Natural cotton fabric with a plain weave is called calico. It is based on a thick, durable thread intertwined with cotton or synthetic fibers.
Density of calico
The average for bed linen and home textiles is from 110 to 125 g/m. sq.
Smaller parameters negatively affect the quality of products, reducing their useful life and worsening their appearance (ability to abrasion, color change, shedding, etc.).
According to GOST 29298 of 2005, fabric with a density of 130 to 160 g/m2 is considered the highest quality; it guarantees high wear resistance for a long time. Optimal for use in health resorts, orphanages, hospitals and hotel complexes.
Currently, thanks to innovative developments in the field of light industry, the production of the following types of calico has been established:
Surface density, grams per square meter | |
GOST | 142 |
Luxury (superior quality) | 125 |
Standard | 125 |
Comfort | 120 |
Light | 110 |
Biomatin | 120 |
Ranfors | 120–124 |
Among the above varieties of fabric, the last one can be especially distinguished, with a linear density of 57 threads per square centimeter (the norm is 42). Cotton fiber undergoes a special technological treatment with an alkali solution concentrate, which eliminates the rigidity of the base, while maintaining the color palette and integrity of the fabric for a long service life. The material acquires strength and shine, softness and elasticity, is excellent in color and has high hygroscopicity.
Biomatin is treated with special hypoallergenic compounds during the production process. This allows it to be used for sewing clothes for newborns, small children and people with allergic problems.
Comparison of calico density with other natural materials:
Surface density, grams per square meter | |
Calico | 120–142 |
Poplin | 110–120 |
Satin | 115–120 |
Jacquard | 135–140 |
Linen | 125–150 |
Types of calico and their parameters
Indicators | Printed | Plain painted | Bleached | Harsh |
Appearance. | Painted canvas, pleasant to the touch. | Light fabric, pleasant to the touch. | Hard material, yellowish-cream color. | |
Strength. | High. | |||
Coloring. | In various colors. | One tone. | In different tones. | No. |
Purpose. | Sewing light adult and children's clothing and bedding. | Suit lining fabric, bed and table linen, production of decorations. | Sewing bed linen and medical clothing. | Furniture production and tailoring of workwear. |
In addition, calico is divided into percale (a smooth matte surface with a thin weave of threads) and super-cotton (a very dense material, treated to prevent the formation of pellets).
Advantages of the fabric:
- Has high density.
- Durable for a long time, retains the brightness of the pattern even with numerous washes.
- Easy to iron without forced steaming.
- Has good breathability and hygroscopicity.
- Pleasant and light when touching the body.
- Made from natural materials.
- Does not accumulate static electricity.
- With all its many advantages, the fabric is affordable for all categories of the population.
Application of calico
Used for sewing bedding and tableware, special clothing for various purposes, women's and men's shirts, sets for newborns, children's clothing, dressing gowns, light dresses, blouses, etc.
Proper care of things will help extend their service life:
- Washing is carried out at temperatures up to 40 ºC separately from other items.
- It is not recommended to set high spin speeds in an automatic washing machine to avoid loss of appearance and the formation of creases on the laundry.
- It is necessary to dry in dark and well-ventilated places.
- Ironing of products is carried out in a slightly damp state.
When choosing bed linen, you should pay close attention to sets made from luxury calico and ransfors, which are officially recognized as the best fabrics for a comfortable sleep.