For all your family's bed sheet needsBed Sheets |
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Buying bed sheets can be a
confusing and frustrating experience. It’s great that there is
so much choice
– but that’s the problem! How do you choose and how do you know
what’s right for you?
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Americans wouldn’t dream of buying bed sheets without knowing their thread count. Italians and French people understand and use them too. However, most British people wouldn’t know what a thread count is – as it sadly isn’t widely used in the UK. The thread count is the number of threads, including both horizontal and vertical, that are woven into each square inch of the fabric. This can range from 180 to over 2,000 – the higher the thread count, the softer and better quality the fabric is. Why Thread Count Can Be Misleading A ‘true’ thread count is done on single ply threads so it’s also very important to check out the ply. It’s becoming more common for up to 4 short lengths of thin, cheap thread to be twisted together to be used in the weaving process. This would give a high thread count but the resulting threads would be thicker overall and so the resulting fabric would be of inferior quality and wouldn’t wear well. So, when you look for the thread count, always check that it’s also single ply to ensure good quality. A thread count of 250 is usually the minimum you would want for comfort and durability. Fiber Length Using long fibers in the weaving process gives bed sheets a smooth and silky feel. To ensure that you get bedding with long fibers, check the packaging. If there is any mention of 2-ply or 4-ply, then you will know that the weave has been comprised of shorter lengths. Egyptian, Supima and Pima cottons have the longest fibers – but again, check the thread count and the ply to be sure. Check list of Bed Sheet Fabrics
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Articles
Informative articles to help you make the best bedding choices.
Points to consider when buying bedding
The Weave
The weave simply means how the individual fibers have been woven or twisted together to create the bed sheet fabric. If fibers are tightly twisted then the fabric will be sturdy. If they’re twisted or woven loosely, the fabric will be flimsy.
The weave is what gives you smooth or wrinkly (particularly after washing), cool or warm, durable or even shiny sheets.
- Percale
– a tightly woven plain weave. Usually 100% cotton or a blend of
cotton and polyester (which helps to prevent wrinkles). Smooth,
cool and comfortable to sleep on.
- Muslin
– plain weave but more not as finely woven than percale.
- Flannel –
a light to medium weight weave. Usually made from wool plus
cotton or wool plus a synthetic fiber. Both flannel and
flannelette can be woven tightly in a twill (pattern of diagonal
parallel ribs) or plain weave. The resulting fabric is usually
napped on one or both sides. This means that the surface is
raised or fluffed up giving a soft, warm side to sleep on.
- Satin
– generally woven from synthetics. A satin fabric is
woven in a particular way to give a smooth, tight surface that is
very shiny but easy to snag. Special care should be taken with
washing to avoid ‘pulls’ which spoil the look of the fabric.
- Silk – woven silk is extremely durable and one of the best choices for bedding due to its’ many benefits, as we shall see. Sadly, it’s also the most expensive – but very well worth it!
Six Things to Check When Buying Bed Sheets
1. Always buy the best you can afford – anything else is false economy
2. Check thread count and ply
3. Measure your bed – bed sizes differ
4. Buy more than you need so that you have replacements
5. Check out the care instructions – the simpler the better
6. Consider bedding sets – good value for money, a professional look