October 2021

Viscose fabric is one of the world’s most popular textiles because it is both durable and soft to the touch. But what is viscose fabric exactly, and how is it made and used? Do you want to know all the details? So, here we are to let you know all the details about viscose fabric.  Fabric comes in a variety of shapes, sizes, weights, and weaves. It can be organic, synthetic, or man-made. In this article, we’ll discuss everything that you need to know to start with viscose fabric.  What Is Viscose? Viscose is a type of semi-synthetic fabric that is also known as rayon when it is made into a fabric. The name of this substance comes from the manufacturing process. Rayon starts out as a viscous, honey-like liquid that settles into a solid. Wood pulp is the primary component of rayon. But it goes through a lengthy manufacturing process before becoming a wearable fabric. It’s difficult to tell whether rayon is a synthetic or natural fabric because of some characteristics. When the source material is organic, the process that this organic material goes through is so rigorous that the end result is essentially a synthetic substance.  Viscose is a rayon fiber. In the late 19th century, the term “rayon” was coined to replace the term “artificial silk.” The name “viscose” comes from the viscous organic liquid used to make rayon and cellophane, This is how this fiber is made. The term “viscose” refers to a cellulose-based regenerated manufactured fibre obtained through the viscose process.  It is neither truly natural (like cotton, wool, or silk) nor truly synthetic (like nylon or polyester). Because it is a manufactured regenerated cellulose fibre.  Chemically, viscose is similar to cotton, but depending on how it is made, it can have a variety of properties.  So, what exactly is this multi-faced fiber? To truly comprehend what viscose is, we must first comprehend how and from what it is made.  How Is Viscose Fabric Made? Other rayon-like fabrics require lignin-free cellulose as a starting material, but this fabric can be made from wood pulp cellulose. This method of producing rayon is much less expensive than many alternatives and rayon made this way can be produced in large quantities.  What is cellulose? If a fibre is made in a factory, it is made of either cellulose or protein. Cellulose is a carbohydrate that makes up the majority of plant walls. There is a distinction between synthetic and manufactured fibers that affects their long-term viability. Viscose, like cotton and linen, is a cellulosic fibre made from wood pulp. It’s frequently assumed that it’s only partially man-made. Synthetic fibres are completely man made, whereas manufactured fibres are made from naturally occurring cellulose or protein. Why don’t they fall under the “natural fibre” category if they come from a natural source? Because they necessitate extensive processing to achieve the desired outcome. As a result, the term “regenerated cellulose” is frequently used to describe the category of manufactured fibers. Now go through the important steps below.  1. Cellulose extraction: The rayon manufacturing process starts with the creation of cellulose from wood pulp. The cellulose used in the production of high-quality fabric should be at least 90% pure. 2. Alkali cellulose conversion: After dissolving the cellulose in caustic soda, a chemical reaction occurs, converting cellulose to alkali cellulose. This procedure cleans the cellulose of impurities and prepares it for the next step in the manufacturing process.  3. Pressing: The excess liquid is squeezed out of the alkali cellulose by pressing it between two rollers. These pressed sheets are then shredded and crumbled into “white crumb,” a powdery substance. 4. Aging and xanthation: After being exposed to pure oxygen, the white crumb is aged. And then exposed to carbon disulphide to create a new substance known as “yellow crumb.” 5. Ripening: After that, the yellow crumb is dissolved and left to “ripen” for a few hours. 6. Filtering and extrusion: After the yellow crumb has ripened, it is filtered to remove any gas bubbles. It is then extruded through a spinneret, which is a showerhead-like device with many holes.  7. Acid bath and completion: The finished product is immersed in a sulfuric acid bath, resulting in rayon filaments. These filaments are then spun, drawn, and washed, resulting in a fabric that can be cut to any shape or size. How Is This Fabric Used? Rayon is frequently used as a cotton substitute. This fabric has many similarities to cotton, but it may be easier or less expensive to make in some cases. By touch, most people can’t tell the difference between cotton and rayon. And because rayon is made from organic materials, it’s sometimes considered superior to fully synthetic fabrics like polyester.  Cotton is used in a variety of applications, and this fabric is one of them. Rayon is used to make a wide variety of different articles of clothing, including dresses, shirts, and pants, as well as household items like towels, washcloths, and tablecloths.  Rayon is also used in industrial settings on occasion. Some business owners believe rayon is a more cost-effective and long-lasting alternative to cotton. For example, now use rayon instead of cotton fibers in many types of tires and automotive belts.  It’s also worth noting that rayon was originally created as a silk substitute. Consumers have come to accept that rayon lacks all of the benefits of silk over time, and rayon manufacturers now primarily produce rayon as a cotton substitute. However, some companies may still produce rayon as a silk substitute, and scarves, shawls, and nightgowns made of this light and soft fabric are fairly common.  Where Is This Fabric Produced? Rayon is primarily manufactured in large-scale factories. The rayon manufacturing process is far too complicated for a small business to attempt. To make this fabric, dozens of different chemicals and textile manufacturing machines are required. The majority of rayon is produced in large factories that also produce other types of textiles.  While the United States

The Velvet fabric is the most luxurious looking fabric. It gives a royal look. Velvet fabric is also very fashionable and trendy in the fashion industry.  So, today we will be discussing velvet fabric in detail. What is velvet fabric? Velvet is a smooth, silky fabric often used in intimate apparel, furniture, and other textile applications. Velvet is generally connected with the nobility because of how expensive it was to create velvet textiles in the past. Despite the fact that most forms of current velvet are made with low-cost synthetic materials, this one-of-a-kind fabric remains one of the smoothest and softest man-made materials ever created. History of velvet Velvet fabric was first mentioned in the 14th century, and historians thought it was made in East Asia and then transported to Europe through the Silk Road. It used to be made entirely of silk, and it was a very popular material. It is even more luscious and beautiful than Asian silk, because of the unique industrial techniques required to create it. Until the Renaissance, when velvet became fashionable in Europe, this fabric was widely used throughout the Middle East. It was a favored fabric among the region’s aristocracy, according to documents from several civilizations located within the borders of modern-day Iraq and Iran. Velvet today Velvet manufacturing became significantly less expensive after the invention of machine looms, and the development of synthetic materials. These materials approach the characteristics of silk ultimately brought the wonders of velvet to even the poorest members of society. While today’s velvet may not be as pure or unique as velvet from the past, it is nevertheless appreciated as a fabric for curtains, blankets, stuffed animals, and a variety of other soft and cuddly items. How is velvet fabric made? While velvet can be made from a variety of materials, the process for making it is the same regardless of which base textile is used. Velvet is only woven on a special loom that spins two layers of fabric at the same time. After that, the fabric layers are separated and wound up on rolls. Velvet is made with vertical yarn, while velveteen is made with horizontal yarn. But both are made using largely the same processes. Velveteen, on the other hand, is frequently mixed with regular cotton yarn, lowering its quality and altering its texture.  Silk is made by unraveling silkworm cocoons and spinning the threads into yarn. It is one of the most popular velvet materials. Petrochemicals are converted into filaments to make synthetic textiles like rayon. Depending on the intended application, one of these yarn types can be dyed or treated after being woven into velvet cloth. How is velvet fabric used? Velvet’s main selling point is its softness. So it’s mostly used in applications where the fabric will be in close proximity to the skin. Velvet, on the other hand, has a distinct visual allure. That’s why it’s frequently used in home decor, such as curtains and throw pillows. Velvet, unlike some other types of interior decor, feels as good as it looks, making it a multi-sensory home design experience.  Velvet is sometimes used in bedding because of its softness. Insulative blankets, which are placed between sheets and duvets, are commonly made of this fabric. Velvet is far more common in women’s clothing than in men’s, and it’s frequently used to accentuate womanly curves and create stunning evening wear. It is commonly used in glove linings and some stiff forms of velvet are used to make hats.  Where is velvet fabric produced? The majority of velvet is produced in China, as it is the case with most textiles. However, because this fabric can be made from two different types of textiles, it’s important to go over each one separately.  Largest producer of silk China is the world’s largest silk producer, but India is not far behind. Indian silk is, on average, more likely to be certified, and it is usually of higher quality. Largest producer of rayon China is the most prolific producer of rayon in the world. China has quickly become the world’s largest polluter as a result of these and other reckless industrial practices, and it is lagging far behind the rest of the world in making the transition to sustainable fabrics and non-polluting production processes.  How much does velvet fabric cost? Velvet made of synthetic materials is usually very affordable. Full-silk velvet, on the other hand, can cost hundreds of dollars per yard due to its labor-intensive nature. Velvet fabric made with care and sustainable materials will always be more expensive than fabric made with synthetic textiles. What different types of velvet fabric are there?  Hundreds of different types of velvet fabric have been developed over the centuries. Here are just a few examples:  1. Chiffon velvet This ultra-sheer velvet, also known as transparent velvet, is frequently used in formal garments and eveningwear. 2. Crushed velvet Crushed velvet, perhaps one of the most distinctive types of velvet, has a varied texture that is achieved by pressing or twisting the fabric while it is still wet. It rises and falls in a way that is both randomly organic and visually fascinating, rather than having a uniform surface. 3. Embossed velvet Words, symbols, or other shapes are embossed into this type of velvet. In most cases, the embossed section is slightly shorter than the surrounding velvet, and the embossing effect can be felt.  4. Hammered velvet This type of hammered velvet has been firmly pressed or smashed rather than crushed, and is considered one of the most lustrous. The resulting fabric has a dappled appearance and is reminiscent of a soft, warm animal’s coat. 5. Lyons velvet Lyons velvet is much denser than other types of velvet, resulting in a stiff fabric that is ideal for a variety of outerwear applications. It is regarded as one of the most luxurious outerwear materials available, from coats to hats. 6. Panne velvet While the term “panne” can refer to a variety of velvets,