Cotton Shantung
Cotton Shantung is the term used to describe imitation shantung fabric. Originally Shantung was made from silk and was made in the Shantung province of China. Cotton Shantung has a slightly rough, uneven surface, which is caused by the use of slub yarns. These are yarns that vary in thickness down the length of them. They may also have knots or much thicker parts on them. The fabric has a cross rib created by using a simple weave with the slub yarns used as the warp yarns. Cotton Shantung is mainly used for garments such as dresses, blouses, suits and nightwear.
How is cotton made?
Cotton is a natural cellulose fibre from the seed boll of the cotton plant. The majority of cultivated cotton is grown in America, China and India, where the conditions are dry and warm. Once the cotton boll is ready it is picked, the seeds are removed and the soft white fibres are removed in a process called ginning. These are what make the cotton fabric; and when harvested they have to be untangled from each other and aligned as they are very fine and fluffy. This process is called combing or carding. At the spinning mill next, the cotton fibres are spun and twisted into cotton yarn which it then woven or knitted into a multitude of cotton fabrics.
Main Physical Properties of Cotton Fabric
- Naturally Breathable
- Non-Static because it always contains some moisture
- Absorbs up to 65% of its own weight without dripping
- Soft Handle, Good Drape, Dries Slowly
- Good strength, abrasion resistance and durability
- Poor Elasticity, so creases easily.
- Biodegradable and Recyclable
- Easy to wash and dye
- Can be boiled and bleached
- Can be Mercerised to create a higher lustre and strength
- Can be treated with stain-resistant finishes using Teflon of silicone.
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