Futer: what kind of fabric is it and what kind of fabric is it?

Fleece, bike, knitwear, flannel - we roughly understand what we are talking about. And suddenly - “footer”. Feed, forage, chuck, grub? Only one translation is relevant to our topic - “lining”. And strangely enough, we are well acquainted with the content of this word, because warm, body-friendly sweatshirts, tights, home clothes “on a bike”, children's things - this is footer.

To understand the origin of the term, the composition and methods of production, the scope and types of footer is the task of this article.

A very soft, delicate, pleasant to the touch cotton fabric - that is, in fact, a footer. A comfortable fit to the body is provided by the wrong side with a pile of different lengths. While the front side is quite smooth, resembling a culinary smooth surface. The wrong fleece can be a dense flannel or more loose velor, but the material will still be warm and cozy. He warms not worse than natural woolen things, but he does not prick and wear out so quickly.

Consider where the footer fabric came from. It is known for certain that the word is German (Futter), but, most likely, it is not completely accurately translated: it is not lining fabric as such. Rather, we are asked to pay attention to the lining, wrong side. After all, it is her softness, delicacy that attracts attention.

Country of origin unknown. It can be India, Egypt, and even the Central Asian republics of the USSR.In a word - where cotton is grown. However, it is not clear why the German name has taken root. Presumably, the fabric first appeared in the 30s of the XX century. Although, perhaps, there were some analogues much earlier.

In any case, due to the fact that a description of the production technology has appeared, we use this practical fabric with pleasure. And the technology is really interesting for its special method of weaving threads: a barely noticeable scar on the front side and lining threads attached to the base from the wrong side. And they are attached with looped broaches.

The lining fabric is created, of course, from the cultivation of cotton. Heat-loving cotton can ripen only where there is a lot of sun. And at the time of maturation, the cotton boll with soft fibers opens. Cotton fibers are harvested. They undergo a lengthy treatment for cleaning, sorting depending on the length, pressing, combing and finally yarn.

The peculiarity of the fabric is due to the fact that two types of thread are used on the machines:

• ordinary, the so-called soil, from which weave a strong base for the front side;
• loose, soft, slightly twisted (lining), designed to create fleece on the inside.

The canvas is not woven according to the principle of horizontal arrangement of threads (warp weft), but knit. That is why it is fairer to call it not fabric, but namely the canvas. According to the technology, a slightly twisted thread from the wrong side is knitted into cross-knit or warp knitted soil. The lining yarns obtained by knitting are left in the form of loops or created from them of different lengths. Knitted with looped broaches, the threads are securely attached to each other, but stretch well, like any knitted thing.

The assumption that the footer is one hundred percent cotton is rather a mistake. Cotton fibers are the main component of the material. But for elasticity and increased strength, for heat, other fibers are added to the composition.

The thing becomes warmer, but a natural woolen thread can be prickly, and therefore unpleasant to the body. In addition, both a clean footer and wool give a strong shrink. Such a mixed fabric is most often used precisely as a lining or as a front fabric when sewing coats, raincoats and jackets.

Gives cotton fibers increased strength. The canvas, pleasant to the touch, has a beautiful appearance with shine, an affordable price. But also has a high percentage of shrinkage.

Synthetic fabric, and, therefore, more wear-resistant. Mixing cotton and polyester will make things more practical and durable. But it is important to understand that if the percentage of polyester in the product is more than 20%, then this is no longer a footer. Such things will not let air through. Wearing them will be uncomfortable.

Perhaps the most successful supplement for sports, children's and household items. Lycra content should also not exceed 20%. This amount is enough for elasticity and durability of clothes. The material becomes elastic, fits the body beautifully, but does not constrain movement. Even with prolonged wear, things retain their original appearance. Pellets do not form on them; they do not require ironing. The optimal content is elastane not more than 5%. In this case, the natural properties of cotton are preserved, and the risk of allergic reactions to synthetic fibers is reduced.

The density of the footer is 170-350 g / m2. It depends on the percentage of added fiber.

Before making conclusions about the advantages and disadvantages of the footer, Let’s turn to customers who have left their product reviews on various sites and forums.

• Many write that they bought things from the footer to wear at home, since it is cold in the house in winter. And did not regret it - the material perfectly retains heat.
• Young mothers praise clothes for babies: even with the constant friction of the sliders on the floor, scuffs are invisible on them. The knees on the panties did not turn into bubbles, as the thing keeps its shape perfectly. After numerous washings, the sliders and blouses are still soft and retain their appearance. Even if the child sweats, then allergic reactions do not appear on the skin, because the footer absorbs all the moisture.

• Professionals and amateur athletes say that in such tracksuits it is convenient to run and practice outdoors in cool weather: the body breathes, the footer with lycra perfectly fits the body. The feeling of comfort is very nice. Even when used for more than a year, the thing has not lost its original shade.
• Anyone who works on the street or in cold rooms is pleased with the convenience of clothing: she does not constrain movement.
• In the world of synthetics, it is very difficult for allergy sufferers who have problems with these materials to live. Therefore, the footer is a small salvation from the problem. One hundred percent cotton protects against attacks. The main thing is to carefully study the composition of the material before buying, so as not to buy a mixed item.

• Professional tailors and amateurs warn that footwear sits very tightly, so it is advised to wash and iron the fabric before cutting, so that it immediately shrinks. At the same time, they write that it is not difficult to work with fabric when sewing.
• Most buyers note that in order to avoid the problem of shrinkage, when buying ready-made things you need to buy them one to two sizes larger.
• Everyone says that things from the footer are inexpensive, and therefore almost everything can allow them.
• The reason for cheapness is not only in the material, but also in the manufacturer: a large segment of things is produced in the country where we live. And their quality is on top.
• Some buyers have a problem with unscrupulous manufacturers (or sellers) when buying things online. At the first wash in delicate mode at 30 degrees, things shed much. And since they were washed with other clothes, everything was in the gun from the footer.

Well, now to summarize.

• From the reviews it becomes obvious that since the footer is a natural (or almost natural) material, when washing it gives a strong shrinkage. This is a minus.
• The second minus is not very good resistance to staining. The result is a loss of paint after washing.
• The third is a violation of the declared qualities due to an excess of the percentage of mixed fibers.
• Fourth - requires careful handling during washing (which will be discussed below).

What about the virtues of such things - they are inherent in most natural materials.

• When buying, we focus on tactile sensations. And here they are pleasant: soft fabric that can retain heat. The reverse side with a short or long fluff contributes to this.
• Strength due to weaving technique. The buyer himself can choose a material of different strength levels.
• The ability to maintain shape, return to its original state after stretching. The material is resistant to deformation.
• The essence of lining weaving and the structure of the fibers allows air to flow freely to the skin, while maintaining good breathability. The stuffiness in such clothes is not terrible.
• Good moisture absorption. With active sweating or infant problems, the liquid will not remain on the body, but will be absorbed into the clothes. It remains only to quickly change things.

• About such material they say "there is no demolition." It is difficult to tear, spools and puffs do not form on it.
• With a 95-100% composition of cotton, things do not cause allergies (if it is not on cotton fibers). There is no unpleasant odor, and toxic substances are not released.
• Initially, cotton fibers are processed in environmental conditions: they are not soaked in bleaches, they are not split in chemicals.This allows us to talk about the environmental friendliness of the material, naturalness and safety.
• Minor features of washing overlap ease of ironing and storage. There are no difficulties in leaving.
• Even home craftswomen will not be difficult to sew and process things from the footer. Using a knitting needle, double stitch or zigzag, you can sew cozy household items or outerwear.
• Canvas or quality things can not be called cheap, but still the price is quite affordable for good warm clothes.

The manufacturing technology of the looped material determines the release of the web of three types.

• One-thread weave from the best cotton. The canvas is thin. One of the best materials for clothes of just born babies, as well as for comfortable underwear.
• In the double-thread footer, 2 broaching threads are woven from the back. Viscose thread or synthetic fibers are often added to this type. The average density of fabric is popular when sewing home and children’s clothing, warm underwear, sweatshirts, tracksuits, trousers. From the inside, the material resembles terry, and it has the second name frenchterry (terry knitwear). Things are warm, but they look too voluminous, bulky. When lycra is added, the material becomes elastic.

• Three-strand fabric has a long pile, and the material itself becomes thick and very warm. In addition to the mentioned elastane, polyester, viscose, more expensive Italian or cheaper Turkish knitwear “Future with Lurex 3-thread” is popular with buyers.

But the technology itself depends on the quality of the feedstock.

• The best cotton singing varieties (PE) has a fiber length of about 35-70 mm. Peña is distinguished by its smoothness and the absence of a “gun." High quality single-strand canvas, high price, fluffy, stable pile from the wrong side - this is what gives the use of singing in the manufacture of footers. Such material is much less creased, does not cough up (does not frizz), and is silky. A variety of this variety is compact singing - the highest quality cotton, which does not shrink, does not form spools (is not subject to peeling), and is wear-resistant.

• Ring or card - cotton with a rating of 4 on a five-point scale. The length of the fibers is 27-35 mm, with a small “fluff”. It gives the canvas a slight roughness.
• Openend, open end, O / E - The lowest quality cotton used to make the footer. The length of the fibers is 20-27 mm (cotton wool is made of shorter fibers). Short fibers are the cause of fluffy canvas. To get rid of it, it is treated with special proteins - catalysts (enzymes). The use of short fibers also resulted in villi on the front side and fleece, which quickly rolls off from the inside. But low quality - low price.

Knitted fabric differs in appearance.

• The classic will be executed in a vertical hem (like a cooler).
• The diagonal hem obtained as a result of using another method of weaving will resemble denim (jeans).
• As a rule, the footer is solid, but of different colors. There is a variety, but gray melange is often used for sportswear, and ecru is used for fine knitwear.
• To diversify the colors of products, use digital digital printing “Digital” for drawing.

To understand the differences between the footer and other cotton and synthetic fabrics that are similar in appearance, we give them a brief description.

Fabric with a soft pile of pure wool. But looped velor knitwear can be synthetic, cotton, silk or wool, or from several types of fibers. Therefore, the composition of the canvas will be of fundamental importance. Pile can be located perpendicular to the basis or invited according to the drawing, embossed and so on.

Knitted double-sided fabric, but smooth on both sides. A special weave creates a structure in the form of gum, which makes the fabric stronger and allows you to quickly restore shape after deformation. 100% cotton (or with a small amount of other fibers), pleasant to the touch, it is warm and comfortable in it. Its properties are similar to footer. The difference is that it does not shrink after washing and is not so elastic.

They are created by knitting “front - back” 2x2 (according to the principle of English gum). Kashkors as an elastic band is used in clothes (cuffs, necks, belts), knitted noodles are widely popular as a material for dresses, turtlenecks, sweaters, skirts, cardigans. 95% cotton and 5% spandex. The main property is its excellent extensibility, which makes it possible to fit the body and often protect it from the cold.

Smooth cotton jersey with added elastane (lycra) for tightness and shaping. The smooth surface is acquired through stocking: thin dense pigtails on the front side and “brickwork” on the wrong side. You can stretch the braids in width, almost none in length. The canvas is light, breathable, almost does not crease. T-shirts, T-shirts, nightgowns, light pajamas, children's clothes - this is what I sew from this popular fabric. It happens one-color one-colored, with a pattern or print, knitted from multi-colored threads (melange). It does not shrink, hardly wrinkles.

Silky high-quality knitwear. The fabric is breathable, well stretching. That is why underwear and light summer clothes are sewn from it.

Cotton or synthetic fabric of complex weaving, similar to honeycombs. A vivid example is waffle towels. One-colored shirts for polo, golf, tennis are sewn from the peak. And also let out a pile with a pile. In addition to honeycombs, you can find rhombuses, squares, a scar, but almost no stripes. The material is durable, almost does not crease, is well erased.

Highly elastic knitwear similar to cashmere but thinner. Both sides can be called facial. Thanks to the addition of lycra, it stretches well across the canvas. Cuffs, necks, turtlenecks, pajamas and similar clothes, hats and underwear - this segment was taken by the ribbed from cashmere. The fabric cannot be twisted and dried in the sun.

Unstructured felted polyester made by special technology. Very nice, soft synthetic knitwear. It is breathable, hypoallergenic, dries quickly, is elastic, does not shrink, holds its shape well, is durable, wear-resistant. For adults, they use almost any kind of clothing, hats and scarves for sewing, as well as pads. For children, it is not recommended to use as underwear.

Nowhere is there a mention that the footer is used, for example, for sewing cases or in medicine. This is understandable. One of the main properties - the footer gives heat to its owner. That is why it is valued in light industry.

• For newborns, diapers are sewn from a thin fabric. For infants and older children - romper suit, mittens, blouses, overalls, vests, trousers, pajamas, dresses and many other warm and comfortable things.
• Home clothing from singing, ring and card suits both men and women, and children.
• Sportswear with fleece for a cold street or thin for the gym is appreciated for its strength and comfort, as well as for the ability to breathe and absorb moisture.
• Dresses and suits for pregnant women - it is warm, elastic and safe.
• Casual wear is easy care and comfort.

If you want a gentle footer to retain its properties for a long time, try to properly care for your favorite things: follow the recommendations on the product label. If he was not, follow the general rules.

• Knitted items are washed manually or in a washing machine in a gentle mode.
• For a thin footer, a water temperature of 30 degrees is recommended, for an average - 40, for a thick one - 50.
• Before washing, fasten all buttons and buttons. The purpose of the manipulation is not to damage the hinged fabric and delicate fleece. If it is not possible to hide the pile (for example, when washing diapers), then it is advisable to wash such things separately or put them in a special net or pillowcase.
• To wash children's things, you need to use soft powders or gel.

• Colored items are washed with special powder and liquid detergents.
• Such a fabric cannot be boiled.
• You can wring things in a typewriter.
• For drying, use natural conditions without access to sunlight.
• If the thing is ironed on the front side, then they do it in the "cotton" mode, if on the wrong side - in the "silk" mode.

Do not buy a cheap footer. If you want to learn from the mistakes of others, and not your own, get acquainted with the conclusions of specialists.

• A cheap footer consisting of 90-100% cotton is nonsense. Pay attention to density immediately. For a sweatshirt and similar things, the normal density is 310-350 g / m2.
• Knitwear can be cheap because of the large amount of synthetics. Anything below 90% should already be alerted. Although most often it is on the labels: 80% cotton and 20% something else.
• Only rough open end can be cheap. If this work clothes are convenient for you, then you decide whether to buy such a thing. But its quality and service life is poor.
• If you use cheap dye, then the thing will be cheaper. The result is instant molting after washing and loss of appearance.
• The use of glued cotton wool instead of natural fleece is the fifth reason for the cheapening of goods. Soon, such a "pile" will begin to stick to the body and things, and after washing, in general, disappear.

A footer is really a very good knitwear. Do not be disappointed in it, buying a low-quality thing.

Details about this kind of fabric, see the video below.