Mercerised cotton, also known as “pearl” or “pearle” cotton, is made through a special chemical process that gives cotton fibres a lustrous appearance while strengthening them. The yarn or fabric is held under tension during the process, which causes the fibre to swell, straighten and become rounder and smoother. The smooth, round surface reflects light, which gives the fibre its high lustre. Mercerisation also helps the fibre take up dye more readily and improves its resistance to mildew and shrinkage. It’s worth noting that mercerised cotton takes on more water over time, but it initially repels water better than unmercerised cotton.
How Is Mercerised Cotton Made?
Mercerisation is a chemical treatment that alters the structure of the cotton fibre to give it a lustrous, shiny appearance. Cotton yarn or fabric is held under tension, bathed in a caustic solution at room temperature, then neutralised in an acid bath. The process makes the cell wall of the fibre swell, which increases the surface area and reflectance and gives the fibre its lustre. The acid bath also helps the fibre or yarn accept dye more readily, making colours more vibrant and long-lasting. Cotton with long staple fibres is said to respond best to mercerisation.
What Is Mercerised Cotton Used For?
On its own, mercerised cotton is commonly used for knitting, crocheting, embroidery and other craft projects. It’s also often used to make bed linen and other home fabric accessories, because mercerising gives fabric a smooth, soft and glossy sheen that feels softer to the touch and looks more pleasing. Mercerised cotton has several qualities that suit bed linen: it’s much less likely to pill or shrink, and it’s durable, resistant to mildew and slower to fade.
Are Mercerised Cotton Sheets and Other Products Right for My Home?
If you want sheets or home fabric accessories that are very durable, long-lasting and feel great to touch, mercerised cotton is a great choice. It’s an excellent, low-cost alternative to more expensive fabrics like Egyptian or Pima cotton. The mercerising process achieves similar results to Egyptian cotton while lowering the cost of production, so you can get inexpensive, durable pieces.
