| | - Fundamental Sheeting Facts
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Sheeting Primer
Thread count
The term "thread count" refers to the number of threads, both horizontal and vertical, woven into a single square inch of fabric. Typically, the higher the thread count the denser and smoother the sheet will feel. But a high thread count alone is not a perfect indicator of a sheet's quality, as many factors - including the kind of cotton and type of weave - have an impact on a sheet's softness and durability.
Fabric Type
Known for its softness, durability and natural comfort, cotton is the most frequently used sheeting fabric. The most common cotton grade, called "Standard" or "Upland" cotton, is known for its medium-length staple fibers and used in the majority of woven textiles throughout the world. (The type will not usually be listed if it is standard / upland cotton.) Several other types of cotton are also commonly used for sheets, and understanding the difference between them will help you make an informed choice.
Egyptian: Grown mainly in the Nile River Valley in Egypt, this grade of cotton boasts of long and strong fibers. "Egyptian cotton" is used to describe the place where cotton is grown, but not always the specific variety of cotton - it is any cotton that is grown in Egypt and much of it is Extra Long Staple (ELS), but not all.
Pima: The name "Pima" is the generic term generally applied to Extra Long Staple cotton which features long, luxurious fibers. It is grown in the U.S., Peru, Israel and Australia. Pima cotton, by definition, is always Extra Long Staple (ELS). It is light in color – which means less bleaching is done to the cotton before production
Supima: A trademarked name for products woven from 100% American (and grown nowhere else) Pima cotton. Sheets made from Supima are guaranteed to be ELS cotton.
Fabric Weave
How a sheet is woven has a significant impact on its finish and feel. While each weave has its benefits, from the crispness of percale to the coziness of flannel, personal preference will largely dictate which one is right for you.
Flannel: A medium weight, plain or twill-weave fabric made of cotton with a napped finish on one or both sides. This raised surface gives flannel its fluffy look and supersoft, cozy feel. Most people prefer this sheeting when the weather is cooler.
Percale: Plain-weave fabric made from both carded and combed cotton yarns. Lightweight and closely woven, percale sheets have a smooth finish and crisp feel. These are a favorite in the south and other hot humid climates! (This is the sheeting that your grandmother would have owned.)
Sateen: A weaving technique that results in fabric with more yarn surface on the face than other basic weaves. The result is an exceptionally soft feel and smooth, lustrous finish that resembles satin.
Ply
Plying is a process of twisting strands of yarn together in the opposite direction than that in which they were spun. "Ply" refers to the number of yarns wrapped together in a single thread. The process of plying creates thicker threads, which will impact a sheet's feel and durability. Finer threads allow for higher thread counts resulting in a softer sheet with an elegant drape. Thicker yarns create a heavier, but stronger, sheet.
Single-ply sheets: use individual, un-plied threads in the weaving process, resulting in lighter-weight fabric with exceptional drape.
Two-ply sheets: are made of yarn plied from two threads resulting in strong, durable sheets that with a "heavier" feel.
Laundering
As a general rule, most cotton sheets can be washed in warm water with like colors and tumble dried, but you should always follow the specific care instructions included with your sheets. Washing your sheets in hot water can cause significant shrinkage – avoid the hottest setting unless it is recommended by the manufacturer, or they are too large for your bed. Promptly removing the sheets from the dryer will help minimize wrinkling.
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