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But what is brushed cotton? It is a woven cotton fabric that is, as the name suggests, brushed to create a soft, napped texture. Essentially, ‘brushed cotton’ is the result of a process carried out on regular cotton that takes this multifarious fabric to the next level of aesthetics and functionality.
How is brushed cotton made?
Brushing is a finishing process used to raise the surface fibres of a fabric. The fabric undergoes a mechanical brushing process in which fine, metal brushes carefully rub the fabric to produce fine fibres from the woven yarns, creating extra softness on the surface of the fabric. Cotton can be gently brushed on both sides to make it soft to the touch.
Usually, when most fabrics are finished, a flame is applied to singe away any raised fibres so its surface is completely smooth. Brushed cotton undergoes the complete opposite treatment. We do not remove the fluff on the surface of cloth, but instead, exaggerate it. We do this using specially engineered mechanical metal brushes, which teases the fibres out from the surface of the fabric. It’s a technique that goes back many centuries – originally, it was done using the dry, spikey heads of thistles. This creates a beautifully soft handle, similar to a fine wool cloth, but it’s incredibly comfortable against the skin, absent of any itchiness.
What is brushed cotton used for?
Brushing cotton creates raised fluffy fibres that trap air particles, thereby improving the insulation capacities of the fabric. Anything that reduces the contact with the skin reduces the amount of heat being conducted away from our bodies.
Owing to this, brushed cotton is widely used to bedding items such as sheets and pillowcases as well as garments.
What is the difference between brushed cotton and flannel?
The terms are sometimes used inter-changeably though there is a difference. Brushed cotton involves brushing on the face side, resulting in a fabric that is soft, retains heat but is also breathable. Flannel or Flannelette fabric is brushed on both sides, resulting in a fuzzier, warmer and thicker fabric. Not to mention, flannel was originally made from wool but now is often made of cotton or other synthetic materials.
What is brushed cotton like to sew with?
Cotton per se is remarkably easy to sew with. Experienced seamstresses would recommend using cotton for beginners. The fabric doesn’t slip, is easy to iron and easy to wash if you want to pre-shrink the fabric before starting your project. The fabric is machine washable at 30-40 degrees at cold settings, especially for coloured fabrics.
Advantages of Brushed Cotton
• Durable
• Breathable
• Soft to the touch
• Easy to care for
• Versatile
Disadvantages of Brushed Cotton
• Prone to shrinkage
• Can pill over time