Kitchen and table linens
are made of variety of fabrics. Fabrics are such that they suit the
requirements and purpose of the linens. Fabrics with quality and
protective properties are widely used for the purpose.
Following types of fabrics are used for making table and kitchen linen:
Cotton Fabric
Cotton Fabric is noted for its versatility and its natural comfort.
Cotton cloth has been used since primitive ages dating back to about
3000 B.C. Today, the main uses of cotton is in the form of garments,
home furnishings, and industrial cloths. Cotton fabric undergoes various
finishing processes to meet specific end use requirements.
Cotton table and kitchen linens are available in
numerous designs and styles and in a rainbow of colors. Innovative
patterns are either embroidered or printed or painted on these linens to
make them look even more beautiful.
Characteristics of Cotton Fabric
- Comfortable
- Soft hand
- Absorbent
- Absorbs and release perspiration quickly
- Can stand high temperatures
- Good color retention, prints well
- Machine-washable, dry-cleanable
- Good strength
- Easy to handle and sew
- Flame retardant
- Pleasant matte luster
- Good elasticity
Types of Cotton Weaves
- Diaper Cloth is a twill, dobby or plain woven
absorbent cotton.
- Dimity is sheer, thin, white or printed fabric
with lengthwise cords, stripes or checks.
- Drill is a strong twilled cotton fabric, used
in men's and women's slacks.
- Duck is a heavy, durable tightly woven fabric.
Heavy weight drill is used in awnings, tents, etc. Lighter duck is
used in summer clothing.
- Flannel cotton is plain or twill weave with a
slight nap on one or both sides.
- Flannelette is a soft cotton fabric with a nap
on one side.
- Gauze is a sheer, lightly woven fabric similar
to cheesecloth. Is also made in silk.
- Gingham is a lightweight, washable, stout
fabric that is woven in checks, plaids or stripes.
- Lawn is a plain weave, soft, very light, combed
cotton fabric with a crisp finish.
Care of Cotton Fabric
- Cotton can be easily laundered. It can withstand high
temperatures.
- Any good detergent can be used to wash cotton.
- It requires frequent pressing as it wrinkles easily.
- Cotton can be ironed with a hot iron, and does not scorch easily.
Linen Fabrics
Linen is noted to be the most luxurious, comfortable and elegant
fabric. It is a fabric mad from avegetable fiber called flax. Flax is a
bast fiber taken from the stalk of the plant. The luster is from the
natural wax content.
Linen has long been used for making decorative and functional table
cloths and napkins. Linen is the strongest fabric even stronger than
cotton. Apart from being a strong fabric it is also lint free and is
used for various purposes.
Characteristics of Linen Fabrics
- Comfortable
- Good strength, twice as strong as cotton
- Hand-washable or dry-cleanable
- Crisp hand
- Tailors well
- Absorbent
- Dyes and prints well
- Lightweight to heavyweight
- No static or pilling problems
- Fair abrasion resistant
- Good conductor of heat
- High tensile strength
Types of Linen Weaves
- Damask : It is a jacquard weave, is a
reversible rich weave, patterned in satin or plain weave.
- Venise : It is a very fine damask table linen
consisting of large floral patterns.
Care of Linen Fabrics
- Linens can be hand washable but some are recommended to be dry
cleaned especially decorative linen.
- White linens should be dried in the sun, if to help them to keep
their whiteness.
- Linen just loves to be washed and ironed. The more linen is
washed the softer, nicer and shinier it becomes.
- If the water you use is hard due to a high lime content add a
softening agent, especially for darker-colored articles. Use plenty
of water because linen is very water-absorbent.
- Do not soak, boil off, rub or wring out embroidered articles.
- Linen is best stored in a cool, dry and well-ventilated area.
- Linen fabrics may need frequent pressing, unless treated for
crease resistance.
Hemp Fabric
Hemp is a soft and a warm fabric made from a bast
fiber of a plant. Hemp fabric is obtained from the stems of the plant.
The stems of the plant are processed to dissolve the gum or the pectin
found in it. The fiber is then separated and again processed. After the
processing is over, it is woven into yarns and fabric. The finest hemp
fabric is produced in Italy. China is the world's leading producer of
hemp.
The valued primary fibers are contained around the hollow, woody core
of the hemp stalk. These are converted into beautiful apparel and
decoratives. Hemp make goods table and kitchen linen because of its
durability.
Characteristics of Hemp Fabric
- Durable and strong
- Absorbent
- Naturally resistant to mold, mildew, rot
- High heat conductivity
- Low elasticity
- Beautiful luster
- High affinity for dyes
- UV resistant
- Good abrasion
- Softens with each washing, without fiber degradation
- Breathable
- Wrinkles easily
Care of Hemp Fabric
- It should be washed with warm water.
- It should not be washed with bleach as bleach may weaken the
surface.
- It is naturally mothproof and so can be stored easily.
- Avoid drying cupboards which have heated pipelines running
through because it may discolor hemp.
- Use a dye free detergent with satin lifter.
Fabrics
Types