What is printed calico?

Printed calico - This is a fabric that is made with a cross weave of threads, which ensures the density and strength of the material. A small amount of synthetic fibers is allowed. Traditionally made from bleached calico, onto which dyes in any color range are applied.

Printed calico - This is a fabric that is made with a cross weave of threads, which ensures the density and strength of the material. A small amount of synthetic fibers is allowed. Traditionally made from bleached calico, onto which dyes in any color range are applied.

Among the variety of materials, a special place is occupied by printed cotton calico with colored patterns.

Printed calico is divided into:

• white earth - with 10–20% of the painted surface of the material;
• semi-ground – with 50% coloring;
• primer – with 100% application of coloring compounds.

At the same time, the difference in color between the front and back sides is insignificant, which is due to the thread weave.

The main producers of printed calico in Russia are Ivanovo and Shuya, which produce products from 100% cotton. Synthetic fibers up to 20% are added to Turkish and Pakistani fabrics, which ensures their high wear resistance, practicality and durability.

Advantages

The advantages include:

• practical to use - does not shrink and does not fade;
• pleasant to the body and does not electrify;
• has good hygroscopicity;
• does not cause allergic reactions, suitable even for the smallest family members;
• easily washes off any stains, quickly irons without steaming and is difficult to wrinkle;
• printed calico, with proper care, retains the brightness and richness of the pattern for a long time;
• provides a favorable microclimate when worn - it allows air to pass through well, perfectly absorbs sweat, and does not stick to the body;
• long service life, even with numerous washes using aggressive detergents.

Simplicity of manufacture ensures its wide distribution and affordability. You can purchase printed calico in fabric stores, online sites and wholesale outlets.

Flaws

The disadvantages include:

• the density of the weave of the threads makes the fabric harsh to the touch;
• there is no shine on the surface;
• susceptible to fading when exposed to bright sunlight;
• Over time, it is susceptible to the formation of pellets.

Material care rules

After purchasing the product, it is recommended to wash it to soften the material and eliminate factory odors. Washing is done:

• at a water temperature of no more than 40 degrees;
• To preserve the brightness of the pattern, it is recommended to turn the product inside out and only then place it in the drum of the washing machine;
• It is advisable not to combine with other types of fabrics;
• to make ironing easier, drying in an automatic machine should be carried out at a speed of up to 800 revolutions;
• before hanging clean laundry to dry, it needs to be shaken to restore the weave structure;
• drying should preferably be carried out in a well-ventilated area or in the shade outdoors;
• Ironing is done on slightly dampened linen; clothes with embroidery must be ironed only from the inside out.

The manufacturer indicates all the basic information on product care on labels sewn on the reverse side.

Scope of application

The material is widely used in many fields:

• for sewing adult and children's clothing, dressing gowns, men's shirts, pajamas, nightgowns, home suits, vests, rompers, diapers for infants, etc.;
• as filter pads and wiping material in industrial production;
• in the manufacture of pillows, blankets and covers for orthopedic mattresses;
• for sewing bedding sets for children and adults;
• as decorative elements in the home - bedspreads, curtains, curtains, furniture fabrics, etc.

The material goes well with other types of fabrics and is easy to work with. Even products of the most complex cut look great and do not lose their consumer properties for a long time.

Other types

Currently, in addition to printed calico, there are 3 more main types of fabrics, which are classified according to thread thickness and finishing methods:

1. Harsh – with a large mass fraction of threads in the fabric – up to 160 g/sq. m. It is not subjected to additional processing during the production process, is not painted and is one of the most durable types of calico.Ideal for upholstering furniture and sewing workwear.
2. Delicate bleached (canvas) – made from thinner threads and less durable. Used for sewing bed linen.
3. Plain-colored – with a uniform pattern applied to the base. Used as lining fabric in suits, suitable for bed and table linen.

Differences from other fabrics

Compared:

1. Percale - an analogue of calico, with the same weave, but different consumer characteristics. This fabric is made from thin threads glued together with a special compound. This provides it with high density with a softer and lighter structure. The price is a little more expensive than printed calico.
2. Polycotton – cotton and polyester mixtures. With a higher mass fraction of synthetic filler, the quality of the fabric deteriorates, its wear resistance and strength decrease.
3. Satin - with thin and tightly twisted threads with intricate weaving. This provides it with a shine that calico products do not have. A combination of synthetic threads, cotton and their mixtures is possible.
4. Poplin - material made from threads of different thicknesses. Thin transverse and thicker longitudinal ones form small scars on the surface. May contain silk, wool and viscose fibers, has shine, is pleasant to the body, and is wear-resistant. But it shrinks when washed and is less durable, unlike printed calico.
5. Chintz – with a similar weave, the threads in the fabric are thinner and the width of the material does not exceed 90 cm. Because of this, during the manufacture of bed linen it is necessary to make a middle seam on sheets and duvet covers, which does not always satisfy customers.

Modern production of printed calico offers a wide range of products for any consumer needs.Bright, durable and rich colors allow you to implement bold creative solutions in home improvement, providing coziness and comfort for living.