A 100% natural cotton product, cotton twill is a fabric that has grown in popularity and has a wide range of uses.
In this page, we outline key details relating to cotton twill including when you might choose to use it, the benefits of this material, how to care for it and also potential alternatives.
Cotton Twill – A Natural product
Cotton twill is 100% natural cotton.
The fabric has a standard twill weave construction and this gives the material a uniform appearance, but also one that has more surface interest than a standard plain weave.
Cotton twill has a weight of 213 grams per square metres, this making it ideal for items such as cushions, blinds and also drapes and curtains.
Cotton twill is a natural material that takes printing superbly well and so is a wonderful option for those who want custom printed garments or items, for instance custom cushion covers or curtains.
The Appearance of Cotton Twill
Cotton twill has distinctive diagonal lines on the surface of the fabric. The fabric is relatively hard wearing and sturdy, you will be familiar with some versions of cotton twill such as denim, jeans and chino. Whether saying you are wearing your Cotton Twills sounds quite as rugged sounding as your Levi 501s is open to debate.
The yarns within cotton twill are packed very closely, this giving the texture its relatively heavy feel. Indeed, many would be surprised to learn that cotton twill is a type of cotton, if they were simply touching the material and asked to say what they thought it was.
However, cotton twill is highly versatile and can make items with the dense feel of a denim, but also much lighter items such as neckties and lightweight dresses.
The term twill refers to a weaving pattern, it is one of the three original weaves along with plain and satin.
The History of Cotton Twill
Cotton twill has been used as a fabric for many thousands of years, but as with other fabrics it is hard to give a truly accurate answer.
It is highly likely that ancient civilisations would have used this form of fabric, but that samples would not survive the ravages of time.
The fabric certainly predates the term twill, this an English variant of ‘twili’ that originally has Latin origins. The term cotton twill has led to the fabric being linked heavily with the UK, despite its history actually likely stretching back far further both in terms of date and location.
There is not a single twill weaving technique and it is often argued that anything that produces the diagonal pattern is effectively twill, given it cannot be plain or satin.
More recently, synthetic twill fabrics have emerged, these polyester fabrics – many will provide both options, at Citrus Rain we have access to both cotton twill and synthetic twill.
There are subtle differences between the cotton and synthetic version and the suggested product to use would vary by desired end goal, though often both would be completely suitable options.
The choice can be a matter of personal preference.
Benefits of Cotton Twill
Cotton twill has a uniform appearance with high surface interest (available area to print on) that makes it ideal for products whereby there is a desire to have images, patterns or text printed. This is backed up by superb lightfastness ratings.
The material is durable and has a wonderful feel and weight to it. The durability is shown in end uses, with these including home furnishings and textiles and also those clothing items specifically designed to be long-lasting, for instance denim and jeans.
Twill fabrics will also often be used as the basis for clothing worn by construction workers.
Versatility is also key to cotton twill, this is a fabric option that can be used for many purposes.
However, as with all fabrics there are also occasions when cotton twill would not be the fabric of choice, for instance it is rarely used for undergarments, these instead would usually have a plain weave.
Maintaining Cotton Twill
Cotton twill will typically require dry cleaning. Where this is a concern, polyester twill could be a suitable alternative as this can be machine washed in a standard 40 degree programme.
Cotton twill can, though, often be wiped clean – much will depend on the intended end use.
Suitability of Cotton Twill for Your Project
Choosing a fabric for any purpose can be confusing, especially with so many often seemingly suitable.
We certainly appreciate that the choice can be somewhere overwhelming. You may know that certain fabrics would be suitable, but which would be the best option?
At Citrus Rain, we are happy to provide advice and talk you through the options to help you come to an informed decision, regardless of who you then end up ordering with.
We have huge experience in the area of textiles and fabrics, working with companies of all sizes and those for whom brand is essential. Our clients include Lego, successive Olympics Games in London and Rio, Mastercard, BBC, Addidas and many more.
However, we apply the same high standards of care to any job, for all clients. Our fabric cutting and printing machines do not differentiate based on who the client may happen to be.
Why Consider Custom Rain
We are hugely proud of our reputation for quality and reliability. On site, we have numerous testimonials from previous customers – these with details of the business we supplied and the nature of the order.
On Google, we have a full five-star review average.
You can chat with us prior to any order to discuss your requirements and we can advise as to the best options to suit your needs – you may be unsure which fabric would be most suitable, allow us to help.
Please call us today on 0161 320 3637 or use our Contact Form.