Reabrrc/Fibre |
Durability |
Drape |
Uses |
Care |
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Cotton |
Strong but hardwearing.
Weakend by strong
sunlight. Different
weights are available
from light muslin
to thick canvas. |
Good, but creases
easily unless mixed
with a synthetic
fibre. |
All areas of
soft furnishings
from fine muslin
for sheers and lamshades
to heavy deck chair
canvas. |
Always washable,
but check if pre-shrunk
from manufacturer's
instructions Can
be machine or hand
washed at hot (60°C)
(2) without special
finish or hand hot
(50°C) (4) with
special finishes.
Also dry cleanable. |
Linen |
Very strong and
hardwearing, but
stronger when wet.
Weakened by sunlight. |
Fair, but creases
very readily in
100% form. Can be
blended with other
fibres. |
Curtains, looses
covers and household
linens. |
As above. Try
to minimize creasing
to aid iorning always
iron damp. Refit
loose covers when
damp so they stretch
to fit. |
Woot |
Fairly strong,
but weaker when
wet. |
Very good, sheds
creases easily.
When mixed with
other fibres the
fabric is less expensive. |
Mainly upholstery. |
Check manufacturer's
instructions. Washable
in machine or by
hand at warm 40°
(7). Take care not
to stretch when
wet. Iron on wrong
side with steam
iron. |
Silk |
Fairly stong.
Weakened by strong
sunlight, strength
reduced by weighting. |
Very good, sheds
creases easily. |
Curtains, cushions
lamshades. Ideal
for luxurious accessories. |
Cehck with manufacturer's
instructions. Dry
cleaning is ghenerally
recommended, but
can be washed cool
at 30°C (8)
with care. Steam
iron on cool. |
Visease |
Fairly strong,
but weaker when
wet. Weakened by
sunlight. |
Good, Blends
well with cotton
and wool; inexpensive
fabric. |
Used in all
areas of soft furnishing;
usually in a blended
form. |
Hand or machine
wash at warm 40°
C (7). Take care
not to stretch when
wet. Iron with a
warm iron. |
Polyester |
Very
strong. Good resistance
to sunlight. |
Good in its lighter
forms. Blends well
with cotton, wool
and silk; inexpensive
fabric. |
Used in most
areas of soft furnishings
and in household
textiles; ofent
blended with cotton
or linen. |
Refer to manufacturer's
instructions for
care, especially
with the blended
forms incorporating
wool. For pure polyester,
wash hand-hot at
50° C (4). Steam
iron on warm. |
Acelate |
Fairly weak and
weaker when wet.
Weakened by sunlight. |
Fair. Improved
when mixed with
other materials.
Inexpensive fabric. |
Limited use as
not very durable.
Good for curtains
and upholstery fabrics. |
Requires careful
attention and handling.
Wash cool at 30°
(8). |
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