SELECTION CRITERIA FOR VARIOUS LINEN ITEMS & FABRICS

      SELECTION CRITERIA FOR VARIOUS LINEN ITEMS & FABRICS

Criteria which should be kept in mind while selecting linen is as follows:

 

• STRENGTH

The strength of material will depend on the type of fiber used. The type of weave which is used in forming of the fabric also determines the strength of the fabric. The artificial or synthetic fiber like polyester and acrylic are considered to have more strength than the natural one like cotton and wool. The selvage also provided strength to the fabric.

     

• COMFORT

Fabric should be absorbent when it comes in contact of the body. Cotton material has very high absorbency compared to synthetics. The linen should have softness and light in weight.

•  LAUNDERING

 Linen when washed can be easy processed in less time. Synthetic material takes less time and requires lower temperature and less number of wash cycles than natural fabric. Cotton material develop large amount of creases and takes more time to get ironed.

 

•   COLOUR

 Colour adds appeal to the particular area but we should be keep in mind that the color should not fade, should have a good life span at the same time .Colored fabric should be checked for dye stability. Dark colored fabrics show dust and lighter marks, whereas light colored ones show dirt and stains more prominently. The color chosen must also be easily available for future use or replacement.

  

•       PATTERN AND TEXTURE

Pattern should be such that it can hide marks. Mottled pattern can hide more marks. It should also suit the theme of that area also.

          ABSTRACT PATTERN                          MOTTLED PATTERN

•       SHRINKAGE

Synthetics do not shrink, whereas natural fibers shrink about 6-8 percent unless they are treated or sanforised. Wool loses its shape if not carefully laundered.

  

•       FLAME RETARDANCY

Wool is naturally flame retardant, synthetic fabric used which is fire retardant is known as

Teklan. Flame retardant fabric can be used for drapery, upholstery, and carpets.

  

•       THERMAL INSULATION

 The difference between two layers and the warmth of a fabric used in blankets is determined by its thermal insulation properties, which is measured in units called ‘togs’. This must be checked for blankets. Curtains also help in maintaining the temperature of a room to some extent.

 

 POINTS TO BE OBSERVED WHILE SELECTING BED LINEN

 

BED-SHEETS

 1. It should be made up of non- crease fabric, comfortable, easy to be laundered and retain

its appearance.

 

2. The fabric should not lose color in repeated washes or give a faded appearance after

wash.

3. Various superior quality blends can be used like linen or union (a blend of cotton and

linen)

 

4. A sheet should be large enough to be tucked in from all sides of mattress.

 

5. It should not shrink.

 

PILLOWCASES

 1.      They are generally made up from the same fabric like bed sheets.

 

2.      The size of the pillowcase will depend on the size of the pillow it will be 2 or 4 inches

             more to allow for shrinkage and a perfect.

 

BLANKETS

 1. It should be soft, smooth and resilient and too heavy.

 

2. Woolen blankets are easily attacked by insects, so preferably blankets are made up blend

of wool and synthetic fiber.

 

3. Electric blankets are not used as they are difficult to maintain.

 

 

DUVETS

 1. Duvet are fast replacing blanket in hotels.

2. It consist of a fabric case with has a filling of duck/goose down, a feather mix or a

combination of two.

3. Duvet can also have synthetic filling which are usually polyester fibres. These duvets are

usually light in weight so it can be easily laundered.

4. Duvet is accompanied by duvet cover which covers the duvet completely.

5. Duvet cover should be soft and easy in laundering usually made up of cotton or cotton

blend.

 

 BEDSPREAD/BED COVER

 1. The bedspread cover the overall bed. It is available in various color, pattern and size.

2. The fabric should be drape well and not crease easily.

3. The fabric should be durable and easy for laundering and constant use.

4. The color chosen should match the theme of the room.

 

CURTAINS/DRAPERIES

 1. Curtains are used to block the intensity of sunlight during the daytime to ensure privacy.

2. It should be made of material which do not get soiled easily or collect dust, washable, resistant to sunlight, flame retardant, abrasion resistance and should possess the quality of drapability.

3. Fabrics used can be of glass fiber, wool and acrylic as these are fire retardant.

4. Silk can also be used but it is expensive and is mostly used in luxury hotels.

5. Curtains are available in different types according to the requirement-heavy curtains which has a black lining behind so that in case used during the day time complete blackout can be achieved in the room. Second type is Net, Sheer, or a lace curtain which provides enough privacy during the day while allowing sunlight to filter in, but at night this is not sufficient, heavy curtains are needed both for privacy and for keeping streetlights away.

 

CUSHION COVERS AND UPHOLSTERY

 1. The cushion fabric used should not soil easily, non-slippery and easily washable.

2. Upholstery fabric should be strong, resistant to soiling, closely woven, resistant to snagging, and should not have static property.

3. In most cases the fabric has a jute backing.

 

POINTS TO BE OBSERVED WHILE SELECTING BATH LINEN

 

BATH LINEN

 1. Bath linen comprise of bath towels, bath sheets, hand towel, face towel, bathmats, shower curtains etc.

2. The fabric should be absorbent, soft and durable

3. Material used should be cotton or linen, huckaback weave is most suitable.

4. The pile type used is uncut pile as it has more area of absorbency.

5. The selvedge for toweling should be firmly woven.

 

 

SHOWER CURTAINS

 1. The fabric used includes nylon, vinyl, fiberglass, or PVC- coated.

2. The material used should be water resistance.

3. Fiberglass curtains are very brittle but do not attract soil, fire resistant, acid, rot, absorption, shrinkage, attack by insects. They should never be wrung, as the fibers may then break.

 

 

POINTS TO BE OBSERVED WHILE SELECTING TABLE LINEN

  

TABLE LINEN

 1. These include underlays, table cloth, slip cloth, napery, shirts, frills and runners, waiter’s cloth etc.

2. TABLE CLOTH-It should be stain resistance, color fastening, easily laundered. it is generally made up of linen, polycot, linen –cotton damask. The size of the tablecloth must be sufficiently large to hang 9 inches below the table edge. Some percentage for shrinkage should also be taken into consideration.

3. SLIP CLOTH-These are placed over the tablecloth to give a contrasting effect.

4. UNDERLAYS-Baize or any other felted material used ,it generally keeps the elbow of the guest comfortable and is sound proofing when crockery and cutlery is used. Molten is a cheaper alternative.

5. SKIRTS, FRILLS AND RUNNERS-These are generally used in banquet halls. It should be stain resistance with the quality of drapability. Satins made of synthetic fibers are used as they are durable and colorfast.

6. WAITER’S CLOTH- material used is generally 100% casement or damask as it is more durable, absorbent.