Ajrakh fabric cotton

1. How to choose the right Ajrakh cotton fabric Different types of fabrics go into making different garments and furnishings; the types of cotton woven into these fabrics are also different. To choose the right cotton fabric, you should know about the cotton used to weave the fabric as well. For cotton, it is the length of the fibre that determines the quality. Longer the fibre, the better the cotton. The length decides everything from texture, strength, softness, colour retention, wear and tear, and wrinkles. Choose the right Choose the right cotton fabric cotton fabric by appearance by appearance Based on their appearance cotton fabrics can be broadly classified into four: PLAIN Plain fabrics are either dyed later or woven from dyed yarns. One can never go wrong with a plain fabric, which accounts for its universality. PRINTED Motifs are printed on fabrics by hand, block, screen, or digitally. Prints are an individual choice and need not confer to changing trends. Many organisations use specific prints to differentiate the uniforms of their employees or students from others. ART

2. Some textiles have achieved the status of art over time. The process of creating such fabrics and techniques, from weaving to decorating, is nothing short of art. Some examples of art fabrics are Kalamkari, Ajrakh, Ikat, Batik, Bagru, Dabu, Bandhani, Chikankari, and Patola. Because of their exquisiteness, history, and craft, art fabrics are always in vogue and globally coveted. They are a must-have for every wardrobe. Klum specialises in art fabrics and showcases an extensive selection of superior quality hand-printed sarees and salwar suits. EMBROIDERED Thread worked, and embellished fabrics are the first choice for special occasions. Embroidered fabrics are the end all be all of the fashion industry. How to choose the right cotton fabric in stores How to choose the right cotton fabric in stores Once you have decided what your project is, and what you want to make do all necessary research before setting foot in the shop. If necessary browse online for patterns and shades. Undermentioned are some points to keep in mind while shopping at store or online to help you make an educated choice: HUE AND SHADE Colour is purely a personal choice; however, if the shade is brilliant but does not suit your skin tone, the dress may not give the expected results. If you are shopping for a certain occasion, ensure that the colour goes with the occasion. Lack of proper lighting inside the store and shopping at night may cause the shades to appear different. Unlike garments, most stores do not accept the return of fabric cut from the bolt, so you might want to check the shades in natural daylight before buying. TOUCH AND FEEL The luxury and contentment of buying anything at a store comes from the involvement of our other senses besides the eye, and for fabric, it is our sense of touch. Use your sense of touch wisely while shopping for fabrics DRAPE AND FALL Fabric fall is how the fabric falls from the salvage, and drape is how the fabric flows. It determines how it can be draped around your body, pleated, and wrapped. Drape and fall are extremely important for sarees and dupattas. Fluid fabrics flow and drape better, and cotton is not famous for its fluidity.

3. PATTERN Some patterns will appeal to you more than others. There is nothing about patterns you can go wrong about except that while cutting the fabric to prepare the garment, the pattern repeat should be kept in mind. QUALITY Feel the fabric against your skin to assess its quality. Check for blemishes and tears. Ascertain that the material is intact, new, and not soiled. COLOUR RETENTION Ascertain that the fabric is not only of your preferred colour and shade but also is colour fast. Look closely for tell-tale signs of uneven dying. Watch out for faded parts, especially along the fold lines. The uneven colour tone is proof that the fabric can fade on washing. If possible, you can check the cloth's colour retention with a damp tissue or cloth, but most stores will not allow that. SUITABILITY Cotton is a fabric that is best suited for warmer months. Cotton garments will not keep you warm during winter. The fabric should suit your needs, occasion, place, and wearer. For example, cotton may not be the best option if you are designing a costume for your child's school play. FABRIC GRAIN

4. The grain of the fabric is the direction in which warp and weft threads are woven. If the grain is wrong, the garment will appear off and not hang properly. FABRIC WEIGHT The weight of the fabric is a very important aspect, especially in a material like cotton that can be woven both thick and feather-light. While heavier fabric suits pants, coats, and school uniforms, the lighter fabric is suited for most other garments. The fibre, weave, etc., decide the weight, indicated by GSM or grams per square meter. While shopping at a store, you can hold the fabric and feel its thickness and weight. The shopkeeper is never going to tell you its weight. Interestingly websites mandatorily put the fabric weight in the specifications column. Always check the weight column while shopping online. SHRINKAGE Assume that the fabric will shrink because there is no way you can ascertain this while buying. Buy a little extra fabric to give room for shrinkage. FABRIC STRETCH Cotton does not stretch naturally, yet the weave may lose tightness over time causing fabrics to stretch, and clothes to become loose. WASH INSTRUCTIONS For your fabrics to last, care for them properly. Fabric care is tricky when buying materials in India because running fabrics do not carry labels containing wash instructions like garments. Websites that sell fabrics online may or may not carry the instructions.

5. How to choose the right cotton fabric online How to choose the right cotton fabric online It is easy to choose a fabric online visually, as millions of materials are available at your fingertip to check out. And it may also cost you less than buying at a store, leave alone the hassle of personally visiting the store. Having decided on a brand and a price range, you hop on to a website and begin browsing. Some colors and patterns catch your eye, but before you buy, read the description part carefully and study all the photos that have been uploaded. The biggest con of online shopping is that you cannot examine the quality, fabric grain, stretch, shrinkage, colour fastness, etc., without touching and feeling the fabric. However, reputed online shops like Klum, where experts handpick every product, guarantee the quality of fabrics to some extent. Happy buying!