Cotton Fabrics for Bedding: A Deep Dive

In this post, we will examine the features of the most popular fabrics:

• calico;
• cambric;
• percale;
• coarse calico (byaz);
• poplin;
• ranforce;
• sateen.

## Calico

It's hard to say anything new about it. 🙂 In general, it is a short-lived but very budget-friendly material. It uses thick cotton threads and, as a rule, a loose weave. It loses its appearance after just a few washes.

## Cambric

Light, translucent, and breathable. Due to the low thread density (20-30 per 1x1 cm), it is extremely short-lived, so I recommend sewing sheets from sateen in a matching tone. It is an expensive fabric.

## Percale

Used as an alternative to cambric. Durable, hygroscopic, thin, silky, and soft (softer than coarse calico). High weave density (90-160). It costs less than sateen but more than coarse calico. It does not fade, is hypoallergenic, does not require ironing, and practically does not fade in the sun! My favorite part is that it doesn't pill. I could sing its praises endlessly. 🙂

## Coarse Calico (Byaz)

A matte fabric made of thick, very tightly woven threads. It is stiffer than calico and sateen. It has a porous thread structure. Coarse calico is currently one of the most popular fabrics for making bedding because it is denser than calico, "breathes," and withstands washing well. The density ranges from 50 to 140 threads per 1x1 cm, and the price depends directly on the density (I recommend choosing at least 120 threads).

## Poplin

A thin, very light fabric. You could call it European coarse calico. As for me, its significant advantage is that it almost doesn't wrinkle! In terms of smoothness, it resembles sateen, while in softness, it surpasses coarse calico. It is a hygroscopic, hypoallergenic fabric that is quite resistant to stretching and washing. By the way, I recommend washing poplin bedding on a delicate cycle – this way it will last you much longer than the manufacturers promise.

Very important! Do not buy cheap poplin! Quality fabric should be more expensive than coarse calico, but cheaper than sateen and percale!

## Ranforce

A dense, even slightly stiff cotton fabric that resembles poplin. It is resistant to stains, durable, and does not fade.

## Sateen

Shiny, elastic, light, and pleasant to the touch (resembles silk). It almost doesn't wrinkle. The weave is quite dense – 120-140 twisted threads. The more twisted the threads, the shinier the fabric. There are dozens of types of sateen! I recommend buying 100% cotton, even though blends are much cheaper.

Important! Sateen also has a number of disadvantages, namely:

• it does not breathe well;
• it frays when cut;
• it is slippery (a downside both in sewing and in use).