Muslin fabrics

Muslin fabrics

Muslin fabrics are among the most delicate to the skin and suitable for babies, children and adults. Their main characteristics includes loose weave and natural composition. Bear in mind that “real” muslin fabric is made solely from natural fibres, such as silk, cotton, wool, even linen. Recently, also muslin fabrics made from bamboo fibres have become available, but as it is an artificial fibre, the name is controversial. Also, fibre blends are not allowed in classic muslin.

Cotton muslin is a widely available and popular type of muslin, used especially as a base for clothes, accessories, etc. but also by DIYers. It is available in two or three-layered combinations and still keeps its incredible lightness and softness. This is why it is a popular material for summer clothing. Even a few layers of it will not cause overheating while protecting skin against the sun.

All natural fibres used to make muslin fabric have features characteristic to the specific fibre only and their major difference is the cost of manufacture. Silk muslin is among the most expensive fabrics in the market. Trans-Tex, as a manufacturer of fabrics, can produce any muslin type, including silk and wool muslin.

Tkanin muślinowe – rodzaje i zastosowanie

Due to the diversity of fibres used in the manufacture of muslin fabrics, each of them offers features characteristic to their specific fibre only; those include

• cotton muslin – made from thin and delicate cotton fibres; matte surface, pleasant to touch, slightly crumpled texture. Loose weave enables excellent circulation of air, even in three-layered muslin fabrics. The fabric is extremely lightweight. Can be dyed into multiple colors and designs. Features excellent hygroscopic properties. Cotton muslin used in the manufacture of summer clothing for adults (including in long sleeved shirts the heat is kept at bay) and delicate scarves protecting against sun. The most common application of muslin is, however, in the manufacture of baby and child products – all kinds of clothes, diapers, bed sheets or summer outerwear. As a lightweight material, cotton muslin is ideal for draped multi-layered clothing items, making them lighter than items made from other materials. Its popularity is also due to its price, since clothing items of that kind are not very expensive.
• silk muslin – considered as the most refined material in the market. Light as a feather and extremely delicate, even to the most delicate of skin. Features a slight shine, characteristic to silk fibres. Due to high production costs it is predominantly used in scarves and kerchiefs, although more applications are available. Silk muslin is ideal for airy blouses and dresses, offers the “second skin” sensation. In summer silk fabric lets the body breath, while in winter it keeps the body warm. May be also used in decorative curtains. Solid colour muslin is very popular among craftsmen who paint masterpieces or create kerchiefs and scarves by wet felting of silk with combed merino wool;
• wool muslin – refined wool fabric, used mostly in the manufacture of warm winter scarves and delicate sweaters. Despite its delicacy, wool muslin, like any wool, offers great thermal insulation properties during colder days;
• linen muslin – loose weave fabric, similar to gauze with crumpled texture. Offers properties similar to those of cotton muslin, although it is slightly rigid. Excellent material for curtains, summer scarves and multi-layered summer dresses.