An In-Depth Look at Terry Cloth: Types, Uses, and Characteristics

Terry Cloth Fabric Overview

Terry cloth, also known as small sweatshirt fabric (小卫衣) and large sweatshirt fabric (大卫衣), has various uses and characteristics. It's a type of knitted fabric with loops on the surface, created during weaving when certain yarns form loops and remain on the fabric's surface. Terry cloth can be categorized into single-sided and double-sided terry.

Characteristics and Uses:

1. Thickness and Warmth: Terry cloth is generally thick, with the loops capable of trapping more air, making it warm and suitable for autumn and winter clothing. When processed to create a brushed effect, it becomes even softer and provides better insulation.

2. Small Sweatshirt Fabric: This is made using single-sided machines, typically with specifications of 30 inches and 24 or 28 gauge needles. Known as two-line sweatshirt fabric, it uses yarn combinations like 40+40 (surface yarn and base yarn both 40S) or 32+21 (32S surface yarn and 21S base yarn). To enhance elasticity, spandex can be added, such as in 32S+32S+30D, where 30D spandex is used.

3. Large Sweatshirt Fabric: Comprising three layers (surface yarn, binding yarn, and base yarn), large sweatshirt fabric is made with machine specifications of 34 inches and 12 to 22 gauge needles. For instance, 32S+100D+16S fabric includes 32S surface yarn, 100D binding yarn, and 16S base yarn. Although adding spandex is challenging, some factories have developed three-line sweatshirt fabrics with spandex. Post-processing can include surface brushing and base fluffing.

Types of Terry Cloth:

1. Single-Sided Terry Cloth: Features loops on one side, made with plain stitches and elongated loops. It's soft, elastic, wrinkle-resistant, warm, and absorbent, often used for making long-sleeved shirts, short-sleeved shirts, and pajamas, suitable for transitional seasons.

2. Double-Sided Terry Cloth: Has loops on both sides, made with plain or ribbed stitches combined with elongated loops. It's solid, soft, warm, and absorbent. Post-processing can improve appearance and functionality. Different yarn colors or fibers can create reversible clothing. Hydrophobic fibers on one side and hydrophilic fibers on the other enhance comfort, making it ideal for bathrobes, "no-dry" diapers, and baby clothes.

3. Jacquard Terry Cloth: Features patterns formed by loops on the fabric surface, typically single-sided. It's used for making underwear, outerwear, and decorations.

Material Composition:

Terry cloth can be made from 100% cotton or a polyester-cotton blend. Cotton fabrics are 100% cotton, while polyester-cotton blends have lower cotton content. Cotton products can be labeled as pure cotton with 70% cotton content. Terry cloth often features a fish scale pattern, seen in sweatshirt materials.

The cotton content in terry cloth varies. 100% cotton is all-cotton, while polyester-cotton blends include polyester. Polyester-cotton is comfortable but not suitable for allergy sufferers, while 100% cotton terry cloth is ideal for children.

Sweatshirts:

Sweatshirts embody youthful fashion, exuding energy and vitality. They are synonymous with casual style, offering unmatched comfort and freedom of movement. This makes them popular as sportswear and a favorite among young people, combining warmth, comfort, and trendiness effortlessly.