Calico is a natural cotton fabric which is un-dyed and un-treated. Calico may shrink a little in the wash so you may want to think about washing it before sewing with it if the garment will be washed in the future. There are many types of Calico available including;
Light weight Calico- 123gsm weight
Medium Weight Calico- 165gsm weight
Good quality Calico- 208gsm weight
Heavy Drill Raw Calico- 277gsm weight
Narrow Calico- 165gsm weight
Treated Quilters Preshrunk Calico- 154gsm weight
The different weights of Calico, e.g Light weight, Medium weight and Good Quality can be of better use in different products. For example if you are making a room divider with Calico as the main body of it, the best weight to use would be the Good Quality as it is much stronger and hard wearing. If you are making something that you don't want it to be as stiff as the Good Quality, such as cushion inner linings, then go for the Light Weight Calico.
Treated Quilters Preshrunk Calico has already been washed and shouldn't shrink any more if washed again. This is an excellent quality Calico and would be perfect to make things such as the backing of a quilting product.
The Narrow Calico is simply the Medium weight Calico but in a Narrower Width.
Heavy Drill Raw Calico is a heavier weight than the Good Quality Fabric and would be really useful foritems that will be under a lot of stress, for example the backing of a heavily beaded wall hanging.
Please feel free to contact us through e-mail or phone, we're always happy to help. Be sure to like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for chances to win some amazing competition prizes.
Until next time,
Calico Laine
