Cambric Finish
Cambric finish is a term used in the textile industry to describe a specific type of finishing treatment applied to fabrics. It refers to a smooth and glossy finish achieved through a combination of mechanical and chemical processes. The resulting fabric has a crisp and lustrous appearance, with a smooth texture that is often associated with high-quality textiles.
The cambric finish is commonly applied to lightweight fabrics, such as cotton, linen, or blends, to enhance their aesthetic appeal and improve their performance characteristics. The process typically involves several steps, including singeing, mercerization, and calendering.
Singeing is the first step in achieving a cambric finish. It involves passing the fabric over a flame or heated rollers to burn off any protruding fibers or impurities from the surface. Singeing not only improves the fabric's appearance but also enhances its smoothness by removing any loose fibers that could cause pilling or fuzziness.
After singeing, the fabric may undergo mercerization, a chemical treatment that strengthens and improves its dye affinity. Mercerization involves treating the fabric with a caustic soda solution, which causes the fibers to swell and increase in strength. This process also enhances the fabric's ability to absorb and retain dyes, resulting in vibrant and long-lasting colors.
The final step in achieving a cambric finish is calendering. Calendering involves passing the fabric through high-pressure rollers, which compress and smooth the fibers. This process gives the fabric its characteristic glossy appearance and creates a smooth and even surface texture. Calendering also improves the fabric's drape, making it easier to handle and sew.
The cambric finish is particularly popular in the production of high-quality shirting fabrics, bed linens, and lightweight garments. Its smooth and lustrous appearance adds a touch of luxury to these textiles, making them highly desirable in the market.
Some of the top users and manufacturers of cambric finished textiles include renowned fashion brands and textile mills known for their expertise in producing high-quality fabrics. For instance, Thomas Mason, an esteemed British shirt fabric manufacturer, is known for its exquisite cambric finish shirting fabrics. Their fabrics are favored by luxury shirtmakers for their exceptional smoothness and crisp appearance.
Similarly, Albini Group, an Italian textile company, is renowned for its cambric finish cotton fabrics. They work closely with top fashion brands to produce premium dress shirts and other garments that require a refined and polished appearance.
Other notable manufacturers and users of cambric finish textiles include Acorn Fabrics, Canclini, and Grandi & Rubinelli, among others. These companies specialize in producing high-end fabrics for the fashion and home textiles industries, often incorporating the cambric finish in their product lines.
In summary, cambric finish is a textile finishing treatment that imparts a smooth, crisp, and glossy appearance to lightweight fabrics. The combination of singeing, mercerization, and calendering processes enhances the fabric's aesthetics, strength, and performance. Top users and manufacturers of cambric finish textiles are often well-known fashion brands and textile mills that prioritize producing high-quality fabrics with exceptional smoothness and lustrous finishes.
Cambric
A fine, thin, white linen or cotton fabric that is soft, closely woven, and light and has been treated to give it a slight gloss. It is either bleached or piece dyed and is highly mercerized and lint free. It is calendered on the right side with a slight gloss. Lower qualities have a smooth bright finish. It is similar to batiste but is stiffer and with fewer slubs. Cambric launders very well, has good body, and sews and finishes well. It was originally made in Cambria, France of linen and used for Church embroidery, table linens, handkerchiefs, underwear, slips, nightgowns, children's dresses, aprons, shirts and blouses. Normally used for pillow and duvet shells.
Cambric Finish
A bright firm finishes for cottons as distinguished from muslin finish. Cloth is well singed and calendered, and may or may not be back-filled.