Wholesale Gingham Fabrics

Gingham is a light-to-medium-weight fabric that makes use of dyed cotton or cotton-blend yarns. This type of fabric has been popular all over the world for several centuries now, and right now, China is among its biggest producers.

What is gingham fabric?

Also known as Vichy check, gingham is a cotton (or cotton-blend) fabric that uses a plain weave to form a checked pattern. It usually comes in a two-color pattern, and a few popular combinations are red-and-white and blue-and-white.

Since gingham has been around for some time, there’s a lot of debate that goes on regarding its history and etymology. One theory is that “gingham” originated from the Malay word “genggang,” which means ajar or separate, or the Dutch word “gingang,” which eventually evolved into gingham. Another theory is that the fabric is named after Guingamp, a town in Brittany, France, where gingham was believed to have been made. But another French town, Vichy, claimed that the fabric originated there.

There’s no definitive conclusion on gingham’s origin and etymology. That said, it’s widely believed that the fabric initially had a striped pattern, but when it began its production in Manchester in the 18th century, the checkered pattern came to be. Eventually, gingham was exported to other countries in the world. 

Gingham vs. Plaid

Many people have sometimes used gingham and plaid interchangeably because these two fabrics almost look the same. But in reality, these two are actually different from each other, and surprisingly, their main difference is their pattern. 

As mentioned earlier, gingham uses two colors — usually white and some other color. Meanwhile, plaid’s pattern makes use of varying colors and sizes. Additionally, the horizontal and vertical line sizes in gingham are all equal, which is something you don’t typically see in a plaid fabric.

The Physical Properties of Gingham

Gingham features several outstanding characteristics. Since it’s a light-to-medium-weight fabric, it’s very breathable. It’s also nonstatic because it can easily absorb moisture. Other great qualities include strength and durability. 

That said, it should also be noted that gingham creases easily. 

What is gingham used for?

Gingham can be used in a plethora of ways. It’s incredibly popular in the fashion industry since it’s used to create dresses, skirts, shirts, and other fancy garments. Many attires for the summer are made with gingham fabric. 

Gingham is also perfect for curtains, table settings, and cushions. And the applications don’t stop there — you can also utilize this fabric in other projects, such as quilts, basket liners, aprons, and many more.

A brief history of the gingham fabric

Gingham is a fabric that has been around for centuries, with its roots believed to date back to the 17th century. The fabric is made up of a simple checkered pattern of white and colored yarns, typically in a balanced plain weave, and it has been used for a wide range of applications, including clothing, home decor, and even agriculture.

The origins of gingham are somewhat uncertain, but it is believed to have originated in Southeast Asia, specifically in Indonesia, where it was traditionally made using a process called ikat. Ikat involves dyeing the yarns in a pattern before weaving them, which creates a unique and intricate design. The resulting fabric was then used for a variety of purposes, including sarongs, tablecloths, and other household textiles.

The word “gingham” is believed to come from the Malay word “genggang,” which means “striped.” Gingham fabric made its way to Europe in the 17th century, where it became popular for clothing and upholstery. In the 18th and 19th centuries, it became a popular choice for aprons, dresses, and other everyday clothing, especially for women and children.

In the early 20th century, gingham fabric became associated with the “country” or “Americana” style, and it was used for a variety of home decor items, such as curtains, tablecloths, and bedspreads. In the 1950s and 1960s, gingham became popular in the world of fashion, particularly for women’s dresses and skirts.

Today, gingham is still used for a wide range of applications, from fashion to home decor, and it comes in a variety of colors and patterns. The traditional checkered pattern of white and colored yarns is still popular, but there are also variations with different sizes of checks and different color combinations. Gingham is also made using a variety of fibers, including cotton, polyester, and even silk. Despite its long history, gingham remains a popular choice for a variety of applications due to its durability, versatility, and timeless appeal.

Types of gingham fabric

Gingham fabric is available in a variety of colors, patterns, and styles, making it a versatile choice for a wide range of applications. Here are some of the different types of gingham fabric available:

1. Classic gingham: This is the traditional gingham pattern, with small, even checks in white and a single color. Classic gingham is available in a variety of colors, including red, blue, green, pink, and black, among others.
2. Large check gingham: This variation of gingham features larger checks, which can range from several inches to several centimeters in size. Large check gingham is often used for bolder, more eye-catching applications.
3. Pastel gingham: This type of gingham features soft, muted colors, often in pastel shades. Pastel gingham is a popular choice for baby clothes, home decor, and other delicate applications.
4. Printed gingham: Printed gingham fabric features a gingham pattern that has been printed onto the fabric, rather than woven into it. Printed gingham can be found in a wide range of colors and patterns, and is often used for clothing and home decor items.
5. Embroidered gingham: Embroidered gingham features a gingham pattern that has been embellished with embroidery. This type of gingham is often used for more formal applications, such as tablecloths and napkins.
6. Yarn-dyed gingham: Yarn-dyed gingham is made from yarn that has been dyed before it is woven into the fabric. This creates a fabric that has more depth and richness of color than traditional gingham, and is often used for more high-end applications.

Gingham fabric can be used in a wide range of applications, from clothing to home decor. Classic gingham is a popular choice for dresses, shirts, and other apparel, while large check gingham is often used for tablecloths, curtains, and other home decor items. Pastel gingham is often used for baby clothes and accessories, while printed gingham can be found in a variety of applications, from dresses to bedding. Embroidered gingham is often used for more formal applications, such as tablecloths and napkins, while yarn-dyed gingham is a popular choice for high-end apparel and home decor items.

The role of gingham fabric in fashion

Gingham fabric has played a significant role in fashion throughout history and continues to be a popular choice for designers today. In the past, gingham was associated with a “country” or “Americana” style, often used for aprons, children’s clothing, and dresses. However, in recent years, gingham has been reimagined by designers and is now being used in a wide range of applications, from dresses and skirts to pants and jackets.

One of the reasons for gingham’s popularity in fashion is its versatility. Gingham fabric comes in a variety of colors and patterns, from classic red and white checks to pastel hues and bold, oversized checks. Designers have been able to use this versatility to create a wide range of looks, from playful and whimsical to sophisticated and chic.

Another reason for gingham’s popularity in fashion is its association with nostalgia and a sense of innocence. The checkered pattern of gingham is often associated with childhood and simpler times, making it a popular choice for designers looking to evoke a sense of nostalgia and whimsy in their designs.

In recent years, designers have used gingham fabric in a variety of ways. Some have created full gingham outfits, while others have used gingham as an accent or in combination with other fabrics. Gingham has been seen in a variety of styles, including romantic and feminine dresses, retro-inspired pants and jackets, and modern and sophisticated suiting.

Designers have also been experimenting with different colors and patterns of gingham, using it in unexpected ways. For example, oversized gingham checks in bright colors have been used for playful and whimsical designs, while pastel gingham has been used for more delicate and romantic looks.

Overall, gingham fabric continues to be a popular choice for fashion designers due to its versatility, nostalgia-inducing qualities, and timeless appeal. From traditional gingham to bold and modern interpretations, gingham fabric is sure to remain a staple in fashion for years to come.

Offer some fun DIY projects with gingham fabric

Gingham fabric is a versatile and easy-to-work-with material that can be used for a wide variety of DIY projects. Here are some fun DIY project ideas that readers can do with gingham fabric:

1. Tablecloths and napkins: Gingham fabric is a popular choice for tablecloths and napkins. To make a simple gingham tablecloth, cut the fabric to the size of your table, leaving enough extra on the edges for a hem. Sew a hem around the edges, and your tablecloth is ready to use. For gingham napkins, cut the fabric into squares, and sew a hem around the edges.
2. Picnic blankets: Gingham fabric is also a great choice for picnic blankets. Cut the fabric to the size you want, and sew a hem around the edges. You can also add a waterproof backing to your picnic blanket for added durability and water resistance.
3. Clothing: Gingham fabric is a popular choice for clothing, especially for dresses, skirts, and shirts. There are many different patterns and colors of gingham to choose from, so you can create a look that is uniquely yours. You can find many patterns and tutorials online for making gingham clothing, even for beginners.
4. Bags and totes: Gingham fabric can also be used to make bags and totes. For a simple gingham tote, cut two pieces of fabric to the desired size and sew them together, leaving the top open. Add straps made from ribbon or fabric, and your gingham tote is ready to use.
5. Home decor: Gingham fabric can be used for a variety of home decor projects, including pillow covers, curtains, and even upholstered furniture. To make a simple gingham pillow cover, cut two pieces of fabric to the size of your pillow, leaving enough extra for a hem. Sew the pieces together, leaving one end open, and add a zipper or buttons for closure.

These are just a few ideas for DIY projects that readers can do with gingham fabric. With a little creativity and some basic sewing skills, the possibilities are endless!