What is Calico Fabric? Properties, Uses, and Manufacturing Process

Table of Contents

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.

Table of Contents

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


2. Breathable and Lightweigh


3. Durable Calico Fabric


4. Textured Surface


5. Absorbent


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


infographic image the explaining Of calico properties

How is Calico Fabric Made

Calico is made quite simply to preserve the natural properties of cotton:

Cultivating and Harvesting Cotton

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

Finishing Touches

Depending on the application, calico might be dyed, printed or starched for added beauty.

infographic image the explaining the manufacturing process of this material.

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.

Important Types of CALICO Fabric

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



Crafts and DIY Projects



Art and Printing


Industrial Applications


explainaon for the uses of calico fabrics in the infographic image

Advantages of Using Calico Fabric





Hypoallergenic: Gentle on sensitive skin

Disadvantages of Calico Fabric



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.

Yes, calico fabric is hypoallergenic and comfortable for the sensitive skin because of its natural cotton nature

Absolutely! 

Conclusion

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

en_US
Scroll to Top