What is mercerized cotton and what is it suitable for?
You may have noticed when buying wool online that cotton is often labeled as mercerized and sometimes gassed. If you're wondering what this term means, this article will explain the mercerization process. You'll also discover the benefits of purchasing mercerized cotton when processing wool.
Meaning & properties of mercerized cotton
Mercerizing is a process that affects cotton fabric and shortens the fibers. Highly concentrated caustic soda is used, causing the cotton fibers to swell and increase their surface area. Cotton is known for its long fibers. However, mercerizing shortens the fiber length by up to 25 percent. The generally trough-shaped cross-section of the fibers becomes more rounded through the mercerizing process, resulting in a smoother surface.
Difference between mercerized and non-mercerized cotton
Mercerization was first used in the 19th century, which is where its original purpose becomes clear. The biggest difference between non-mercerized and mercerized cotton is its tensile strength. Mercerized cotton is therefore not only more robust but also more dimensionally stable, making it perfect for great crochet projects like a hat, sweater, or scarf. Due to its smooth and soft surface and silky feel, mercerized cotton is also definitely suitable for great summer fashions for adults and children.
Other great properties of mercerized cotton are the following:
- super soft and pleasant feeling on the skin
- solid surface for increased tear resistance
- better protected against shrinkage during the wash cycle
- wonderful silky shine that does not disappear even after repeated washing
- better dyeability of cotton fibers
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Wollidu Kira is high-quality mercerized cotton, click on our color mix for more information:
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What does mercerized and gassed mean for wool?
During mercerization, the caustic soda treatment causes the cotton to swell and acquire a silky sheen thanks to its flat cross-section. To prevent the fibers from shrinking during the mercerization process, the cotton is kept under constant tension throughout the entire process. This makes the wool easier to process and reduces the loss of color.
Additionally, the wool can also be gassed afterward. This has the advantage of making the wool thread smoother and therefore easier to crochet with because it's easier to grasp as a whole. Gassing burns off the small, fine fibers that stick out from the yarn.
What is mercerized cotton suitable for?
Because mercerized cotton is more robust and stable than conventional, untreated cotton, it's perfect for crocheting and knitting, as well as knotting and weaving. Mercerized cotton is perfect for creative projects for children. It's ideal for both making children's clothing and for children who want to master creative handcrafts.
Likewise, crocheted figures, which benefit from the shape stability of mercerized cotton, are perfect as a creative project, as are handbags, blankets, or lovely summer shawls. Mercerized cotton is super soft and so cuddly that it almost feels like a second skin. With its wide range of colors and intensely glossy color spectrum, mercerized cotton opens up fantastic new ideas and applications for knitting and crocheting.
Which mercerized cotton yarns are suitable for my project?
Because we at Wollidu know how difficult it can be to choose one of the many different cotton yarns available and to know which is perfect for which project, we have created a brief overview of the most common yarns here.
Mercerized crochet yarn
The most commonly used cotton yarn is crochet yarn. It's made from 100 percent cotton, is durable and hard-wearing, and easy to care for. Crochet yarn, such as KIRA cotton, is perfect for creating wonderful and creative projects with a crochet hook. You can use it for potholders, tops, blankets, or even airy scarves for crocheting or knitting.
Mercerized ribbon yarn
Ribbon yarn, as the name suggests, is usually a bit thicker and is used for loose and interesting patterns. Mercerized ribbon yarn has a particularly vibrant color. It's perfect for creating lace patterns or for weaving or knitting it into blankets. It's also often used in quilting or patchwork projects, and it always makes a lovely decorative impression.
Mercerized sewing thread
Cotton sewing thread is characterized by its characteristically thin thread. It's neither stretchy nor elastic, so it's often used for rigid structures. Linen or pure cotton cloths are often made from this thread. Mercerization also makes the thread slightly more tear-resistant, making it perfect for sewing.
What is special about mercerized cotton?
Many yarn lovers struggle with non-mercerized cotton, especially when crocheting, because they feel like they're not really making any progress. Mercerization is perfect for this challenge because it not only makes the surface of the fibers silkier and shinier, but also, as previously described, smoother. These special features of mercerized cotton make it an excellent choice for crocheting, as it allows for optimal processing.
If the cotton is also Oeko-Tex certified, like the KIRA cotton from Wollidu, the soft wool can even be used on delicate baby and toddler skin without any problems.
Mercerized cotton also impresses with its increased shape retention and the great shine does not disappear even when washed due to a permanently changed light refraction of the cross-sectional fibers.
Is mercerized cotton absorbent?
Cotton is known for its absorbency. Because it's rough and dull in its untreated state, it can absorb a lot of liquid. However, mercerization makes the surface of the cotton fibers smoother, making them less absorbent. This is especially important if you plan to crochet or knit washcloths or towels. Mercerized cotton is nevertheless one of the more absorbent fabrics, even if it can't absorb as much liquid as untreated cotton.
At what temperature can you wash mercerized cotton?
Generally, cotton, including mercerized cotton, can be washed at up to 60 degrees Celsius. If possible, the first wash should be at 30 degrees Celsius. Subsequent washes, however, will not damage the garment even if necessary. However, the cotton may shrink slightly; organic cotton is particularly susceptible to this, as it has not been chemically treated in any way.
Mercerized cotton, like non-mercerized cotton, is considered easy to wash. It usually remains pleasantly soft and breathable even after many washes, as cotton fibers are generally very durable. However, mercerized cotton can also be washed well at 30-40 degrees Celsius. Lower temperatures are generally gentler on the textiles and, of course, better for our environment.
What other textiles are mercerized?
Mercerization is most commonly used for cotton, as it makes the fibers more robust and gives them a silky, shiny appearance. However, mercerization is also used for other cellulose materials, such as hemp or, in many cases, regular wool. In general, textiles made of short fibers are generally not suitable for mercerization, as this ultimately shortens the fibers even further.
Take a look at our online shop, we have high-quality mercerized cotton .