Adding value in the textile manufacturing process
Consumers generally don’t give much thought as to why a velvet sofa feels so soft, for example. They just know quality when they experience it.
We are all aware that textile manufacturing is a complicated, lengthy procedure (to put it mildly!). Contract fabrics such as ours are no different, passing through various production stages. Textile industry professionals use the term textile 'finishing' to describe to the process of converting woven cloth into a more ‘useable’ material. This doesn’t include dyeing the yarn or fabric, but generally refers to anything that happens to the fabric after dyeing to improve the hand feel, performance, or visual appeal.
A story of evolution and imagination
Up until at least the Industrial Revolution, textile finishing generally involved a limited number of simple steps that had evolved over the history of furnishing fabrics. Since then, the world of textiles has undergone waves of deeply imaginative research, resulting in the creation of even more sophisticated production methods.
There are many, many techniques that enhance the visual and tactile appeal of fabrics. A finish can ensure the fabric is soft and structurally stable. Another technique involves tumbling to create softness or a 'washed' texture. 'Calendering' is a process used to smooth fabrics and give them a shiny effect. During this process, a fabric is passed between calender rollers at high temperatures and pressures. Calendaring comes from an earlier linen production method called 'beetling', but is more advanced.
Textiles and the environment
None of the techniques that FR-One fabrics undergo are harmful to humans or the environment in any stage of their life cycle. Our inherently fire-retardant fabrics don’t rely on finishing techniques for their flame retardant properties.
FR-One fabrics are certified under the STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX® and REACH (‘Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals’ in the European Union). This guarantees that our furnishing fabrics will not release any harmful finishes or chemicals into the world and are completely safe for human skin.
We hope you’ve enjoyed today’s article! Let’s finish up (pun intended) with a stroll through our top-selling fabric ranges. Explore the full list on our site right now.
