Mercerized cotton

Mercerized cotton is becoming more popular and demanded today. Blouses, shirts, socks, bed linen, children's clothes and toys, ergonomic backpacks are all quite affordable things, but only their value is much higher than the cost of those things that are sewn from ordinary, more common "simple" cotton.

Why is mercerized cotton so expensive? It turns out that the whole thing is in additional labor-intensive technological and expensive processing, thanks to which the material acquires completely different characteristics: smoothness, tenderness, strength. Mercerized cotton is almost free of abrasion, easily dyed in any bright colors, while not shedding and not fading.

Moreover, the fabric is considered to be resistant to contamination, crumples much less, easily rubs off (and does not "sit down"), easily ironed with a regular iron (dry ironing) and looks like silk. Many inexperienced buyers, considering mercerized cotton in stores, ask in surprise: "Is this silk?" The fabric is really very beautiful and has a noble shine.

Things made from such cotton, have the initial rigidity, but when you wear it become softer and turn into a "pink dream" kinesthetic.

The process of mercerization is divided conditionally into three stages.

1. Strands of pure cotton impregnated with an alkaline solution, then wrung out and washed. This treatment significantly increases the strength and ease of coloring the cotton thread.

2. Cotton (mercerized) is coiled into coils and bleached (or dyed). At this stage, pH is also neutralized (hydrogen alkaline). The thread can pass hydrolytic, active and direct dyeing. The color becomes smooth, bright and durable.

Next, the mercerized filament passes through the gas stove. Wrapped on a reel, it unwinds, is fired in gas burners and rewinds.

The final process allows you to get rid of hairiness, increase the smoothness and add shine.

Knitting from cotton usually does not cause problems: the yarn is usually "obedient", quite easily falls down.

But, judging by the reviews, the thread of cotton mercerized in the work behaves more difficult: the product can "mow" and sit down a little after washing. The first problem is the choice of the thickness of the thread and spokes (usually from number 2 to number 4).

As for the reduction in the size of the product, this is only a temporary effect, since in the sock the thing acquires its former dimensions.

Very important and proper care. It is recommended to be gentle and only hand wash. It is better to use mild detergents (for example, baby shampoo) and conditioner.

It is advisable to remove metal elements before washing or to try to immerse only knitted parts in the washing solution. Do not use a centrifuge. After the water runs off, place the product on a suitable level surface and, slightly stretching it, straighten all the parts. Such a method of drying does not require additional ironing. If such a need arises, be wary, especially if the product contains easily melting elements (plastic buttons, locks, beads, etc.)