Description of percale fabric: what the material consists of, use for bedding

Today, the market offers a variety of materials for every taste. Traditionally popular fabrics hold their positions. Having been used for several centuries, many varieties are still relevant today, thanks to their worthy characteristics. Among the wide range, percale should be highlighted. This material deserves special attention due to its unique properties.

History of appearance

The history of this fabric itself is very interesting. After all, percale was originally used in India due to its characteristic interlacing of threads. After some time, percale was exported to France for mass use. This material was used to make sails. It was processed with oil. Today, this invention is actively used in aviation and industry.

Types of canvas

Many people wonder what kind of fabric percale is and what types are available on the market. Their varieties differ in purpose and characteristics. They are classified into two main categories. Household percale what kind of fabric is it. It is intended for sewing pillowcases, bed linen, clothes, household items (tablecloths, curtains, napkins, etc.).

Properties and features

What is percale and why is it so popular all over the world? The material has unique properties:

• Wear resistance - can withstand regular washing, does not fade, does not shed, does not shrink.
• Permeability - despite the processing and density, it allows air to pass through well, allowing the skin to breathe.
• Environmentally friendly - does not cause allergies, never becomes electrified.

High-quality percale has no gaps in the weave. This drawback can be seen with the naked eye. This factor is explained by the large number of threads per 1 cm², depending on the grade 35 - 65 pieces. Even a sharp feather will not break through such a fabric.

Characteristics of percale fabric for bed linen

Percale what kind of fabric is this - this is the question of many housewives. White cotton material is characterized by increased density. The natural properties of long-fiber cotton increase the properties of strength and smoothness. When manufacturing the material, the threads are lubricated with a special adhesive composition.

Thus, the bed linen retains its snow-white color. The appearance of the material can be compared to cambric. Percale as a material is an ideal solution for creating a complex pattern on the surface of clothing or bed linen.

Subtleties of choice

Before choosing percale bed linen, you need to familiarize yourself with the main characteristics.

• Tactile sensations. A bed linen set should not irritate the skin. That is why housewives always prefer to buy cotton. But percale is especially good because of its smoothness and softness.
• Air permeability. This property is important due to hygiene requirements. The material of the underwear should allow air to pass through to the body, only then can it be called comfortable and safe.
• Resistance to wrinkling. A smooth sheet without creases is the main advantage of percale bedding material. However, poplin can also boast this advantage.

What is sewn from percale

Percale has become very popular in recent years. Half a century ago, this type of cotton fabric was mainly used to sew pillowcases, as the density of percale is beyond praise. Moreover, the density of the percale material is combined with thinness, and this is considered a big advantage.

Features of care

Many housewives often wonder how to care for percale bed linen.

• Before washing items made from this material, you need to turn them inside out. For example, pillowcases or duvet covers.
• All zippers and buttons must be fastened.
• Limit the use of bleach, as this product weakens the fibers.
• To wash clothes, select a delicate cycle (cool water at 20°C).
• Further washing is recommended at a temperature not exceeding 60°C, even if the label indicates tmax = 80°C.
• Dry and iron the linen immediately after washing. And to reduce creases, it is advisable to dry it in the washing machine, and then fold it carefully.
• It is recommended to iron percale bed linen from the front side at a temperature of 150°C.

How to identify a fake

When buying underwear for your family, you often have to think about the quality of the product. After all, many people fall for the cunning tricks of advertisers. How to make the right decision, not to make a mistake in choosing.

Cotton bed linen is much more expensive than synthetic. However, buyers can make a mistake when choosing products. Since many manufacturers add synthetics to the composition. The products gain shine, but they immediately deteriorate after the first wash.

To determine the composition of the bedding, you need to take at least one thread and set it on fire. If black smoke appears when it ignites, this indicates that the structure of the material consists of synthetics. White smoke indicates the natural properties of the fibers. High-quality fabric does not contain various contaminants and additives. Therefore, when natural cotton ignites, white smoke appears.

Some manufacturers use clean and even yarn. Accordingly, the result is a smooth material without unnecessary folds. Cheap fabric can be distinguished by dirty and uneven threads. To determine the fineness of the yarn, you can check the metric number NM. This value is indicated directly on the certificate of any product. For high-quality satin, the indicator is designated as NM70, while a fake is only NM40. The higher this indicator, the better the quality of the cotton.

Advantages and disadvantages of percale bedding sets

Before making the right choice, it is necessary to consider the pros and cons of percale fabric. The main advantages include:

• Durability of the product - will last for many years.
• Soft/thin material that provides comfort with regular use.
• The presence of interesting patterns on the surface of the product.
• The best alternative for embroidered decoration. For example, you can sew an exclusive bed linen.
• The absence of harmful components that can harm human health. Such material does not cause skin irritation on the body.
• When washing products, you can select a mode of up to eighty degrees.
• Easy to use regularly. Products can be ironed with a hot iron. The material does not lose its shape and color over time.

Flaws:

• The downside of the material is its crunchy base, but gradually, with use, this property is lost, acquiring softness.
• Wrinkles appear very quickly.
• In some cases, even a 100% cotton composition does not allow avoiding allergies, but this depends on the individual characteristics of the body and its reaction to the components of the dressing. Such cases are rare, but they do occur.
• Fabrics containing polyester can increase sweating, so natural fabrics are the best choice.

Percale or poplin - which is better

Before you find the answer to your question, which is better, percale or poplin, you need to determine the properties of the fabric.

Strength indicator. Percale is made from dense threads that undergo treatment with a special compound. This indicates that the strength of the material is better than that of poplin.

The density characteristic of percale is superior to poplin fabric. Poplin is a thin material that unfortunately wears out quickly.

Service life. Due to its properties, poplin loses its attractive appearance faster. As a rule, the fabric will last no more than 4 years.

Price category. When choosing a material, the buyer will feel a surprising difference in cost. If the price of poplin is about 1700 rubles, then 1 meter of percale will cost from 2200 rubles.

Percale or satin - which is better?

Now we should compare the properties of percale and satin:

Durability indicator. Due to its composition, percale is more resistant to physical impacts. Satin is a less durable material, which is produced by weaving. Percale can be washed frequently, it will not lose its attractive appearance. Satin loses its shape and original color over time.

Appearance. Satin wins in this category because it is a cheaper alternative to silk. This material has a shine and smoothness (which immediately catches the eye).

Cost. If you compare the price category, the satin set is much more expensive.

What is the difference between percale and calico?

There is no clear answer to the question of what is better, calico or percale. Good calico is no worse than good percale, and vice versa. The differences between the fabrics are not so critical and should not have a decisive significance.

Bed linen made of calico is bought by those housewives who do not have high demands for comfort. After all, the fabric itself is not very soft or delicate. Calico consists of thicker yarn. Therefore, the fabric is wear-resistant.

Real reviews about percale

Irina, 48 years old: "I couldn't make the right choice. I was thinking about getting satin or percale. Then a friend advised me to buy percale, as it doesn't wear out quickly. In fact, I am very pleased with the quality of the bed linen. I bought 4 more sets for my children."

Anna, 36 years old

"Before buying percale bed linen, I read reviews from other consumers. It's good that I paid attention to the cost. Since there are many fakes in online stores."

Bed linen made from this fabric will provide comfort. This is the optimal solution for those who pay attention to aesthetic properties, as well as a quality indicator.
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