How to choose the density of fabric for bedding?

A sweet nap and a nap in a comfortable and soft bed are the keys to a successful start to the day. And the desire to soak up the heap of airy and breathable fabric can only be realized in the right bed linen. Therefore, when choosing a suitable product, it is very important to pay attention to parameters such as the density of the material.

Other parameters also affect the characteristics of the material. These are the thickness of the fibers, the method of weaving, the twisting of the threads, their length, the tightness of adherence to each other.

The correct fabric for sewing bedding should have a basis weight of 120-150 g / m². And for the surface to be smooth, the fibers must be long, thin and strong. If short threads are used, which are interconnected by knots, the fabric becomes rough and uneven.

The wear resistance and softness of the product depends on how tightly the threads are twisted. The stronger the twist, the stronger and tougher the web. And bedclothes made of lightly twisted fibers are more pleasant and delicate to the touch.

The most important indicator characterizing the quality of a material is its density. It is of two types: linear and superficial.

Linear is an indicator that characterizes the thickness of the threads by the ratio of the mass of the fabric to its length. Expressed in kg / m.

Distinguish between low density (from 20 to 30), medium-low (from 35 to 45), medium (from 50 to 65), medium-high (from 65 to 85), high (from 85 to 120) and very high (from 130 to 280).

Surface - a parameter that determines the mass of the fiber (in grams) per 1 m². It is this value that is indicated on the packaging of bedding or on a roll of material.

It is believed that the higher the surface density of the fabric, the better it is. But too dense material can be heavy, tough and unpleasant for the body. Therefore, it is better to take into account the readings of both parameters.

For sewing bed linen, fabrics are usually used with a plain (main) weave.

• Linen - alternation of transverse and longitudinal fibers in a ratio of 1: 1. Examples: calico, chintz, ranforce, poplin.
• Satin (satin). In this method, the transverse threads (weft), covering several longitudinal threads, are brought out to the front surface of the fabric. As a result, the fabric is slightly loose, soft and smooth. Example: satin.
• Twill. As a result of this method, tubercles (diagonal scar) appear on the canvas. Examples: semi-silk lining, twill.

For the production of bed linen used fabrics from:

• natural fibers of vegetable (flax, cotton, eucalyptus, bamboo) and animal origin (silk);
• synthetic;
• and mixtures (a combination of natural and synthetic threads).

The most suitable raw material for bed linen is cotton, as it consists of the purest natural fibers of plant origin. Cotton fabric breathes perfectly, absorbs moisture, washes easily, warms in cold weather and is inexpensive.

Many different materials are made from cotton: calico, chintz, satin, ranfors, percale, flannel, polycotton, jacquard, mixed fabric in combination with linen.

• Calico - strong and high-quality material with a plain weave method. Coarser to the touch, but the bedding made of this material is strong and of high quality.There are several types: harsh (the fabric with the highest density, unpainted), bleached, printed (with a colored pattern), one-colored (plain). On average, the density of coarse calico for bed linen varies from 110 to 165 g / m².
• Ranfors - fabric obtained from cotton that has passed the process of processing fibers with an alkaline solution (mercerization). The material is highly durable and hygroscopic. The canvas is smooth, even and silky. It has a density of 120 g / m². It is made from the best varieties of cotton and is more expensive than coarse calico.
• In making poplin threads of various thicknesses are used. The transverse ones are thicker, the lobes are thinner. Therefore, small bumps (scars) appear on the surface. Such bed linen is soft and beautiful, does not shrink, does not fade. The average density of the fabric is from 110 to 120 g / m².
• Satin outwardly similar to flannel in that the front side of the material is smooth, and the back is fleecy. Twisting of threads, twill weaving method. The density of ordinary satin is from 115 to 125 g / m². The premium fabric is heavier at 130 g / m². There are several types: ordinary, jacquard, printed, printed, crepe, mako (the most dense, high-quality and expensive satin), stripe, comfort (elite, soft, gentle, breathable).

• Jacquard-satin - cotton fabric with a double-sided relief pattern, obtained due to a special weave of threads. It does not stretch, holds its shape for a long time, absorbs moisture well and is not afraid of temperature extremes. Used for sewing luxury bed linen. Density 135-145 g / m².
• Linen - the most environmentally friendly fabric, in the manufacturing process of which no chemical components are used. It has antiseptic properties and a massage effect. It removes moisture well, preserves the microclimate of the body, cooling in the heat and warming in the cold. There is only one drawback - linen can shrink during washing. The density of flax is 125-150 g / m².
• Silk - this is the most expensive material of animal origin. Soft and delicate, with a characteristic shine, the fabric is very sensitive to temperature changes. It requires careful maintenance, as it stretches, collapses under the influence of sunlight. The quality of silk is measured in special units of momme, which is determined by the weight of 1 m² of fabric. The ideal value is 16-22 mm. Pleasant shine is provided due to the triangular cross-section of the threads and the refraction of light.
• Chintz - cotton fabric, comfortable for the body and undemanding in care. It is characterized by high wear resistance and moisture permeability. The density is low 80-100 g / m², since the threads are thick and the weaving is rare. Differs in low cost.

• Polycotton - a blend of cotton and polyester. Cotton from 30 to 75%, the rest is synthetics. Bed linen made of this fabric is very wear-resistant, does not require ironing, and is easy to clean. For this reason, it is commonly used in hotels. However, there are also negative properties: it does not allow air to pass through well, rolls down and becomes electrified.
• Flannel - pure cotton with a very soft texture. The soft, warm and hypoallergenic material is suitable for newborn babies. Disadvantages - pellets form over time.
• Bamboo Fiber Bedding has an antiseptic effect, high hygroscopicity. The surface of the canvas is smooth and silky. The item needs a delicate wash. The disadvantage is the high price.
• Tencel - silky fabric with bacteriostatic properties, obtained from eucalyptus cellulose. Such bed linen does not deform during washing, it allows air to pass through and absorbs moisture. But it requires delicate care (with liquid products), drying (not in direct sunlight) and gentle ironing (on the wrong side).

Density table

High density fabrics are suitable for everyday use as they are more resistant to abrasion and fading. For the same reason, the material is also suitable for newborns. Frequent changes and hot washing will not ruin the garment.

Such a dense fabric is also suitable for a person who tosses and turns in bed a lot. By the way, in this case, you should think about a sheet with an elastic band.

The choice of suitable lingerie also depends on who it is intended for. For example, products with low and medium density are suitable for allergy sufferers and people with sensitive skin. But it should be remembered that thin material quickly fades, deforms and becomes covered with pellets.

And if you present high-quality and beautiful bed linen as a gift to a connoisseur of comfort, this will be the best proof of attention, respect and care.

For information on how to choose the density of fabric for bedding, see the next video.