Chintz Fabric: History, Properties, Uses, Care, Where to Buy
Table of Contents
Introduction to Chintz
Have you ever explored your grandmother’s closet or seen her pictures wearing a floral, printed suit and looks ravishing? We do not doubt deducing that you have. So, have you ever thought of getting one for yourself?
If you watch British shows, you must have fallen in love with the fancy gowns and gorgeous floral blouses. Well, these super amazing dresses are usually made from Chintz. You will have a good deal of trouble pronouncing the name right, but it will be worth it once you learn about this fabric.
KEY TAKEAWAY
- Chintz is a fabric known for its durable nature, gorgeous prints, good absorbency, and breathability.
- Common uses for chintz include garments, nightwear, upholstery, and curtains.
- When caring for chintz fabric, it is important to follow specific washing instructions and use mild detergents. Dry cleaning is often recommended.
History of Chintz
Chintz is commonly known as a woodblock printed fabric made from cotton and or polyester fabric. This calico textile is usually painted, stained, or glazed. It originated in Hyderabad, India, in the 16th century; it was known as Golconda.
In Hindi, the word Chint means spotted, speckled, and variegated. Since the 19th century, this term was coined to describe floral prints and décor. Even in the Mughal era, this print and fabric become wildly popular and garnered a lot of appreciation. These designs are the true depiction of what Indian history and culture are.
Properties of Chintz
Fabric is known because of its distinct and unmatched properties. And because Chintz has several of those, this fabric is well-known. The most salient characteristics of this fabric are:
Durable
Chintz is a durable piece of cloth that has great strength. You can easily wear this fabric all day without worrying about it ripping or tearing.
Gorgeous Prints
The prints of this fabric are truly commendable. You may never be able to find fabric with such unique and captivating prints. The floral designs, artistic patterns, and juxtaposition of colors are super attractive.
Good Absorbent
This fabric is highly water and moisture-absorbent, so you don’t have to worry about getting drenched when it is slightly drizzling.
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Breathable
This fabric is most commonly made from cotton, a lightweight, breathable material easy to carry and wear. This makes Chintz a highly breathable dress that is a convenient dress choice.
Common Uses for Chintz
You may easily find this fabric available in many different textile shops and various furniture shops too. Because of its numerous properties, Chintz has unique uses and is high in demand. The most prominent uses of this fabric are:
Garments
If you are a big fan of fancy gowns made of floral, rich print, then you are going to fall in love with this fabric, its pattern, and its awesome outlook.
Nightwear
Because of its comfortable texture and beautiful outlook, Chintz is a popular choice in making nightwear, including gowns and lingerie. Many nighttime pajamas and comfy garments are designed out of this fabric.
Upholstery
Many top-notch brands make use of chintz fabric to make padded furniture, and they make use of this textile to add colors and patterns to the furniture.
Curtains
Chintz is used to make gorgeous high-end curtains that are used to enhance the living and drawing rooms.
Caring for Chintz
When it comes to caring for Chintz fabric, you have to be extra safe and cautious. You cannot just toss it in the laundry with all of your clothes. Just look for a search label before you experiment with your washing techniques. Try to put it in a gentle machine watch and use mild detergents and chemicals.
Ensure you wash it in warm water and use low dry settings to dry it in the machine. Otherwise, use the airdrying technique to dry the garments fully.
Where to Buy Best Chintz Fabric
Here are our chintz fabric reviews.
1. PKL Studio
This lightweight chintz fabric is a blend of 85% polyester and 15% cotton. Even though chintz is a lighter weight fabric, it can be used for many different household projects. Make window treatments like curtains, drapery, valances, swags, or use chintz for bedding like duvet covers, pillow shams, or bed skirts. Chintz can also be used to make matching accent pillows.
- This line of fabric is available in almost forty different prints and colors
- Fabric features 51,000 double rubs
- Dry clean only
2. Comersan Fabrics Style: Lily
Chintz is such a great fabric because it can be different weights, which makes it very versatile. This line of chintz fabric is very heavyweight. Chintz is a great fabric choice for different kinds of window treatments, for accents like toss cushions, and other home décor projects.
- Fabric is a blend of 65% polyester and 35% cotton
- Machine wash cold, air dry
- Comes in 54” widths
3. Fabricut Style: Classic Chintz
This line of lightweight chintz fabric is available in a range of different, solid colors. This fabric is lightweight and is a cotton/poly blend. Chintz is very popular for making home décor accents, bedding, window treatments, and more.
- Fabric is dry clean only
- Comes in 58” width
- Fabric is a blend of 60% cotton and 40% polyester
4. Comersan Fabrics Granado Chintz
Chintz is a great fabric to use for many projects. Chintz is very versatile and is popularly used for home décor, for accents, window treatments, bedding, and more. This fabric is gorgeous and timeless. The elegant print could fit in with many different décor schemes, due to the neutral colors, but also because floral prints are both trendy and elegant.
- Comes in 54” width
- Fabric is very heavyweight and is a blend of 55% cotton and 45% polyester
- Machine wash cold and air dry
5. P. Kaufman Chintz
This floral fabric is timeless and elegant. The fabric could potentially fit in with many different décor schemes. Chintz fabric is very versatile and this line can be used for many different projects. Make window treatments, bedding, toss cushions, some upholstery projects, and more.
- Fabric is lightweight and is 100% cotton
- Comes in 62” widths
- Dry clean only
Chintz Fabric Buying Guide
Because of the unique characteristics and glazing of chintz fabric, it is often a popular choice for many different kinds of window treatments, but can also be used to make bedding items like duvet covers. Some people enjoy using chintz fabric to make pillow shams or throw pillows. Chintz is usually quite versatile and can be used for a host of different projects. Some chintz can even be used for slipcovers or lightweight upholstery projects.
Pricing Out Chintz
Some lines of chintz fabric can be quite pricey, but others are more middle of the road. While you likely won’t find chintz fabric for the same price as you will quilting cotton or other poly/cotton blends, chintz can still be affordable. Some lines of chintz can be purchased for around twenty dollars a yard.
Colors and Prints
Many chintz fabrics are printed with unique prints and colors. Perhaps some of the most popular chintz fabrics are floral prints. Floral prints are great for a wide range of projects. Floral prints are beautiful and often easy to pair with other décor items. They can usually be incorporated into many different décor schemes and can be used for window treatments, bedding, accents, upholstery and more. Chintz fabric also comes in solids and other prints as well.
Recommended Reading:
- Chapter 1: The 7 Sewing Essentials for Beginners
- Chapter 2: The Beginner’s Guide to Sewing Machines
- Chapter 3: The Ultimate Guide to Setting up your Sewing Room
- Chapter 4: Everything You Need To Know About Sewing
- Chapter 5: Sewing Fabric 101: A Virtual Tour of the Fabric Store