid well (hygroscopic).
- Does not contain allergens or substances harmful to the body.
- It allows air to pass through very well, allowing the body to breathe well.
- Irons with great ease.
- Not capable of being electrified
Flaws
- The fabric is too matte, without gloss.
- With very frequent use, pellets appear.
Types of calico
Calico is divided into 4 types:
- Harsh. This type of fabric is very durable and undergoes the least processing during production. The predominant color is ivory. The thread weight per square centimeter fluctuates from 145 g to 160 g per 1 sq. m. It is excellent for upholstery of furniture or work clothes.
Raw calico is the most durable and least subject to additional influences during the production process. - Bleached. Less durable than raw, softer to the touch, and also made from thinner threads. Used in the manufacture of bed linen (especially for hospitals, kindergartens, etc.)
Bleached calico is made from thinner threads, is more delicate and less durable. - Plain dyed. The composition of the fabric is no different from bleached calico. It differs only in dyeing in a single color without a pattern. This type is used to make suits, bed linen sets, dining room towels and tablecloths.
Plain-dyed calico is similar in structure to bleached calico, but differs from it in that it is dyed in a uniform color. - Printed. It differs from the others in the variety of patterns and designs. It is perfect for clothes for babies and adults, as in the previous types, printed calico is used for bedding.
Printed calico is a fabric with a variety of multi-colored patterns and designs
The main types of patterns are:
- in a cage;
Calico fabric with a large checkered pattern - polka dot;
Blue calico with white polka dots - symmetrical geometric patterns;
Calico fabric with a zigzag pattern in white and mint colors - figurative and plot lines;
Calico with figured geometric lines on the canvas - elongated and curved ovals;
- striped;
Color range of striped calico fabric - floral ornaments.
Calico with pink and yellow roses on a yellow background
The difference between calico and other cotton fabrics
- Difference from polycotton. Polycotton consists of a mixture of polyester and cotton, ideal for bed linen, pillows and blankets. There are many types of material, depending on the number of threads in the composition. It has distinctively good properties, thus competing with calico fabric.
Polycotton always contains two essential components: natural (cotton) and artificial (polyester) - Difference from poplin. Poplin is a material made from threads of unequal thickness (horizontal is thinner than vertical). In Russia, poplin is made only from cotton, in other countries, a mixture of cotton and synthetics in unequal proportions is used in production. Wool, silk and viscose are also added to it. Visually, it is not difficult to distinguish poplin from calico, since the former has a gloss and looks more refined than the latter. Calico is more durable and wear-resistant, so it is used to a greater extent in sewing bed linen. Poplin was originally used in sewing clothes.
Unlike calico, poplin has a surface with a small rib, which is formed due to the interweaving of threads of different thicknesses. - Difference from satin. Intricate, tightly packed thin woven threads that give the material a shine, reminiscent of silk fabric. It is impossible to say for sure what strength between satin and calico is, everything depends on the production features.
Satin has a smooth and shiny surface that looks like silk. - Difference from calico. To create calico, thinner threads are used, and the weave remains the same as for calico. When making calico, only 100% cotton is used, unlike calico, which may contain synthetic fibers.
Calico and chintz have exactly the same method of weaving threads, but calico is thinner and less durable. - Difference from percale. Similar weaving. The distinctive feature is that percale is much more delicate, thinner and more attractive to the touch than calico. By gluing the fibers, percale has sufficient density, due to which bed linen made of this material is an elite textile.
Percale and calico are united by the way the threads are interwoven.
Rules for the use and care of calico products
There are no basic or tricky rules for caring for calico. Wash at 30-40 degrees, adding absolutely any cleaning agents, since calico is resistant to chemicals. In order for the product to retain its brightness, it is better to turn it inside out. When ironing, the linen should be slightly damp, so it is easier to smooth out. Calico can also be dried in specialized automatic dryers.
Bed linen made of calico: only positive reviews
Calico bed linen has proven itself well in the household. Many housewives leave only positive reviews. When using bed linen, caring for it is not difficult, it is easy to use, does not change shape when washed and does not fade, which are the main criteria for a good material.
Calico has a large number of advantages. For a small price, you can get a quality product that not only does not deform, but also has antifungal and antiallergenic properties, absorbs moisture and sweat, allowing the body to breathe and feel comfortable. With the help of the latest technologies, calico has a large number of types and a variety of colors and patterns that will suit any taste.
