Blending
Blending is a method of mixing two or more fibers with different properties and spinning them into a single thread so that the texture and functions of each material can be used in the textile.
Contents6 sections
Definition and Overview
Blending is a method of mixing multiple fibers, such as cotton, polyester, wool, and rayon, at the raw-material stage and making them into a single spun thread. Fabrics and knits made with blended thread are also generally called blended materials.
The properties of the finished textile vary greatly depending on the type of material, blending ratio, fiber length, thread thickness, and twist. For this reason, it is important not to judge performance from the label “blended” alone, but to check the composition label and textile specifications together.
Features
In blending, the softness and absorbency of natural fibers can be combined with the strength, quick-drying performance, and wrinkle resistance of synthetic fibers. It helps offset the weaknesses of each material and makes it easier to design texture and practicality suited to the intended applications.
The appearance and hand feel vary depending on the materials blended. For example, different dyeing behaviors may be used to create depth of color, such as a heathered look. However, differences in dyeability and luster among materials can also create color variation and expression different from those of a single-material fabric.
- Blends containing cotton tend to make it easier to take advantage of a soft feel against the skin and absorbency.
- Blends containing polyester tend to make it easier to improve strength and dimensional stability.
- Blends containing wool may be used to take advantage of warmth retention and loft while adjusting ease of handling.
Main Applications
Fabrics made from blended thread are widely used for shirts, blouses, cut-and-sew tops, pants, skirts, jackets, uniforms, knit products, and more. The material composition is chosen according to the required durability, ease of care, appearance, and wearing comfort.
They are not limited to a specific season. For spring and summer, blends that consider lightness, absorbency, and quick-drying performance are used, while for autumn and winter, blends that take advantage of warmth retention, loft, and a fuzzy feel are selected. Fabric thickness and construction are also factors that affect seasonal suitability.
How to Choose and Handling Precautions
When selecting, check not only the blend ratio but also the industry weight, construction, finishing process, stretch, and care label. Even with the same material combination, differences in blend ratio or manufacturing method will change shrinkage, fuzzing, breathability, and drape. Before mass production, it is reassuring to carry out washing tests and sewing tests.
Shrinkage and deformation during washing are affected by the properties of each blended material and the processing conditions. In particular, materials that react differently to heat, moisture, and friction may change in surface texture and dimensions after washing. Handle the product according to the care label.
In sewing, check in advance the fabric's slipperiness, stretch, fraying tendency, and resistance to heat, and adjust the needle, thread, seam, and ironing conditions. For products that combine dark and light colors or different materials, color transfer caused by friction must also be checked.
Differences from Similar Terms
Union fabric is a weaving method that uses different kinds of thread separately for warp and weft. Interknitting is a method that uses different threads separately in the knitting structure of the knit fabric. These combine materials at the fabric-making stage, whereas blending differs in that the raw materials are mixed into a single thread.
Blending and union fabric/interknitting may be difficult to distinguish based only on the fiber composition shown on product labels. When considering texture, dye differences, or the appearance of the front and back during planning or sewing, check not only the blend ratio but also where each fiber is used in the thread or fabric.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between blending and union fabric?
Blending is a method of mixing multiple fibers into a single thread. Union fabric is a method of weaving different kinds of thread separately for warp and weft. In blending, the materials are mixed throughout the thread, whereas in union fabric, the arrangement of the threads can create differences in material feel depending on the front and back or the direction.
Does blended fabric shrink easily?
Being blended alone does not tell you whether it shrinks easily. It depends on the fibers blended, the blend ratio, the woven or knitted structure, and the dyeing and finishing process. During planning, check the shrinkage data for the fabric and, if necessary, design with prewashing before cutting or with dimensional changes after washing in mind.
What should I watch out for when sewing blended fabric?
Blended fabric differs in stretch, slipperiness, thickness, and reaction to heat depending on its material composition. Carry out sewing tests at the fabric edge and adjust the needle size, sewing thread, thread tension, and presser foot pressure. When ironing, use a pressing cloth and check whether temperature or steam changes the fabric's luster or shrinkage.
