Durable and at the same time lightweight percale fabric is a noble representative of the cotton family. This allows it to become a worthy competitor to traditional bedding materials.
INTERESTING! Percale sheets have also received mention in the literature. Thus, in the novel by F. Mauriac “Therese Desqueyroux” (1927) there is a curious episode: the heroine, who has the habit of smoking in bed and burning the sheets, causes criticism from the servants, who spare the expensive bed linen.
Advantages and disadvantages of fabric in bed linen
In addition to the advantages common to natural fabrics, percale also has special properties - strength and lightness. The beauty of such sets was appreciated by many experienced in the intricacies of a beautiful life. A bed made from this fabric is especially cozy: it retains heat perfectly, and the density of the material does not allow a single feather to escape.
ADVICE! Does your love for natural fabrics prevent you from using synthetics when sewing pillow covers? Take advantage of the experience of previous generations by choosing percale fabric - previously this was what was used for these purposes.
The canvas also does not have the ability to accumulate static electricity - it will not “shoot” with current. No pellets form on it either.
The material has only one drawback: having increased hygroscopicity, it dries longer than other cotton fabrics. Does not like hard water - it is better to take care of softening it using special products or adding soda to the powder.
Fabric properties
Percale is made using a special technology: combed, but not twisted, fibers are treated with an adhesive composition. The result is a smooth, dense, durable canvas.
Environmental friendliness
This production method raises questions about the safety of the fabric for health - the glue is suspicious! But its composition is absolutely neutral, without aggressive “chemistry”. Percale is considered a 100% natural material.
IMPORTANT! They have now learned to counterfeit any product, including percale fabric. The first sign of a fake is a suspiciously low price. A real set of percale underwear cannot cost less than 1,500 rubles! Another reason to doubt the authenticity of the product is the cross-shaped or circular weaving of the thread.
Antibacterial use
Cotton fabric is an unfavorable environment for the development of microbes and bacteria. Of course, if it goes into the wash in a timely manner!
UV protection
Like all natural fabrics, percale is a natural UV filter. This property expands the functionality of percale sheets and bedspreads - it can be useful on the beach or for a daytime nap in the country.
Thermal insulation and hygroscopic properties
The density of the material and the ability to absorb moisture make sleep comfortable in both cool and hot weather. For example, if you sweat while sleeping in a percale bed, you will not feel discomfort - the fabric will take the “water hammer”.
Wear resistance
Uncombed fibers tightly packed together make the lightweight fabric stronger than it appears. Withstanding repeated washings, it retains all its advantages, including its presentability - the adhesive solution is not washed out.
Comparison with other fabrics
It is easier to understand the advantages of percale by understanding the differences from other materials used in sewing bed linen.
Let's compare percale fabric with calico. Both fabrics are made on the basis of weaving cotton threads, but calico, being the simplest version of cotton fabric, is rougher to the touch and heavier in weight. In terms of air permeability, hygienic and hypoallergenic properties, the materials are the same. Calico will cost less, but percale will last longer.
Another example of cotton fabric is sateen. It is distinguished by double weaving of twisted thread, which ensures the shine of the surface of the material. As a result, satin sets look more elegant than percale ones. However, the ability of this beauty to shed after a series of washes is well known. Percale demonstrates great durability.
Poplin, made from a mixture of cotton and silk, looks like a worthy rival. The wear resistance is about the same as that of percale, and the soft shine of the fabric gives the linen sophistication. But to the touch this softness is only apparent: small scars in the textured fabric can cause discomfort to those with particularly delicate skin. If you don’t feel any discomfort, you can choose poplin. Otherwise, percale looks like a worthy alternative.
Laundry care
Cotton is easy to care for, but in the case of percale there are some nuances.
You need to wash your favorite sets not in the usual cotton mode, but in a delicate mode. By setting the temperature no higher than 40 degrees, you don’t have to worry about shrinkage and color loss. Especially if you give up bleaches and powders that threaten to remove all stains.
IMPORTANT! When sending your laundry to the wash, don’t forget to turn it inside out!
No special drying regime is required, but if the sheets and duvet covers are hung outside, it is advisable to avoid frying them in the sun. You can iron it in the usual way for cotton, but it’s better to do it in the same way, turned inside out.
Consumer Opinion
Judging by the reviews, percale linen is rapidly winning the love of housewives!
Katya, Zelenograd: “I used to be sure that there was nothing better than calico as a material for bed linen. But, having become acquainted with percale, I changed my mind! The fabric is thin and soft - sleeping is a pleasure! At the same time, it is durable and does not wear out for a long time after washing.”
Svetlana, Voronezh: “The first percale set came to me as a wedding anniversary gift. At first it seemed a bit harsh, although it had a smooth surface. After the first wash it became softer.”
Lyudmila, Tuapse: “I sew the bed linen myself, but I decided to try percale on the advice of a friend. I didn’t regret it! The fabric is pleasant to work with and shows minimal shrinkage. Having been using it for six months now, I haven’t noticed any significant fading after washing.”
The following care recommendations will allow you to enjoy the comfort of percale linen longer. Have pleasant and light dreams on light and warm sheets!
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