Ramie fiber is an all natural fiber that has properties that make it more appealing than cotton. The line like texture of Ramie fiber makes it the perfect material to craft a host of items. It is very absorbent material making it a “breathable” fabric.
It has a very high abrasion factor which keeps it from “pilling” like other fabrics tend to. It is a durable fabric that is woven from plant fibers. It is one of the oldest vegetable fibers that has been in use for thousands of years.
This fiber was used to weave mummy cloths in ancient Egypt and has been used consistently in China for centuries. Ramie fiber comes from the Boehmeria Nivea plant more commonly known as China Grass. It is considered a cellulose based fiber just like cotton but has the appearance of fine linen when processed.
1) Ramie Has Greater Durability
Ramie fiber is about eight times stronger than cotton. It can be manipulated better than cotton and will last longer than cotton. Ramie is naturally resistant to bacteria and fungus which also makes it a superior fiber over cotton.
The strength of the fiber combined with the resistance to disease makes this fiber a preferred fiber in the East for everything from clothing to table cloths to fishing nets.
2) Ramie Has Natural Stain Resistance
Ramie fibers are naturally stain resistant while cotton is not. The natural stain resistance does not effect the ability to dye the material either. This fiber can easily accept dye, yet repels stains! Cotton can also be easily dyed but does not so well at repelling stains. Since it is a white fiber no bleaching is necessary in the process but it can be bleached if desired.
3) Ramie Does Not Shrink
One of the biggest complaints with 100% cotton materials is that they shrink when exposed to hot water or mechanical drying. Ramie does not shrink. Hot water does not effect the size of the ramie material nor does exposure to mechanical drying.
As a matter of fact the smooth beautiful sheen of the Ramie fiber only improves with washing of the material unlike cotton that becomes worn out looking after several washings. It actually increases in strength as well when it becomes wet.
Ramie fiber has been the preferred fiber in the East for centuries for a reason. Even after cotton was introduced in the East most manufacturers chose to work with Ramie because it exceeds the abilities of cotton.
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