WHAT IS SATEEN

Sateen is a fabric that has a luster and softness that makes it an attractive choice among fabrics. Sateen sheets are usually cotton sheets that have been produced using a special weaving and chemical treatment process, resulting in a satin-like feel and lustrous shine. Many people enjoy the luxurious look and feel of sateen sheets, though the sheets may not last as long as regular cotton percale sheets because of their unique weave. Its distinctive sheen makes it stand out.

History

Cotton has been used for much of human history to create thread, yarn and fabrics for clothing and other home textiles. Typical cotton sheets are made from "cotton percale," referring to the use of a weaving method that produces a soft, linen-like surface. However, another weaving method produces sateen, which has a satin-like, smooth surface. The unique chemical process that results in contemporary sateen fabric's shine and luster called mercerization was patented in 1850. People have enjoyed garments and bedding made from this type of sateen ever since. Is Sateen Satin?

Sateen may have a satin-smooth finish but it is not satin. Sateen and satin are each woven from a different source fabric. Sateen is generally made of cotton. Satin is usually made of silk. Sateen resembles satin in its softness and shine. Both reveal a soft, silky, glossy finish on one side and a matte, flat finish on the underside. Both are made using similar weaving techniques.

Mercerizing

Sateen begins its life as cotton fibers. The cotton is then mercerized to soften the fabric. Mercerizing cotton creates a sheen through the use of sodium hydroxide (lye). The cotton fibers are soaked in a bath of the sodium hydroxide and then are rinsed in a neutralizing acid bath. The luster comes to the fabric when it is under tension or stretched as it is mercerized. Sateen holds dye extremely well and is lustrous to the touch and eye due to the mercerizing process.

Weave Structure

A sateen fabric resembles a satin because the weave structure is the Sateen_Weavesame -four threads over one. This weave explains the sheen that sateen holds. Four threads together reflect light differently. Fabrics that place one thread over another, as in a plain weave, scatter the light, because the surface is broken up by the weave. Sateen uses the satin weave, which creates a smooth surface. Combine the satin weave with a mercerized cotton fiber and strong, luxurious sateen is created.

Best Uses For Sateen

The weight and "hand" of sateen make it perfect for drapery linings, sheets, duvet covers, quilting and lining in tailored clothing such as jackets and coats. It is also found in home and apparel market as place mats, napkins, tablecloths, soft handbags and accessories.

Variations Of Sateen

Sateen can be found in pattern variations. One such variation is striped sateen. Striped sateen is a woven in pattern that alters the satin pattern, thus creating a solid sateen stripe within the dull side of the sateen pattern. Other variations are a granite weave and a check weave. Sateen can also be printed on to create various patterns.