Flannel is a soft and fuzzy fabric made of cotton, cotton blend or wool. It
is thick and very durable. It feels cozy and warm in cold weather. The
fabric absorbs and releases perspiration, allowing it to breathe. This makes
it a wonderful warm weather bedding material. It is elastic and has a good
draping properties.Flannel is made in tightly woven twill or plain weave. It is finished with a light napping either on one side or both. The nap is achieved by brushing the fabric and it is usually non-directional. Flannel varies in closeness or firmness of the weave and in the degree of napping. For example, a French flannel is very fine twill-weave and slightly napped on the right side where as suede flannel is napped on both sides.
These fabrics are traditionally produced in white color or in a wool-dyed mixture. Top class flannel is made of all wool or worsted yarns. Worsted flannel is lighter but not as soft as the woolen flannel, and it has more visible and resistant weave. Flannel comes in bleached, unbleached, dyed or in printed form.
Characteristics of Flannel Fabric
- It is soft and fuzzy.
- It is elastic.
- It is thick and warm.
- It is very durable.
- It drapes well.
- It is dull-surfaced.
- It is slightly fuzzy.
- It is scratchy.
- It absorbs and releases perspiration quickly.
Flannel is used as blazers, jackets, trousers, women's suits, men's suits, shirts, pajamas, sleeping garments, work gloves, linings, coverings, and bedsheets.
