Coated Furniture Fabric 

FABRIC FACTS

prevents the smooth yarns from slipping and unraveling. (2) The coating gives the

fabric additional body and stiffness. The coating is usually rubber or latex. The

cleaner usually only receives the pillow covers as they are the only removable part.

The fact that the cover has a zipper does not mean that the manufacturer intends

that it should be removed. The zipper is for the use of the manufacturer in

obtaining a tight fit. Coated covers can be made of any fiber. Those fabrics woven

with olefin or polypropylene yarns may be sold under the trade names of Herculon,

Durel, Marvess and Vectra.

 Bias Cut Acrylic Knitwear

FABRIC FACTS

Acrylic Knitwear fabrics are widely used because of their light weight, soft look and

feel, which resemble wool. Acrylic knitwear is widely used for sweaters but fashion

designers and manufacturers now find growing use in dresses, blouses, skirts and

jackets. These garments can be made entirely of acrylic yarn or blended with wool

and other fibers. Manufacturers use the bias cut construction to achieve a loose,

flowing, billowing effect with better draping properties. A bias cut construction is

achieved when the garment is cut and sewn at an angle or diagonally rather than a

straight cut which gives a narrow or sheath effect to a garment.

FABRIC FACTS

Bonding and laminating are processes that were popular several years ago. The

process had a lull for a few years, but is becoming popular again. Bonding and

lamination are a process by which two or more fabrics adhere to each other. In

technical terms, bonding is the adhesion of two fabrics (outer shell fabric to a tricot

backing fabric) and lamination is the adhesion of urethane foam to a fabric. Two

common methods for bonding and lamination are the wet adhesive and the flame

foam processes which pass through rollers. When the outer fabric is bonded to

form a puckered effect, it is referred to as matelasse. Bonding or lamination of

fabrics gives garments improved body and better appearance with little increase in

the quality and cost of the outer fabric. Bonding and lamination also stabilizes the

outer fabric, which inhibits it from shrinking. Bonded and laminated fabrics are

used for coats, raincoats, sportswear and children's wear.

 Acrylic Knitwear

FABRIC FACTS

Acrylic fiber is thermoplastic, similar to polyester, but with significant differences.

All thermoplastic fibers are sensitive to heat but acrylic is more heat sensitive than

polyester. The characteristic of acrylic to shrivel at relatively low temperatures is

the basis for the manufacturer's process of bulking acrylic. Strands of acrylic yarns,

with varying degrees of heat sensitivity, are subjected to just enough heat to cause

shriveling. The different strands are selected to react differently to the heat. The

result is bulk which resembles soft woolens. Acrylic fibers can be processed into

any yarn thickness from the fine single knit to the heavier double knits. Acrylic

fiber is often blended with wool. Acrylic knitwear will be found in sweaters, dresses,

blouses, skirts and sportswear.

Coated Drapery Fabrics 

FABRIC FACTS

Some draperies and some drapery linings are coated to give them desirable

characteristics while hanging. Claims for coated drapery fabrics are: (1) insulation

against cold, heat,light and (2) protection of the fabric against rain, moisture and

the effect of sunlight. Coating may also stabilize the fabric against shrinkage.

Substances used to coat draperies are: (1) Vinyl plastic, (b) polyurethane plastic,

(c) rubber, and (d) acrylic resins, which are being more widely used.