..CiNtA CoTTon..

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

What is Cotton?

Cotton is a natural fiber harvested from the cotton plant. Cotton is one of the oldest fibers under human cultivation, with traces of cotton over 7,000 years old recovered from archaeological sites. Cotton is also one of the most used natural fibers in existence today, with consumers from all classes and nations wearing and using cotton in a variety of applications. Thousands of acres globally are devoted to the production of cotton, whether it be new world cotton, with longer, smoother fibers, or the shorter and coarser old world varieties.

Cotton is in the mallow family and produces delicate, lovely flowers. Other members of the mallow family include hollyhocks and hibiscus, used to brighten gardens all over the world. The cotton fiber forms around the seeds of the cotton plant and is designed to help carry the seeds long distances on the wind so that the plant can distribute itself. Early humans realized that the soft, fluffy fibers might be suitable for textile use and began to breed the plant, selecting for fluffy, easily spun varieties.
After harvesting, cotton must be combed to remove the seeds. This used to be a laborious process until the invention of the cotton gin, which quickly separates the seeds from the fiber and combs them for spinning. While a single cotton fiber is not terribly strong, when multiple curling fibers are straightened and twisted together, they form a strong, smooth thread that can be knitted or woven, as well as dyed.

What is Thread Count?

Thread Count is simply the number of individual fibers found in a square inch of fabric. Arriving at the thread count involves calculating the total number of warp and filling fibers or threads contained within that square inch. One of the most common situations where the thread count is very important is in the manufacturing of bed sheets and other types of bedding.

When it comes to sheet thread count, the total number of threads or fibers helps to determine the overall quality of the product. Thus, it is important to understand the actual weave of the material. The calculation begins by making note of the number of vertical, or warp, threads used in the weave of the material. This is combined with the number of horizontal or filling threads used in the creation of the fabric. Essentially, the more horizontal and filling threads used in the manufacturing of the material, the higher the quality and durability will be.

For people who want bedding that is smooth, comfortable and likely to last for a long time, the thread count is of special interest. When bed sheets have a high cotton sheet thread count, that means the weave is tighter, fuller and has a smoother texture than sheets with a lower thread count. For many people knowing what the thread count means is the best way to determine the quality of sheets available for purchase.

There are bedding sets constructed with a wide range of thread counts. Generally, the lowest count available is a 200 thread count. Sheets with this type of construction are more likely to be rougher, thinner and less likely to hold up to repeated use. The lower thread count also means the sheets will cost significantly less. When money is tight, going with a lower thread count may be the only option.

Bedding sets with a higher thread count will also cost more. However, they will last much longer than sets with low thread counts and over time may outlast two or even three sets with a 200 thread count. From this perspective, the higher thread count not only provides more comfort but will also save money over the long term.

Saiz and Price

SINGLE BED (2 pc & 1 bolster case)

Fitted Sheet - 91cm x 193cm x 25cm = RM69
Fitted Ruffles - Sheet 91cm x 193cm x 25cm = RM100
Quilt Cover & Filling - 152cm x 220cm = RM130
Comforter & Fitted = RM170
Comforter & Ruffles = RM200
Quilt Cover & Filling & Fitted Sheet = RM199
Quilt Cover & Filling & 2 Pillow Cases = RM150

QUEEN BED (4 pc & 1 bolster case)

Fitted Sheet - 153cm x 193cm x 30cm = RM100
Fitted Ruffles Sheet - 153cm x 193cm x 48cm = RM150
Quilt Cover & Filling - 200cm x 230cm = RM150
Comforter & Fitted = RM230
Comforter & Ruffles = RM270
Quilt Cover & Filling & Fitted Sheet = RM 250
Quilt Cover & Filling & 2 Pillow Cases = RM170

KING BED (4 pc & 1 bolster case)

Fitted Sheet - 183cm x 193cm x 30cm = RM120
Fitted Ruffles Sheet - 183cm x 193cm x 48cm = RM170
Quilt Cover & Filling - 230cm x 230cm = RM168
Comforter & Fitted = RM250
Comforter & Ruffles = RM300
Quilt Cover & Filling & Fitted Sheet = RM288
Quilt Cover & Filling & 2 Pillow Cases = RM190

Pillow Case with Ruffles /
Oxford (pair) - 46cm x 72cm (free saiz) = RM22
Bolster Case - 35cm x 106cm (free saiz)
Cushion Cover - 20cm x 20cm (free saiz) = RM9