Hints on Choosing Textiles 1543 



Cotton fabrics shrink for the first few times that they are laundered. 

 The percentage of shrinkage varies with the type of fiber and the 

 method of manufacture of the material. A loosely woven material 

 will often shrink more than will a closely woven piece. 



The ability to take and hold dye well renders cotton fabrics durable in 

 color. 



Since dainty colors will often fade in washing, it is desirable to set the 

 color before washing colored cloth. Various formulas are given for 

 setting color in cotton fabric. It is often best to test the material in 

 two or three solutions in order to find which is best suited to the color. 

 Any one of the following solutions is recommended : 



1 cup salt in 1 gallon water 



\ cup vinegar in 1 gallon water 



1 tablespoon sugar of lead in 1 gallon water 



Best kinds of common cotton fabrics and their uses 



Batiste. — A sheer lustrous cloth in white and dainty colors. Used for 

 waists and thin dresses because of its daintiness. 



Calico. — Cotton cloth with a design printed on one side. Used for 

 inexpensive dresses, aprons, and wrappers because of its low cost, its 

 durability, and the ease with which it is laundered. 



Cambric. — Plain weave with a smooth finish on one side. Used for 

 linings and for underwear when a moderate weight is desired. Berkeley 

 cambric is a fine quality that is used for underwear. 



Canton flannel. — Heavy cloth with twilled surface on one side and soft 

 nap on the other. Used for children's underwear because of warmth 

 and durability, and for linings in order to add warmth to other 

 garments. 



Flannelette. — Soft cloth with nap on both sides of weave and with 

 figures printed on plain backgrounds. Used because of warmth, low cost, 

 and ease of laundering, for nightgowns, underwear, and children's 

 wrappers. 



Gingham. — Plain weave with warp and woof of variously colored threads 

 that form plaids and stripes. Used for dresses, aprons, and shirts. 



Galatea. — A heavy, firm weave with design printed on one side. Used 

 for children's clothes, outing suits, and the like, when a cloth of strength 

 and durability is desired. 



Long cloth. — Soft, firm fabric with a close weave. Used for children's 

 dresses, aprons, and underwear. Made in many qualities. This cloth is 

 used when softness and lightness of weight are desirable. 



