Sandy airy translucent chiffon fabric with a sand texture is known to all. Superfineness and durability of fabric are provided with special interlacing of threads. The fabric itself is made from natural, synthetic or mixed material.
Chiffon fabric is widely used for sewing clothes, accessories, as well as in the interior and creativity.
Natural material or synthetics?
The homeland of the material is China. Initially, chiffon was made from natural silk threads. It was considered an elite material, which only noble and wealthy people could afford. It was worn with dignity and special chic. In the XVIII century, chiffon was in Europe. There are suggestions that he got there much earlier on the so-called silk trade route, and they began to produce it in European countries much later.
Initially, it was manual labor. With the expansion of demand, manufactories began to form, and then factory production was established. At the beginning of the 20th century, the industry underwent a technological revolution, which resulted in the production of mixed fabrics based on chiffon fabric.
Previous material was expensive, which was associated with the technology of production of natural fabrics. But with the invention of kapron, polyester and synthetic analogues, the production process was significantly simplified, which led to lower material prices and the expansion of production.Synthetic fabrics were no worse than natural ones: they were as bright, but more durable. Saving on manual labor and natural resources paid off due to massive consumer demand.
The chiffon has a triangular section of plain weave threads, which gives it additional wear resistance properties. In the fabric description, each manufacturer indicates the exact composition and fiber types of the chiffon fabric. Depending on the additives, chiffon looks different.
In part, it acquires the qualities and properties of blended yarns. But basically it is an iridescent flowing fabric that gently refracts light.
Structure
The composition of chiffon can include threads of various types of fabrics:
- silk;
- cotton;
- viscose;
- polyester;
- polyamide.
Silk is obtained from silkworm cocoons, unwinding them and twisting them into threads.
Cotton is grown on special cotton plantations. The cotton plant after maturation gives a box of fibers, which, after several stages of processing, become strong threads.
Viscose yarns are made from wood by a complex chemical process of splitting fibers with the addition of chemical solutions. It turns out a soft flowing fabric, very pleasant and comfortable to the body.
- Polyester yarns are produced chemically.
- The polyester fabric has an increased strength coefficient, ropes, cables, as well as machine tires and much more, including fabrics, are produced from it.
- Polyamide made from plastic is also used in the textile industry. Its fibers give chiffon special strength and durability.
Specifications
In modern industry, domestic and foreign manufacturers use all types of these fibers, combining them, creating the most optimal combinations that improve the characteristics of chiffon fabric.
Key Features of Chiffon:
- strength, which is achieved by the inclusion of additional fibers in the fabric;
- hygroscopicity is ensured by a cotton filler capable of absorbing moisture without holding it;
- the softness of the chiffon is ensured by viscose fibers;
- polyester and synthetic yarns give resistance to creasing and shrinkage: fabrics with their content keep their shape well, do not sit after washing and do not stretch when worn;
- beautiful appearance is the main quality of chiffon: the special glow and unique structure of the fabric will not leave anyone indifferent.
Advantages and disadvantages
Chiffon is considered a specific fabric with many advantages and features. Natural source material provides her with individuality and unique charm. There are also other positive qualities.
- Aerial texture. It is very comfortable to wear, things made of light fabric do not constrain movements.
- the cloth well dyed and holds the color. Even with frequent washing, it does not fade and does not fade in the sun.
- Chiffon good holds shape, amenable to drapery and pleating.
- Hypoallergenic and breathable properties fabrics provide comfort and quality of things sewn from this fabric. The fabric, as it were, “breathes” with the skin.
- Durability and strength - Important characteristics among the positive properties of chiffon.
- Antibacterial properties provide clothing with protection against the propagation of unwanted flora even in high humidity.
- Chiffon can be attributed to anti-stress tissues. Thanks to the soft tactile therapeutic effect, it perfectly calms and harmonizes, raising vitality and mood.
Chiffon is very demanding, has a number of characteristics and properties that put it on a par with delicate fabrics.
- Slipping and shedding of fabric during cutting and sewing. Therefore, often use structuring devices and pads, which in the process hold the fabric, preventing it from crumbling.
- Types of chiffon with viscose are subject to mechanical deformations, things will soon wear out and wipe.In this case, they need care with the help of special products made from natural ingredients (like a spray based on beeswax or paraffin).
- When used carelessly, puffs may form on clothes made of chiffon, which will be very difficult to handle. Special rinsing agents that add to the rinse water after washing will help to avoid them.
- A plain fabric can change color when exposed to direct sunlight. When caring for such things, try to use products that reflect harmful rays.
- When sewing clothes made of thin fabric, lining material and fixing overlays for seams are required.
Knowing and considering the "nature" of chiffon fabric, you can learn to respect. Then things from it will last you much longer.
Species and their properties
Modern industry offers a wide variety of types of chiffon fabrics for every taste, even the most demanding one. There are inexpensive, elite, everyday, festive and household types of fabrics.
Chiffon Crepe
It is created from strongly twisted crepe threads by a special alternation.
The fabric practically does not wrinkle and holds its shape well in textiles.
Jacquard chiffon
Printed material with visual effect of embroidery overlay.
Satin chiffon
Smooth, dense fabric, combining the advantages of two types of matter. The threads of the vertical relief form a shiny matte surface.
Chameleon
It refracts light, depending on this it acquires one or another shade on the mirror surface.
It is named so because of all this ability to merge and reflect the surrounding colors.
Shanzhan
They are made from natural additional silk threads. Playing softly with light, the material favorably emphasizes the advantages of the figure. It looks very impressive in a leopard version.
Pleated Chiffon
The fabric with honed folds periodically rises to the peak of fashion.
Especially good in retro style, as well as in vintage models.
Lurex Chiffon
Material interspersed with silver or golden threads. It looks chic, especially in evening dresses and as a decor for elements of outerwear, for example, a laid-on drape or belt.
Pearl chiffon
It is characterized by a quiet pearl flicker, absorbing light.
Nylon chiffon
Extra strong material that is easy to cut and sew. It does not sprinkle and does not shrink.
Chiffon with a dusting
This type of fabric is produced using innovative technologies. Performed in gold, silver and color versions. Used for sewing festive women's clothing and pop costumes.
Double-sided chiffon, or multi-chiffon
Another innovation that combines two working sides, which can equally be used when sewing clothing items.
Considering the features of this fabric, you can sew bilateral things.
Types of fabric can be either plain or printed, with a smooth line of color flowing one into another, with a floral print, jacquard or velvet embossing. A variety of tissues is characterized by their scope.
Areas of use
Chiffon fabric is considered female material. It is often used for tailoring outerwear. This trembling elegant material, decorated with rhinestones, bugles, sequins and lace, is liked by men. She looks royal, fluttering in the wind. And the exciting chiffon flounces, creating exquisite silhouettes, look beautiful in the elements of the dress, hiding what should hide, and emphasizing everything that needs to be emphasized.
So, based on chiffon create:
- women's dresses, sundresses, skirts, blouses;
- children's clothes;
- men's summer blouses, T-shirts and scarves;
- shawls, capes, shawls, pareos, stoles;
- accessories: handbags, beads, flowers;
- clothing items: ruffles, shuttlecocks, overlays for shoes, frills;
- canopies and curtains;
- in needlework and creativity: soft toys, doll outfits, book covers, gift wrapping, ribbons and much more.
Chiffon clothes can also be altered in accordance with fashion trends. The current option is eclecticism (mixing styles), manifested in a combination of seemingly incompatible elements: fur, chiffon, lace or brocade, leather and chameleon chiffon. In each version, fashionistas will be able to find their own style and realize the wildest fantasies.
Chiffon products are available for special occasions as well as for everyday wear. Traditionally, chiffon is also considered bridesmaid material. Many exquisite elegant wedding dresses are sewn from this noble fabric.
Chiffon is also widely used in the interior. From it sew curtains, combining with tulle and organza. Chiffon curtains have several advantages.
- They do not crease, look good, creating an atmosphere of warmth and comfort, as well as giving the atmosphere a special lightness and sophistication.
- They transmit air and light excellently, which is of no small importance for the design of shaded places in an apartment.
- Mixed fabrics are suitable for window decoration, as they do not fade and do not fade in the sun. Cotton and natural chiffon will fit well into the interior space, and will also look appropriate on the walls - in the form of skillful drapery.
Chiffon curtains will bring harmony and peace to the atmosphere of the bedroom, will be a wonderful cozy addition to the nursery and decoration of the living room, as well as brighten up your everyday stay in the kitchen.
Curtains can have a variety of types:
- as a pendant on the kitchen windows;
- multi-stage curtains consisting of several layers of fabric;
- classic version with lambrequins, peroxides and puffs;
- curtains with photo printing.
Any options can be complemented by decorations, pickups, colored holders, made in various styles and options.
When decorating festive interiors, they will bring to the surroundings notes of solemnity and magic.
Care Tips
When caring for products made of chiffon fabric, try to follow the recommendations and rules indicated on the labels.
- It is better not to wash the chiffon from silk yourself, but to give it to dry cleaning. With the help of special technology, your things will become like new and gain colors and paints. So you save the product and save yourself from unnecessary experiences.
- Large items are also best cleaned in dry cleaning.
- Synthetic material is washed at a temperature not exceeding +30 degrees in a mild soap solution or a special mild detergent composition with the lowest chemical content.
- When washing, things do not wrinkle, do not rub and stretch. It is necessary to carefully remove greasy stains, and then carefully rinse with warm water.
- Dry things from chiffon on special supports or on the shoulders with foam rubber. So they will keep their shape and last longer. Dresses and blouses are previously turned upside down with a lining fabric.
- The fabric dries very quickly, so you should not squeeze it, otherwise there will be traces of damage. It can be dried in a machine in a special bag, or it can be placed between terry towels, and then dried in the fresh air.
- It is necessary to iron the material with extreme caution: at minimum mode, without the use of a steamer and water. Delicate tissue becomes particularly sensitive when wet and can be injured by a hot object.
Meet on clothes. Your clothes are, first of all, your face. Therefore, a lot depends on its type: status, environment and social connections, public application and much more. Clean, well-groomed clothes always contribute to success. Therefore, taking into account the recommendations of specialists and the features of a particular type of fabric, it is possible to significantly extend the life of the product. Thanks to proper care, chiffon items will have a beautiful and noble appearance.
To learn how to process the edge of a chiffon, see the next video.