Features of mercerized cotton yarn

Mercerized cotton is a quality and safe material that is great for knitting clothes, toys, or household accessories... The yarn is produced using a special technology that improves the properties of ordinary threads. Thanks to these features, finished products keep their shape better and last longer.

Mercerization technology appeared quite a long time ago - in the second half of the 19th century. It was invented by John Mercer, after whom the method of processing cotton got its name. Although the technology has improved with technological progress, many processes have become automated, but the basic essence has remained unchanged.... To get mercerized cotton, you need to go through several stages. First, the raw materials are selected - the fibers must be of high quality. Egyptian cotton and other elite varieties are often used. The material is treated with a solution based on caustic soda and caustic soda. There is a chemical reaction with cellulose cells - cotton is made of it.

This is what improves the properties of the fibers, giving them the characteristic features for which the mercerized material is valued. The processed cotton is bleached and dyed to match the desired color palette. The final stage is firing with gas burners. This allows you to remove the protruding villi, the fibers become smooth and shiny. Raw materials that have been processed are twisted into threads, if it is necessary to obtain yarn for knitting, or cotton fabric is made from it.

Processing affects the structure of cotton fibers, due to which they acquire new properties. There are several advantages.

• Persistent staining... The cell walls of the fibers swell under the influence of the solution, as a result the dye penetrates deeper, affecting not only the surface, but also other layers. As a result, the color lasts longer, is washed out to a lesser extent after washing, and remains saturated.
• Uniform shade. In the process of mercerization, the fibers straighten out and the paint adheres well to the entire material. No streaks, light spots or other imperfections remain.
• Strength... Under the influence of caustic soda, cellulose is converted. Cotton becomes more durable.
• Hygroscopicity... After processing, the material absorbs moisture better.
• Lack of pellets. Untidy lumps appear due to loose fibers that get tangled together. After mercerizing, the thread becomes smooth, so these problems do not arise.

There are also disadvantages that you should be aware of when choosing a knitting thread.

• Shine... This effect arises from the burner treatment. Not everyone likes a shiny canvas, in addition, sometimes it "cheapens" things.
• Minimum elasticity... The yarn practically does not stretch, this should be taken into account when creating clothes, especially if you plan to tie the model with an elastic band.
• Long drying time. High hygroscopicity can be both a plus and a minus. Mercerized cotton products are capable of absorbing a lot of moisture, but they do not dry quickly.
• High price... The production process is quite costly, in addition, elite varieties of cotton are often used as raw materials - all this affects the price of finished products.

Despite some disadvantages, yarn has many advantages, which allows you to create beautiful and durable products from it. For beginners, it is better to train with regular cotton - such threads are cheaper. Experienced craftsmen will appreciate all the advantages of mercerized material.

Clothes and home textiles are sewn from cotton fabric, yarn is no less in demand and is suitable for different purposes.

• Making toys for children. Natural material does not cause allergic reactions and is safe for babies.
• Crafting accessories... Capes and stoles, scarves and light hats are excellent from this yarn.
• Knitting clothes. Suitable for children and adults. The material is pleasant to the body and also absorbs moisture well, which is especially important in summer.

It is better to wash knitted items in a certain way to keep them attractive for longer:

• the water temperature should not exceed 40 degrees;
• do not use aggressive cleaning agents, gel is also preferable, not powder - it is better washed off;
• you can wash in a machine, on a delicate mode, without spinning and automatic drying;
• when ironing, place damp gauze on top of the product.