When embarking upon any fabric sourcing journey, you’ll probably come across cotton sateen fabric. We know just how confusing shopping for fabrics for any purpose can get, particularly if you’re not well versed in the world of textiles. When you’re shopping for a business, the confusion can heighten as you’re introduced to a number of new terms that highlight safety features, durability ratings, and the like. You may therefore have a few questions about how cotton sateen is different to usual cotton, and whether there are any benefits to be found in this.

In this guide to cotton sateen fabric, we’ll answer your questions about cotton sateen and what it can do to enhance your surroundings. Read on to find out about cotton sateen textiles.

What is Cotton Sateen?

Cotton sateen fabric is made from 100% cotton, hence the name. However, cotton yarns are woven differently in cotton sateen, and this is why the fabric ends up with quite a different appearance to usual plain weave cotton. Cotton sateen is actually woven using the same technique found in traditional satin cloths.

This means a multitude of threads are woven in the same direction, usually four over one. This contrasts with normal cotton weaving, which follows the one over one method of a plain weave. Due to the multiple thread pattern of weaving used in cotton sateen, the yarns in the weft direction pull together closely. This is what gives the textile its very smooth surface.

One side of cotton sateen is matte, while the other has a lustrous sheen to it. It is a very soft textile, so it is predominantly used for curtain linings, bed linens and sheets. Cotton sateen is often viewed as being of a higher quality than usual cotton, due to the extra processes involved in its manufacture and, of course, the opulent appearance these processes embed within the material.

Cotton Sateen Manufacturing

Whilst developing textile manufacturing processes, there’s always room for innovation. One such innovation has been the use of mercerised cotton, instead of regular cotton, in the manufacturing of sateen cotton. While cotton sateen created using standard cotton is perfectly fine to use in a variety of applications, mercerised cotton does give cotton sateen that extra luxe feel.

Mercerised cotton uses a process whereby cotton yarns are immersed in chemical treatments. The cotton fibres are dipped into the solution for a few minutes. After the immersion process, the yarns are neutralised with water. At this neutralisation stage, the manufacturer will hold the yarns under tension to them to reduce shrinkage.

Mercerised cotton adds a few attractive benefits to cotton sateen they will help to increase the sheen, remove any impurities and reduce shrinkage.

Why Choose Cotton Sateen Lining?

Due to its luxurious feel and appearance, cotton sateen lining for curtains is a popular choice amongst businesses looking to uplift their interiors.

– Protection for sunlight. Longer lasting dye colours. If you’re using a dyed cotton sateen lining, you can expect that the colours in your curtains will last a lot longer before fading than other fabrics would. The colour fastness of any textile is an important consideration in choosing fabrics for curtain linings, as the sun does fade curtain linings much quicker than other fabrics we may choose to decorate with.

– Enhanced fabric strength and durability. Since cotton sateen is woven more tightly than regular cotton, you can expect the durability of your cotton sateen curtain linings will pleasantly surprise you. Mercerised cotton sateen fabrics boast even more strength, so if you need highly durable curtain linings, mercerised options may be what you’re looking for.

– Smooth surface. The densely woven cottons on each side of cotton sateen mean the fabric has a very smooth surface. If you’re thinking about using cotton sateen in a situation where you might have to wipe curtain linings clean, then you’re in the right place. Despite being smooth to the touch, cotton sateen is also breathable. This means when used as curtain linings, good ventilation of any room is still viable as the fabric won’t block out all fresh air from windows. This does however, depend on whether you opt for cotton sateen curtain lining with additional linings such as fleece – as well as the breathability of the original curtain fabric you are lining.

– High quality feel. Any upscale business requires textiles that look the part, and cotton sateen is ideal in adding that special sheen to fabrics. The soft opulence of cotton sateen curtain linings, bedding fabrics and sheets make perfect solutions for hotels that like to provide guests with a super soft and comfortable slumber.

– Crease resistant. Since they drape so well and the density of yarns enhances the structure of cotton sateen, many versions of the textile are crease resistant. This makes caring for your hospitality venues a breeze. This Crease Resistant Solprufe cotton sateen fabric is a perfect solution for hotels, due to the additional light protection qualities of the 100% natural cotton fabric.

– Dye absorbency is improved. While you may not be looking to dye your own cotton sateen curtain linings or textiles as a business, you can rest assured that the fabric has absorbed plenty of dye while we’ve been manufacturing the textile. Heightened dye absorbency means a more energetic shade that lasts, while the lustrous effect adds to the vibrance of cotton sateen linings.

– Water resistant cotton sateen. After mercerisation, cotton sateen textiles gain water repellent properties. This can make the fabric much easier to wipe clean without leaving damp marks – great for hotels when guests checking in don’t want to see the remnants of cleaning team tasks. It also helps to resist mould and damp, so in any areas where mildew is a recurring problem, such as in older buildings, cotton sateen curtain linings might just be the right choice.

– Durability. The mercerisation process usually incorporated into cotton sateen fabrics improves the durability of the fabric. The thread count of the cottons used in weaving the cotton sateen can also be considered in determining just how durable the fabric will be for your business.

– Cotton sateen drapes beautifully. With curtain linings, we want a supportive drape that doesn’t distract from the curtain textile itself. The stabilisation of using more yarns in the weaving process means the cotton sateen is a beautifully draping textile, thus explaining its popularity for use as curtain linings for businesses.

– Light control. Depending on the woven density of your cotton sateen curtain lining, these textiles can offer great light control. In hospitals, hotels, and some restaurants and bars, this is a must for controlling the level of light that enters your environment.

Whichever application you’re looking to use cotton sateen for, it makes a great textile. It’s one that’s been popular amongst home and business owners alike since its conception just before the 1900s, and continues to impress us with its shining durability and ability to take dyes impeccably well today.

If you’re looking for high quality cotton sateen curtain lining fabric for your business, Edmund Bell can help. In addition to our cotton sateen linings we offer a range of choices, from luxury satin weaves incorporating polyester yarns, to heavier duoline interlining cotton sateen curtain lining fabrics for longer, heavy weight curtain lining support.