Choosing bed linen by density: all about calico

High-quality bed linen has not been in short supply for a long time. Such goods are offered in abundance in household stores. However, the wide variety has raised another question: what is better to buy for daily use: linen, polyester, calico or satin? All fabrics have their own characteristics, different density, wear resistance. Getting to know new bed linen should start with the label. It is on it that you can find one of the most important indicators of the fabric - density. This publication examines in more detail the density of bed linen, the rules for its selection, the main features of calico, its advantages.

Types of fabric density

There are two main types.

1. Linear.
2. Superficial.

Linear is measured by the number of threads per square centimeter, surface - g / m2. Each type of density has its own characteristics. So, surface is an individual indicator. It is different for each type of textile. This indicator is influenced by several factors: twisting of fibers, the density of their adhesion, the method of interweaving.

Linear density is the weight of the fabric per square meter. If the raw material contains few threads, its value will be low. The weight of the fabric largely depends on the thickness of the threads. The linear value can be low, below average, average, above average, high, increased. The appearance of bed linen, its resistance to washing, transparency, and quality depend on two types of raw material density.

Table

Various textiles are used for sewing bed linen: cotton, calico, chintz, linen, poplin, etc. The table shows the thread density of the most popular fabrics and their brief characteristics.

Satin, calico: choosing the best option

Having chosen natural, eco-friendly cotton fabric, many people face a dilemma: to buy satin or calico? These two options have very similar qualities, so the choice usually falls between them. Natural raw materials have provided materials with remarkable air permeability, safety, and wear resistance. The only significant difference can be the price. Satin goods usually have a much higher price.

Which option to choose? To make a choice, you need to know the main differences between the materials. The main one is the production technology. In the manufacturing process, different methods of weaving and twisting threads are used. In the first case, dense threads are used that have special thickenings along the length. For this reason, calico has a slightly rough surface. This can be felt by running your hand over the product. However, this technology does not affect wear resistance. In everyday life, the fabric will last for many years, and with careful washing it will easily retain its original appearance.

Satin has an attractive appearance. Its surface is uniform, smooth, very pleasant to the touch. According to many studies, satin can survive more than two hundred washes. If you maintain the correct temperature regime, satin bed linen will retain its original color and comfort for many years in a row.

Among the cotton fabrics, satin is the most expensive material. It does not have a single significant drawback. The only negative aspect of satin is its high price. However, it is fully justified by the highest performance qualities.

When choosing between satin and calico, it is important to soberly assess your own financial capabilities. In other respects, these materials are quite similar.

Calico: density, detailed characteristics

Based on savings, many housewives choose bed linen made of calico. This type of fabric is devoid of shine. It consists of dense weaving, thick threads. The structure of the product is clearly visible. This gives it a certain charm. The composition is absolutely natural, environmentally friendly. It consists of pure cotton. Among other undeniable advantages of bed linen, one can note.

• High air permeability. During sleep, the body will breathe, excess moisture will evaporate. All this creates ideal conditions for rest.
• Abrasion resistance. Everyday use can ruin anything. However, dense 100% cotton is resistant to mechanical damage and frequent washing. It has excellent abrasion resistance.
• Affordable price. Raw materials are inexpensive and available. The cost of the product will directly depend on the quality and density of the textile.
• Variety of design. High comfort, durability play an important role in the process of choosing bed linen. But its external qualities are no less important. Fortunately, modern manufacturers offer a wide choice of product designs.

  

The density of the fabric can be different. It can vary from 50 to 140 threads per square centimeter. High-quality bed linen has a high density of threads, a thin thread. Usually its cost is an order of magnitude higher than other items. When making bedding, material from 120 to 140 g / sq.m. is used.

This range is considered optimal by all criteria. Such fabric can withstand frequent washings and is resistant to physical wear. Calico with a density below 120 is more affordable. However, this type of bedding will not leave the best impression.

Cheap bed linen can turn into "gauze" literally after the first wash. Externally, it will resemble cheap chintz. For this reason, saving on the purchase is strictly prohibited.

Types

Modern bed linen is made from various types of calico:

• harsh,

  

• bleached,

  

• plain dyed,

  

• printed,

  

• ranforce.

  

To choose the most suitable bed linen, it is necessary to consider the features of each type separately.

Raw calico is rarely used in production. However, it is also used in the arrangement of a sleeping place. Raw fabric is used for upholstery of upholstered furniture. It has a yellowish color, high density. Sometimes it is used for sewing work clothes. But then the fabric is dyed.

Bleached calico has a more attractive appearance. It is thinner, more pleasant to the touch, snow-white. Such textiles usually have a density of 125 g / sq. m. This is quite enough for the production of high-quality, durable textile accessories. Sometimes bleached fabric is used in the manufacture of shoe covers, medical clothing. It shows excellent performance in difficult conditions.

Plain dyed is identical in structure to the previous type. But it has one difference - a different tone. During production, the material is dyed. Plain dyed fabric is used in the production of cheap underwear. It is often purchased for use in cheap hotels, at the dacha. Sometimes such fabric is used as a lining in suits, coats, jackets.

Printed calico is very popular. Its high popularity is due to the availability of various patterns. Bright, colorful, interesting sets attract the attention of consumers from the shelves of many hardware stores. Printed material has good performance properties. Pajamas, children's summer suits, and various women's outfits are sewn from it.

Ranfors has a density of 120 g / sq.m. This is a premium textile. In its manufacture, special yarn from expensive varieties of cotton is used. Its fibers are tightly adjacent to each other, the surface of such yarn is very soft, perfectly smooth. Ranfors is characterized by high strength, durability. The linear density of this fabric is much higher than that of other cotton representatives.

Choosing sheets and duvet covers correctly

When choosing bedding accessories, there are several basic rules to consider.

1. The size should strictly correspond to the size of the mattress. The sheet should not crumple or come off the mattress during sleep. This will interfere and disturb. A crumpled sheet will leave unpleasant marks on the skin and squeeze. The result will be unhealthy, intermittent sleep. Sizes vary: single, double, children's, family, etc. When specifying the size, the parameters are deciphered in more detail directly on the packaging.

   

2. The quality of sewing of bed linen should be excellent. It is necessary to carefully examine the duvet cover, sheet, pillowcases for defects.

   

   You should also pay attention to the label. It should indicate the high density of the textile. If the indicator is low, it is better to refuse to buy the product. After the first wash, it will lose its appearance and will start to "fall apart" right in your hands.

3. The design of sheets, pillowcases, and duvet covers should match the design of the bedroom. A harmonious bedroom environment predisposes to quality rest. Every detail is important to create harmony. An inappropriate design of even simple pillowcases can ruin the entire composition. You need to choose a set in a style similar to the style of the bedroom.

   

4. The color of the set should not be too bright or provocative. Psychologists have long proven a certain influence of color on the psyche. Too bright colors can excite the mind, negatively affect the process of falling asleep. Some colors can even negatively affect the physical condition. Thus, red has a negative effect on people suffering from hypertension. Bright red shades can cause an increase in blood pressure, worsen the well-being of hypertensive patients. In addition, colorful textiles will lose their saturation and attractiveness over time.

   

Video: Calico, poplin or satin - what is better to sleep on? Features of fabrics for bed linen