Material Fraenck Face masks
A little introduction about the fabrics we use for our mouthguards is nice. Besides being a Fraenck employee, Ratna is also a teacher of Textiles at ArtEZ hogeschool voor de kunsten. At last, her knowledge comes in handy now.
To analyse a substance, there are several factors that come into play. Everyone always focuses on the raw material, while the binding and the yarn are actually just as important. If the yarns are loosely woven, the fabric is far too open. If a fabric is made of 100% cotton, for example, this only says something about the raw material.
See below for the properties of the materials we use in our mouthguards:
OXFORD- BEIGE/WHITE STRIPES
Raw material: 100% Cotton
Weave: Flat weave, closely woven
Yarn: Single yarn, twined:
Warp and weft same quality, staple fibre
Weight: Medium Medium
DAMASK FABRIC WITH WOVEN SATIN STRIPES - PINK/WHITE
Raw material: 50% Cotton, 50% Viscose
Weave: Twill and Satin, closely woven
Yarn: Single yarn, twined,
Warp: Staple fibre
Weft: Filament
Weight: Medium
VISCOSE/ RAYON
Viscose and Rayon are the same, but have a different name. In Europe, the name viscose is used.It does not sound like a natural substance, but it is. Viscose is made from different types of trees and therefore falls into the category of cellulose (from plants).
The production process is completely "man made", i.e. natural fibres are broken down and reshaped. Viscose is inspired by the all-natural silk filament.
This is why fabrics made of Viscose often feel incredibly smooth and soft to the touch, because the yarn is infinitely long and smooth; a filament. The design of the yarn can therefore differ per filament.
However, despite the production process, viscose retains all of its natural properties like cotton, only the yarns differ from each other.
SHEET FABRIC BEIGE/GREY
Weave: Flat weave close weave
Yarn: Single yarn, twined,
warp and weft: filament
Weight: Medium
DAMASK FABRIC WITH WOVEN STRIPES - BLUE AND WHITE
Weave: Twill and Satin, closely woven
Yarn: Single thread, twined,
warp and weft: staple fibre
Weight: Medium
SATIN BLACK
Weave: Satin, closely woven
Yarn: Single thread, twined,
warp and weft: Filament
Weight: Medium
For this mask, we have a fine medium satin quality. It feels supple but also has firmness.
The front and back are different: smooth on top, matt on the bottom. By alternating the top and bottom fabric, this mask has a shiny side and a matt side.
GABARDINE-WHITE
Weave: Equilateral twill
Yarn: Single yarn, twined,
warp and weft: staple fibres
Weight: Medium
Our white masks are made from 3 layers of fabric. The top layer of white twill and the other 2 layers of 100% unbleached cotton (flat weave).
MELTON- FLORAL PRINT
Weave: Double woven twill
Yarn: Single yarn, twined,
warp and weft: staple fibres
Weight: Heavy
Melton fabrics are often used for coats because they are heavier in quality. This fabric has a dense structure that perfectly blocks cold air and moisture. This melton is slightly roughened and then sheared to create an even, matt surface.What is very characteristic is the dense weave and soft surface. Its compactness makes it a little like felt.