Last Updated on December 28, 2022 by Shariful Alam
Types of Muslin Fabric
I’m quite sure we all hear a lot about muslin. But many of us have little knowledge about why it’s so different and good from other fabrics. Specially Types of Muslin Fabric. Here, I’m now telling you the types of this elite fabric.
What muslin fabric is?
We all know what fabric is; right? In a sentence: fabric is a plain garment from which different clothes are made. And the muslin is a type of fabric made from cotton. Many countries produce and export muslin fabrics from other species of cotton plants.
But the best quality of muslin fabrics derives from Phuti Karpas (whose scientific name is Gossypium arboreum), which is available in some parts of Bangladesh (Dhaka) and west Bengal, India. Phuti Karpas is a rare type of cotton.
Besides, a mix of cotton and silk or polyester or other/s is also available in the world market. The original muslin (Dhakai muslin) is unavailable at all costs yet. on the other hand, Industrial muslin or a fusion is widely available, and it’s affordable too.
Types of Muslin Fabric
History of muslin fabric
This fabric is unique, royal, stylish, and precious regardless of time and place. Therefore, it has an incredible number of stories, myths, events, and research than any other fabric around the world.
Because of its extreme popularity and preciousness, several low versions of it were found in the market; and manufacturers, traders, and sellers—all cashed out a huge gain by selling these low-grade muslins as original ones. Numerous merchants sold such inferior quality muslin in the name of actual muslin as well. But, the original 100% cotton hand-made muslin was only made in sonargaon, jangalbari, Bikrampur currently under Dhaka. The original muslin was really expensive!
The history of muslin fabric is long, twisted, mythical, and thrilling. Here, I’m not going to focus on its history; rather, I can recommend the article “The Myth of Muslin: Epic Journey of Muslin in 2022” as worth reading since it covers the detailed history of muslin.
Characteristics of muslin fabric
This fabric has some unique features that you don’t find in other fabrics. And, it gains acceptance and popularity because of its characteristics. All types of muslin fabric will have them. Now, I’m sharing its unique features:
100% cotton: The best quality original muslin is made from 100% cotton fibers.
A good absorbent: Cotton is a natural absorbent. And muslin is 100% cotton fabric. So, it can absorb water and sweat.
Hypoallergenic: Muslin is a hypoallergenic fabric. Like other fabrics, such as polyester, it doesn’t cause any allergic reactions to human skin.
Durable: Muslin fabric has incredible durability. Pulling and twisting—which are common in fabric–cannot do a lot of damage to it.
Lightweight: It’s a very lightweight and thin fabric. A long muslin saree can be kept in a matchet box. It’s so thin that an original muslin is made from 2000+ thread counts. Original muslin isn’t available yet. what we find as muslin in the global market has a 100 thread count. It’s also lighter than all other fabrics
Smooth texture: Muslin has a fine and smooth texture. It’s because of a plain woven technique.
Shrinkable: Muslin does shrink but at minimum, not something very worried about. It normally shrinks from 5% to 10%. Using a fabric softener during washing reduces the shrinking of muslin fabric.
Muslin Fabrics
Ancient Types of muslin fabric
Muslin received an unbelievable amount of appreciation and patronage from the ruling classes (Emperors, Empresses, Kings, queens, and landlords) throughout the middle age. That’s why an unimaginable development was taken place in weaving muslin fabrics!
The weavers didn’t only weave muslin because of money and occupation, rather it was a moment of pride and heritage to engage in muslin production. Mulmusl khas, Nayan sukh, Sobnam, etc are a few of the many types of ancient muslin.
The manufacturers brought different varieties of muslin in terms of qualities and forms. If you have any interest in knowing ancient muslin fabric types, you may read this article “The Myth of Muslin: Epic Journey of Muslin ”.
Present Types of muslin fabric
Present Types of muslin fabric
This is our main point of discussion on present types of muslin fabric. The muslin fabric has many types. We can discuss its types based on quality, variety, and bleaching.
In terms of quality: There are two qualities of muslin. One is about high-quality muslin. It’s soft and smooth. Evenly-spun yarns are used in weaving to produce the best quality muslin. Another is low-quality muslin, which is coarser. It’s medium soft and smooth. Coarser is woven with uneven yarns; which is why it’s cheap.
In terms of variety: There are four main varieties of muslin available in the market.
Gauze: This type of muslin is ultra-lightweight. It’s the finest and thinnest fabric so far. We used this muslin for clothes, filters in the kitchen, and dressing pads for wounds.
Mull: It’s a lightweight and plain muslin. This muslin is made of a fusion of cotton & silk. It’s heavier than gauze in weight. Furthermore, it has uses in dress underlings—a layer of fabric underneath your main fabric and pattern testing for garments.
Swiss Muslin: It has raised patterns and dots on the fabric. This muslin is perfect for usage as warmer clothes.
Sheeting: This is the thickest and coarsest type of muslin available so far in the market. It’s often used for furniture upholstery, home wares, hardware, and backdrop.
In terms of bleaching: Bleaching is a chemical process. It’s done to remove stains and impurities from fabric. Muslin fabric is of two types in this regard.
Bleached muslin fabric: This fabric is soft, smooth, and white. It’s expensive and has different uses. You can learn more about bleached muslin fabric here Bleached Muslin fabric: A guide for soft unique fabric.
Unbleached muslin fabric: Unbleached muslin fabric is 100% organic. No chemical compound is found here. It’s comparatively hard, rough, and cream-white in color. It is cheap as well. You can know more about unbleached muslin fabric by clicking on Unbleached Muslin fabric: Best guide for beginners.
Why you should use muslin fabric?
You should use muslin fabric for the following reasons: Muslin fabric is airy, means air can flow in and out of the fabric easily. That’s why it’s breathable. Because of its lightweight and thinness, it’s comfortable to wear.
- It’s a very soft fabric. So, toddlers and children feel comfortable and easiness wearing muslin clothes.
- It’s a 100% cotton fabric and organic too. So, it doesn’t do any harm to the skin of children, patients, and older people.
- It is a versatile fabric. You can use it for clothing to beauty care.
- You can dye and paint on your muslin fabric. Customized designs on this fabric are easy.
- You can wash your fabric by both hand and machine. After washing and ironing, you can reuse it.
- Muslin fabric is the symbol of beauty and pride. So, having it means you are a classy individual.
FAQ: Types of Muslin Fabric
We tried to give you answers that most frequently asked about types of muslin fabric.
Is the original muslin fabric available?
No. Original muslin fabric isn’t available yet. But it’s likely to come into the market in the coming years, as much in-depth and intense research has been undergoing. You can get more information by reading Where to buy Dhaka Muslin?
How is muslin fabric made?
Muslin fabric is made using a plain woven technique. Machines are not used in producing muslin fabrics. Hand looms produce such quality fabrics. That’s why it requires a lot of time to prepare a fabric. Read more about its making from here.
Is muslin fabric eco-friendly?
Yes. The best quality fabric is eco-friendly as it’s made from 100% cotton, which is biodegradable. However, if the fabric is made from a mix of cotton and other synthetic material, then it might detrimental to our ecosystem.
Are all muslin fabrics 100% cotton?
Yes. All original muslin fabrics are 100% cotton. And they are expensive too. However, nowadays, polyester or cotton blend is used in weaving muslin fabric commercially to make muslin cheaper.
Does muslin fabric pill and fray?
Yes. Muslin fabric does pill and fray as it’s made by a loose weave. Pilling means appearing little balls of threads on the fabric. And Fraying means the broken fibers don’t tangle together, rather they form frayed edges (threads become visible on the fabric, staying straight or curved, but not forming little balls). When you use and wash muslin regularly, such problems do arise, since cotton is subject to pilling and fraying. So, taking care of muslin is a must.
Final Comments on Types of Muslin Fabric
We can write a lot about Muslin. As a part of the journey, I am sharing the types of Muslin & related stories in brief. If you have any questions regarding Types of Muslin Fabric, don’t hesitate to write us. Happy reading!
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