Cambric
Cambric is a lightweight cloth produced from linen or cotton, mostly used as fabric for the construction of needlework and lace. Modern cambric is generally made from Egyptian or American cotton and sometimes flax, but polymer fibers can also be added. Cambric is designed with a close weave and can be either bleached or piece dyed. It is a highly mercerized fabric (cotton thread has been treated to increase luster) and is lint free. Lower quality cambric will have a smooth, bright finish.
Cambric CharacteristicsCambric is a firm fabric with a glossy surface which is produced by calendering (application of heat and pressure created by passing the fabric through heated rollers.) Cambric belongs to the jaconet, lawn, longcloth, mull and nainsnook family. It is distinguished by its hard, smooth surface and relatively heavy weave.
Cambric is an unusual fabric to sew- it behaves beautifully due to its firm surface, with minimal raveling and almost no stretching; however it is extremely difficult to get a needle through its denseness. The main tip is to use a #9 or #11 machine needle when working with cambric. Due to its crisp surface, cambric will fold easily and hold its shape with finger pressing. Cambric will often retain its smoothness and luster even after repeated washings.
History of CambricCambric, known as "batist" in many parts of the world, was named after its inventor, Jean Baptiste Cambrai, France, who produced the fabric as early as 1595. In 1812, the Irish created their own version of cambric, producing extremely fine and soft cotton yarns to be used for its construction. By this period of history, Hamburg, Flanders, Bengal, Germany and England were producing cambric fabric of varying quality. After World War One, when technology advanced and lifestyles changed the way people acted and dressed, cambric began to be seen as heavy and uncomfortable, and by 1953 was virtually obsolete.
What is Cambric used for?Cambric, originally designed from linen in the Northern French town of Cambrai, was used as early as the 16th century in the creation and design of head trimmings, shirts, cravettes, ties, nightwear, underwear, aprons, slips, children's dresses, blouses, handkerchiefs, collars, cuffs and petticoats. Looser, coarser cambric is also used in book bindings, artificial flowers, costumes and cheap linings. Cambric has its benefit in upholstery as well, where it is used to cover the bottom side of furniture to prevent dust and loose stuffing from falling out.
Cambric Washing and Care
Medium machine wash 60 degrees
Warm iron
Press whilst damp