The flannelette blanket has been deservedly popular in Russia for a long time. Delicate pile, durability, easy care, environmentally friendly composition - these factors have made it possible to use flannelette material for the production of not only home blankets, but bedding for hotels, hostels, dormitories, and military units. Flannelette blankets are also traditionally used in maternity hospitals for the discharge of newborns.
Manufacturing technology
The technological process for producing flannelette material includes several intermediate stages.
The textile industry has adopted the basis for making any fabric. What stages does it include:
- Primary fiber processing.
- Spinning.
- Weaving.
- Finishing.
To create flannelette fabric, raw cotton is used as a raw material. These are cotton fibers mixed with other inclusions. The main task is to clean the raw materials from them.
Cleaning work is carried out at specialized plants. The cotton is put into machines to separate the fibers. Not only seeds and debris are removed from them, but also fluff, which reduces the quality of the resulting yarn.
Primary processing of the woolen material needed for the production of the bike takes place at wool washing plants. Fresh wool is loosened and then cleaned using machines. The next step is washing with an alkaline solution. Afterwards, plant particles may remain in the raw material. They are removed with a weak solution of sulfuric acid. It does not harm wool fibers in any way.
Spinning is a series of technological processes that process fibers into yarn of a specific thickness and strength. When spinning, thin threads are produced, which are subsequently connected to each other by twisting.
The next step is weaving. Here, fabric is made from yarn on looms. Mutually perpendicular thread systems are intertwined, and the resulting fabric has the width of a flannelette blanket. The length depends on the process itself. The material is further divided into individual blankets.
The end of the production process is finishing. Here, rolls of fabric are turned into flannelette blankets.
Finishing operations:
- bleaching. The canvas is treated with sodium hypochlorite or hydrogen peroxide. Stable whiteness appears;
- dyeing. The entire surface is covered with dye, the result is a continuous color;
- printing a picture;
- napping. When processing a flannelette cut on a machine, individual fibers are pulled out onto its surface. A pile is formed. The pile makes the item softer, increases heat-protective characteristics and strength.
Dyeing and printing are done either together or separately. What methods are used for bikes:
- Direct. This is the application of a pattern to white or pre-dyed fabric.
- Etched. A chemical is applied to the dyed material to break down the dye. The result is white patterns on a bright background.
As soon as the technological cycle is completed, the flannel rolls are cut to length. The cut area is treated with an overlocker.
What does the material consist of?
The composition of flannelette fabric does not contain artificial impurities. Flannelette blankets are made from environmentally friendly raw cotton.
The production of accessories is automated. In addition to cotton, other fibers are added to the material of flannelette blankets. For example, to make the product dense and very warm, wool is used. When purchasing such a product, you need to remember that it can cause allergies.
Models with the addition of viscose are softer, more elastic, wear-resistant, but more expensive.
For newborns
The baby flannelette blanket ensures the baby's comfort. Products with dimensions of 110 x 140 or 100 x 140 are in demand. You should not purchase more canvas, as they will be inconvenient to use. The biker jacket retains heat well and protects against sweating because it allows air to pass through. The product is suitable for winter and summer, which makes it different from other types of blankets.
Winter options have more wool, they are warm, absorb moisture well and dry quickly. The fabrics are especially soft; you can wrap your baby in a stroller and will not restrict movement. Summer products are light, they are suitable for keeping warm in damp weather outside and in the house. This material is natural and does not cause irritation or allergies.
After purchase, the blanket must be washed to disinfect and test for color fastness. It is necessary to wash carefully, gently, without using a strong spin. Do not use bleach. Drying in the sun should be avoided. After washing, you need to iron and comb the fabric with a brush.
The products are woven using the jacquard method, which makes the product durable and strong. Based on feedback from parents, blankets and bedspreads are passed down through generations due to their durability. Children's types are more expensive in comparison with adults.
Types
The area of use of flannelette blankets is wide. Children's models are especially popular, although adults also purchase these products quite often.
Children's
There are three types of baby flannelette blankets:
- for discharge. A baby needs a thing even in the warm season. Pediatricians talk about this. Normal size – 110 centimeters width, 140 centimeters length. They sell large size flannelette blankets for discharge, which are used to make a convenient envelope;
- in the stroller. This is a comfortable option for walking. The child is comfortable, warm is retained inside, the blanket weighs little and does not create unnecessary stress;
- in bed. The flannel material is environmentally friendly, which is very important when constantly using the item at home. There are products in different colors in stores, so it’s easy to choose what your baby will like.
Adult
What kind of flannelette blankets are produced for adults:
- one and a half. Suitable for frequent use. They are easy to put in the washing machine. The patterns are dominated by geometry and plant motifs. In stores there are options with a combination of three colors at once;
- double. Also suitable for adults. Many people use a large flannel blanket as a bedspread on a bed or sofa. Designs with rhombuses, squares, and plants are applied to the products.
Types and sizes of blankets
Flannelette blankets are available in a wide range of sizes:
- Children's models. Among them there are products for newborns (or for discharge). Their size is the smallest - 90x100 cm. You can purchase a blanket of a larger size (100x140 cm, some manufacturers have another 100x132 cm) to make it more convenient to form an envelope. Again, for different seasons, you can buy a baby biker with wool or pure cotton (as an option with viscose). You can cover your baby with a blanket both at home and in a stroller.
There are very small models - for newborns
- Adults one and a half (150x200 cm) Again, depending on the manufacturer, sizes may vary slightly.
- Adults double (200x200 cm). Suitable for use as a bedspread on a bed or sofa.
A double flannelette blanket can be used as a bedspread, the main thing is to choose the right color
How is it different from cashmere?
Flannelette blankets are universal and suitable for any season. The reason for this is the different density of the fabric. Thin, light cotton models are used in the hot season, thicker ones - in the off-season, when the owner needs coziness and comfort.
Differences between bikes and similar materials:
- The blanket can be washed in a washing machine at water temperatures up to 40 degrees.
- Can be used for babies.
- It is used not only for relaxation, but, for example, as a blanket for going out into nature.
- The thing is soft, compact, and when folded takes up very little space.
- It's cheap.
If a flannelette blanket is not washed correctly, it will become hard and unpleasant to the skin.
Cashmere products are softer, they are light and warm. They serve as decoration for any room and make it look more noble.
What makes cashmere different?
- It's warmer than a bike.
- Resistant to damage.
- The fabric also does not cause allergies.
- It looks much more expensive, but requires complex care.
Cashmere blankets are very expensive.
Proper care
The bike is completely easy to care for. It requires washing when it gets dirty. And although it is usually made of cotton, it is not recommended to wash it at 60-90°. The optimal water temperature is 40°. A medium spin is required, 500-600 rpm will be enough. Can be dried on a line, or flattened. It is better not to do this in the machine drum using a special mode.
Boiling flannelette blankets is strictly prohibited! It was precisely from frequent boiling that Soviet samples lost density and color, turning into a “sieve”. Stains can be removed from them using modern gentle means without aggressive chemicals. If you are lucky enough to buy a model made of wool, it will require more delicate care. If you wish, you can take such a product to the dry cleaner. These are just general guidelines. For any housewife, the guide should be the instructions indicated on the packaging of a particular blanket.
For information on how to properly swaddle your baby with a flannelette blanket, see below.
READ MORE: Biofuel fireplace 70 photos corner biofireplace in the interior do-it-yourself built-in biofireplaces
To preserve the pristine qualities of flannelette fabric and to avoid shrinkage and discoloration of the fabric, it must be properly cared for. There are no difficulties associated with this. On the contrary, everything is extremely simple:
- Wash at a temperature not exceeding 40C.
- Spin the product at minimum speed.
- Ironing the bike with a low-heat iron - up to 150 C.
- Avoid using bleach.
- Preferably wash with a fragrance-free liquid detergent for colored fabrics.
- Strong stains require gentle washing beforehand.
- Follow the manufacturer's recommendations according to the instructions on the label of the flannelette product.
- Do not tumble dry or expose to direct sunlight.
How to choose the best quality
What recommendations are best to follow when purchasing:
- Decide who will use the product and for what. Make sure you have the specific size blanket you require.
- Study color strength. Touch the item, stroke the lint, wrinkle it, rub the edges. If there are no marks left on the skin, the product has been dyed with high quality.
- Washing is required before first use. Woolen yarn may shrink. It is worth remembering this and carrying out cleansing in warm water.
- Every day it is better to use a blanket of calm colors. For children, options with bright images of their favorite characters and animals are suitable.
- Study the label where the method and mode of cleansing are prescribed.
When choosing an accessory, the buyer also looks at its edging. It is better if it is made from a different fabric.
Another option is a fabric folded a few centimeters, stitched from the inside out. A blanket with a missing edging quickly deforms and stretches to the sides.
Price
The price for flannel blankets is set by manufacturers and the trade organization. Products from well-known brands are sold at a higher price, but their products have no unique differences from cheaper analogues.
READ MORE: Black Decker jigsaw choosing a saw holder for a jigsaw Characteristics of electric and other models
The average cost of a colored blanket 110x140 cm is about 500 rubles; for a plain or traditional checkered design they ask for 50 rubles less. A blanket from a well-known company will cost a couple of hundred more; for example, OTK or Ermoshki products of identical size cost 650-680 rubles. There are blankets for 850 rubles per unit and more expensive options.
