Chintz is a closely woven plain weave cotton fabric with a shiny and
lustrous finish. It usually has bright figures of large flower, birds, and
other such designs. The fabric is processed with glazed finish to give it a
polish look. It is widely used for curtains and upholstery.
Cotton chintz fabric has several types of glaze. Resin finish chintz is a
durable glaze. It withstands washing or dry cleaning. The wax and starch
glaze washes out. It is produced by friction or glazing calendars. Some
chintz also comes in semi-glazed form. Unglazed chintz is known as
'Cretonne'.
The word 'Chintz' has been taken from the Indian word 'Chint', which mean
'broad and gaudily printed fabric'. In the west, it was brought by the
British Raj. They imported chintz fabric as early as 1600. It became popular
and was imitated there.
Process of making Chintz
- The fabric is sized with a preparation of fatty milk and extracts of
plant which contain tannic acid.
- The fabric is dried thoroughly.
- The design outline is painted on the fabric with the help of an ink
that turns black when comes in contact with the tannic acid on the
fabric. To paint red, mixture of alum and brazilwood is used.
- The fabric is next dyed in hot water, which contains madder root, or
another red dye called chay (Oldenlandia umbellata).
- The fabric is then cleaned to remove the tanning agent.
Traditionally, it was done with cow dung.
- Next, it is again dyed in indigo. The portion, which was not to be
dyed blue, is covered with wax resist.
- The fabric is then dipped in hot water to remove wax resist.
- It is then washed, dried, and sized.
Characteristics of Chintz Fabric
- It has bright and large flora designs.
- It is shiny and lustrous.
- It has polished look.
Uses of Chintz Fabric
- Curtains
- Draperies
- Slipcovers
- Dresses
- Sportswear
