Woolen fabric - broadcloth, twill & plain weave

The difference between plain weave and twill

Broadcloth is lightly or hard fulled plain weave where you sometimes are able to see the threads in the fabric. It is wowen like a basket where the threads entertwine in eachother every second time. It provides a square pattern and is the tightest and most durable bond. It holds high quality and can be made by worsted. Traditionally used for "Skånebroderier", for clothes, bags, seat cushions and pillows.

Twill is a woven, felted wool fabric. The surface is smooth without seeing the threads in the fabric on one side. On the other side there is a characteristic diagonal pattern. Twill (diagonal binding) is when you skip some warp threads and move the tie point one step aside. In addition to 3-shaft there are several different patterns such as diamond, crystal, fish and goose eye. If you look at a pair of jeans, you'll clearly see the pattern of 3-shaft. Lightweight twill is perfect for cutting out applications - it does not fringe.

The quality of wool fabric is determined by weight per m2, weaving, threads and the type of wool it is made of. Be aware of that some fabric of poor quality may add synthetic fibers and occasionally stain. A good quality fabric should withstand some light, hand wash and not rubbing off. Felted wool may look like fabic but is not woven just pressed fibers.

How to wash wool?

Wool is a wonderful material! Wool keep you warm when it is cold and transports moisture if you are sweaty. The wool fiber's ability to keep dirt away means that you do not have to wash often! Ventilate your woolen clothes, blankets and pillows outdoors every now and then. Moist air causes smudge molecules to be removed from the surface. Another trick is to put them on snow and whip the pillows.Put wool in a plastic bag in the freezer or out in minus degrees for a day if you want the microorganisms to die. You do not need to wash wool often - it cleans itself in fresh, damp air - environmentally friendly and easy to handle!
If your woolen garment has a pilling, take it away with a woolen comb.

When washing wool follow the washing instructions. Most wool products tolerate gentle hand washing with wool detergents or wool soap. Wash wih the wool program in your washing machine if the label allows it. "Superwash" means that the garment does not shrink in the washing machine. NOTE! Keep in mind that do not chock the wool fiber with warm water - keep an even, lukewarm temperature when you just want to wash-not felt. 

 

How to wash linen?

Always wash delicate linen and embroidery by hand.

Machine wash: Zick-zack the edges first with your sewing machine - otherwise the fabric ravel itself! Soak your linen fabric in lukewarm water about 20 minutes before washing.
Bleached, unbleached linen and semi-linen can be washed up to 60° C degrees. Colored linen is washed to a maximum of 40° C degrees with gentle application. Keep in mind that sparse linen fabric shrinks a few %. Therefore, always wash the fabric you will wash frequently. Do not use optical detergent or rinse aid! Laundry soap is best. Do not tumble dry to avoid permanent creases and discoloration. (A little drying can bring out the softness of the linen in clothes.) Lightly dampen the linen and iron on high heat. Linen bleaches in the sun.



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