There is hardly a fabric that is more pleasant to the touch, light and pleasant than fleece. It has become widespread both in the field of sewing home textiles and clothing from ordinary to home. What is this fleece fabric and how is it made. Fleece is a knitwear made of synthetic threads, mostly of polyester, so we can confidently say that fleece is pure synthetic, although its characteristics are not inferior to natural fabric.
Fleece material production process and history
Fleece fabric was first invented in America in the 70s of the 20th century, even then the specialists of the Malden Mills company were working to create a fabric that would be better than natural wool. After all, fleece got its name from the English word fleece, which translates as wool. In terms of thermal characteristics, fleece really boasts values that are superior to wool.
The process of making fleece fabric is quite complicated and is controlled by robotic machines, the programs for which are calculated to a movement accuracy of one micron.
First, knitted fabric is knitted, smooth on one side, and bouclé on the other. Further, the side with the boucle is passed many times through special nozzles in the form of frequent needles, which pull out the finest numerous fibers from polyester threads, without disturbing the overall structure and strength of the canvas. Then the uneven edges of the resulting pile are cut with a special toothed shaft-knife. The fabric increases in size in thickness but not in weight. Further, the fleece goes through several degrees of processing from flammability, from the possible formation of pellets, and is treated with silicone for even greater softness.
Fleece properties
The material is valued for its ability to retain heat without overheating the body. This property is achieved due to the formation of an area of frequent micro-lint, which, keeping the air still, reliably protects against temperature extremes. After all, as you know, air is the best heat insulator, you just need to form it in the right way, pile fabrics are ideal for this, by analogy with animal hair and fleece is one of the varieties of such materials.
- fleece has high thermal insulation characteristics that remain wet;
- soft texture ensures the absence of irritation on the skin even when wet and friction in this state against the skin;
- does not absorb moisture, that is, while remaining dry, fleece removes moisture from the body to the outside, this property is especially valuable in clothing during physical exertion;
- dries quickly, compared to wool - 6 times faster, with cotton - 10 times;
- has high levels of air permeability, this indicator is necessary for the comfortable implementation of physical activity, because when the body remains dry, it does not feel temperature changes, maintains its comfortable temperature, thereby protecting the body from hypothermia;
- does not support the reproduction and vital activity of various microorganisms, therefore it does not cause allergies;
Types of fleece fabric
The material differs in density and, accordingly, in the field of application:
microfleece is a fabric with a density of 100 to 200 g / m2 and a pile of up to 3 mm; leggings, children's clothing, dressing gowns, hats, children's suits, light outerwear, linings for warm clothes are sewn from it. Fleece, light fleece jackets are made of microfleece, they are warm enough, do not hinder movement and are very comfortable; ordinary fleece is considered with density characteristics from 200 to 400 grams per square meter, warm things are sewn from it, such as fleece jackets, warm jackets, plaids , demi-season blankets; high-density fleece fabric has a density of 400 to 600 g / m2, is used for the manufacture of outerwear of increased warmth, as well as for sewing fleece blankets and blankets;
By the method of processing, location and height, as well as the structure of the pile, they are distinguished:
Coral fleece is a fleece fabric, which is distinguished by an increased pile height of 5-7mm, is very soft and pleasant to the touch, and also looks quite attractive.
Distinguish between one-sided and two-sided fleece, a two-sided type of fleece fabric has an increased thermal insulation capacity and a pleasant effect on the skin, since the structure of microfibers contributes to the creation of the most delicate numerous villi.
Three-thread on fleece this term is used to denote a knitted fabric with a fleece on the seamy side, but it has a different nature than real fleece, since the three-thread contains cotton and such fleece rolls over time.
So, to sum up, fleece is a warm, soft fabric that is completely safe for human health, partially made from recycled plastic, which helps to get rid of excessive stress on nature. After all, plastic is made from polyester. For a more complete understanding of what polyester is, follow the link.
Fleece is very soft and pleasant to the touch, regardless of the method of production and processing, even after numerous washes and dryings.
Fleece application
Fleece has found wide application in the sewing of sportswear and clothing for outdoor activities, as well as everyday and home. A wide range of home textiles is also produced - fleece blankets, blankets, fleece towels, bedspreads. All fleece products have a long service life.
How to care for fleece fabric
- it is advisable to wash at a temperature not higher than 40C, with mild detergents;
- in no case should you iron the fleece, since at temperatures above 60C;
- do not twist even in the car in a delicate mode, squeeze slightly and hang up to completely drain off the water; dry away from direct sunlight, as well as open sources of heat;
