What Kind of Fabric Is Swiss Batiste?
- This fabric is a member of the lawn family, a group of crisp, semi-transparent cotton, linen or rayon fabrics with a plain weave pattern. It has an almost-even weave with slightly more space between fill threads than warp threads. This uneven pattern gives batiste an undulating or wavy look. Mercerization, a chemical treatment applied to cotton to make it stronger and shinier, increases this effect. Highly-mercerized Swiss batiste may look shimmery in bright light.
- Swiss batiste comes in several different types. According to the NY Fashion Center, fabrics labeled Imperial batiste are made of a cotton/polyester blend, which decreases wrinkling and fabric cost but also reduces breathe-ability. Satin batiste is made primarily of cotton, like ordinary batiste, but uses a satin weave instead of a plain weave, giving the fabric greater luster. Lining batiste is a heavier type of batiste similar to semi-sheer lawn fabrics. This material works well for light, durable linings.
- Swiss batiste sees extensive use in heirloom baby and children's clothes due to its very soft texture and delicate appearance. This highly breathable fabric often appears in christening clothes, handkerchiefs and as a backing for cotton quilts. It's a favorite fabric for delicate heirloom sewing. Adults may wear batiste in lingerie and other special occasion garments as well as smocked or embroidered blouses and summer-weight shirts. Despite mercerized cotton's ability to take dyes, Swiss batiste is usually used in a bleached white form to emphasize its sheerness and shimmery qualities.
- Finished Swiss batiste articles are surprisingly durable for their weight and sheerness. This fabric can withstand machine washing on the "delicate" cycle and can be either line dried or tumble dried on a low setting. Raw batiste fabric frays easily, however, and should be handled with care to keep it in good condition. Like other 100 percent cotton fabrics, Swiss batiste wrinkles easily and often requires ironing.
