Chintz is one of the most versatile materials. From it they sew clothes for children and adults, home textiles, and use it as a lining. But even such a seemingly simple fabric can be very different in quality, so it is important to know what to look for when buying chintz.
Instructions
Step 1
Bring the fabric to the window and look through it at the light, carefully examine the warp and weft threads. In the manufacture of high-quality chintz, only cotton of the same twist is used. The weave in this material is the simplest - perpendicular. In this case, the thickness of the transverse and longitudinal threads must be the same, otherwise the chintz will give an uneven shrinkage during washing. In addition, it is important that the fiber is even, free from thickenings and foreign impurities.
Step 2
Pay attention to the density of the weave. If the structure of the material is loose, it will not last long. After washing, it can shrink significantly, and due to its thinness it will quickly wipe off, therefore it is not suitable for either sewing an independent product or for lining. A too tight weave is more practical from this point of view, but such a material is more difficult to iron. However, it is worth noting that chintz, unlike flax, can be easily processed with hot steam and a simple iron.
Step 3
Try to check if the fabric contains ingredients other than cotton. Unscrupulous manufacturers can add cheaper synthetic fibers to traditional raw materials. To understand if there are any, you can rub the fabric against your loose hair. If static electricity is felt after this, it means that synthetics have been added to the cotton.
Step 4
Check how high-quality paint was used in the manufacture of calico. Of course, the store is unlikely to be allowed to wet the material, so you will have to use a damp cloth. Gently rub the surface of the material with it and see if any traces of paint remain on it. If there are stains on the napkin, it means that at the first wash, even with a gentle temperature regime, the fabric will lose color. Remember that shades of red and blue are most susceptible to fading.
Step 5
Examine the quality of the pattern or motif on the fabric. A printed design is created on chintz by printing shapes painted in different colors, so there will be joints and borders on the canvas. In addition, this or that stencil may shift in the process of work, and the drawing will float. Modern production is almost completely computerized, and high-quality fabric dyeing machines minimize such movements, in this way a conscientious manufacturer always monitors such defects and withdraws unsuccessful fabric batches.
