Bedlinen
'Bedlinen', a term referred to the complete collection of fitted sheets, flat sheets, pillowcases and duvet covers, they are then made to several sizes. In the UK the standard bedlinen sizes are Single, Double, King and Superking, the lesser known options are the 4FT fitted sheets and the latest large Emperor sheet size.
Most fabrics used in the bedding industry are made woven using a 'THREAD COUNT' usually the higher this number refers to, the better quality the fabric is. This term refers to the numbers of threads both vertical and horizontal in a one square inch of fabric in both cotton and polycotton.
Percale sheets are perceived to be of a much higher quality than standard fabrics as the term 'PERCALE' refers to an industry minimum of 180 threads per square inch. Advances in technology now allow for much finer yarns allowing manufacturers to produce percale fabrics with thread counts in excess of 1200.
All of the very best quality polycotton and Egyptian Cotton Bedlinen are both Mercerised and Sanforised to ensure that the linen is of sound durability and will last for many years without shrinking, creasing and more importantly pilling.
Thread Count is now becoming more and more important when making that all important decision to purchase a new set of bedlinen. Standard ranges in polycotton sheets start at the entry level weave of 150 threads per square inch going up to a 200 count percale weave, most polyester and cotton mixes will not go above this level of thread count as polyester is not deemed to be a luxury linen and is mainly purchased for its non iron and easy care properties. This is ideal for children's beds as the fabric is hard wearing and very easy to wash and also ideal for the elderly and infirm who cannot spend the time ironing large pieces of cloth. More cottons are woven to a minimum 200 threads per square inch while luxury brands of cotton like Egyptian Cotton and Pima Cotton which benefit from long staple fibres are used to weave the more complex 400, 600 and 1000 count fabrics.
Like all good bedding ranges colour is very important, most deep dyed options like black, brown and grey etc have been reserved mainly for polyester fabrics as cotton is very hard to dye and due to the cost was mainly only dyed pastel shades such as white and ivory. Polyester being excellent at colouring made deep dyeing blended fabrics much more cost effective, now more and more deep dyes are being found in luxury cotton sheets as the demand for fashion as found its way into the bedroom.
To give an indication of the types of Non Iron bedlinen available see our premium polycotton range: 200 Count Non Iron Polycotton Percale Bedlinen Range
