Shiny fabric for many years remains one of the most popular materials for creating clothing. In its manufacture, lurex threads are used. They are made of the thinnest metal plates cut into narrow strips. The color of the thread depends on the shade of the adhesive applied to the base of the metal fiber. The history of Lurex, its use in modern textiles, the types of this material will be discussed in this article.
Metallic thread: the first mention of this type of hardware
Lurex is a material that was first used in Ancient Egypt, Babylon, Arabia. Masters made it from plates of silver and pure gold. The blacksmiths flattened the material to such an extent that it became very thin and soft. Then, threads were drawn from such plates. In the 13th century, the production of lurex was modernized: a thin layer of gold was applied to a silver thread, and then this blank was wound on a silk thread. Used this material to create hats, jewelry, shoes and clothes.
The production of metal thread in our time
Today, Lurex is a thread made of aluminum, brass, copper or nickel plates. Modern technology for the production of this material takes place in several stages.
- Coloring a sheet of foil from any of these materials with a pigment that sets the color of lurex.
- Coating the plate with a protective antioxidant film or vinyl acetate emulsion.
- Separation of the foil into thin strips (0.2-0.8 mm) and winding the thread.
To give lurex strength and softness, nylon or polyester fibers were introduced into the yarn composition . Also, such additives help to achieve various effects of the material: rainbow overflow, light-absorbing and light-reflecting effects (glows in the dark).
Despite the fact that Lurex is a hardware that has a metal base, it is fragile and very easily stretches and breaks. Therefore, to create fabrics, it is used in tandem with another type of thread.
Types of Lurex
Modern production produces several types of metal thread for weaving:
- fiber - a round structure of the material;
- conditioner - has the form of a tape;
- tinsel - a round twisted thread;
- gimp - fiber in the form of a spiral;
- spinner - a thread twisted in a spiral with silk or cotton fiber.
The use of metallized yarn
From these types of accessories create fabric with lurex. It is used in the creation of clothes, shoes, accessories. Such textiles are widely used for the manufacture of theatrical, carnival costumes and decorations. Shoes were no exception. Lurex embroidery on the shafts of boots and the textile basis of moccasins and ballet shoes is very relevant in recent years. Handbags, belts, wide bracelets decorated with lurex give the look chic and shine. A special thread is produced for embroidery, which consists of a combination of metal fiber with nylon. This material is soft and durable.
To create knitwear, there is also a special metallized thread. Lurex is introduced into the skein of the main yarn and the product is knitted in the usual way (knitting, crocheting or by machine). Some manufacturers produce a thread that initially includes metal fiber: Garus with Lurex (TURN factory), Violet Lurex (YarnArt trademark), acrylic yarn with Moonlight Lurex (from Nako) and others. The canvas made with such a yarn is notable for its density. It is used to create coats, sweaters, dresses, cardigans, hats.
Lurex is a material that is used for the manufacture of curtains, tablecloths, napkins, lampshades. Such things become a great addition to the creation of an old-style interior.