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 Tencel
(Lyocell) is the first new fiber in 30 years, and being made of wood pulp
cellulose, it is the first new natural fiber in a lot longer than that.
The properties and production processes were unique enough for the US
Federal Trade Commission to designate tencel as a separate fiber group.
Tencel was developed by Tencel, Inc., and Tencel is the registered trademark
of Tencel Ltd. (Tencel, Inc. in the US), for lyocell fibers. The Tencel
logo from Tencel, Inc. is to the left.
Tencel is a manufactured fiber, but it is not synthetic. Tencel begins
with cellulose which is processed with a non-toxic, recyclable dissolving
agent, most of which is recycled back into the fiber manufacturing process.
Tencel can be woven in 100% tencel fabrics (but it still is a bit expensive),
or blended with other fibers. Like other natural fibers, tencel is naturally
biodegradable. Tencel is yarn dyed and absorbs colors much better than
most other fibers, and it is particularly striking in deep tones, taking
on a jewel-like appearance. Lyocell can be made into microfibers (very
fine fibers), offering depth and body to fabrics combined with luxurious
drape. Short staple length fibers give a cotton-like look to fabrics.
Long filament fibers give the finished fabric more silk-like qualities.
Tencel Usage
Tencel feels like silk, and drapes luxuriously. Compared to cotton, tencel
wrinkles less, is softer, more absorbent, and much more resistant to ripping.
In material physical properties, tencel is more like cotton than rayon.
Like other cellulosic fibers, it is breathable, absorbent, and very comfortable
to wear. In fact, tencel is more absorbent than cotton or silk, but slightly
less absorbent than wool, linen, or rayon. Tencel has good resiliency: it
does not wrinkle as badly as rayon, cotton, or linen, and some wrinkles
will fall out if the garment is hung in a warm moist area, such as a bathroom
after a hot shower (Whoopee! Press your dress while you soak in the tub!).
A light pressing will renew the appearance, if needed. Also, slight shrinkage
is typical in tencel garments. Tencel is a stable a fiber as silk and better
than cotton or linen. And it feels like nothing you have ever touched -
it both feels and looks sensuous. Tencel is now being used by top designers,
DKNY, Calvin Klein, Ann Taylor, and it has gone mainstream, appearing in
Lee jeans and even the LL Bean catalog!
Cutting: Manufacturers recommend that you cut pattern pieces
15 degrees off the fabric grain to maximize drape, so you don't have to
pay too much attention while laying out the pattern.
Laundering: Be sure to check out the Tencel Care pages, under
the 'Fabric care' button to the left. More than you probably want to know
about caring for tencel.
Usual Inventory
The tencel fabric link button to the left takes you to a page with more
information and a color chart.
We have a steadily growing selection of tencel and tencel blend
fabrics. Click on the buttons under 'Tencel' to the left to see the colors
we carry.
- 100% tencel - solid colors and prints
- 56% tencel 44% rayon blends
Please call or e-mail to inquire about availability of a particular fabric.
Silk Road keeps a good stock of Tencel and Tencel blends, but it turns over
pretty fast. We are always looking for 100% Tencel, but it is hard to find.
The Burn Test
Want to know what that fabric is? The Burn Test is a quick way to determine
the fiber content of an unknown fabric:
In a well-ventilated area, and away from flammable materials, unravel a
few threads of the fabric in question. Lighting a match or lighter, move
the sample slowly first up to the flame and then into it, watching carefully.
Remove it from the flame, still watching it and extinguish it if necessary.
Tencel fibers won't shrink from the flame, will burn with a yellow
flame while in it, continues to burn when the flame is removed, and smells
like burning wood. There is a little grey ash residue after extinguishing.
Rayon, a close cousin of tencel, reacts exactly the same, so it
is difficult to tell these apart. Compare the drape and feel of the fabric
to a known fabric sample to help you decide. See the other fabric pages
for other results.
Copyright ©: 1998-2006, Silk Road, inc.
3910 N. Lamar, Austin, TX, USA 78756
Tel: +1 (512) 302-0844
Fax: +1 (512) 302-0611
Comments? Questions? Write us at: webmistress@srfabrics.com
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