By: Stefra
Submitted: 2010-02-26 06:53:11 | Word Count: 560
Tricot is a kind of fabric, knitted in a special way that is often used in making lingerie or employed as a lining material. Pronounced as tree ko , the word originates from a French verb tricoter which means to knit . As it is knit in a special way, tricot has many unique benefits and properties that are seldom seen in other fabrics. However, with the benefits come some challenges in terms of use and care. Still, overall the fabric is not at all that difficult to maintain and the benefits dwarf the challenges for a good measure.
Features of Tricot
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Tricot is created using a warp knit pattern by machine in tricot factory. So, rather than running along the width, the fibres making up the fabric run along the length of the fabric making a zigzag pattern. Tricot is always made using a blend of various fabrics. Typically, the fibres that constitute tricot are wool, silk, cotton, rayon and nylon.
Benefits of Tricot
Tricot fabric is almost always flexible and soft. It does not run or snag easily. A high quality tricot will never build up a static charge even if it is made from nylon. It also does not cling to the body providing comfort to the wearer. As it comes in a large variety of textures and colours, tricot can t be out of fashion. Since the fabric is warp knit, it has a unique texture with horizontal grain on one side and a vertical grain on the other.
Uses of Tricot
The tricot fabric is quite popular among fabrics for the production of women s undergarments or lingerie. The softness of the fabric has a lot to do with the popularity. Nylon tricot is used as lining material for suitcases. Hunting apparel is also a commonly made using tricot. For those into sewing, tricot can be purchased at fabric stores in order to make your own garments. Thus, tricot is a very versatile fabric that can be used for a range of purposes.
Important Considerations
Most of the tricot garments can be machine washed. However, they should ideally be washed using ‘delicate’ cycle in warm water. Lingerie and other undergarments are especially delicate and should be washed separately. While drying, ‘low heat’ should be used and as soon as the cycle is complete, they should be removed promptly. The tricot garments dry quite fast. Ironing should be avoided. However, if ironing becomes very necessary, the lowest temperature setting should be used. The fabric can melt when subject to excess heat. Also, it is a good idea to place a cloth, such as a clean handkerchief, between tricot cloth and iron.
Sewing with Tricot
As mentioned before, tricot fabric can be purchased from fabric store or even online. Unlike other fabrics, tricot fabric should not be washed before sewing. Washing can cause the fabric to bunch up and hard to work with. Silk pins are a better choice when sewing this fabric as compared to the regular straight pins since straight pins tend to make holes in the fabric. Only very fine needles and threads that are designed for delicate fabric should be employed.
As is apparent, tricot fabric is quite unique among fabrics and provides many benefits. If care is taken while washing and ironing the clothes made of the fabric, they can last a long time.
