It would seem that what is difficult about this issue? However, like many common everyday things, a pillowcase is not as simple as it seems. How to explain why it is called that way? There are quite a few different types of this bedding, and we will try to understand them.
What kind of bedding item is this?
For a long time, bedding items such as a mattress, pillow and blanket remained the lot of wealthy people. Those who were simpler slept with some piece of clothing, armfuls of straw, or even something solid under their heads.
Over time, the use of pillows became almost universal, but bed linen, which was hand-sewn from expensive fabrics, still remained a luxury item. Washing and cleaning a voluminous pillow filled with down was difficult and impractical. This is what led to the appearance of such an item as a pillowcase.
It became accessible to all segments of the population with the beginning of the industrial revolution and the invention of the loom, which made production much cheaper and faster.
Why not a pillow after all?
The word “pillowcase” is of original Russian origin. Previously, a pillow in Rus' was called an underwear pillowcase, in which feathers, down or other filler were placed. The second or upper cover served as a cover for the first. Over time, the word changed slightly and became the modern pillowcase. Etymology traces its origin from the verb “voloch”, which means “to drag” or “to pull”.
Types of pillowcases
A modern pillowcase is a piece of bed linen that protects the pillow from dirt, serves as a decorative element, additionally protects the filling from knocking out, and acts as a barrier to dust mites. They differ from each other in purpose, size, shape and other parameters.
By shape
According to this feature, the pillowcase corresponds to the pillow for which it is intended. The most common, quite naturally, are rectangular and square.. More exotic options are usually made to order or sold together with a pillow. Such non-standard pillowcases can be round, triangular, or in the shape of any animal or flower. Everything is limited only by the designer’s imagination.
To size
The situation is the same with size as with shape. However, the set has its limits here. The most common options pillowcases are sizes 50x70 or 70x70 cm. They are included in the vast majority of ready-made bedding sets available for sale. Products of smaller sizes are produced for children or serve as decorative elements for interior decoration.
Which method of securing the pillow is preferable?
There are four main ways to secure a pillowcase to a pillow. They differ in their purpose and features of the manufacturing process.
The first and most common is scented pillowcase. It is a simple pocket that folds over the pillow when put on and holds it inside.
The second most popular option is zipper. With its help, you can quickly and securely fix the laundry on the pillow. With such a fastener, the filler will definitely not come out. In addition to standard bedding sets, similar covers are used for orthopedic products with memory effect. These two fastening methods remain the most reliable and in demand.
The next two options are now more of a decorative nature, although exceptions are possible. In the first of them, the pillow is fixed inside using buttons. For everyday use, such a pillowcase may be inconvenient due to the risk of tearing off one of them. But it is the buttons that can make it a unique and unique decoration for the room. Another option is purely decorative. In this case, the laundry is secured using knotted ties. This is impractical for sleeping, since the knots tend to come undone, especially if the fabric is quite slippery.
What should be the fabric for a pillowcase?
Just as for other types of bedding, natural materials that do not cause allergies, irritation and discomfort will be preferable from fabrics:
- Good in terms of wear resistance products made from calico and linen. They withstand a large number of washing cycles and have good hygroscopicity.
- For special occasions and decorative items, fine fabrics such as silk, satin or satin. They are used to make premium underwear sets.
- Traditionally widely used for sewing children's underwear. flannel fabric. It is soft, gives a feeling of comfort, and, if necessary, absorbs moisture well.
- Innovative materials are gaining popularity bamboo fiber. Its main advantage is its antibacterial properties.
- For decorative pillows, materials that have a catchy appearance are used. Most often this tapestry, velor and velvet. Sleeping on them is not very comfortable, but pillows in such covers can very easily amaze guests.
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