Is Viscose Stretchy – Unraveling The Stretchiness

Viscose is a semi-synthetic material that uses wood pulp to make a silk substitute. Viscose is often confused with rayon. Since viscose and rayon are produced by a similar process, although, they are not the same fabric. Viscose is a type of rayon that uses wood pulp and not just general cellulose. The stretchiness of viscose will depend on several different factors of the fabric, so make sure your viscose has stretchy features before you try to stretch it.

While you are trying to stretch viscose if it is not stretchy, you can damage it. 100% viscose will stretch around 2%. Other fabrics can stretch between 200% and 400% of their original size. In this article, we have discussed, the different characteristics of viscose, the stretchy characteristic of viscose, the comparison of stretchy characteristics of viscose with other types of fabrics, different techniques to stretch viscose, pros and cons of viscose, maintenance of viscose fabric, etc.

Key Takeaways

• We have discussed in this article about viscous and how stretchy it can be.
• We have also gone through different techniques for stretching viscose.
• We have discussed the maintenance process for viscose.

How Stretchy Is Viscose?

Viscose fabric will stretch between 2% to 3%, although some viscose will not follow the rule. The tightness of the weave will affect the shrinkage rate of the viscose fabric; if the fabric is tightly woven, it will shrink less. Generally, fabrics that are woven will have less stretch when we compare them to their knitted counterparts. Thus, it is important that you choose the right fabric for you. If you want more stretch of your viscose, you should find a blend that will include stretchy fabric. Some common blends of viscose which stretch more than 100% viscose are:

We will compare some fabrics according to their stretchiness, such as Viscose vs. Polyester, Viscose vs Nylon,  Viscose vs Cotton, etc. Their comparison is given below:

Viscose vs. Polyester

Viscose stretches less than polyester. Viscose is a soft, breathable, and stretchy material, when we are adding it with polyester, it will give you a comfortable, durable, and stretchy fabric. If you want lightweight, breathable, stretchy fabric, you can consider blending polyester with viscose.

Viscose Vs. Nylon

Nylon stretches more than viscose. The blend of viscose with Nylon will result in a fabric that is stretchy and flexible. This fabric is an excellent choice for activewear and dancewear because it will provide mobility and motion when you are wearing clothes for movement. Additionally, when viscose and nylon are blended, they will provide durability and longevity. Nylon is strong and resilient, while viscose is soft and breathable, when we combine these two, it will create a comfortable and long-lasting fabric. If you want a workout outfit or a stretchy dress, you can consider blending viscose with nylon which will result in a versatile and functional fabric.

Viscose Vs. Cotton

Cotton is a flexible and stretchy fabric, whereas, viscose is smooth and soft. The stretch of cotton – viscose blend will depend on the ratio of the mix of cotton to viscose and the technique of how the fabric is weaving. The resultant fabric is stretchy when the manufacturers weave a cotton-viscose blend. If viscose has a higher proportion in the blend, the fabric will stretch less, if there is inflexible weaving, it will also result in less stretchy fabric. When we want the stretch of cotton viscose fabric, we can check the specification of the product or we can contact the manufacturer.

Common Viscose Types and Their Stretchiness

We will discuss below some of the common viscose and their stretchiness. The common viscose are:

Lyocell viscose

Viscose is a type of fabric that is made from plant-based materials. It is similar to cotton because it is soft and breathable and it has more durability and a silky feel. It is often used in garments, such as dresses, shirts, and skirts.  There are two types of viscose: Regular and Lyocell. Regular viscose is made from cellulose which is treated with chemicals and then has been spun into yarn. Lyocell is made from cellulose which is dissolved in a solution and then extruded into yarn.

Regular viscose is not expensive as Lyocell, although, it is not environmentally friendly. Lyocell is expensive, but it is sustainable because no harmful chemical has been used during the manufacturing process. When you are shopping for viscose fabrics, check the labels carefully. Some manufacturers use the term “Viscose” which will refer to regular viscose, while others use it to refer to lyocell.

Woven viscose

The woven viscose is not stretchy. During the creation process of viscose, it will involve plant fibers which are chemically processed to produce a soft, smooth, and silky fabric. The weaving process will not stretch or twist the fibers, so the fabric lacks stretchiness.

Bamboo viscose

Bamboo viscose is derived from bamboo plant, it is a versatile and eco-friendly fabric, although, it is not a good option for stretchy fabric. Since it is not stretched naturally, it is possible to add elasticity to it by blending it with stretchy materials or by using techniques for manufacturing. For people who are looking for soft and breathable fabric, they should consider bamboo viscose, because it has natural moisture-wicking properties and antibacterial qualities which make perfect activewear or summer clothing. Since it is not the most stretchy fabric of all, you can consider it for its other amazing features.

Polyester viscose

Polyester viscose is a blend that will give you softness and stretchiness in a fabric. It is comfortable and stretchy whereas the viscose has a silky–smooth finish and the polyester is elastic and sturdy. Polyester viscose has perfect stretch and drape.

Viscose and elastane

Viscose and elastane are stretchy. Elastane will enhance the stretchiness of any material. When viscose is blended with elastane, viscose will be more stretchy, washable easily, and it has a soft and smooth finish.

Viscose and linen

Viscous is a regenerated cellulose fiber which is also a type of rayon. Viscose is made from wood pulp and it is a natural fiber. It is strong and it has a high moisture absorbency, which makes it ideal for use in summer clothing. Viscose can be quite sheer, it can be used in layers or it can be combined with other fabrics.

Linen is also a natural fiber that is derived from the flax plant. Linen has better strength than viscose, so it will not shrink or stretch much. Linen has resistance to wrinkles and a higher heat tolerance. Linen can be used in garments to hold their shape well. Viscose is not particularly stretchy, but if you are combining fabrics, such as linen, the resultant fabric will have a good stretch.

Viscose jeans

Viscose is made from plant-based fibers. It is soft, smooth, and absorbent. As viscose is stretchy, many people use it for jeans. It can be used in jeans with a blend of other fabrics, such as elastane which is ideal for skinny jeans. Although, viscose will stretch up to 20% before it returns to its original shape. If you want a soft, smooth, and a little bit of stretch in your jeans, then viscous could be perfect for you.

8 Techniques to Stretch Viscose

Viscose is a soft and lightweight fabric that has a smooth and silky feel, it will drape beautifully. Viscose does not stretch much, as spandex and elastane do, and after you stretch it, it will not return to its original shape. There are some common techniques that we can try to stretch viscose.

Soak it up to help relax the fibers and to make them more flexible, you can soak the viscose fabric in water or a solution that is designed to stretch fabric. After you are done soaking, you can stretch the fabric, although it is important not to force it. You need to smooth the fabric and then lay it flat to maintain its stretched form.

1. Washing the fabric

Wash your fabric which is a good idea if we want more flexibility and stretchiness. However, viscose fabric is delicate and it needs special care when washing to prevent any damage or shrinkage. Below we have given some tips on when we will be washing viscose fabric:

• Use a gentle detergent: Viscose fabric is sensitive to harsh chemicals because they are very prone to damage. So, you can use a mild detergent that is specifically designed for delicate fabrics.
• Wash in cool water: hot water will shrink or damage viscose fabric, so when it is needed washing, it is best to use cool water.
• Avoid wringing or twisting: viscose fabric is fragile when it is wet, so, don’t do, wringing or twisting.

2. Heating up

Try to avoid applying heat directly to the fabric for a long time, because, this will cause discoloration or burning. You can use a pressing cloth or a towel to protect the fabric. Apply heat in intervals, and check the fabric frequently to ensure that it is not damaged.

3. Add a stretchy panel

You can try to add a stretchy panel if you want more stretch in your garment which is made of non-stretchy fabric like viscose, which will create a unique design element for the garment. You need to have proper skills, if you want to execute this technique, or you can consult a professional tailor or seamstress. Select your stretch panel very carefully, so that it matches the overall texture and weight of the garment for a seamless and comfortable fit.

4. A fabric stretcher

A fabric stretcher will give you a smooth finish on our project. A fabric stretcher is made of two parallel bars and tension rods, which makes it easy for the fabric to stretch without decreasing quality. This method will safely stretch viscose fabrics.

5. By hand

You can use your hand to stretch viscose fabric if you want to achieve a perfect fit for your project. First, lay your fabric on a flat surface and then pull the corners to stretch it. You have to be cautious to not apply too much force or pull unevenly since this will tear the fabric or alter the shape of the item.

This method requires patience to look at the detail, although, this method can be an alternative to fabric stretchers. while you are handling it, make sure your fabric is stretched as much as you want. You can wear your garment and feel the difference.

6. Wearing your viscose clothing

You can wear your viscose dress frequently which will stretch your garment. Because after frequent wear, the fibers in the fabric will start to stretch. This is a quite lengthy process, but this will ensure that your garment fits perfectly. Additionally, as you are stretching your viscose garment without any equipment, it will ensure that your garment has not gone through any tears.

7. Ironing your clothing

You can try ironing your cloth which will stretch your fabric and you will achieve a smooth and wrinkle–free finish. Although, you have to be cautious to use the right technique to avoid any damage. You can mix your fabric with water, this will stretch your fabric more easily. Set your iron to a lower temperature setting and follow the care instructions to make sure the heat does not cause any damage. You can iron your fabric and then stretch it to the direction where you want to increase its size. You can use some pressure, but be careful to not pull too hard, since this will cause your fabric to tear or lose shape. But when you handle it carefully and follow the right technique, ironing will give you a polished stretch.

8. Tumble dry viscose fabric

Tumble drying is also a nice technique when you want to soften and mold your viscose fabric. place your fabric in the dryer and wash it for a longer time. When the fabric is soft and pliable, you can try stretching your size. Not all viscose fabrics are safe for tumble drying. Check the label first and also the fabric’s appropriate temperature. When you have the right setting and careful handling, tumble dry will be effective to stretch your viscose fabric.

Is Viscose a Good Material?

Viscose is a popular fabric choice because it is soft, comfortable, and stretchy. Viscose is a cellulose fiber that is derived from wood pulp. It is often used for blending with other fibers, such as cotton or polyester, which will make a strong fabric. Viscose is soft, comfortable, and stretchy. This is a perfect choice for making leggings, yoga pants, and dresses. Viscose tends to wrinkle very easily. Viscose has less durability than other fabrics. But if you do proper maintenance, it will last for a long time.

Viscose is usually used to make clothing and other items. It is made from plant fibers which are known for softness and stretchiness. Viscose is a breathable fabric, which allows air to pass through it and it makes it a good choice for summer clothing. Although cotton or linen has more breathability than viscose, that is why, keep this in mind if you are choosing clothes that are made with this fabric.

Viscose will shrink when washed, so if you want to avoid shrinkage, you should follow care instructions. Viscose is a delicate fabric, so it should be hand washed or dry-cleaned to prevent damage.

Pros And Cons of Viscose

Viscose is derived from cellulose and it is a man-made fiber. It is a semi-synthetic fiber because the cellulose which is used to make viscose is usually derived from wood pulp. We will discuss the pros and cons of viscose to select the right fabric.

Viscose is a type of rayon that is used to make clothing and other fabrics. It has advantages and disadvantages as well. Viscose is very absorbent which makes it ideal for making shirts and dresses, which needed to be able to wick away sweat and other moisture. It is a soft fabric that is comfortable to wear.

Viscose has some disadvantages and the biggest disadvantage is that it will create wrinkles easily which means you need to take care when packing or storing viscose items. Additionally, viscose has less durability than some other fabrics.

Maintenance of viscose fabric

Viscose fabric is well known for stretchiness, which makes it popular among other fabrics, as it will provide a comfortable fit. Viscose will require special care to hold its shape and quality. Below we have given some tips on how to care for viscose fabric:

1. Wash it in cool water. If viscose is a delicate fabric, it is important to wash it in cool water. Avoid hot water, because it can damage the fabric.
2. Hand wash or use a delicate cycle. when you are washing viscose, it is best to use hand wash or use a delicate cycle on your washing machine. It will help to avoid damaging the fabric.
3. Use a mild detergent. Harsh detergents will damage the fabric and it will lose its stretchiness.
4. Hang your fabric after washing. Do not keep it in the dryer, because it will damage the fabric.

Substitute of Viscose

You can consider stretchy fabrics which are made from natural fibers, such as cotton or wool. These fabrics are very breathable and they can hold their shape better. When you are looking for alternatives, you can consider bamboo or hemp. These materials are environmentally friendly and sustainable. They are very stretchy, which will make ideal garments.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

In this article, we have discussed different characteristics of viscose. Viscose fabric does not usually stretch. Although, it is possible to add stretch to viscose by blending it with other stretchy fabrics, such as spandex. If viscose does not shrink, then it is difficult to stretch it back to its original size. The stretching methods which have been mentioned above, may not produce desired results. If you have a shrunken viscose blouse, shirt, or dress, you can replace it with a new one. You should be mindful about the care and selection of your fabric, when you select the right fabric and take proper care of your fabric, your clothing will be with you for a very long time, so you will be able to wear and enjoy them for years to come.