Clothing is a basic human needbesides food and shelter. Garment is not only a factor of comfort, but is alsoa status symbol, fad and an expression of one's creativity. Today, there arevarieties of fabrics ranging from the toughest canvas to delicate gossamers,with each one having its unique features. To make a fabric look extraordinary,manufacturers think 'out of the box'. Various techniques are being applied tothe fabrics to give unique and charming finishes. One such technique is the 'Crushedeffect fabrics'.
Making of Crushed Fabrics:
Methods such as trimming thefibers, using patterned rolls, treating with hot fluids, using heated drums etc,are followed to create designs or sculptured effects on the fabric. Throughthese ways, fibers in the fabrics are selectively cut, and crushed by means ofheating. Then they are softened so that a pattern or sculptured effect isobtained. Fabrics are immersed in a liquid such as an aqueous dye solution, andare made wet. They are then crumpled and squeezed into a ball like mass. Theexcess of water is removed, and the fabric is crushed randomly. The crushedfabric is then dried in a tumble dryer.
Crushed Velvet:
Crushing velvet clothes willproduce two types of fabrics. One is 'crushed velvet' in which the fabric iscrushed and twisted when it is still wet. Second one is 'panne velvet' made byapplying pressure to the pile in one direction. Crushed velvet is preferablyused for making upholsteries like drapes, curtains, pillows, car seat covers, handbagsetc. When used for such purposes, crushed velvet is usually coated with abacking to provide stability to the fabric. It is also used in the manufactureof fashionable garments. Apparels made with crushed velvet have an appealingluster effect in the direction of the pile and gives a vintage appearance tothe wearer.
Crushed Silk Fabrics:
Silk fabrics are firstmanufactured and then are crushed deliberately to give is a special texture andpattern. A special kind of cocoon is used to create the base silk materialwhich is being used in the manufacture of crushed silk fabrics. This techniquegives an elegant and graceful beauty to the silk fabrics thus manufactured. Thistype of fabric is mainly used for making designer clothes.
Versatileapplications of crushed fabric
Maintenance:
Crushed fabrics are completely wrinkly free. It should be folded loosely and kept in the closet with proper care as tight folds and creases will flatten the fabric. It should not be directly ironed. In case of velvet fabrics, they can be machine washed, or a velvet board should be used while washing. This will protect the pile when the cloth is being ironed. Crushed silk fabrics should be dry cleaned. Scars and marks on crushed fabrics can be removed by brushing them slightly. If it is wet completely, then the cloth should be steamed or dry cleaned to revive the life of the pile.
Crushed fabrics are beautiful and luxurious and enhance the appearance of the wearer, or the interior of a place when used as upholsteries. Crushed appearance exhibits an aesthetic value and ensures prolonged usage. Some additional attention should be given to the care and maintenance of such fabrics.
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