Background of Linen Terry

Linen terry can sometimes be confused with terry cloth; however, there are some differences which should be explored in order to properly care for linen terry. One of the reasons that linen terry may be confused for terry cloth is the fact that it features a plush pile. Terry cloth is a common fabric which is commonly used in the production of absorbent materials such as bath towels and bath robes. This plush material is soft and comfortable as well as absorbent, making it the perfect choice for such uses. A loop pile construction technique is used to manufacture terry cloth. The final result is a plush surface which contains uncut loops.

Why Terry Linen is not a Traditional Terry Cloth

Fabrics which contain cut loops are not actually a terry construction. Instead they are a velvet construction. Any fabric which features a pile that is smooth, short and dense is frequently referred to as velour, which is the French word for Velvet. As a result, terry linen is not truly a terry because it contains cut loops rather than uncut loops. It is actually a velvet, albeit a very plush velvet. The plushness of the construction means that it is quite sensitive to cleaning methods. Care will need to be exercised when cleaning terry linen in order to ensure that it remains as beautiful years from now as it is today.

Understanding the Construction Method

Traditionally, velvet fabrics are created with what is known as a warp pile. Along with the fill yarns and the warp that create the base of the fabric, an additional set of yarns are also included in order to form the pile of the fabric. Velvet fabrics can be produced using either a W or a V joining of the yarns. The exact construction method is quite relevant because a W construction will provide more stability than a V construction. Even when a backing is not provided on terry linen, if a W construction method is utilized, the fabric will be stronger than if a V construction method is used.

Know your Blends

It is also important to understand what types of fibers are actually contained inside the pile. Just because the fabric is terry linen does not meant that it is 100% linen. Some fabrics are also comprised of other types of fibers, including cotton. This is particularly common in the production of towels and other similar products in order to increase the absorbency of the product. Where several different types of fibers are present the proper care methods for the fabrics may vary. The key is to make sure you know what is in the pile yarn. Specifically, you need to make sure you know whether there is any rayon in the construction of the pile.

Rayon can present a problem when it is used in the construction of the pile because it can become flattened when it becomes wet. While this would not normally be a problem, when rayon is used in a pile construction it can be quite difficult to return the fibers to their original state. In many cases, even brushing cannot help the fibers to return to their original condition. This can be particularly noticeable when only a small section of the fabric is affected as it will be visibly different from the surrounding area.

Problems with Water-Based Stains

Water-based stains which leave a visual stain, such as soft drinks, can be additionally bothersome. Not only is the pile of the fabric likely to be affected but the stain itself can be difficult to remove. In this case, it is extremely important to use caution and care.

While linen in its natural state tends to range in color from a light cream to a dark tan, terry linen is frequently dyed. This type of fabric tends to accept dye quite well and is often found in a wide variety of hues. It should be pointed out that over time and through washings, terry linen tends to become much softer. The color may also fade over time through washings; however.

With proper care, terry linen items can last many years and provide soft comfortable service.