Cotton is a natural fiber that has a wide range of uses, from clothing to home décor. Cotton is a soft, absorbent, and durable material that is easy to care for. It is also hypoallergenic, making it a good choice for people with sensitive skin. Cotton is a sustainable resource that can be grown without the use of pesticides or other harmful chemicals.
What is cotton?
Cotton is a natural fiber that comes from the cotton plant. The plant is a shrub that is native to tropical and subtropical regions around the world, including the Americas, Africa, and India. The fiber is most often spun into thread and used to make a variety of textile products, including clothing, linens, and other fabrics.
Cotton is a soft, fluffy staple fiber that grows in a boll, or protective case, around the seeds of the cotton plants of the genus Gossypium in the mallow family Malvaceae. The fiber is almost pure cellulose. Under natural conditions, the cotton bolls will open and release the seeds.
what is cotton made of?
Cotton is made of cellulose, which is a type of carbohydrate that is found in the cell walls of plants. Cellulose is made up of long chains of glucose molecules.
Cotton Fiber Properties
A typical cotton fiber is 1-4 inches in length and is composed of 90-95% cellulose, 3-4% water, 2% nitrogen and other inorganic matter. Cellulose is a polymer of glucose, a simple sugar and is the main component of all plant cell walls. The strength of the cotton fiber is determined by the number of hydrogen bonds between the cellulose chains.
Cellulose
Cellulose is the main component of all plant cell walls. Cellulose is a polymer of glucose, a simple sugar. The strength of the cotton fiber is determined by the number of hydrogen bonds between the cellulose chains.
Length
The length of the cotton fiber is an important factor in the overall quality of the fabric. It affects the fabric’s strength, durability, and resistance to pilling. The length of the fiber is measured in millimeters. Longer fibers make stronger and smoother fabrics.
Strength
The strength of the cotton fiber is determined by the number of hydrogen bonds between the cellulose chains. The strength of the fiber is measured in grams per tex. The higher the number, the stronger the fiber.
Elasticity
Elasticity is a measure of the fiber’s ability to return to its original shape after being stretched. The higher the elasticity, the better the fiber will resist pilling.
Resilience
Resilience is a measure of the fiber’s ability to spring back after being compressed. The higher the resilience, the better the fiber will resist pilling.
Surface
The surface of the cotton fiber is important in the overall quality of the fabric. It affects the fabric’s feel, appearance, and resistance to pilling. The surface of the fiber is measured in microns. The higher the number, the smoother the fiber.
Color
The color of the cotton fiber is important in the overall quality of the fabric. It affects the fabric’s appearance. The color of the fiber is measured on a scale of 1-8, with 1 being the lightest and 8 being the darkest. The higher the number, the darker the fiber.
Cotton Fiber Grades
Cotton fiber is graded according to its length. The longer the fiber, the higher the grade. The grades are:
Short Fiber: <32 mm
Medium Fiber: 32-64 mm
Long Fiber: >64 mm
Extra Long Fiber: >80 mm
The majority of the cotton grown in the world is of the short fiber variety. Longer fibers are usually only found in the highest quality cotton fabrics.
Cotton Fabric Weaves
Cotton fabric is made from the cotton fiber by interlacing the warp and weft yarns. The way the yarns are interlaced will determine the properties of the fabric. The most common weaves are:
Plain Weave: The most common weave. The warp and weft yarns are interlaced in a simple over-under pattern. This weave is strong and durable but not very elastic.
Twill Weave: A weave where the warp and weft yarns are interlaced in a diagonal pattern. This weave is strong and durable with a little more elasticity than a plain weave.
Satin Weave: A weave where the warp and weft yarns are interlaced in a way that creates a smooth surface. This weave is smooth and has a little more elasticity than a plain weave.
Cotton Fabric Weights
Cotton fabric is also graded according to its weight. The weight is measured in ounces per square yard. The most common weights are:
Lightweight: <4 oz
Medium Weight: 4-6 oz
Heavyweight: >6 oz
The weight of the fabric will determine its overall thickness and drape.
Cotton Fabric Finishes
Cotton fabric can be finished in a number of ways to change its appearance or performance. The most common finishes are:
Mercerization: A process where the fabric is treated with caustic soda to change its structure. This gives the fabric a lustrous appearance and makes it more resistant to shrinking.
Sanforization: A process where the fabric is treated with steam and pressure to shrink it. This makes the fabric less likely to shrink when washed.
Calendering: A process where the fabric is passed through rollers to smooth it out. This gives the fabric a glossy appearance.
Cotton fabric can also be dyed, printed, or treated with chemicals to change its appearance.
Cotton Fabric Types
There are a number of different types of cotton fabric, each with its own properties and uses. The most common types are:
Broadcloth: A plain weave fabric with a smooth, lustrous surface. Broadcloth is lightweight and has a little stretch. It is often used for shirts, dresses, and linings.
Poplin: A plain weave fabric with a smooth, lustrous surface. Poplin is medium weight and has a little stretch. It is often used for shirts, dresses, and linings.
Twill: A twill weave fabric with a smooth, lustrous surface. Twill is medium weight and has a little stretch. It is often used for shirts, dresses, and linings.
Denim: A twill weave fabric with a rough, dull surface. Denim is heavyweight and has very little stretch. It is often used for jeans, workwear, and upholstery.
Canvas: A plain weave fabric with a rough, dull surface. Canvas is heavyweight and has very little stretch. It is often used for tents, sails, and upholstery.
Flannel: A plain weave fabric with a soft, brushed surface. Flannel is medium weight and has very little stretch. It is often used for shirts, pajamas, and blankets.
Cotton fabric can also be knit or woven into a variety of other fabric types.