Everything You Need to Know About Cambric Fabric

If you never had heard of a fabric called ‘cambric’, it is a must-read blog for you! A lightweight and pure cotton fabric, this fabric was first made in Cambrai, a place in France. And according to popular says, a native weaver named Jean Baptiste Chambray have invented cambric in 1300.

In the original form of cambric, it is a lovely linen fabric. If you look into the history, you can discover the usage of printed cambric in different kinds of cuffs and bands in fashion forwards cities, especially in London.

And with the change of time, this fabric began to be produced from some selected American and Egyptian cotton. The yarns should range from 60 to 80 counts. Fine linen fabric and cotton are traditionally treated to acquire a little glossy look. It may be bleached or piece-dyed and is quite mercerized and lint-free.

Plain Light Green Color Cotton Cambric Fabric

How Cambric Fabric is Made

Compared to other types and forms of fabrics, Cambric fabric is weaved in a slightly different way. It generally comprises the weaving of short, twisted cotton or linen fibres. These are typically raw fibres i.e. neither bleached nor dyed.

As stated previously, tight weaving is one characteristic feature you can find in cambric fabric and also, it lends an even appearance to the final product. The process that the weaving of this fabric follows is called ‘calendering’, which involves passing this fabric through heated rollers.

The ‘calendering’ technique makes the fibres of cambric fabric while also lends a glossy and stiff appearance to it. Surprisingly, good quality cambric fabric has the capability to retain its stiffness and glossiness for a long time, regardless of the ageing factor of this fabric

Cambric Fabric and Its Applications in Clothing and Handwork

Cambric is one of the most excellent fabrics for lacework and embroidery since it is highly dense. When this cambric is used for such handiworks, it is called ‘batiste’.

So, which types of clothing are made from this good fabric? Well, it generally depends on the cambric fabric’s quality. Anyway, this fabric is utilized by manufacturers known to produce varieties of readymade clothes, for example, women’s gowns, tops, dresses and men’s shirts and some other garments.

And lower-quality cambric is good for making products, such as napkins, linings, handkerchiefs and innerwear. Sometimes, it is also used as backing material for works like artwork and needlework.

What Makes it Stand Out?

Cambric fabric stands out due to its unique features, such as

  • Cambric fabric is a type of plain-woven cotton fabric that is lightweight, soft, and breathable.
  • Cambric fabric has a unique texture and smooth finish that gives it a luxurious look and feel.
  • Cambric fabric is tightly woven, which makes it more durable and resistant to wear and tear compared to other cotton fabrics.
  • Cambric fabric is less likely to shrink or stretch when washed or dried, making it a popular choice for clothing items that require frequent laundering.
  • Cambric is versatile and can be easily dyed, printed, or embroidered, making it suitable for a wide range of applications, from clothing and bedding to upholstery and home decor.

Plain Blue Cotton Cambric Fabric


Cambric and Chambray: Is there a difference?

A slight difference is often made between chambray and cambric. But cambric is not available in the assortment of colours anymore as it once used to be. It means no significant difference between chambray and cambric exists now. The weaving of chambray fabric involves coloured and a pure white weft.

As we have mentioned, natural fibres are used in the making of cambric, be careful when handling any garment made from this fabric. And the good news is cambric is capable of holding its shape. So, you can launder this fabric easily.

Currently, Cambric is available online at the best prices at Sahni Fabrics. Just explore the shop and place an order!

Here are some common uses of cambric fabric:

Use

Explanation

Linens

Cambric fabric is commonly used for bed sheets, pillowcases, and tablecloths due to its smooth and soft texture.

Clothing

Due to its lightweight nature, cambric fabric is popular for summer clothing such as shirts, blouses, and dresses.

Handkerchiefs

Cambric fabric is ideal for making handkerchiefs due to its absorbent nature.

Quilting

Cambric fabric can be used as a lining for quilts or as the base for delicate quilted items.

Embroidery

Cambric fabric's tightly woven texture makes it an excellent choice for embroidery projects.

Dust Covers

Cambric fabric is often used as a dust cover for furniture and other items due to its lightweight and breathable nature.

 

How to Care for Cambric Fabric

To keep your cambric fabric in good condition, you need to follow these care instructions:

  • Clothing and apparel: Cambric fabric is popularly used for lining in clothes, shirts, dresses, and handkerchiefs.
  • Home décor: It is used for making curtains, pillowcases, and bed linens.
  • Crafts: Cambric fabric is used for embroidery, patchwork, and other crafts. Cambric fabric can be machine-washed or hand washed in cold water with a mild detergent.
  • Avoid using bleach or harsh detergents as they can damage the fabric.
  • Line drying is recommended, but if you must tumble dry, use low heat and remove it promptly to prevent shrinking.
  • Ironing cambric fabric should be done on a low heat setting to avoid damaging the fibers.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Cambric Fabric:

Advantage

Disadvantages

Cambric fabric is a lightweight and breathable fabric that is ideal for warm weather clothing because it allows air to circulate, keeping the wearer cool and comfortable.

Cambric fabric can wrinkle easily, which can make it less than ideal for formal wear or clothing that needs to be wrinkle-free.

Cambric fabric is soft and comfortable to the touch, making it ideal for daily wear such as clothing and bedding.

Cambric fabric can shrink if it is not washed properly or if it is exposed to high heat. It is important to follow the care instructions carefully to prevent shrinkage.

Cambric fabric is a strong and durable fabric that can withstand regular use and washing, making it an affordable and long-lasting option.

Cambric fabric is a lightweight fabric that may not be as durable as heavier fabrics, making it less suitable for heavy-duty applications.

Cambric fabric is an affordable fabric option that can be purchased at a reasonable price compared to other fabrics.

Cambric fabric that is too thin can be transparent, making it less than ideal for certain clothing applications or home decor projects.

Cambric fabric is versatile and can be used for a variety of applications such as clothing, bedding, and home decor.

Cambric fabric comes in limited color options compared to other fabrics, which may not suit everyone's style preferences.