Muslin fabric is a soft, 100% cotton, multi-layer cloth that’s woven rather than knitted. This type of fabric is mostly used as a cleansing cloth and for food preparation in many Indian homes. It is also widely used as a blanket or cover up for babies, because their skins are extremely sensitive. For individuals who have trouble sleeping, the use of breathable muslin blankets can help them sleep better through the night.
What is Muslin?
Muslin is a cotton fabric that’s loosely woven. It’s made using the plain weave method, which is achieved through alternating single weft thread over and under a single warp thread. Muslin fabric is popularly used in fashion prototypes whenever designers want to test patterns before cutting and stitching the final product.
What are the Different Types of Muslin?
Muslin fabric comes in different types and weights which can affect their quality and price. High-quality muslin fabrics are soft and smooth woven from evenly spun yarns. Lower quality muslin fabrics, on the other hand, are woven with uneven yarn, that are either bleached or unbleached.
There are four main categories of muslin and they are as follows:
- Gauze
- Mull
- Swiss muslin
- Sheeting
Gauze muslin is sheer and ultra-lightweight and is usually used for clothes, for wound dressing, or as a filter in the kitchen. Mull, on the other hand, is a lightweight plain muslin made from a combination of cotton and silk, and sometimes viscose as well. Mull is usually used for underlining dresses. Swiss muslin is usually used for warm weather clothes. And lastly, Sheeting muslin is the thickest and coarsest type of muslin that is used in clothing, upholstery, and homewares.
What is Muslin Used For?
Muslin as a fabric is extremely versatile. It can be used for everything imaginable –from clothing to science, to theater. Below are some ways muslin fabric can be used.
- Dressmaking
- Quilting
- Home Décor
- Cleaning
- Arts
- Cheesemaking
- Surgery
Cotton vs. Muslin: What’s the Difference?
Muslin fabric is made from cotton, but some muslin fabrics can also include silk and viscose in their composition. Muslin is different from other types of cotton weaves used in things such as shirts and dresses because it is made up of looser, more open weaves.
Muslin Blankets: What is It?
Muslin blankets are made from muslin fabrics. Muslin is popular due to its smooth texture. It is made using the basic weave technique, wherein weft threads are weaved over and under another warp thread.
Muslin is widely used in the fashion industry. It is used for testing patterns prior to making the final product. Even though a muslin blanket is usually made of cotton, they can also be made of viscose or silk. These types of blankets are available in different weights and shapes.
A lot of people like using blankets made out of muslin fabrics because they are soft to the touch and are woven from uniformly spun yarns. Uneven yarns, on the other hand, are used for weaving the coarser ones. A good quality muslin blanket can help give kids and even adults a calm and deep sleep. If you’re having sleeping problems and would like a less expensive way to solve this problem, invest in a comfortable and sturdy muslin blanket.
Many uses of Muslin Blankets
A muslin blanket is not only great for giving adults comfortable and undisturbed sleep, but they are also an essential item for parents of newborns. Below are some ways you can use a muslin blanket if you’re a parent.
- Baby Swaddling
This is a normal way of “wrapping” infants and has been used for hundreds of years in different cultures around the world. Swaddling your baby will allow them to sleep and relax better because it can keep them from getting startled. The swaddle also replicates the feeling of being in the womb. If you decide to swaddle your baby, choose a breathable cotton muslin blanket. You might want to buy a muslin swaddle blanket for new parents or for your own child. This is a highly practical gift that will be much appreciated.
- Cover-up
Muslin blankets usually go by a size of 100cm by 100cm, which makes them the ideal cover-up for on-the-go-feeding. In addition, if you have friends who have just given birth or you have a new baby at home yourself, a muslin blanket would make the ideal newborn gift. You can construct a sling to help you in breastfeeding or bottle-feeding a baby. When you place your baby correctly in the blanket, both of you can relax and enjoy a highly satisfying feed. They are also a great way to cover-up in case you need to breastfeed in public.
- Feeding Cloth
Make sure you always have a muslin blanket with you every time you feed your baby to minimize your wash or laundry load. Doing so will protect you and your baby from unforeseen feeding mishaps. In addition, they are absorbent and can be quite useful during a baby’s day out. Make sure you keep a couple of muslin feeding cloths on hand in your baby’s nursery and baby bag.
- Playmate
You can turn your muslin blanket into a makeshift toy or doll for your little one. This can be a useful hack especially for playdates outdoors or park picnics. You can also toss the muslin blanket on the ground and let your baby play on it. Although muslin is a delicate fabric, it is gentle on the skin, so you don’t have to worry about it irritating your baby’s delicate skin. Your baby will love the soft feeling of the muslin blanket beneath them and they will feel comfortable and at ease.
- Cot Sheet or Sleeping Pod Cover
Muslin blankets can be used as an alternative for cot sheets because they are easy to wash, and they are the right size for most baby mattresses.
- Blanket for Tummy Time
Because a muslin blanket can be quite large and spacious, they make an ideal blanket for tummy time. They can also be used when babies try out their experimental rolls without irritating their skin.
