Cotton fabrics by the metre

Hardly any other natural fibre forms the basis for so many different types of fabric as cotton. From clothing to decorative fabrics and upholstery, an incredible range of textiles can be made from this miracle plant. We are happy to tell you a little more about the extraction, properties and care tips for cotton fabrics.

Production of cotton fibres

The natural fibres for cotton fabrics are extracted from the cotton plant, a shrub that grows from 25 cm to over 2 m high.

As soon as the flowers growing on the plant have blossomed, so-called ovaries (fruit capsules) are formed. When this capsule finally bursts open, the typical picture of a fluffy white ball appears. These are up to 30 seeds, each with 2000 to 7000 seed hairs. These seed hairs are the cotton fibres, which can be between 15 mm and 50 mm long.

The white fibre tufts are harvested either by hand or by machine. After drying the harvested fibre tufts, the seed hairs are separated from the seeds in ginning machines. The fibres are further processed into staple fibre yarns using the three-cylinder spinning process or the rotor spinning process.

In addition to pure cotton fabrics, the fibres are often blended with polyester, elastane, polyamide, viscose or modal to further improve or supplement various clothing physiological properties. This results in many different cotton fabrics, such as denim, corduroy, velvet, molleton, nicki, jersey or even sweat.

Important properties

Due to the cavities and the pores of the fibres, air is trapped in the cotton fibre, which insulates and helps us regulate our body's climate. Breathable cotton fabrics are moderately warm.

In terms of moisture, cotton has good properties. Up to 20% of the fibres' own weight can be absorbed in vapour-like liquid before the textile feels damp. Liquid in drop form is absorbed quickly and the fabric also only starts to drip when more than 60% of its own weight in water has been absorbed. There is hardly any electrostatic charging because the fibres constantly hold some moisture.

Due to their fineness and softness, cotton fabrics are very skin-friendly and comfortable to wear.

Pure cotton fabrics have very little elasticity and therefore tend to crease. However, they can withstand higher abrasion as they have good abrasion resistance and durability.

Inspiration for your next cotton sewing project:

Garments such as trousers, jeans, skirts, dungarees, dresses, blouses, shirts, blazers, jackets, T-shirts or jumpers.
Casual and work wear
Accessories such as scarves or caps
Bed linen, pillowcases
Table linen (tablecloths, place mats or napkins)
Curtains and drapes
Decorations of all kinds
Upholstery fabrics

Care instructions

Pure cotton fabrics without finishes are generally boil-proof in the first instance. However, as such high temperatures are rarely necessary for cleaning, we recommend a normal 30° degree wash for light soiling. You can iron the fabric hot (iron 3 points) and it can also be dried in a tumble dryer.

The fabric can be bleached with chlorine if necessary. Dry cleaning is possible with the usual solvents (perchloroethylene, fluorocarbon).

In individual cases, however, it is always important to observe the care labels of the respective garments or fabrics, as finishing, fibre blends and different processing methods can result in very different care requirements.