About Acrylic & Modacrylic
Acrylic and Modacrylic fibres are one of the most durable fibres in common use.
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Common Acrylic and Modacrylic Fabrics
100% acrylic, acrylic blends with cotton and viscose. See cotton, wool and silk for similar
fabric types.
Recommended Uses
Acrylic and Modacrylic is used in knitwear, socks, fleece, synthetic furs, knitting yarn,
blankets, carpets and curtains.
Properties
The handle (texture or feel) of acrylics is soft to medium (most common), and it's common
for manufacturers to produce acrylics that look and feel like wool; often texturising the yarn
to bulk it up (to decrease wrinkling).
Acrylics are fairly strong, but they lose approximately 20% of their strength when wet
(which is often not noticed). Acrylics don't often shrink in the wash unless the washing
water is very hot.
Acrylics drape well, depending on fabric and garment construction. Loosely woven knitwear
may have a tendency to stretch after a time (however if the fibre is pulled excessively, it will
permanently distort). It is also a good insulator, texturised fibres even more so; as the crimp
in the fibre traps pockets of warm air.
Acrylics are readily static (attracting dirt) and are therefore unsuitable for baby clothes for
this reason. Acrylic fibres are however, very resistant to sunlight, and are very durable.
Acrylics can absorb up to 4% of its weight before feeling wet, making them quite water
resistant (non absorbent) and quick drying (garments will feel clammy quickly if worn for
prolonged periods when damp though).
Care
To wash acrylics, separate colours and wash in cold to hot water.
Dry flat, on the line or put into a dryer on a cool temperature. Use a cool iron on the
reverse side of the fabric.
You can dryclean acrylic but should avoid bleaching (normally unnecessary).