Debbie Using stretch cotton fabric is a great way to save time while making your clothes. Besides making sewing more accessible, the material is also resistant to mildew and microbes.
Stretch fabric simplifies sewing
Stretch fabric is easy to add style and comfort. It’s a great way to make your garments last longer. Stretch fabrics are ideal for stage costumes and sportswear.
When dealing with stretch textiles, there are a few things to remember. First, you should decide which direction to stretch your fabric. The path you choose will affect the strength and elasticity of your seam. You can also consider the fabric construction. Some materials have a special treatment that allows them to stretch while maintaining their shape.
Another critical factor is the type of thread you use. Stretch fabrics work best with thread that has a moderate amount of stretch. For example, consider using a polyester thread instead of cotton.
Additionally, make sure the needle has a pointed tip. This tip is designed to slip through the weave without snagging the fabric. It’s also helpful for avoiding skipped stitches.
The zigzag stitch is a good choice for sewing stretch fabric. The zigzag structure allows the seam to stretch and be pressed flat. The stitch should be of medium or wide width.
Another stitch is the triple stitch. This stitch makes three short stitches side by side. It’s a good choice for seams that need strength or to be pressed open.
Resistance to mildew and microbes
Using an antimicrobial finish on textiles can improve comfort and hygiene and prolong the life of the fabric. Choosing the suitable antimicrobial material for your particular needs is an excellent way to keep your business running smoothly.
There are many types of microbes, including algae and bacteria, that are capable of causing problems with the processing and storage of raw materials and finished goods. Some of these microorganisms are known to cause health and safety issues and odor. Some microbes cause allergic reactions.
The best antimicrobial fabrics are made of materials that resist the growth of bacteria and other microbes. These fabrics can be applied to textiles such as spandex cotton fabric and polyester. Antimicrobial fabrics can also be combined with additional features to improve the comfort and hygiene of the wearer.
The most efficient way to achieve this is to wash the fabric in neutral soap and no free alkalis. This method will also help to protect the color of the textile. While this is not the only method of washing textiles, it is the cheapest and fastest way to remove stains.
The pH level influences the antimicrobial properties of fibers. Algae and bacteria are active in the pH range of 7.0 to 8.0. These organisms will stain textiles if they have not been washed and dried.
Cost
Buying a cotton spandex fabric is a good idea if you want to wear comfortable, durable, and stretchy apparel. Its stretchiness and durability make it an excellent choice for activewear, dresses, and other garments. It is also a good choice for casual clothing, especially if you need not-too-tight attire.
The cost of a cotton spandex fabric is usually similar to that of clothes made of 100% cotton. It is because cotton spandex fabric is more breathable and stretchy. It also takes dye well and comes in many vibrant colors. Repeated washing makes it less likely to bobble or get worn out.
However, if you want your cotton spandex fabric clothes to last longer, you should follow a few basic care guidelines. Washing your clothing with a natural detergent and cold water will help prevent stains and odors. It is also a good idea to put baking soda on your clothes daily to help refresh them. To keep your clothing clean, you should not use chemicals like chlorine bleach to clean your clothes.
Avoiding washing your cotton spandex fabric clothes with hot water is also a good idea. It will cause the fabric to distort and can ruin the garment.
Environmental impact
Often used for clothing, spandex is a stretchy synthetic material. However, the production process is chemically intense and can have severe environmental impacts.
The production process of spandex uses several toxic chemicals and fossil fuels, making it a significant pollutant. It is essential to highlight that certain businesses in the fashion sector are aware of these problems and are acting.
The fashion industry is also responsible for many global carbon emissions. Synthetic fabrics are usually manufactured from petroleum. These materials are known to emit more greenhouse gases per kilogram than cotton. The resulting air pollution contributes to rising air pollution levels.
In addition, fossil fuels are a limited resource. They take millions of years to form and are non-renewable. Petroleum also contributes to biodiversity loss. The production of synthetic fabrics uses 1.35 percent of the world’s oil resources.
The production of lycra fabric is dependent on fossil fuels, which is unsustainable. In addition to the environmental impacts of petroleum, lycra’s production process also uses toxic chemicals.
Lycra’s production method relies on a high percentage of chemicals, including toluene-2,4-diisocyanate (TDI), a chemical known to cause hysteria in factory workers. The process also uses several endocrine disruptors.
The production of spandex also uses a lot of water. Water usage for fabric dyeing is estimated to be five trillion liters annually. It is enough to fill two million Olympic-sized swimming pools.
