What is flannel?

[FC Barlow]

I've read about wool flannel being used for federal sack coats and even for federal contract issue shirts. Was there such thing as cotton flannel during the war and was it used in garments? And what is the exact definition of "flannel." How is it applied to both wool and cotton?

Thanks.

[CJSchumacher]

Re: What is flannel?

I've read about wool flannel being used for federal sack coats and even for federal contract issue shirts. Was there such thing as cotton flannel during the war and was it used in garments? And what is the exact definition of "flannel." How is it applied to both wool and cotton?

Thanks.

Hey Todd,

This is from Chris Daley's excellent post on fabric and textiles listed in the articles section above.

flannel Soft twilled wool or worsted fabric with a loose texture and a slightly napped surface; a plain or twill woven cotton fabric napped and of soft yarns simulating the texture of wool flannel; a stout cotton fabric usually napped on one side. [Plural] flannel underwear; outer garments, especially men's trousers, of flannel, namely soft twilled wool, cotton, or worsted fabric with a loose texture and a slightly napped surface. The cotton flannel must be made from cotton with a fiber long enough to hold in the yarn, otherwise the fibers will shed from the flannel or pill into little balls on the surface.

[Matt Caldwell]

Re: What is flannel?

I've read about wool flannel being used for federal sack coats and even for federal contract issue shirts. Was there such thing as cotton flannel during the war and was it used in garments? And what is the exact definition of "flannel." How is it applied to both wool and cotton?

Thanks.

canton flannel Made of cotton. Four harness warp-faced twill weave. The filling yarn is a very loosely twisted and soft and later brushed to produced a soft nap on the back, the warp is medium in size. The face is a twill. Heavy, warm, strong and absorbent. Named for Canton, China where it was first made. Comes bleached, unbleached, dyed, and some is printed. Used in interlinings, sleeping garments, linings, coverings, work gloves.

flannel Soft twilled wool or worsted fabric with a loose texture and a slightly napped surface; a plain or twill woven cotton fabric napped and of soft yarns simulating the texture of wool flannel; a stout cotton fabric usually napped on one side. [Plural] flannel underwear; outer garments, especially men's trousers, of flannel, namely soft twilled wool, cotton, or worsted fabric with a loose texture and a slightly napped surface. The cotton flannel must be made from cotton with a fiber long enough to hold in the yarn, otherwise the fibers will shed from the flannel or pill into little balls on the surface.

from:

http://www.authentic-campaigner.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1864

[FC Barlow]

Re: What is flannel?

Thanks guys.