Cotton voile, pronounced "voil," is a versatile fabric for both clothing and home decor. It is soft, lightweight and sheer, and usually drapes in delicate folds. It is made either completely out of cotton or a cotton blend with polyester or linen.
A Little History
Cotton is one of the world's oldest fibers, dating back more than 5,000 years to India. Voile, which is French for "veil," was originally a favorite fabric for veils.
Lighter Than Most
Cotton voile is one of several grades of cotton fabric. It is one of the lightest weight types, in contrast to denim, one of the heaviest cotton weaves.
How It's Used
Voile is now used for such clothing as blouses, baby clothes, lingerie and summer dresses, or to add volume to a skirt or dress. It is also a popular choice for sheer curtains and drapes.
Important Features
Voile has a smooth surface that resembles fine gauze. It is easy to sew and dye in bright colors. Unlike tulle, voile is not stiff or rough against the skin.
Washing & Drying
Items made of cotton voile can be machine-washed on the delicate cycle and hung up or laid flat to dry.
References
Writer Bio
Cameron Delaney is a freelance writer for trade journals and websites and an editor of nonfiction books. As a journalist, Delaney worked for wire services, newspapers and magazines for more than 20 years. Delaney's degrees include a bachelor's degree in journalism from Pennsylvania State and a master's degree in liberal arts from University of Denver.
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