Textile product made out of mixture of two or more fibers
A blend is a mixture of two or more fibers. In yarn spinning, different compositions, lengths, diameters, or colors may be combined to create a blend.[1] Blended textiles are fabrics or yarns produced with a combination of two or more types of different fibers, or yarns to obtain desired traits and aesthetics. Blending is possible at various stages of textile manufacturing.[2] The term, blend, refers to spun fibers or a fabric composed of such fibers.[1][3] There are several synonymous terms: a combination yarn is made up of two strands of different fibers twisted together to form a ply;[1] a mixture or mixed cloth refers to blended cloths in which different types of yarns are used in warp and weft sides.[4][5]
Union or union fabric was a 19th century term for a blended fabric. It is no longer used.[6]
History
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Blending in textiles is an old practice which became more widespread after around 1980. Recognizing the growing popularity of blends, the Wool Bureau introduced the "Wool blend" mark in 1970 for blends containing a high percentage of wool.[1]: 21 Viyella was the first branded blended textile, and it is the oldest blended flannel structure. It features a twill weave of wool and cotton, and due to the cotton content, it can be washed more easily than an all-wool flannel.[1]: 311
- An admixture of silk and cotton from Hindustan called Mashru is one of the earliest forms of "mixed cloth,"[7] . In the 12th century A.D., the industry was under the influence of Muslims. While Muslim men were not allowed to wear pure silk due to a religious admonition, a silk-and-cotton blend they made was permitted. It was known as "Mashru."[8] [9] Mashru was the name given to a group of mixed fabrics. Mashru is an Arabic word that literally means "permitted."[10]
- Siamoise was a 17th-century cotton and linen material.[11]
Fibers for blends
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Spun fibers
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Any fiber has the potential to contribute to a blended fabric depending upon the intended use.[12]: 6 Continuous testing is carried out to determine the best fiber blends and the percentages that are best suited to specific uses. Polyester is the most frequently used synthetic fibre, it has earned the name, "workhorse" fiber of the industry. The staple form of the Polyester fibers has been referred as "big mixer" because of its compatibility in blending. Polyester imparts many properties without affecting the properties of other fibers.[1]: 74
Bicomponent fibers
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Bicomponent fiber are the fibers produced by mixing two different polymers to achieve the properties of both fibers. For example, Polyester and Nylon may be mixed together in extrusion. The polymers in the bicomponent may have entirely different physical and chemical properties.[13]
Advantages
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Products with blends, mixtures, and combinations may have properties that differ from those obtained with a single fiber. Blending may add value and may reduce the cost of the product.[1][3] For example, cotton is most often mixed with other fibers, particularly synthetics. This blending can be used to make cotton-like fabrics with improved functionality such as wrinkle resistance and dimensional stability. The addition of spandex to cotton improves the stretch of the product.[14]
Spinning advantages
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Uniformity
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Blending is also used to describe the process of combining small amounts of the same fibers from various lots to produce a uniform result. The process is known as "blending" in spinning.[3] The blending of similar kinds of fibers or different fibers is possible at various stages of yarn spinning, such as the blow room, draw frame, and roving.[15][1]: 145
Spinning weak fibers
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Blending helps in spinning those fibers which are weak and difficult to spin. For example, milkweed fibers lack strength and cohesion.[14]: 72
Core spun yarns
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In core spun yarns; a filament yarn is wrapped with staple fibers. Spandex filament may be wrapped with cotton fibers to form a core spun yarn. These yarns are called "composite yarns."[1]: 97, 145
Functional advantages
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Comfort
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Blends help in reducing the discomfort of certain synthetic clothing. Synthetic fibers, such as polyester, have a moisture regain rate of only 0.4'0.8 percent. Poor absorbency reduces the comfort of clothing that comes into direct contact with the skin. Blending polyester with absorbent fibers such as cotton improves the wearing comfort. Polyester-cotton blended clothing is more comfortable to wear in humid climates than polyester alone.[1]: 79
A heavy pair of jeans made of 100% cotton that weigh 14 oz (396.9 g) can be cut down to 11 oz (311.8 g), without compromising durability, by changing the composition to a blend of polyester 50% with cotton or nylon 20%.[12]
Aesthetic advantages
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Blends help to create a variety of aesthetic effects.:
Plated fabrics
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Blending is also used to create many weaving and knitting structures, such as plated fabrics.[16]
Burnt out patterns
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Devoré is a pattern-making technique that involves dissolving cellulosic fibers in acids. Typically, a polyester-cotton blend is used for this purpose.[17]
Heather or melange fabrics
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Heather is a term used to describe a color effect created by combining two or more different colored fibers or yarns in a fabric.[18] Grey melange, marl and gaspe are examples of blending fibers and yarns.
Cross-dyed fabrics
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Blends are also used for cross-dyed fabrics. When dyeing fabric with two different classes of dyes in a blend, it is possible to dye both parts in completely different colors. It is called "cross-dyeing."[19]
Economical products
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Besides contributing to comfort and functionality, blends can produce economical materials.
- Camel hair can be blended with sheep wool. Camel hair provides better thermal insulation per weight, and it is finer and more expensive than cotton, so a camelhair-sheepwool blend produces a lighter and warmer blend than sheepwool alone.[1]
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- Cotton is frequently blended with polyester; the blend is more economical than a 100% cotton product.[20]
- Cashmere (an expensive wool) and sheep wool are sometimes blended together to make the product cost-effective.[21]
Nonwoven fabric advantages
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Nonwoven fabrics of various types can be manufactured using a blending process. A polyester and viscose blend is used in baby wipes. For different items, distinct weight ratios are used.[22]
See also
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References
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Most people spend a good amount of time selecting the perfect shirt for their sports team, promotional, or personal events. Finding a shirt that matches your design exactly right is important, but you'll also want to consider the best material for your needs. Many clubs and groups find they will prefer a cotton polyester blend of fabric for their uniforms rather than alternatives exclusive to one material.
When it comes to fabric, people often gravitate toward 100% cotton — a sturdy, breathable, lightweight crafting resource that is especially suited for warmer climates. While 100% cotton is oftentimes the better choice, it’s worth considering all of the benefits of a 50% cotton 50% polyester blend before making your decision.
A 50/50 blend offers many of the same advantages of 100% cotton, but also avoids some of the pitfalls of the pure blend.
Advantages of a 50/50 Blend Over 100% Cotton
There are many instances when you'll want to use a 50/50 polyester and cotton blend over 100% cotton. While it is typically a slightly more expensive fabric than 100% cotton, it makes up for the cost by offering you a more durable, versatile, and comfortable material. Here are some of the reasons this blended fabric may be a better choice for your event.
A Cotton + Polyester Blend is Versatile
A 100% cotton t-shirt has some limitations as to what it is best used for, but this is not the case with a polyester/cotton blend. It takes the benefits of both fabrics and combines them into one, making the fabric ideal for almost any purpose.
Whether ordering shirts for a sports team or your business or a community event, this material will get the job done.
A Blend of Fabrics Will Not Fade As Quickly
While 100% cotton is a sturdy, beautiful fabric, it is still much more likely to fade than a 50/50 blend. The synthetic fibers in polyester help the material hold its color better over time. In short, it will suit your needs really well if you intend to wash the shirts frequently.
When it comes to children, unless you're dealing with allergies (as mentioned above), the polyester/cotton blend will have a distinct advantage. Children’s clothing
often requires multiple washes, and this blend maintains its color much longer as you treat and remove stains again and again.
Fabric Blends are More Durable
If you want a material that’s long lasting, polyester/cotton blends are known for their durability. Just as it won’t fade as quickly, it also won’t lose its shape or come apart as quickly. It’s also less likely to pill over time, meaning it stays looking new longer.
We all want clothes that will last, and a polyester/cotton blend offers just that. If you plan to wear and wash your shirt a lot, the blended fabric will be better suited to your needs.
A 50/50 Cotton Polyester Blend is Less Prone To Wrinkling
Perhaps one of the most frustrating things about 100% cotton is that it is extremely prone to wrinkling. Obviously, wrinkles can be taken care of with an iron and a spray bottle, but most people prefer clothes that come out of the dryer ready to wear.
50/50 polyester and cotton is far less likely to wrinkle than 100% cotton, especially if you remove it from the dryer promptly. If you want to avoid the extra step of ironing, this blend is a much better choice.
Cotton Polyester Blends are Easy To Care For
Not only does 50/50 polyester and cotton come out of the wash ready to wear, it’s much easier to wash and care for to begin with. It’s a far less temperamental fabric than 100% cotton, and washes and dries with little fuss.
This fabric responds best to being washed in warm water and dried on low to medium heat. 100% cotton must be washed in cold water, dried on very low heat, and will not respond well to being overheated. Stick with the 50/50 blend if easier maintenance is your goal.
A 50/50 Fabric is Great For Activity
While 100% cotton is definitely breathable, it doesn’t respond as well to regular sweating and activity. And, as we mentioned, it’s harder to care for, meaning stains are a little trickier to deal with than they are in a polyester/cotton blend.
The 50/50 blend is not quite as breathable as 100% cotton, but it makes up for it by holding up well in regular activity
, making it an ideal choice for sports and athletics. Polyester has wicking properties, meaning the fabric will dry faster during activities.
Cotton Polyester Blends are Less Likely To Shrink
Shrinking after washing and drying a 100% cotton piece of clothing is a bit of a gamble. However, the synthetic fibers of polyester will keep a blended fabric from shrinking. Although you can purchase pre-shrunk 100% cotton clothing, polyester/cotton blends are a little more reliable when it comes to maintaining size and shape.
If you’re purchasing t-shirts, you don’t want to be concerned with shrinking, and a 50/50 blend will give you peace of mind that the size you purchase is the size you will continue to have.
A 50/50 Fabric Blend Provides a Sporty Look
As mentioned when we talked about 100% cotton, sometimes you want your clothing to have a more professional look, but that’s not always the case. If you’re purchasing shirts for sporty or casual purposes, the polyester/cotton blend will suit your needs well. It’s comfortable and perfect for outdoor and indoor activities of a more casual nature.
Jerseys or event tees are a great example of shirts that would look great in a polyester and cotton blend.
Cotton and Polyester Fabrics Together Will Keep You Warmer
While it’s true that 100% cotton is the more breathable fabric, that’s not always a quality you’re looking for! If you need material that's going to keep you warmer
, the polyester and cotton blend provides the comfort of the natural cotton feel with the warmth of the synthetic polyester.
Not all activities take place in the winter, or in warmer climates. This blended fabric will be a better choice for you if you need something that breathes but isn’t going to leave you wet and freezing after your activity.
When and Why to Choose 100% Cotton Over a 50/50 Polyester Blend
A 50/50 blend shares some of the same benefits as 100% cotton, but there are a few factors that set the latter apart — and might make it your preferred fabric.
Conclusion
In certain cases, 100% cotton is a better choice than a 50/50 polyester and cotton blend, but as you can see, the blend holds many advantages over 100% cotton. When choosing a fabric for your needs, take all of these things into consideration and you may find that the blended fabric is exactly what you were looking for.
Whichever fabric you prefer, you can find great, affordable shirts to meet your needs at Discount Mugs.