Which Calico Do I Need? A Guide to Calico Weights & Uses
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We stock seven calicos and plain cottons, in different weights, widths and finishes. This guide puts them side by side so you can compare them before you order samples.
Which calico for which project
| If you're making… | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Garment and bridal toiles | C340 Cotton Calico Medium Weight 160cm | Our medium-weight unbleached calico, and the one most of our workrooms order for toiles and fitting mock-ups |
| Heavier toiles and pattern cutting | 987 Natural Heavy Cotton Calico 183cm | Heavier than C340 at 208gsm, and wider |
| Theatre scenery and backcloths | 987 Natural Heavy Cotton Calico 183cm | At 183cm it's our widest calico, so large flats and cloths need fewer seams |
| Artist canvases | C340 or, for large pieces, 987 | C340 at 160cm wide; 987 at 183cm |
| Dyeing and printing | C340 or Organic Cotton Half Panama | C340 is undyed loom state; Half Panama is a 230gsm organic cotton woven for clear print reproduction |
| Traditional upholstery interlining | Calico 152cm Polycotton FR | Polyester/cotton with an NDFR finish compliant with BS 5852 |
| Upholstery and interiors | 987 Natural Heavy Cotton Calico 183cm | Our heaviest calico, in 100% cotton |
| Lining, sheeting and quilting | Organic Plain Cotton | Our lightest, at 156gsm, with a soft handle and drape |
| Clothes, patchwork and cushions in white or black | White Medium Cotton or Black Medium Cotton (Flame-Retardant) | Medium-weight cotton in white, or in black with a flame-retardant finish |
The specifications side by side
| Cloth | Width | Weight | Composition and finish |
|---|---|---|---|
| C340 Cotton Calico Medium Weight | 160cm | Medium | 100% cotton, unbleached loom state |
| 987 Natural Heavy Cotton Calico | 183cm | 208gsm | 100% cotton, unbleached loom state |
| White Medium Cotton | 150cm | Medium | 100% cotton, white |
| Black Medium Cotton (Flame-Retardant) | 152cm | Medium | 100% cotton, flame-retardant finish |
| Organic Plain Cotton | 152cm | 156gsm | 100% organic cotton, shrunk |
| Organic Cotton Half Panama | 152cm | 230gsm | 100% organic cotton, GOTS certified, shrunk |
| Calico Polycotton FR | 152cm | 155gsm | 52% polyester, 48% cotton, NDFR finish compliant with BS 5852 |
Loom state or shrunk
C340 and 987 are sold in their loom state: unbleached and unwashed, straight from the loom. Loom-state cloth shrinks when washed, and our 987 heavy calico shrinks by around 10%. If the finished piece will be laundered, wash the cloth before you cut. The two organic cottons are sold with a shrunk finish.
Width
Our calicos run from 150cm to 183cm wide. Check the width before you work out quantities, because a pattern lay planned on 183cm won't fit on 152cm.
Compare them in the hand: order up to 5 samples for £2 postage, free for trade account holders. Questions about any of our calicos? Email hello@wolfintextiles.co.uk. Browse the calico range.
