Explanatory dictionaries assure us that matting is a coarse fiber cloth that is designed for rough packaging. Initially, the meaning of the word was just that. But if you look at this canvas from a different angle, you can find a lot of interesting things ...
What is matting? Origin of the word
People started producing such fabric quite a long time ago. Initially, it was made from the fibers of a cattail plant, which gave it a name. Later, fibers of bast and other plants began to be used. Today, it is even made from synthetic material. It is noteworthy that the word in many Slavic languages sounds almost the same.
Application of matting
Bags for vegetables and fruits, construction packaging, lining of various cargoes, in general, packaging of all stripes is the first use of this material. Once upon a time, the tasks of the matting tree were reduced ... But her deliberate rudeness, texture, expressiveness and obvious ethnicity once attracted the attention of needlewomen ...
And it turned out that matting is a wonderful ornamental material! It holds the shape perfectly, it can be embroidered with a cross, and in combination with delicate lace it looks really noble. Its edges do not need processing, and products from such a fabric are easy to care for. So the meaning of the word "matting" has acquired a new content.
What can be made of matting?
So, what to create from this wonderful material for needlework? Yes, anything! Lamp shades and candlesticks, kitchen potholders, napkins, paintings, textile interior toys ...
From the mat, very beautiful boho-style flowers are obtained. If you add them with pearl beads and contrasting ribbons, you can even collect a bouquet of brides!
And also matting is a wonderful fabric for sewing curtains. It does not impede air circulation, the windows under it “breathe”. Matting curtains fit perfectly into a country-style interior. They can decorate the windows of the kitchen, even if the window is located near the stove - after all, this material is perfectly erased, it is not afraid of aggressive household chemicals and high temperatures, which means that no stains are harmful to it.
Contraindications
The list of things that definitely should not be sewn from matting is rather small. Some designers even create clothes out of it. But what is possible on the catwalk is not always applicable to everyday life. Still, matting is a coarse fabric, although it is made from natural fibers. Therefore, it is unpleasant for the body. Bed linen from it is also not worth sewing. Yes, and why? It is better to use this fabric for decorative purposes!