Straight Talkin' on Calico Fabric
Comprehensive Insight into the Use and Characteristics of Calico Material
If you ain't in the know about calico fabric, then welcome aboard, friend. This humble yet mighty fabric is often overlooked, but it's high time we give it the dapper detail it deserves! So buckle up as we dive into the world of calico, sounding off the basics, origins, uses, and why this fabric is a seamstress' secret weapon!
What's the Skinny on Calico Fabric?
Calico is essentially a 100% cotton fabric that's left unbleached and undyed, often referred to as "loomstate" or "half-processed cotton." This means it's fresh off the loom, leaving it with a cream/grey undertone and a distinguishing natural hue. It's got a happy medium feel between soft and coarse, neither as sturdy as denim nor as fragile as muslin, makin' it rather unique. One might confuse calico with canvas or panama, but it's got its own cool characteristics.
Calico's Kickass History
The name "calico" stems from Calicut, an Indian city where itwas first found by Europeans. Calico has been a popular fabric for at least eight centuries, with roots traced back to Southwestern India where traditional weavers crafted it for centuries before Europe got wind of it.
You'd be surprised—and maybe a tad intrigued—to learn that calico became a political hot potato during the 18th century when cheaper calico prints imported by the East India Company started gainin' traction. Such a threat to the English wool industry led to the Woolen Manufacturers Act of 1720, fining anyone wearin' printed or stained calico muslins. But the folks' demand for calico didn't waver. The shift favored "grey cloth" or plain calico, neither dyed nor printed. By the 19th century, British textile printing companies had embraced calico printing, accounting for almost half of Britain's printing capacity by the turn of the 20th century.
Calico: A Jack of All Trades
While calico used to be reserved for tablescapes and napkins, sewers soon discovered the supremely versatile uses of calico. You might not have noticed before, but calico is everywhere! Supermarkets use calico for reusable shopping bags, and your sewing projects are bound to benefit from its many applications. Calico is used in everything from aprons, curtain linings, and bags, to upholstery, quilting, crafting, and even garment-making!
Calico is also the perfect "mock-up" fabric for dressmakers, as it helps designers see how a final garment would look and fit before investing in costlier fabric.
Washin' Away Your Worries (Laundry Style!)
When cleanin' your calico fabric, it's best to stick to cool or warm washes of 30 degrees or less to minimize shrinkage. Usual shrinkage amounts include 10% on the first wash and up to 3% in subsequent washes; pre-washing before sewing is also recommended. Washing also softens up calico, makin' it perfect for a variety of projects.
The Perks of Using Calico Fabric
Calico is a most welcome addition to your sewing toolkit thanks to its many outstanding features:
- Budget-Friendly: Calico's affordable price tag makes it a budget-conscious choice for any project, with prices startin' as low as £2 per half meter at Fabrics Galore.
- Dye-Friendly: Calico's natural state enables it to absorb dye beautifully, makin' it simple to transform plain calico into a colorful or patterned masterpiece.
- Strong and Durable: Calico's cotton composition gives it the muscle to withstand general wear and tear, which makes it perfect for items used daily.
Shoppin' for Calico Fabric
In search of quality calico fabric for your projects? Look no further than the Fabrics Galore online store, where you can find a great selection of basic and premium cotton calico, perfect for bringin' your vision to life! Happy sewing!
When Calico Was Hot Stuff (A Fashion History Lesson)
Calico fabric has a rich history, dating back to the 12th century in India where it was first discovered. Over the centuries, calico has become a staple in traditional Indian clothing, and in international trade. Its bright, intricate designs and affordable pricing made it popular in both eastern and western fashion. During the 18th century, British textile printing companies began to capitalize on the production and use of calico fabric, accounting for almost half of Britain's printing capacity by the turn of the 20th century.
Intrigued by calico fabric's versatility, one can find it used in various lifestyle categories. Reusable shopping bags at supermarkets or charming aprons in the fashion-and-beauty sector, calico is a ubiquitous fabric that gracefully adorns any home-and-garden item, from curtain linings to upholstery. Additionally, designers appreciate calico as a mock-up fabric for its ability to help visualize and perfect the fit of garment-making prototypes.
