Poplin
Poplin – Poplin is a strong, absorbent cotton fabric. It is closely woven using a rib weave, however it is manufactured using a thicker weft yarn than warp to produce a fine diagonal ribbed pattern. Poplin was originally made using cotton and silk but now it is more commonly made using Mercerised Cotton or blended with Synthetic yarns. It is widely used for dresses, and leisurewear. Often the thicker weft yarn is Worsted yarn which is a smooth, strong lustrous yarn spun from long staple wool yarns to create an ever greater contrast in weight between the warp and weft yarns.
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 or silicone.
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