Mercerized cotton is becoming more and more popular and in demand today. Blouses, shirts, socks, bedding, children's things and toys, ergonomic backpacks - all these are quite affordable things, but only their cost is much higher than the cost of those things that are sewn from ordinary, more familiar to us "simple" cotton.
Why is mercerized cotton so expensive? It turns out that the whole thing is an additional time-consuming technological and expensive processing, due to which the material acquires completely different characteristics: smoothness, tenderness, strength. Mercerized cotton is practically not subject to abrasion, it is easily dyed in any bright colors, while not shedding or fading.
Moreover, the fabric is considered resistant to contamination, wrinkles much less, is easily washed (and does not “sit down”), is easily ironed with an ordinary iron (dry ironing) and looks like silk. Many inexperienced shoppers looking at mercerized cotton in stores ask in surprise: “Is it silk?” The fabric is really very beautiful and has a noble sheen.
Things sewn from such cotton have initial stiffness, but when worn they become softer and turn into a “pink dream” of kinesthetics.
The mercerization process is conditionally divided into three stages.
Pure cotton threads are impregnated with an alkaline solution, then wrung out and washed. This treatment significantly increases the strength and ease of dyeing cotton thread.
Cotton (mercerized) is wound into couplings and bleached (or dyed). At this stage, the pH is also neutralized (hydrogen alkaline indicator). The thread can undergo hydrolysis, active and direct dyeing. Color becomes even, bright and durable.
Next, the mercerized thread passes gas fired. Wound on a bobbin, it is unwound, fired in gas burners and rewound.
The final process allows you to get rid of hairiness, increase smoothness and add shine.
Knitting from cotton usually does not cause problems: the yarn is usually "obedient", it fits quite easily.
But, judging by the reviews, the thread made from mercerized cotton behaves more difficult: the product can “mow” and sit a little after washing. The first problem is solved by the selection of the thickness of the thread and knitting needles (usually from number 2 to number 4).
As for reducing the size of the product, this is only a temporary effect, since in the sock the thing acquires its former dimensions.
Proper care is also very important. A delicate and only hand wash is recommended. It is better to use mild detergents (such as baby shampoo) and conditioner.
It is advisable to remove metal elements before washing or try to immerse only knitted parts in the washing solution. Do not use a centrifuge. After the water drains, lay the product on a suitable flat surface and, slightly stretching it, straighten all the parts. This method of drying does not require additional ironing. If such a need does arise, iron with caution, especially if the product contains easily melting elements (plastic buttons, locks, bisseurs, etc.)