Lawn
Cotton Lawn is a lightweight plain woven fabric. Lawn fabric was formally made of linen but it is now made from fine, carded cotton. It originates from the Middle Ages and it can either be plain, dyed various colours or printed with a pattern. Cotton Lawn can also be finished in many different ways; calendaring to increase the smoothness and lustre of the fabric and by sizing, which is done to increase the crispness. It is generally used for blouses, dresses, nightwear, aprons, handkerchiefs and undergarments. Cotton Lawn is also sometimes used as a base fabric for certain kinds of embroidery. The name ‘Lawn’ was taken from the city of Laon in France where the fabric was once produced in large quantities.
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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