Rayon Fabric: History, Properties, Use, Care, Where to Buy

Introduction to Rayon Fabric

Rayon fabric is a semi-synthetic fabric frequently made by treating wood pulp. Because of the chemical polyurethane laminate procedure, it’s synthesized even if the source materials are cellulose, a type of plant matter.

Garment manufacturers frequently utilize fabrics made of Rayon as a cost-effective alternative to natural fibers because Rayon can be manufactured at a lower cost and possesses many of the same qualities as natural fibers. In addition, the method gives manufacturers the ability to alter these features to make the finished fabric more closely resemble a certain material.

What is the History of Rayon Fabric?

The first rayon fabric was designed to look like silk in the hopes that it would help France’s silk industry, which was struggling. 

As a result of a lack of available silk due to diseased silkworms, the French scientist Hilaire de Chardonnet aimed to develop an alternative method of producing the cloth. His discovery was the first time anyone had ever come upon Rayon.

Since then, several people have modified and enhanced the procedures that Chardonnet developed. In addition to silk, Rayon can successfully simulate the look and feel of cotton and linen.

Properties of Peachskin Fabric

• It is a delicate fabric.
• It is a highly breathable fabric.
• The fabric can be easily wrinkled.
• It has good moisture-wicking abilities
• It is fine and smooth in texture 
• It is comfortable to wear.

How is Rayon Fabric Made?

The production of Rayon involves first dissolving cellulose and then transforming the resulting solution into insoluble fibrous cellulose. 

In order to accomplish this regeneration, a number of techniques have been created. The cuprammonium way, the viscose technique, and the lyocell procedure are the three processes that are utilized the most frequently for producing Rayon.

Where is Rayon Fabric Made?

At the turn of the 21st century, Grasim of India was responsible for producing 24 percent of the Rayon manufactured worldwide. Other countries that produce Rayon now include the United States of America, Canada, Germany, Brazil, Austria, China, and Laos.

Common uses of Rayon Fabric

Rayon fabric is used for various garments along with different products.

Daily wear

You may give your new dresses or skirts a new look using this fabric. This fabric is also used for undergarments.

Home décor

You can also use the fabric for cushion covers, table mats, bed covers, curtains, etc. The more you think about it, the more creative ways you can use it to brighten up your house.

Drapery materials

The smooth drape of Rayon makes it an excellent choice for apparel that is designed to be loose and airy, from tops that droop to bottoms that are loose.

Athletic wear

Rayon is a popular choice for sports clothing due to its capacity to absorb moisture while still allowing air to pass through it, which helps keep you cool and comfortable while you work out.

Sewing with Rayon fabric

Rayon fabric is a delicate fabric that needs to be sewn with caution and care. In addition to its delicacy, Rayon’s slipperiness makes sewing with material a challenge. Using pins or weights in Rayon sewing applications is essential because the fabric is slippery.

 Sewing patterns and designs on the fabric can be done without hindrance if one ensures using the correct sewing essentials and sewing notions and supplies.

Since the fabric is easily ruined, you should use a thin and sharp needle. This will prevent the fabric from snagging or any visible holes appearing.

 The sewing thread used can be all-purpose, making the fabric last longer. You should also use smaller stitches when sewing the fabric.

To obtain a better-sewn fabric, you can use the best sewing machines like the Brother SE600 for better results. Keeping in mind these tips and tricks, you can easily sew the fabric to make clothes and garments of your choice.

You might also be interested in :

• 5 Best Fabrics for Summer
• 5 Best Challis Fabrics
• 5 Best Fabrics for Women’s Underwear
• Felt Fabric: History, Properties Uses, Care, Where to Buy

Dyeing with Rayon fabric

Rayon may be dyed, which may come as a surprise to people who are familiar with the material. Colored rayon fabrics can be found. This method is useful not just for fashion designers but also for customers who have personal preferences in terms of design.

Depending on the fibers that make up the fabric, it might be possible to color it. It is possible to use Rit All-Purpose Liquid Dye, the best fabric dye available, on items that have been manufactured using cotton, silk, and other types of synthetic threads.

How to care for Rayon Fabric?

Rayon fabrics are materials that should be treated delicately and with care.

Washing

• Handwashing is always the safest and most effective cleaning method
• Never heat dry your Rayon fabric
• You can machine wash the fabric 
• The machine setting should be set to a gentle cycle
• You should use a gentle laundry detergent.
• You can also use fabric softeners.
• The fabric can be dried by air-drying it on a flat exterior
• Line drying is the best option

Ironing

• Using a shark steam iron, press the fabric on the wrong side
• Use a low heat setting and a press cloth.
• Do not use steam when ironing the fabric
• You can use pins to hold the fabric together.

Where to buy Rayon Fabric?

Fabric stores and garment shops both stock Rayon, so you should be able to find it there. Customers can also purchase Rayon fabric from online retailers and websites like https://amzn.to/4b6kxLB and Amazon. Both have the best Rayon fabric currently on the market, such as the eLuxury Supply Rayon Upholstery Blend Fabric.

It can be sold in several ways depending on the seller;

• By yard
• By Inches
• Can be cut to order

Rayon fabric is often used for projects such as lightweight garments, upholstery, formal wear, and more.  It is available as 100% rayon or rayon blends, which can be easier to care for or can stretch.  This buying guide will help you find the perfect rayon fabric for any project you have in mind.

Best Rayon Fabrics

Here are our rayon fabric reviews.

1. eLuxury Supply Rayon Upholstery Blend Fabric

This eLuxury rayon blend fabric is available in 39 different prints. These large-scale patterns are perfect for any upholstery project, from chair cushions to entire sofas. The rayon, polyester and cotton blend is durable, so your projects will last for years to come.

• Rayon, polyester, and cotton blend
• 54 inches wide
• Cut to order

2. Hudson Bay Challis Floral Bright Multi Batik

This Hudson Bay 100% rayon fabric features a beautiful ethnic print and can be cut to order.  It needs to be hand-washed or dry-cleaned.  It is suitable for use in creating a variety of garments, from blouses to formal dresses.

• 100% rayon
• 44 inch wide
• Cut to order

3. Soimoi Rayon Fabric

This Soimoi peony print rayon fabric is available in 18 different color schemes. It is cut to order by the yard so that you can get however much you need for whatever project you have in mind.  This durable fabric should be either dry cleaned or hand washed with mild soap and air dried.  It is suitable for use in any lightweight garment, such as a blouse or a dress.

• 58 inches wide
• Soft but durable
• Biodegradable

4. Telio Verona Cotton Rayon Fabric

This Telio fabric is extremely lightweight and is available in two different color schemes. Because it is 50% cotton, it can be machine washed in cold water and can even be ironed on a low setting.  It is suitable for projects such as blouses or dresses.

• 50% cotton, 50% rayon
• Very lightweight
• 54 inches wide

5. Telio Dakota Rayon Jersey Knit Fabric

This Telio rayon jersey knit fabric is ultra soft, with just a little bit of stretch.  It can be machine washed in cold water and tumble-dried on the low setting, making it convenient to care from. It is perfect for creating lined dresses or any kind of top.

• 95% rayon, 5% spandex
• Machine wash and dry
• Cut to order

Rayon Fabric Buyer’s Guide

Rayon fabric is most commonly used to create lightweight garments, such as blouses, skirts, and dresses.  It does require special care and should be either dry cleaned or hand washed with mild soap and air dried.  There is a range of factors to consider when choosing a rayon fabric for a project. This buying guide will help you find the perfect rayon fabric for any project you have in mind.

The first factor to consider when choosing a rayon fabric is what project you want to use it for. The fabrics in this buying guide are available by the yard, so you can get exactly as much as you need for your project, whether large or small.  There are also fabrics in this guide that are 100% rayon, or rayon blended with other fibers such as spandex, cotton, or polyester.  100% rayon fabrics are the most lightweight but have the disadvantage of needing to be hand-washed and air-dried.  Blends can be more suitable for some projects because they can stretch if they have spandex and some blends can also be machine-washed and dried, making them easier to care for.

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

Conclusion

Whether you like it or not, Rayon plays a significant role in the clothing industry. It has a silky feel and a low cost of manufacture, which appeals to commercial producers and amateur sewers. This low-cost method can be utilized to add richness to a project without going over one’s allotted budget.

Sources

• Masterclass
• Silverbobbin
• Museum textiles