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What is "Calico" - Definition & Explanation

Calico
Calico is a type of plain-woven textile fabric that is made from unbleached and un-dyed cotton fibers. It is a lightweight and durable fabric that is commonly used for a variety of different applications, including clothing, bed linens, and home decor.

The name "calico" is derived from the city of Calicut (now known as Kozhikode) in southern India, which was a major center for cotton production and trade during the 11th century. Calico was originally imported to Europe from India in the 17th century, where it quickly became popular due to its affordability, durability, and versatility.

Calico is typically made from a plain weave construction, which consists of a simple over-and-under pattern of warp and weft threads. This gives the fabric a smooth and even surface that is ideal for printing and dyeing. Calico is also known for its soft and breathable properties, making it a comfortable choice for clothing and other types of textiles.

In India, calico is still produced using traditional methods in many regions, including Gujarat and Tamil Nadu. These regions are known for their vibrant and intricate hand-block printed designs, which are created using wooden blocks that are carved with intricate patterns. The fabric is then dyed in a variety of different colors to create unique and eye-catching designs.

Some of the top Indian manufacturers and users of calico fabric include:

Arvind Limited: Arvind Limited is one of the largest textile manufacturers in India, and produces a wide range of different fabrics, including calico. The company has a strong focus on sustainability, and uses eco-friendly production methods to reduce its environmental impact.

Welspun India: Welspun India is another major textile manufacturer that produces calico and other types of fabrics. The company is known for its innovative and sustainable production methods, and has won several awards for its commitment to environmental stewardship.

Kalamkari: Kalamkari is a traditional form of hand-block printing that is commonly used to create intricate designs on calico and other types of cotton fabrics. This art form has been practiced in India for centuries, and is still widely used today to create beautiful and unique textiles.

Fabindia: Fabindia is a popular retailer of traditional Indian textiles, including calico. The company works with local artisans and producers to create unique and sustainable products, and has a strong focus on supporting local communities and preserving traditional crafts.

In conclusion, calico is a versatile and durable fabric that is commonly used for a variety of different applications, including clothing and home decor. It has a long and rich history in India, and is still produced using traditional methods in many regions. Some of the top Indian manufacturers and users of calico fabric include Arvind Limited, Welspun India, Kalamkari, and Fabindia, all of whom are committed to sustainable and ethical production practices.
Calico
Cotton fabric with a low-count, plain weave. It originated in Calcutta, India, and is one of the oldest cottons. Calico is rather coarse and light in weight. The pattern is printed on one side by discharge or resist printing so it generally isn't color fast. It is often sized for crispness but washes out and requires starch each time. Designs are often geometric in shape, but originally elaborate designs of birds, trees, and flowers. Calico is usually inexpensive and similar to percale. Very little true calico is on the market to-day, but the designs are still in use on other fabrics and sold as 'calico print'.
Calico
One of the oldest basic cotton fabrics on the market that traces its origin to Calcutta, India. Usually a plain, closely woven inexpensive cloth made in solid colors on a white or contrasting background. Often one, two, or three colors are seen on the face of the goods which are usually discharge or resist printed, frequently in a small floral pattern. Used mainly for aprons, dresses, crazy quilts, sportswear. Often interchangeable with percale - which is 80-square cotton.
Calico
A traditional plain weave cotton fabric popular for quilting which is printed with a small repeated design. The designs are often small florals or leaves. Calico originated in Calicut, India, by the 11th century, or perhaps earlier and in the 17th and 18th centuries calicoes were an important trade item between India and Europe.
Calico
Generic term for cheap plain cotton fabric heavier than muslin, often printed. Fairly closely woven but varying in fineness and weight depending on quality. One of the oldest basic cotton fabrics, it is named after Calicut in India where it was first produced. In the same grouping as percale, but coarser and poorer quality.
Calico
Calico is a fabric made from unbleached, and often not fully processed, cotton. It may contain unseparated husk parts, for example. The fabric is less coarse and thick than canvas or denim, but owing to its unfinished and undyed appearance, it is still very cheap.
Calico
One of the oldest basic cotton fabrics on the market that traces its origin to Calcutta, India. Usually a plain, closely woven inexpensive cloth made in solid colors on a white or contrasting background. Used mainly for aprons, dresses, crazy quilts, and sportswear.
Calico
A plain, closely woven, inexpensive cloth, usually cotton or a cotton/manufactured fiber blend, characteristically having figured patterns on a white or contrasting background. Calico is typically used for aprons, dresses, and quilts.
Calico
A light weight, plain weave fabric usually cotton or cotton blend typically printed with small, all over, brightly colored designs. Used frequently in aprons, quilts & curtains.
Calico
A tightly-woven cotton type fabric with an all-over print, usually a small floral pattern on a contrasting background color. Common end-uses include dresses, aprons, and quilts.
Calico
Calico is a type of fabric made from unbleached, and often not fully processed, cotton. Also referred to a type of Printing.
Calico
This applies to various types of plain woven cotton cloth that are coarser than muslin.
Calico
Any small repeated print design on cotton, usually a floral.
Calico
A term used for plain weave cotton fabric having mediumcoverfactor.
Calico
A plain-weave fabric made from raw unbleached cotton.

Some other terms

Some more terms:

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a) Crimpled Length The extent of crimped fibre substantially freed from external restraint, and measured with respect to its general axis of orientation. b) Fibre Extent The distance in a given...

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