What Is Flannel Fabric?

When you’re looking for a fabric designed to keep you warm and toasty, one of your many choices is flannel. The napping of the flannel causes the fabric to retain heat and keep you warm. Flannel is a versatile fabric that can be used in everything from shirts to winter sheets.

Weave

Flannel is made using either a plain or twill weave. According to Encarta Encyclopedia, plain weaving is weaving “in which each thread of the warp is interlaced with filling thread.” Twill weave “is characterized by marked diagonal lines produced by the interlacing of two warp threads with one filling thread in alternate rows,” according to Encarta Encyclopedia.

Napping

To create the surface of flannel, the fabric is finished using napping. According to Grace E. Denny, napping raises the ends of fibers of flannel or other fabrics to the surface of the fabric instead of remaining within the fabric. This napped surface is usually downy, and the fibers will move when brushed or rubbed. The nap helps create the warmth and softness flannel is known for.

Fibers Used

Flannel can be made using a number of fabrics, usually in a blend. Different manufacturers use cotton, wool or synthetic blends. Most blends contain synthetic fibers, as it reduces stretching, shrinking and warping of the fabric.

Types

There are several types of flannel. The types differ in the weave and the degree of napping. A French flannel has twill weave and slight napping. Flannelette is napped on one side and made of lightweight fabric. A suede flannel has napping on both sides and the fibers are cut short and pressed. Viyella flannel is a twill weave flannel made of wool and cotton, slightly napped.

Uses

Flannel is used for a number of products. One of the more common uses is for winter bedding and blankets. Flannel is also used for pajamas. Many shirts made of flannel come in a plaid pattern. Suits can even be made of flannel, usually using a wool blend.

References

• Encyclopedia Britannica: Flannel
• “Fabrics”; Grace E. Denny; 1962
• Sewing: Napped Fabrics
• “Textiles”; Encarta Encyclopedia; 2006
• “Textile Handbook”; The American Home Economics Association; 1974.