What Is Flannel Fabric?
01 Jan 2024
If you're looking for a fabric that will keep you warm on cold winter days, one of the many options is flannel. Thanks to this fabric, the fabric keeps you warm. It's a versatile fabric that can be used for everything from t-shirts to winter sheets. No wonder that the name of this fabric, first of all, we associate it with something tender, warm, and soft, because flannel comes from the childhood of each...
Products made of flannel, worn by men, women, and children, but what this fabric is and what are its main properties and characteristics, not everyone knows. For example, in the army, a long period of wear in winter was replaced by sweatbands made of this matter. Children's diapers were also sewn from flannel since the composition of the fabric is suitable for this - soft, durable, and warm.
Among the impressive number of fabrics on the market, a rather prominent place is occupied by flannel, successfully used for several centuries. This is explained not only by the positive properties of this material but also by the multitude of its varieties offered by manufacturers. This combination naturally attracts the attention of potential buyers, which regularly finds its practical confirmation.
In this article we will learn what flannel is, its main characteristics, and its types. We will familiarize ourselves with the uses of them and tips on how to care for them. We will also learn to distinguish the fabrics and to understand which fabric is suitable for you.
Products made of flannel, worn by men, women, and children, but what this fabric is and what are its main properties and characteristics, not everyone knows. For example, in the army, a long period of wear in winter was replaced by sweatbands made of this matter. Children's diapers were also sewn from flannel since the composition of the fabric is suitable for this - soft, durable, and warm.
Among the impressive number of fabrics on the market, a rather prominent place is occupied by flannel, successfully used for several centuries. This is explained not only by the positive properties of this material but also by the multitude of its varieties offered by manufacturers. This combination naturally attracts the attention of potential buyers, which regularly finds its practical confirmation.
In this article we will learn what flannel is, its main characteristics, and its types. We will familiarize ourselves with the uses of them and tips on how to care for them. We will also learn to distinguish the fabrics and to understand which fabric is suitable for you.
A Brief History of Flannel Fabric
Flannel is a cotton, woolen, or semi-woolen fabric of plain or twill weave, with fluffy double-sided or single-sided uniform sparse fleece. Heat-saving, soft, pleasant to the touch material. Surface density 170 - 257 g/sq. m. In translation from French "flanelle" means wool - and this is not the only translation variant, from Old French "flaine" means "blanket".
In the matter of appearance, it is similar to jersey - its history began in the Channel Islands several centuries ago. England, or rather Wales - one of the most conservative regions of the British Empire XVII-XVIII centuries - is considered the birthplace of soft but dense and durable material - flannel. It was here that the local Welsh people first wove a heavy cloth from combed sheep's wool, which over the centuries was transformed into the modern flannel fabric.
Initially, it was not a cheap material. In addition, it was attributed to some therapeutic properties, which further increased the cost of the fabric. The effectiveness of flannel in the treatment of diseases, of course, is not proven. In the book about the adventures of Gulliver by the English writer Jonathan Swift, there is a description of the treatment of inflamed joints, which were first rubbed with brandy and then wrapped with soft flannel.
The Welsh, who possessed many secrets of cloth production, learned to produce multicolored fabrics from pure wool. No dyes or dyeing were used. Black, brown, and white yarn of natural color, obtained from the wool of sheep, was woven together in different ratios. To obtain wool of lighter colors, it was bleached with sulfur dioxide.
A significant contribution to the popularization of this fabric was made by Prince Edward VIII of Wales (Duke of Windsor), who wore flannel suits during his visit to the United States in 1924 and gave the green light to the fleecy wool as everyday clothing for the aristocracy.
In 1956 the movie "The Man in the Gray Flannel Suit" based on the best-selling novel of the same name by Sloan Wilson and starring Hollywood star Gregory Peck was released, which gave it a new round of popularity - this time as a corporate uniform and a synonym for a conscientious worker with high moral ideals. A great admirer of this woven fabric and its pants was the famous dancer and movie star Fred Astaire, for whom gray flannel pants became a kind of business card.
In the matter of appearance, it is similar to jersey - its history began in the Channel Islands several centuries ago. England, or rather Wales - one of the most conservative regions of the British Empire XVII-XVIII centuries - is considered the birthplace of soft but dense and durable material - flannel. It was here that the local Welsh people first wove a heavy cloth from combed sheep's wool, which over the centuries was transformed into the modern flannel fabric.
Initially, it was not a cheap material. In addition, it was attributed to some therapeutic properties, which further increased the cost of the fabric. The effectiveness of flannel in the treatment of diseases, of course, is not proven. In the book about the adventures of Gulliver by the English writer Jonathan Swift, there is a description of the treatment of inflamed joints, which were first rubbed with brandy and then wrapped with soft flannel.
The Welsh, who possessed many secrets of cloth production, learned to produce multicolored fabrics from pure wool. No dyes or dyeing were used. Black, brown, and white yarn of natural color, obtained from the wool of sheep, was woven together in different ratios. To obtain wool of lighter colors, it was bleached with sulfur dioxide.
A significant contribution to the popularization of this fabric was made by Prince Edward VIII of Wales (Duke of Windsor), who wore flannel suits during his visit to the United States in 1924 and gave the green light to the fleecy wool as everyday clothing for the aristocracy.
In 1956 the movie "The Man in the Gray Flannel Suit" based on the best-selling novel of the same name by Sloan Wilson and starring Hollywood star Gregory Peck was released, which gave it a new round of popularity - this time as a corporate uniform and a synonym for a conscientious worker with high moral ideals. A great admirer of this woven fabric and its pants was the famous dancer and movie star Fred Astaire, for whom gray flannel pants became a kind of business card.
What Flannel Is Made Of？
Flannel fabric is made of thick and very strong threads. This allows the fabric to retain its original appearance even after a large number of washings, from which it does not lose its appearance and properties.
When weaving the fabric between the threads as much as possible remove the gap, so the weight of the fabric per one meter often reaches more than 500 grams. The fabric is characterized by the presence of a pile, which can be both on the inside and the outside. It is this pile that makes flannel so pleasant to the touch and warm.
When weaving the fabric between the threads as much as possible remove the gap, so the weight of the fabric per one meter often reaches more than 500 grams. The fabric is characterized by the presence of a pile, which can be both on the inside and the outside. It is this pile that makes flannel so pleasant to the touch and warm.
What Is Flannel - Types?
First of all, what the consumer pays attention to is the presence of a pile. In this matter, flannel is divided into two types - one-sided fleece and two-sided. But in fact, this material has many types according to other indicators.
According to the type of dyeing
It is meant by what method the dye is applied.
Flannel printed. Characterized by a one-sided pattern, which is performed by the type of print. Accordingly, after the creation of the cloth, only the front side is colored. Most often the method is used in the manufacture of children's things, especially for newborns. On the one hand, this is good, since the dyes will not come into contact with the skin, and the drawings are very bright. On the other hand, it is a disadvantage, since the print over time loses its colorfulness.
Smooth-dyed look. It means the application of a dye of a single tone, that is, any pattern/drawing is excluded. It is not the fabric that is dyed, but the fibers before the material is woven. In this case, the dyeing is uniform and the color lasts for a long time. The hue is present on both sides.
Bleached. People most often associate the name with the fact that the fabric will be rough. In reality, this is not true - it is just as soft as other flannel. This is because gentle bleaching agents are used for bleaching. This procedure is considered a necessity if a perfectly white color is needed. The original cotton fiber has a slightly yellowish tint.
Jacquard flannel. Dyeing can be done by two techniques. The first involves dyeing the yarns in advance, while the second involves applying a printed pattern and subsequently a dye.
By type of weave
In total, there are two types of threads - base (ground) and weft (auxiliary for weaving). But weave them in different ways, which directly affects the density of the material, structure, external indicators, and other properties.
In the world, there is a huge number of weaving technologies, but for modern high-quality flannel two main ones are used:
Canvas. The method is the most accessible and simple, but despite this, the canvas is obtained quite strongly. Crossing of fibers is carried out according to the checkerboard principle. Therefore, the weave can be - one thread through one, two through two, etc. The weave is usually very dense. The thickness varies - it depends on the bulkiness of the fibers used.
According to the type of dyeing
It is meant by what method the dye is applied.
Flannel printed. Characterized by a one-sided pattern, which is performed by the type of print. Accordingly, after the creation of the cloth, only the front side is colored. Most often the method is used in the manufacture of children's things, especially for newborns. On the one hand, this is good, since the dyes will not come into contact with the skin, and the drawings are very bright. On the other hand, it is a disadvantage, since the print over time loses its colorfulness.
Smooth-dyed look. It means the application of a dye of a single tone, that is, any pattern/drawing is excluded. It is not the fabric that is dyed, but the fibers before the material is woven. In this case, the dyeing is uniform and the color lasts for a long time. The hue is present on both sides.
Bleached. People most often associate the name with the fact that the fabric will be rough. In reality, this is not true - it is just as soft as other flannel. This is because gentle bleaching agents are used for bleaching. This procedure is considered a necessity if a perfectly white color is needed. The original cotton fiber has a slightly yellowish tint.
Jacquard flannel. Dyeing can be done by two techniques. The first involves dyeing the yarns in advance, while the second involves applying a printed pattern and subsequently a dye.
By type of weave
In total, there are two types of threads - base (ground) and weft (auxiliary for weaving). But weave them in different ways, which directly affects the density of the material, structure, external indicators, and other properties.
In the world, there is a huge number of weaving technologies, but for modern high-quality flannel two main ones are used:
Canvas. The method is the most accessible and simple, but despite this, the canvas is obtained quite strongly. Crossing of fibers is carried out according to the checkerboard principle. Therefore, the weave can be - one thread through one, two through two, etc. The weave is usually very dense. The thickness varies - it depends on the bulkiness of the fibers used.
What Is Flannel Used For?
It is not only warm diapers and swaddles for children. The field of application of this material is much wider. Definitely, from flannel sew a huge number of things for children's closets, including the closet of newborns. From this fabric sew diapers, pants and shirts, light blankets, and insulated things: coats and jackets. In most cases, for this purpose use a printed variety of this material, which allows you to nullify the impact of dyes on the skin of the child.
Flannel is used to sew clothes for adults. Mostly for cold seasons. For women - this is clothing for the home: robes and pajamas, underwear, jackets and coats. For men: shirts, jackets, pants, robes, pajamas, and coats. They are made sports uniforms, for example, for playing croquet. It is used for the production of footwear, it is used to make insoles and tops for boots and shoes.
No less common products made of flannel are bedroom accessories like bed linen sets from Poplin, which you can buy today at an attractive price in our online store. Linen type of fabric is characterized by softness and high comfort. Blankets, plaids, and bedspreads are made of cotton fabric.
Flannel is used to sew clothes for adults. Mostly for cold seasons. For women - this is clothing for the home: robes and pajamas, underwear, jackets and coats. For men: shirts, jackets, pants, robes, pajamas, and coats. They are made sports uniforms, for example, for playing croquet. It is used for the production of footwear, it is used to make insoles and tops for boots and shoes.
No less common products made of flannel are bedroom accessories like bed linen sets from Poplin, which you can buy today at an attractive price in our online store. Linen type of fabric is characterized by softness and high comfort. Blankets, plaids, and bedspreads are made of cotton fabric.
The Characteristics of Flannel
The main characteristics of any type of flannel are:
softness and tenderness;
heat-saving properties (by the way, it is considered a winter fabric and is designed for the cold season);
breathability - an excellent quality considering that the wear is carried out in winter and in the off-season (the fabric is "breathable", so there is no greenhouse effect);
hygroscopicity - when moisture (sweat, rain, etc.) gets on the surface of the flannel, the body remains dry, as the material absorbs it in the internal structure;
increased durability due to good density indicators (160-270 g/sq. m), so the fabric is not afraid of mechanical influences;
the most reliable weave provides safety in case of tears - fibers do not climb, respectively, the hole does not increase;
wear resistance - does not stretch, does not crease, and does not fray;
hypoallergenic - can be worn by allergy sufferers and infants;
slightly wrinkles, but this is not a critical indicator; withstands high temperatures, so you can iron with an iron on a strong heating mode.
Flannels certainly have flaws. Perfect materials in all respects are not and cannot be.
The pile can fray with prolonged use. The fabric will remain strong, and pleasant, but it will not be so fluffy.
The great hygroscopicity of flannel leads to a long drying time. Water molecules are firmly settled between the lint, not as quickly as consumers would like, and evaporate from there.
Natural fabrics can shrink after washing. Woolen fabrics require a particularly careful approach to cleaning and washing.
softness and tenderness;
heat-saving properties (by the way, it is considered a winter fabric and is designed for the cold season);
breathability - an excellent quality considering that the wear is carried out in winter and in the off-season (the fabric is "breathable", so there is no greenhouse effect);
hygroscopicity - when moisture (sweat, rain, etc.) gets on the surface of the flannel, the body remains dry, as the material absorbs it in the internal structure;
increased durability due to good density indicators (160-270 g/sq. m), so the fabric is not afraid of mechanical influences;
the most reliable weave provides safety in case of tears - fibers do not climb, respectively, the hole does not increase;
wear resistance - does not stretch, does not crease, and does not fray;
hypoallergenic - can be worn by allergy sufferers and infants;
slightly wrinkles, but this is not a critical indicator; withstands high temperatures, so you can iron with an iron on a strong heating mode.
Flannels certainly have flaws. Perfect materials in all respects are not and cannot be.
The pile can fray with prolonged use. The fabric will remain strong, and pleasant, but it will not be so fluffy.
The great hygroscopicity of flannel leads to a long drying time. Water molecules are firmly settled between the lint, not as quickly as consumers would like, and evaporate from there.
Natural fabrics can shrink after washing. Woolen fabrics require a particularly careful approach to cleaning and washing.
How to Take Care of Flannel？
To make flannel products last long and not lose their attractiveness, here are a few rules for care:
There are no temperature restrictions when washing. If you add glycerin to the machine when rinsing, things will remain soft for a longer period.
It is not necessary to mash the stains. "Lint" can be formed. It is better to soak the thing before washing it in washing powder. Dry flannel products better in the shade, avoid drying on radiators and towel dryers.
It can be ironed at a moderate temperature of the iron.
It is more difficult to care for woolen flannel:
washing water should not be hotter than 40°C;
do not rub or twist the product;
dry straightened away from direct sunlight.
Flannel is one of the most favorite fabrics of many generations. Years will pass, and people will come up with new materials with amazing properties. But tender cozy fabbric will be loved by us for many years to come.
There are no temperature restrictions when washing. If you add glycerin to the machine when rinsing, things will remain soft for a longer period.
It is not necessary to mash the stains. "Lint" can be formed. It is better to soak the thing before washing it in washing powder. Dry flannel products better in the shade, avoid drying on radiators and towel dryers.
It can be ironed at a moderate temperature of the iron.
It is more difficult to care for woolen flannel:
washing water should not be hotter than 40°C;
do not rub or twist the product;
dry straightened away from direct sunlight.
Flannel is one of the most favorite fabrics of many generations. Years will pass, and people will come up with new materials with amazing properties. But tender cozy fabbric will be loved by us for many years to come.
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