Calico Fabric Guide
Dating from the 11th Century, Calico is a long-established and traditional fabric used extensively in industry.
Viscose Fabric Guide
At Whaley’s, we’ve built a world-class reputation for supplying various fabrics to individuals and professionals. We pride ourselves in giving our customers confidence that they will receive excellent products, professionally cut, packed and delivered perfectly every time.
Our vast collection of fabrics includes silks, cotton, calico, wools, linens and viscose, these fabrics can be used for a wide range of projects both big and small.
WHAT IS VISCOSE?
Viscose is a cellulose fibre made from wood pulp and mixed with chemicals to produce a more cost-effective alternative to silk and silk satin fabrics. Viscose is a type of rayon fabric and derives its name from the processes used in the manufacture of the fabric.
HOW IS VISCOSE MADE?
To create lightweight and breathable fabric, viscose, a mixture of wood pulp and other fibres is treated with chemicals. Firstly, carbon disulphide turns the wood pulp into cellulose xanthate, which is spun into fibres that can be made into threads. Chemicals are utilised again to create the solution referred to as “viscose”. The viscous solution is turned into regenerated cellulose. The viscous, honey-like liquid then settles into a solid form, from which threads can be taken and woven or knitted into viscose fabric.
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WHAT IS VISCOSE FABRIC USED FOR?
Viscose fabric is lightweight, absorbent, breathable and soft. The fabric drapes well, making it perfect for summer dresses, skirts and blouses. The fibre is also durable enough to be found in the manufacturing of upholstery, bedding and carpets.
TYPES OF VISCOSE FABRICS?
Now we’ll explain the various viscose fabrics available and their uses.
VISCOSE CREPE (V18 SANTANA WHITE)
If you want a fabric with a beautiful drape, try viscose crepe. This fabric is heavy, drapes well, and is often used for vintage-style tea dresses and blouses. One reason it’s so popular is that the drape can give you looks that are hard to achieve with natural fibres such as cotton, even with a slight stretch.
VISCOSE LAWN (V20 VISCOSE BALMORAL WHITE)
Although drape fabrics are a little more challenging to work with as a beginner, a viscose lawn would be the ultimate option for getting the same result. Still, without worrying about the fabric moving too much, it is not difficult to work with.
VISCOSE GEORGETTE (V14 ELBA WHITE)
Viscose georgette is a versatile fabric that can be used for a variety of garments and projects, including scarves, shirts, dresses, and decorative purposes. It has a grainy texture and is woven with highly twisted yarns, making it durable yet still soft and draping. Viscose is a cheaper alternative to 100% natural fabrics but still provides a beautiful finish.
(L17) VISCOSE SATIN
If you want to create a beautiful and durable look for your next dressmaking project, viscose satin would be the ideal choice of material. Viscose satin is a light-to-medium weight fabric which is perfect for any luxurious garments, such as blouses and dresses.
VISCOSE TWILL (SCORPIO WHITE)
Viscose Twill has a peach peel touch and a flowing drape. Because of its mid-weight, this fabric is extremely versatile, working well for everything from dresses and tops and blouses to light separates, blazers, and trousers.
WHAT ARE VISCOSE PROPERTIES?
Due to its manufacturing process viscose is a breathable and lightweight fabric, because of this, it is increasingly used for jacket linings, t-shirts, dresses, activewear, and tunics. Therefore viscose fabric is versatile and often considered an affordable alternative to silk and satin due to the sheen. Viscose has very high colour retention, making it an ideal choice for all garment manufacturing.
This incredible fabric is very absorbent and smooth making it an ideal material for polishing and cleaning products. Viscose is a more environmentally sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to polyester because it is made from a natural component wood pulp rather than plastic.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN VISCOSE AND POLYESTER?
Polyester is made from synthetic fibres whereas viscose is from semi-synthetic fibres because it’s made from wood pulp and treated with chemicals. Oil-based polyester repels water and viscose has good absorbent properties. Viscose is a highly absorbent fibre, so it’s perfect for making fabrics that are very breathable and moisture-wicking. It also seems to prevent microorganisms from growing, which makes it less likely than other fibres to develop odours.
HOW TO CARE FOR VISCOSE FABRIC?
CAN YOU WASH VISCOSE?
Due to its highly absorbent properties and relatively inelastic nature viscose is delicate when it is wet. This is why we recommend hand washing, with cold or lukewarm water rather than machine washing. To remove stains on viscose, you can carefully rub the stained area with a mild detergent for a few minutes to not damage the material.
If you choose to use a washing machine instead of hand washing, select the delicate cycle or hand wash program and put the clothes in a wash bag to avoid damaging the material, especially by rubbing against the drum.
Most importantly, wash your garment on the reverse side to protect the colours and brightness!
DOES VISCOSE SHRINK?
When viscose is wet, it is more rigid and less soft and can possibly shrink. Once dry, it will recover its original shape. Do not put it in the dryer, it is better to allow the viscose garment to air dry flat, on a hanger. Be careful, as viscose can be damaged by excessive wringing and twisting.
CAN YOU IRON VISCOSE?
Viscose should be ironed on the reverse side when wet. We recommend you select the silk program or on some irons, one dot at a maximum of 110°C. We recommend for more precaution, use a damp cloth.
Overall, viscose is a versatile and useful fabric that has been in production since the 1880s, but more recently has grown in popularity due to its elegant drape and variety of textures. Explore our vast range of fabrics and the different types of viscose we have available.
If you enjoyed this blog, you may like our 7 ROYAL WEDDING DRESSES, HOW TO GET THE LOOK & Calico Fabric Guide.