Cretonne: History, Properties, Uses, Care, Where to Buy
Table of Contents
What Is Cretonne?
The textile industry is one of the growing industries with great varieties and numerous worldwide options. One such mesmerizing fabric is Cretonne. Cretonne is mostly made of cotton fibers. Majorly found in a plain white color, you will also find the printed version of this fabric. The amazing printed Cretonne will fit almost all types of users. The best thing about this fabric is that it has an easy-to-stitch texture. Use any, and you will get this fabric stitched easily.
| Content | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Cretonne fabric | – Fine and light texture | – Limited color options |
| – Made of 100% cotton | – May shrink if washed in hot water | |
| – Super soft fabric | – Not suitable for heavy-duty applications | |
| – Easy to sew | ||
| History of Cretonne | – Rich history and cultural significance | – Unclear origin and inventor |
| Properties of Cretonne | – Fine and light texture | |
| – 100% cotton fabric | ||
| – Super soft and comfortable | ||
| – Easy to sew | ||
| Cretonne fabric uses | – Suitable for summer dresses and apparel | |
| – Great for making tablecloths and napkins | ||
| Caring for Cretonne | – Easy to care for | – Avoid washing in hot water |
| – Can be washed by hand or machine | – Avoid direct sunlight when drying | |
| – Use mild detergent |
How we decide on what to buy:
Our goal is to help you find the best sewing resource for your requirements. We’ll do the legwork to ensure you get the most for your money, whether you’re shopping for high-end gear or the bare essentials.
We consult experts, friends, and family members who are also sewists, teachers, and/or craftspeople; we scour the Internet for information on how sewing supplies are used; we read customer reviews by real users; and, of course, we rely on our own accumulated expertise as sewists, teachers, and/or craftspeople.
History of Cretonne
The name of this fabric is believed to be derived from the word Creton. Creton is the name of a village in Normandy.
At first, this village was famous for the production of fabric. After some time, the manufacturer also started production of this fabric and gave it the name Cretonne.
Moreover, other sources also state that cretonne was the invention of Paul Creton, the resident of Vimoutiers, Lower Normandy. He was an active participant in the textile industry during those times. However, the dates and years of his invention are not clear. Additionally, the modern Cretonne is nothing like the old one as the fabric is now much stronger and has great prints on it.
Properties of Cretonne
Like all other fabrics, cretonne also has some special properties. These properties are discussed in the following paragraphs.
Fine and Light Texture
The special thing about this fabric is its fine and light texture. It is one of the finest fabrics among all the types of cotton. Its texture makes it suitable for various purposes.
100% Cotton
Cretonne has use of 100% cotton in it that’s why it has almost all the properties of cotton.
Dull Finish
This fabric looks like the Chintz. However, it has a dull finish, which is mainly how people differentiate it from Chintz.
Super Soft
Cretonne is one of the softest versions of cotton. The soft texture of this fabric makes it great while wearing and gives a comfortable feeling.
Easy to Sew
This fabric is extremely easy to sew. That’s why designers from all over the world use it for various purposes. No matter how complicated patterns you want to make, you can do everything easily.
Cretonne Fabric Uses
This fabric is used in a wide variety of stuffs. Some common uses of Cretonne are stated below.
Summer Dresses
The major use of this fabric is found in summer clothing. Cretonne has a nice drape, which makes it suitable for making dresses for summer. You will find beautiful shirts, loose dresses, and other apparel items made of this fabric.
Tablecloths
Another use of Cretonne is also found in the making of tablecloths. The colorful and beautiful patterns and prints on the table clothes look stunning. Be it any occasion or any party, these tablecloths and napkins will add more to your decoration.
Caring for Cretonne
The care instructions for Cretonne fabric highly resemble the instructions for other cotton fabrics. That’s why it is also considered very easy to take care of. Just make sure you don’t use hot water while washing it because that can damage the fabric and may even shrink it. It is better to use little warm or cold water.
You can wash it both by hand and machine; it’s not a problem. Use of some detergent is also recommended. However, don’t directly hang it under the sun because the rays might damage the quality of Cretonne. Follow these instructions, and you will surely have a long-lasting fabric.
