Bengaline is an elastic fabric with a ribbed surface. It can consist of natural fibers, such as cotton, wool or silk, or synthetic fibers - viscose or nylon. Often there is a combination of two different materials. There is lightweight fabric for men's suits with a similar name, but the ribbing is almost invisible. What kind of fabric is Bengalin? Usually the material consists of a mixture of silk and cotton threads and is great for creating tight-fitting trousers, skirts or dresses. It became popular at the end of the 19th century and was used as a cheap alternative to natural silk.
Bengalin fabric: composition and description
There are two main types of Bengaline:
- natural - made from materials of plant and animal origin, sometimes up to 2% of threads from elastic polymers are present in the composition;
- synthetic - consists of chemical components, including nylon fibers and viscose.
What kind of fabric is Bengalin, why is it so popular? Most often, the following types of fibers are present in the composition:
- Cotton threads are a component of plant origin, created from a soft and fluffy filling of a cotton seed box.
- Wool - a component obtained by removing hair from an animal.
- Silk is a fiber from protein, extracted from cocoons of silkworm. The structure of the thread is trihedral. Thanks to the refraction of light and its reflection from the surface, silk fabrics beautifully shimmer.
- Nylon is a durable and practical material of synthetic origin, obtained by heating and stretching polymers.
- Viscose is a synthetic material obtained chemically from wood pulp.
- Elastane is a synthetic stretching material obtained synthetically.
Material Features
Material care depends on the components of the fiber, so you should pay attention to its composition when buying. Some types of material can be washed manually at home, others will have to be taken into dry cleaning. What kind of fabric - Bengalin - and what are its components? The most common combination is 98% cotton and 2% elastane. Threads of different thicknesses are interwoven perpendicular to each other, due to which the surface is embossed, and the density is distributed unevenly. The material is sewn with a regular universal needle.
Using bengalin in sewing
Bengaline is available in a wide range of colors. Some types, mainly used for rugs, are covered with woven stripes. Transferring a drawing to such a ribbed surface is a very time-consuming process. The needlewomen are often interested in the answer to the question, does the fabric of Bengalins stretch or not. This material has a stretch option, in the composition of which a synthetic additive is added - elastane or lycra. The things sewn from it are perfectly stretched, they fit the figure well and keep their shape. Judging by the description and reviews, Bengalin fabric is ideal for creating trouser suits. The ribbed surface gives them an interesting look, while not making them too flashy.
Advantages and disadvantages of the material
Judging by the description and reviews, Bengaline fabric is most often used to create shorts, blouses and dresses. It is easily painted in a variety of colors, maintains a bright and rich shade for a long time, drapes beautifully, flows beautifully and is particularly soft. Due to the composition of the fibers, products made of this material hold their shape well and do not wrinkle. The important advantages of Bengalin are breathability and low heat conductivity. Matter allows the skin to “breathe” and helps maintain optimal body temperature by cooling in the heat and warming in the cold.
But it is important to remember that fully synthetic material can cause allergic reactions, as well as sit down after washing. Several types of fabrics are often used for sewing. It is best to combine bengaline with polyester, linen, jacquard. This durable material is ideal for sewing curtains and tablecloths due to its high density and attractive appearance. Often it is used to make clothing items such as collars and cuffs due to its abrasion and wear resistance. Now you know what kind of fabric is Bengalin, its main characteristics and features, as well as what products can be sewn from this fabric. It remains only to stock up on patterns and create a blouse, suit or any other part of the wardrobe from this wonderful fabric on them.