Cotton is one of the most popular fabrics in the world. It is used, among other things, for cotton clothing, cotton sheets or, for example, a cotton tablecloth . Despite its popularity, many people do not know where it comes from and how it is made. In this blog we tell you everything about this well-known substance and answer the most frequently asked questions.
Origin
What is cotton?
Cotton is a single-celled, soft fiber that grows from the seeds of the cotton plant. This is then spun into threads to create a cloth.
Where does cotton come from?
Cotton plants mainly grow in warmer climates. The fruit of this plant can only ripen when the plant has had approximately 200 frost-free days. Cotton plants need a lot of warmth, light and water to grow well. Most of our cotton is extracted in China, followed by the United States and India.
Where the cotton is produced has a direct effect on how the cotton is produced. In the United States, cotton is largely machine processed. The process has been optimized through genetic manipulation of the cotton and innovation in growing conditions. In other parts of the world, cultivation is less developed, which often necessitates the use of pesticides.
How is cotton made?
As soon as the fruit of the cotton plant is ripe, it bursts open, revealing a dot of cotton, or the pappus. A picking machine picks the cotton, after which it is pressed into a large ball. Lint and short hairs are removed mechanically, leaving only usable cotton. The bales are then taken apart in a spinning mill, and yarn is stretched from the cotton fibers, which are approximately 2 to 5 cm long. After this, the cotton is possibly dyed and woven.
There are different weaving techniques. The 100% cotton fabrics from Kleurmeester are woven in a way where there is no difference between the front and back of the cloth. This weaving technique is also called plain weave, and makes the cotton extra strong.
Characteristics
Cotton is an extremely strong fabric that will last a long time if you take good care of it. Cotton does not wear out quickly and is easy to wash. It is easy to paint and is skin-friendly. It is also highly resistant to chemical or mechanical influences and processing. So many positive qualities. In contrast, the vegetable fibers are not very elastic.
Is cotton waterproof?
Cotton is a fabric that breathes well, but can also be waterproof. This is only the case when it is tightly woven. At Kleurmeester you can buy waterproof cotton as canvas fabric. This is woven cotton that has had a waterproof finish.
Is cotton sustainable?
Our cotton does not have an organic quality mark, but the natural weasels are dyed with environmentally friendly dyes and used untreated from the weaving machines without further finishing. As a result, there will be a natural shrinkage of approximately 8% in length during the first wash.
Can you wash cotton?
Cotton is a natural fiber that lasts a long time, so you can enjoy it for a long time, provided you wash it correctly . It is best to keep dyed cotton separate for the first wash, as the cotton may still release dye. Also make sure that you wash at a maximum of 30 degrees during this wash to prevent shrinkage. To ensure the durability of cotton for as long as possible, it is recommended to wash cotton at the lowest possible temperature.
Our cotton fabrics are made from the softest cotton, and each color is unique to the fabric. Kleurmeester has various types of dyed cotton in its range, for example a cotton tablecloth or cotton table runner. Would you rather work with cotton fabrics yourself? Kleurmeester also has that in its range. With our extra wide cotton fabric you can let your creativity run wild.
If you have any questions or would like to know more about our products, please contact us!