Chintz is a thin cotton fabric on which a pattern is applied. The production of chintz fabrics began in the 11th century. Now a wide range of clothing is produced from chintz - from dresses and sundresses to children's shirts.
The word "chintz" comes from the Dutch language and literally means "variegated". Chintz is a thin cotton fabric made from calico.
Calico
Calico is a harsh fabric that is obtained by plain weaving of cotton threads. Usually calico is made from thick, unbleached threads, so it has a grayish color. Calico is used as a semi-finished product for the manufacture of other cotton fabrics - chintz, muslin, madapolam. In the 19th century, almost all simple clothing was made from calico.
Chintz history
By processing calico and putting a printed pattern on it, people learned how to make chintz. This fabric first appeared in the 11th century in India. Historical documents mentioning chintz date back to the 12th century. Indian chintz was made from cotton that was grown near the city of Surat. In the 15th century, chintz went beyond India and appeared in Egypt.
Chintz was brought to Europe from the East in the Middle Ages. It was brought on ships along with spices, yarn, dyes. Calico fabrics became so popular that Indian manufacturers began to make them using European length and width measures. Summer and home clothes were made from Indian chintz, furniture was upholstered and interiors were decorated with it.
The cost of such chintz was quite high until European masters learned how to independently apply a pattern to the fabric. In England, members of the Royal Scientific Society were engaged in improving the technology of dyeing chintz. They were able to develop a method of applying a non-fading pattern to the fabric, which was later called the "English method of dyeing."
Chintz gained such popularity in England that the country's authorities, in order to protect the domestic production of fabrics, were forced to ban the import of Indian chintz.
Chintz in Russia
Chintz fabrics have traditionally been very popular in Russia. In the Soviet Union, chintz was used to make summer dresses, underwear, curtains, and bed linen. The center of calico production was the city of Ivanovo.
To this day, in our country, pajamas, nightgowns, dressing gowns, sundresses, and children's clothing are made from chintz. Clothes made of chintz are pleasant to wear and do not require any special care. You can find products imported from China and the USA on store shelves. Clothing made from American chintz is considered the most shedding resistant.
