Viscose - stretches or not?

Each self-respecting fashionista, choosing her outfit, first of all draws attention to what he is sewn from. After all, clothing is not only decoration, but, above all, protection from various environmental factors: air temperature, humidity, ultraviolet radiation. Choosing clothes for ourselves, we take into account fashion trends, season, age, and not least pay attention to the fabric. Humanity is increasingly striving for a healthy lifestyle, naturalness, and therefore we buy clothes that are more pleasant for our body and do not harm our body. Often we choose linen, cotton, silk, wool. Imagine our surprise when we read “100 percent Viscose” on the label. Yes, viscose is a synthetics that can replace natural fabrics, not only in appearance, but also in properties. Let's see if viscose stretches or not and what is viscose material.

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What is viscose fabric?

Viscose appeared in the nineteenth century, thanks to the stubbornness of a French chemical engineer. For many years, scientists have been trying to make material that would have natural properties and at the same time be very durable. In 1884, Guiller de Chardonnay conducted a series of studies, as a result of which an artificial material was born from natural raw materials - viscose.

This was a truly revolutionary invention, allowing the use of wood industry waste - sawdust, for the production of universal substances. The question arises, viscose material - what is it, is it a natural substance or synthetics?

Manufacturing technology

This material is made from wood, based on cellulose. Sawdust is converted by chemical reaction into a liquid substance, which is boiled under high pressure for 24 hours with a solution of calcium hydrosulfite. Then pressed through special forms. Depending on the diameter of the hole, either filaments or a film are obtained. Of these, canvases are already created that are used for sewing clothes.

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Characteristics, properties and types of viscose

Modern industry produces technical and textile viscose fibers. Depending on the method of fiber production, the properties and type of fabric can vary greatly. Also, various additives can affect tissue quality. Therefore, a logical question arises, viscose material - what is it and stretches viscose or not. Consider the main types of such fabric.

100% natural viscose

Very soft, fast wearing material. Dry, more durable fiber than wet. The quality may resemble cotton, has increased hygroscopicity.

Cotton with viscose

For strength, cotton is added to viscose fiber. Because of this, the fabric can shrink up to 16-18%. When wet, such a canvas is half losing its strength.

Staple

Short fibers add more elasticity to the fabric. Therefore, this material is beautifully draped, not so wrinkled. It is possible to paint not only in a plain color, but also to apply a picture. Very successfully, the staple is used when sewing flared dresses, long, wide skirts, and fluffy blouses.

Knitted

The properties of such a fabric make it possible to produce high-quality knitwear from these fibers for the production of T-shirts, knitwear for children, sweaters, and linen. It is such viscose that stretches. Very good reviews about this fabric.

Rayon with Elastane

In order to increase the elasticity of the fabric, a small amount of elastane fibers is added to it: 5% elastane, 95% viscose. In order to check whether viscose stretches, you can try to stretch your tracksuit: the elasticity of this material helps to create sportswear, various types of knitwear that do not constrain the body and provide freedom of movement.

Oil fabric

Recently, it is very popular with both manufacturers and consumers. When adding polyester in viscose, a very soft, durable and body-friendly canvas is obtained. Owners of a good figure can safely choose this fabric for sewing evening tight-fitting dresses, flowing skirts, flying blouses.

Lining

Viscose is the most successful option for the manufacture of the lining, because it does not deform during wear, absorbs moisture well, protects the upper material, and also provides a presentable appearance to the inside of the product. Such a fabric is used as a lining for sewing outerwear and hats.

“Quilted”

Quilted viscose is used to make blankets, home textiles, and patchwork-style products. The latest fashion trends offer us quilted dresses, jackets, coats, body shirts that not only look beautiful, but are also very warm, comfortable to wear.

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Viscose material - advantages:

• Viscose is much lighter than cotton and wool.
• The fabric is well draped, soft.
• Unlike other materials, it can be used for both summer and winter clothes. In winter it is warm, in summer it is quite cool.
• Hygroscopicity of viscose is 2 times higher than moisture absorption by cotton.
• Viscose is similar to cotton in breathability. In clothes from her body breathes, there is no “steam room effect”.
• Viscose is hypoallergenic.
• Static electricity does not accumulate while wearing viscose products.
• Meets high sanitary requirements.
• When dry, viscose is very durable.
• Fiber production technology allows you to dye it in various colors, introducing the dye immediately into the fiber. This prevents quick fading, fading.
• Products made from such a fabric do not fade.
• It dries very quickly after washing.
• In comparison with other fabrics, such as natural silk, viscose is a democratic and inexpensive material.
• When burning, the fibers of this material emit a characteristic smell of burnt paper.

Disadvantages of fabric:

• viscose without additives, in its pure form stretches very much, so products can be deformed.
• When washing can cause significant shrinkage.
• 100% viscose material crumbles heavily on sections, in products requires additional processing.
• When not carefully worn, the clothes roll, especially when in contact with other materials.

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Viscose care with photo

Based on the foregoing, it is necessary to properly handle products from such fabric:

1. For viscose clothing, the “delicate” washing mode is recommended.
2. The washing method is machine or manual.
3. Water during washing and rinsing is not more than 30-40 degrees.
4. It is desirable to choose powders without phosphates. And the best way is to use soft washing gels.
5. In no case do not use the hard spin mode at high speeds, since the wet fabric is fragile.
6. It is better to dry products in a horizontal form, having laid out on a terry towel or a cotton sheet. Drying is best done away from heating appliances.
7. Before ironing a product from this material, you need to turn it on the wrong side. Set the iron temperature controller to silk. Never use steaming because it will permanently damage the product.
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We hope that the selection of our tips will help you distinguish viscose from other materials, choose the fabric for the desired product, depending on its properties, and with the help of proper care, prolong the life of your things.