Cotton
History of cotton
Cotton, a natural fibre, attracted the attention of our ancestors about 7,000 years ago. India is considered its homeland, where they learned how to spin and weave cotton. Later the cultivation of cotton spread to China, Pakistan and Uzbekistan, and it was first called 'white gold' in Babylon.Cotton is called "white gold" because of its association with natural wealth and also because its fibres unfurl from white balls. Interestingly, in Uzbekistan, cotton is a national treasure and is as valuable as yellow metal. The phrase "ok oltyn" in Uzbek means "white gold".
Cotton was slow to gain acceptance in Europe. At first, people could not understand how fibre could grow on trees, and various hypotheses were put forward, including the belief that little sheep appeared on these plants, with the tree being bent by their weight, giving them food.
At the end of the 17th century, Asia and India became the major producers and suppliers of cotton throughout the world. The industrial revolution in the cotton industry led to considerable progress. New devices were invented to increase the production of cotton goods. In the 18th century, Lewis Paul and John Wyatt received a patent for a revolutionary for that time spinning machine with rotating shafts and a roving bobbin to ensure uniform fabric thickness. Batch-type spinning machines and other automatic devices then appeared to automate the processing of cotton and the production of cotton products.
The benefits of cotton
Cotton fabric is a fine, short and fluffy fibre that is pleasant to the skin. The main advantages of cotton:
- Natural - non-allergenic, breathable and lightweight.
- Breathable - ideal for summer.
- Softness and durability - durable, easy to dye.
- Comfortable - pleasant on the skin, especially for children.
- Suitable for delicate children's skin.
Cotton fabric does not cause allergic reactions, is breathable and absorbs moisture.
Why choose cotton products
Cotton is a versatile material that can be used for any garment. It is affordable, durable and retains its original appearance even after many washings. Cotton is very lightweight and absorbs moisture very well.
Cotton processing methods
Muslin
Muslin is a type of cotton fabric known for its lightness, transparency and softness. It is made from fine and carefully woven cotton threads, creating a light and airy fabric. Muslin has good breathability and absorbency, making it an ideal choice for summer clothes and children's products. This fabric is also known for its strength and durability, allowing it to withstand many washings without losing its qualities. Thanks to its soft texture and natural structure, muslin is used for shirts, shawls, scarves, nappies, bed sheets and other items, giving a feeling of comfort and softness when in contact with the skin.
Pros of muslin:
- Lightweight and breathable: Muslin is a very light and thin fabric which allows excellent air circulation, allowing the skin to breathe and preventing overheating.
- Softness: With its soft texture, muslin feels pleasant against the skin, making it an ideal choice for baby items, nappies and garments.
- Absorbency: Muslin has a good absorption capacity, allowing it to absorb moisture quickly, which is especially useful for diapers and towels.
- Stretch and durability: Despite its thinness, muslin is a tough material that withstands repeated washing and use without losing its qualities.
- Versatility: Muslin can be used for a huge range of items, including clothes, bed linen, scarves, shawls, nappies, towels and many more.
- Washing and care: Muslin is generally easy to wash and dries quickly, making it easy to keep clean.
- Many colour variations of the material.
