Calico Fabric is a durable and sustainable textile that has a long tradition and numerous uses. Decorative in its natural beauty and strength, calico was used in textiles, clothing and furnishings. Here is a tutorial that will take you deeper into the world of calico and explain everything you can about calico, what it is used for, and how it’s produced.
What is Calico Fabric?
Calico is a plain-woven cotton fabric in its raw form. It is lightweight, comfortable, and falls between muslin and canvas in texture and weight. Originally from Calicut (now Kozhikode, India), calico has been valued for centuries because of its simplicity, affordability, and versatility.
Properties of Calico Fabric:
Below are its defining properties:
Pure Materials: 100% cotton, Biodegradable and environmentally friendly.
Cool and Light: Perfect for hot weather and layering.
Hard wearing: Despite its smoothness, calico is tough and durable.
Super absorbent: It is ideal for dyeing and printing, making it a favourite for custom designs.
Felt Effect: Has a somewhat rough finish which lends it an aged look.
Cost Effective: Unbleached calico costs very little and is available in all sorts of applications.
1. Natural Composition of Calico Fabric
Made of a 100% cotton, calico is an all-natural fabric.
It’s biodegradable, so it’s an eco-friendly option for people who care
2. Breathable and Lightweigh
It wicks away the air and is perfect for warm weather and light weight garments.
It is lightweight, but still sturdy enough to use in various uses
3. Durable Calico Fabric
Calico’s plain-weave fabric ensures it can withstand regular wear and tear.
It is durable enough to resist tear and is perfect for uses in utilitarian items such as bags and upholstery.
4. Textured Surface
Calico is a little coarser than other cotton fabrics such as muslin.
This raw texture gives projects a unique character and natural look
5. Absorbent
since calico is very abrasive, it is an ideal substrate for dyeing, printing or painting.
It easily dries, and so it is an ideal material for designing and embellishing.
6. Affordable
Since calico is an unbleached and untreated material, it’s affordable, and thus suitable for many applications.
7. Hypoallergenic
Its organic cotton fibers are easy on the skin and free from harsh chemicals, suitable for those who have sensitive skin.
8. Versatile feature of Calico Fabric
Calico is adaptable to many uses, from sewing to packaging, without changing the basic structure..
9. Eco-Friendly
Calico features minimal processing and contains no artificial ingredients, making it ideal for sustainability. It reduces environmental emissions compared to heavily processed textiles.
10. Natural Color
Normally white or beige, calico shows off the natural color of cotton threads.
This unpainted texture can serve as an inspiration for a craft, or be left alone for a natural-looking effect.
How is Calico Fabric Made
Calico is made quite simply to preserve the natural properties of cotton:
Cultivating and Harvesting Cotton
Cotton is cultivated in hot climates. Once cotton bolls have turned to adulthood, they are cut either by hand or machine.
Ginning Process of Calico Fabric
The cotton harvested is drained and removed from seeds and other contaminants during ginning.
Spinning the Yarn for Calico Fabric
Washed cotton fibers are twisted into yarn by machine or by hand
Weaving the Calico Fabric
Its yarn is spun on looms in a plain weave pattern, creating a sturdy uniform fabric.
Unbleached and Untreated
Calico is never boiled, unlike other cotton fabrics. This means that it is still naturally off-white or beige in colour and has its usual softness.
Finishing Touches
Depending on the application, calico might be dyed, printed or starched for added beauty.
Types of Calico Fabric..
Calico fabric comes in many kinds depending on the weight, finish, and use. Everything in calico is cotton, with a plain weave structure, but the distinctions lie in treatments and processing. Voici les principales calico-fabric types:
1. Unbleached Calico
Description: Calico in its raw, wild state. It stays white or beige, and it will often contain microscopic bits of cotton husk.
Applications: Home decor, bags, upholstered fabrics and simulated garments (toiles).
2. Printed Calico
Fine, soft, and lightweight. Known for its breathability, moisture-wicking properties, and itch-free comfort. Often used in high-performance sportswear and fine knitwear
3. Dyed Calico
Coarse, durable, and slightly rustic. It’s warmer and rougher than finer wools, often used in knitwear and traditional garments like Fair Isle sweaters.
4. Waterproof Calico
Description: Coated with water-resistant coatings for improved moisture resistance retains the feel of calico but provides protection from water and rain.
Application: Outdoor covers, bags, aprons and tarpaulins.
5.Stiffened Calico
Description: Stiffened with stiffeners like starch to maintain its consistency.
Characteristics: Stiff and firm.
Applications: Lampshades, book binding, pattern-making, building trades.
6. Brushed Calico
Description: Softer than calico by brushing the surface to release trapped fibers.
Characteristics: Soft and luxurious, giving greater comfort.
Applications: Pillowcases, bedding, soft clothing
7.Flame-Retardant Calico
Description: Containing fire-retardant chemicals that prevent it from burning.
Qualities: Keeping calico as natural as possible while ensuring safety.
Application: Stage curtains, props and emergency use
.
8.Laminated Calico
Description: Has a plastic/laminated cover to prevent staining and to prevent it from leaking.
Qualities: Hard-wearing, easy to keep clean, and light.
Applications: Tablecloths, paper shopping bags, and covers.
Uses of Calico
What’s truly impressive about Calico is its range of in
Fashion Industry
Designers use calico to create mock-ups or “toiles” for fashion because it is affordable and easy to work with. People also use it for minimalist and sustainable fashion items like tote bags and everyday clothing.
Home Décor
Curtains and Drapes: Its porous structure makes it perfect for airy drapes.
Upholstery: Used for furniture fillings and cushion liners.
Consumables: Used extensively in table cloths, napkins and placemats.
Crafts and DIY Projects
Disposable Bags: Used mainly to make sturdy, eco-friendly shopping bags.
Banners and Flags: Suitable for painting and printing your own design.
Embroidery & Quilting: The textured finish is perfect for embroidery work.
Art and Printing
Canvas Replacement: The absorbent surface is ideal for artists working with paints and dyes.
Screen Printing: Most commonly used to experiment with patterns and designs.
Industrial Applications
Packaging: Used as wraps for delicate objects.
Farming: Use as plant mats or seed bags.
Advantages of Using Calico Fabric
Sustainability: Its natural, biodegradable properties are what make it sustainable.
Low-Price: Perfect for massive projects without the need to splash out the cash.
Easy to dye or print according to aesthetic needs.
Durability: Can withstand frequent washing and usage.
Hypoallergenic: Gentle on sensitive skin
Disadvantages of Calico Fabric
Calico does, however, suffer from its drawbacks:
Low in Style: Some people might not like its roughness.
Wrinkly: Needs regular ironing to keep it fresh.
Less Flexibility: Its basic weave restricts flexibility.
Care and Maintenance of Calico
Maintaining and Cleaning Calico Fabric.
Calico is easy to maintain, but a few things help to keep it long-lasting:
Washing Instructions: Wash in cold to warm water with mild detergent.
Drying: You prefer it air dried so that it retains its original shape.
Tumbling: Press the fabric on a medium setting to get wrinkles out without ruining the fabric.
Keep cool and dry to avoid mildew or discoloration.
Sustainability of Calico Fabric:
Even in this age of sustainability, calico is a sustainable cloth. It is biodegradable, so it makes less waste, and it uses fewer chemicals than synthetic textiles. Besides, the fact that calico is made from organic cotton only adds to its eco-friendly status.
Calico Fabric vs. Other Cotton Fabrics
Fabric: Calico Fabric vs. Other Cotton Fabrics:
Feature Calico Fabric Muslin Canvas
Texture A Little Coarse and Glanescent Thick and Dense.
Weight Medium-Light Light Heavy
Durability High Moderate Very High
Cost Affordable Low Higher
Finish Unprocessed Often Bleached Processed
FAQs
What makes calico fabric unique?
Calico’s durability, sustainability, and low cost make it a smart choice for a wide range of uses.
Is calico fabric appropriate for the skin?
Yes, calico fabric is hypoallergenic and comfortable for the sensitive skin because of its natural cotton nature
Is there any way to dye or paint calico?
Absolutely! Calico’s absorbent surface makes it ideal for dyeing, painting and screen printing.
Conclusion
Calico fabric is a timeless fabric that is simple, strong, and sustainable. Whether for fashion, interior decoration, art or anything in between, its versatility means it will be used anywhere. Once you’ve learned its characteristics and uses, you can make informed decisions about your next project while helping the environment.
