Tweed: what is this fabric and what are its properties?

Tweed items are very popular among both men and women. This is a unique material that combines English conservatism and relative informality.

The material is quite elastic, very pleasant and soft to the touch, and also has medium weight. A small pile with a classic diagonal weave is noticeable on the fabric. There are several types of this fabric. It can be made of multi-colored fibers or be woven from twisted threads of two or more colors. This is a very famous material, whose history goes back to the history of Scotland. This is the most conservative and high-quality wool product.

Two stories of the origin of the name of the fabric have survived. Some historians claim that the material found its final name from the river. According to the second version, the history of the material began in the 19th century. According to the memoirs of the monarch reigning at that time, the fabric completely accidentally got its name. The bottom line is that one famous merchant received a letter from a friend from Scotland. The letter described the qualitative characteristics of the new material. However, a spelling mistake was made in the text. Instead of a word meaning twill weaving technology, the merchant read the name “tweed”.

As soon as the material appeared on the market, it instantly won the love of customers. Practical Englishmen praised all the positive qualities of this fabric. At first, only men made things from tweed. The homeland of the material is the island of Harris (Scotland). Tweed in its original form was made from the wool of sheep, which was wound into coarse threads.Traditionally, the threads were dyed in marshy shades, and then weaved the famous pattern called "crow's feet".

To make the fabric found its softness, it was soaked in a soap solution, and then strongly beat off. Clothing made from such a harris tweed did not allow moisture and cold. The Harris Tweed Certification Act was signed at the beginning of the 20th century. Soon, a special organization was created, which was engaged in protecting the fabric market from fake tweed. This company exists at present.

In the first half of the 20th century, the new owner of the island where tweed was produced decided to significantly improve the quality of the material. He believed in the success of the fabric and made a huge amount of effort to popularize the material on the continent. The material gained huge demand and popularity in the middle of the 20th century. Classic tweed jackets with patchwork in the elbow were in fashion. However, in the 80s. XX century, the fashion for warm material from Scotland plummeted. In the process of turbulent industrial revolution, the restraint and severity of tweed became inappropriate for many.

The revival of the material can be attributed to the beginning of the XXI century. In 2007, a company of young entrepreneurs bought a material manufacturing plant. Entrepreneurs wanted to give a new look and pour fresh breath into the conservatism of the old fabric. The main task of businessmen was to give a new gloss and freshness to the material. Following them, small entrepreneurs began to unite and organized a cooperative, inviting creative designers to work. This has increased the prestige of tweed and made it more popular among a young audience. Due to the growing demand for material, it was soon possible to build a small factory, which currently exports material to 40 countries.

The classic look of the material is 100% sheep wool. Today, manufacturers are introducing new technologies and changing the composition of the fabric. To increase the life of the product, natural and artificial threads in various quantities are added to the material.

The main properties of tweed fabric:

• elasticity;
• high wear resistance;
• the material does not crease in the process of wearing;
• has a long service life;
• has a large thermal conductivity;
• has high hygroscopic characteristics.

Like any material, tweed has its positive and negative sides. The main advantages of tweed:

• the material does not lose color saturation with prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation (this is possible due to the dyeing of fibers with natural dyes);
• the fabric is very comfortable and practical to use;
• tweed makes excellent outerwear;
• clothes made of this fabric can retain their presentable appearance for more than 10 years.

In addition to the undeniable advantages, tweed has a number of significant drawbacks.

• Quality material has a very high price.
• The material is finicky in care. Natural tweed may be subject to moth attack.
• The fabric has a narrow circle of admirers. It is chosen by people who love restraint and elegance. Material is more often chosen by age buyers.

Tweed is a unique material from which you can sew a large number of various things. In light industry, there are a huge number of different types of tweed.

• Material called "Shepherd's cage" very popular throughout Europe. Such a material in a cage has a very rough structure, so it is ideal for making men's clothing.
• Tweed Donegal named after the county of the same name in Ireland. It is a thin gray matter. The fabric is ideal for sewing men's vests, trousers and jackets. Costumes from this type of tweed look very elegant with light shirts. Silk threads can be added to the fabric.

• Called tweed Harris Tweed It is named after the island on which it is produced. Material is made only from local raw materials. Tweed has excellent characteristics, perfectly rescues in inclement weather. It makes ideal jackets and jackets. This type of tweed goes well with jeans and velvet materials. Since the beginning of the 20th century, this material has been equipped with a special certificate of conformity - all things made from such a tweed have a license of authenticity. Quality control is handled by a specially organized association that has existed for over 100 years.
• Tweed "Christmas tree" produced in Scotland. It has a specific pattern that resembles a coniferous tree species. This is a great pattern for sewing office jackets. Drawing material supports the rigor and elegance of office clothing.
• Material called Houndstooth produced in England. Its distinctive feature is the pattern - the stripes on the canvas form a cage. This type of tweed is distinguished by a variety of drawings and colors, but is not very popular with the general public. Coats and various jackets are made from this material.

• View of tweed Cheviot It is named after the breed of sheep from which wool is made. The fabric has specific features: it is rather coarse, prickly, has a high density and has a beautiful sheen. It is a very durable and reliable material. This is ideal for village life. The material can keep its shape and drapes beautifully, stylish images are obtained from it.
• Material called Koverkot Ideal for the countryside. It is produced in noble brown and green colors. From such a tweed it is customary to sew outerwear and jackets for riding horses.
• Kind of tweed called Bedford Cord refers to the type of fabrics that have a very long life. This type of material is characterized by increased weight and strength. It is an ideal material for making clothes for hunters.

Modern tweed manufacturers use a large number of modern technologies. Keeping tradition, manufacturers are introducing new technologies. The practice of using all kinds of weaving patterns, the use of high-tech dyes and special processing methods that allow you to create a unique modification of fabrics. From such material feminine and elegant suits and coats are sewed into a cage, as well as rather brutal suits for the male half of humanity.

Most often, the material is used for sewing business and classic clothes. A large number of various comfortable and warm clothes are sewn from fabric. Tweed items are of high quality and high wear resistance. The main types of clothing made from tweed:

• a wide range of clothes is made from this type of fabric for the beautiful half of humanity: it can be classic skirts, elegant jackets and dresses, business suits and even cardigans;
• for strong men, manufacturers sew suits and jackets;
• coats and capes made of tweed fabric are very popular;

• breeches and elegant shorts made of this material are on the market;
• hats in the form of berets and caps are very popular;
• some manufacturers make tweed sports shoes;
• various bags and clutches are sewn from this fabric;
• riding suits made of tweed are in great demand.

Natural fabric care should be the most thorough. Consider the basic rules for caring for tweed products.

• You can erase things from tweed in manual or machine mode. However, the water temperature should not be higher than 30 degrees. Due to the use of water at higher temperatures, the material may shrink - the item will become 1 or 2 sizes smaller. When using the washing machine, the delicate wash mode should be used.
• Drying tweed items is recommended when unfolded and on a horizontal surface. If you dry your clothes in an upright position, it can stretch out a lot.
• Clothes from this fabric should be ironed from the wrong side. In the process of ironing, wet gauze should be used.

In the next video you will find useful tips for washing clothes from wool.