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What are "Flannel" - Definition & Explanation

Flannel
Flannel is a soft, woven fabric that is typically made from wool, cotton, or synthetic fibers. It is characterized by its raised surface, which is achieved through a process called napping. Flannel is often used to make warm, cozy garments, such as shirts, pajamas, and blankets.

The process of making flannel begins with the selection of fibers. Wool and cotton are the most commonly used fibers for flannel, although synthetic fibers such as polyester can also be used. The fibers are then spun into yarn, which is woven into a fabric using a plain or twill weave. After the fabric is woven, it undergoes a process called napping.

Napping is the process of raising the surface fibers of the fabric to create a soft, fuzzy texture. This is done by brushing the surface of the fabric with a metal brush or wire cards. The brushing process pulls up the fibers from the surface of the fabric, creating a pile. The pile is then cut to a uniform length, which creates a soft, fluffy surface. The napping process can be repeated multiple times to create a thicker pile and a softer texture.

The resulting fabric is typically heavier and denser than other types of cotton or wool fabrics, which makes it ideal for use in cold weather clothing and bedding. Flannel is known for its warmth and insulation properties, as the raised fibers trap heat close to the body.

Flannel can be made in a variety of colors and patterns, ranging from classic plaid designs to solid colors. The fabric can also be printed with a variety of patterns, such as polka dots, stripes, and floral designs.

In addition to its use in clothing and bedding, flannel is also used in a variety of other applications. For example, it can be used as a lining material in jackets and coats to provide added warmth and insulation. It is also used in the production of cleaning cloths and wiping rags, due to its absorbent properties and durability.

One of the advantages of flannel is its versatility. It can be made from a variety of fibers, which allows it to be used in a wide range of applications. Flannel is also highly durable and long-lasting, making it a popular choice for clothing and bedding that will see frequent use.

In conclusion, flannel is a soft, warm, and cozy fabric that is ideal for use in cold weather clothing and bedding. It is made by napping a woven fabric to create a soft, fuzzy texture. Flannel can be made from a variety of fibers and is known for its durability and long-lasting properties. It is also highly versatile, which allows it to be used in a wide range of applications.
Flannel
Flannel is a fabric that is commonly used to make clothing and bedsheets. It is usually made from either wool, wool and cotton, or wool and synthetic fabric. The term "flannel" is also often used to refer directly to the clothing created from the fabric. Clothing made from it is usually worn in cold weather climates due to the warmness that the fabric is known for.

For much of its history, flannel was commonly thought to be the fabric of woodsmen, lumberjacks, and farmers. However, due to the fact that many people in the Pacific Northwest of the United States (especially in Seattle, Washington) have had a tendency to wear it, flannel has become associated with grunge music. This idea was even further popularized by the fact that many grunge musicians (such as members of Nirvana) often wore clothing made from it. For a short time in the early 1990s flannel was thought by some to be a fashion statement (or in some cases an anti-fashion statement).
Flannel
A warm, soft fabric of wool, worsted, cotton or rayon made in tightly woven twill or plain weave and finished with a light napping. Flannel originated in Wales and has a soft, napped surface that partially cancels the weave. Has a dull finish and is made in a variety of weights. It is more loosely woven than worsted flannel with a higher nap and bulkier hand. Flannel shrinks if not pre-shrunk and sags with wear, unless underlined. Does not shine or hold a crease. Watch pressing - if pressed too hard, it flattens in the nap. Flannel comes in many colors, weights, and fancy effects. Sometimes has a prickly feel when worn.
Flannel
A medium-weight, plain or twill weave fabric that is typically made from cotton, a cotton blend, or wool. The fabric has a very soft hand, brushed on both sides to lift the fiber ends out of the base fabric and create a soft, fuzzy surface. End-uses include shirts and pajamas.
Flannel
  • a soft light woolen fabric; used for clothing

  • washcloth: bath linen consisting of a piece of cloth used to wash the face and body

  • (usually in the plural) trousers made of flannel or gabardine or tweed or white cloth

Flannel
(Worsted) ? It has a twill weave a is made in a variety of weights. It is more closely woven and harder than wool flannel and can have a very slight nap on one side. It tailors and presses very well and holds a hard crease.
Flannel
A fulled and napped woven fabric, made generally of wool yarn but sometimes with other yarn. Usually wovenwith a twill weave, whichmay be obscured by the nap.Distinguished for its softness. Used for bathrobes,Skirts, men's suits and trousers. Cotton flannel or flannelette issimilar inappearance.
Flannel
A light to medium weight woven fabric with a soft, slightly napped surface. Expensive flannels of wool and wool blends are usually napped and fulled whereas less expensive flannels of cotton and other fibers are usually just napped.
Flannel
Generally, a cotton or wool fabric, which has been napped on one or both sides (usually both) followed by a bleaching, dyeing or printing process and then brushed or rerun through the napping machine to revive the nap.
Flannel
Flannel originated in Wales, where it was called gwlamen (?allied with wool?). It is a loosely woven, heavy cotton noted for its softness, with a napped (raised) finish and considerable variation in weight and texture.
Flannel
It is a cloth woven in plain or twill construction. Generally woolen yarns are used. The cloth is subjected to milling and raising treatment, to give a very soft handle.
Flannel
Flannel is a warm fabric of various degrees of weight and fineness, usually made from loosely spun yarn.
Flannel
Plain or twill weave, can be fabric with a slightly napped surface.

Some other terms

Some more terms:

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