What is Muslin Fabric?
Muslin is a sub type of cotton and shares many similarities with it. Muslin wasfirst introduced to European countries in the 17th century by the English East Indian Companies. Muslin cloth began to be used for making petticoats, handker chiefs, aprons, and so on in the eighteenth century. Gradually, this fabric grew inits versatile usage which is why natural cotton muslin isso widely used for making children’s clothing.
Nowadays, muslin is also used for creating backdropsand it is the perfect fit for theatre fabrics. Artists,amateur photographers, and actors can all benefit by using muslin for their artistic and professional pursuits. Since this fabric can be dyed into anycolor and is flexible, it is highly preferred in the field of drama andtheatrics.
What is Cotton Fabric?
Cotton is produced from the seeds of cotton plants.The usage of cotton on the Indian subcontinent has been recorded to be as earlyas 5000 BC. While cotton had been extensively used in Arabian and Iranian countries, it was not until the Middle Ages that the popularity of cotton made its way to Europe. Cotton is widely appreciated by one and all for itssmooth and soft texture and it is much more durable than silk. It is highly water absorbent and has heat retention attributes which is why it is often used as the mid-way between silk and wool. Cotton fabric is widely used to make clothing, bed sheets, blankets, medical supplies, etc.
Muslin Vs. Cotton – What Sets Them Apart?
While both of these fabrics share many similarities,understanding their key differences can help one make better buying choices.Here are some of the major differences that set cotton and muslin fabrics apart:
1. BasicProperties
Muslin is usually more lightweight and breathable than cotton fabrics. This is so because it has a looser weave than cotton andalso tends to dry more quickly than its counterpart. However, due to being lighter and airier than cotton, muslin tends to be less durable in functionality than cotton.
2. Treatment
Muslin was originally, popular for being unbleached,undyed, and organic. Cotton fabric, on the other hand, is usually known to bedyed or bleached so that it can be printed or dyed. However, nowadays, even muslin cloth comes in variations and is often found to be dyed, printed, or even amalgamated with silk.
3. ThreadCount
Muslin has a lower thread count than cotton which is why it is such a delicate material. Cotton, which is heavier in comparison,tends to have a thread count of more than 400. Muslin, on the other hand, has a thread count of lower than 200.
4. Differencesin Weave
Traditional cotton fabrics are well-known for havinga tighter weave which makes them suitable for preparing apparel. In contrast,muslin has a simple and open weave which is why it is more apt for making airy and ultra-fine fabrics. Moreover, muslin can also be used for an array ofnon-clothing purposes. The looser weavethan muslin fabrics have, makes them more permeable than cotton and as aresult, any flaws in the fabric can easily come to light.
On a Final Note
To sum it up, there are not many drastic differences between the two fabrics. Muslin can easily be replaced by cotton and it is amore budget-friendly option as well. Cotton and muslin are different mainly because of their breathability, thread count, weave characteristics, and pricing. So whether you are looking for an ideal fabric for your next artistic project, want a face cloth, or even just to dress your babies up, shopping for muslin fabrics is a great idea.
