About Cotton
Cotton comes from the cotton plant, and when a cotton boll matures, it bursts and looks
like a bunch of cotton 'puffs' grouped together.
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Common Cotton Fabrics
Batiste, bedford cord, brocade, calico, cambric, cheesecloth, chenille, chiffon, chintz,
corduroy, crepe, damask, denim, drill, duck, flannelette, gabardine, gauze, gingham, lace,
lawn, moir, moleskin, muslin, percale, pique, plisse, poplin, sateen, satin, scrim, seersucker,
shantung, shot fabric, terry towelling, ticking, twill, velvet, velveteen, voile and whipcord.
Recommended Uses
Blouses/shirts, trousers/shorts, skirts, bags, hats, T-shirts, socks, costumes,
sleepwear/underwear, overalls, aprons, handkerchiefs and linen, blinds/curtaining,
tarpaulins, awnings, tents, upholstery, bandages/dressings, thread.
Properties
Cotton is very strong, especially when wet, therefore being perfect for multiple laundering.
The 'handle' (feel) of plain cotton is hard, stiff and has no lustre (shine). Mercerized cotton
however, does have lustre, is softer, and drapes better. Cotton is not static.
Cotton doesn't have much drape or elasticity (stretch), which often causes wrinkles over a
long period of time, and may take on a 'baggy' look, (meaning the fibres cannot return to
their original woven position).
It absorbs moisture well, is cool to wear and fast to dry, making it comfortable to wear.
Some cottons shrink when laundered (especially if put in the dryer). This is due to the
'relaxation' of the fibre (during garment construction, the fabric is twisted and pulled, and
when it is laundered, the fabric shrinks back to its initial size).
Care
Wash cotton in hot water, then either wring, line dry or put in the dryer. Always separate
colours, as some dyes may run.
Use a hot iron with steam. Cotton can be bleached, dry-cleaned, is easily dyed (should the
garment fade, this will be due to a fault of the dye used, not the cotton).
Due to its absorbency, cotton also stains easily, however these stains are easily removed if
treated immediately.
INFORMATION REFERENCED FROM: Textiles for Modern Living. 5th Edition. By E.P.G Gohl