When
describing our bed linen, we often use terminology specific to either
the fabric used or the embellishments applied. Here is a simple guide
to the most commonly used terms.
Quilt Cover Set Vs. Quilt Cover
A quilt cover is designed to
fit over and protect your desired quilt while adding colour and style to
your bedroom. It can be easily removed for washing, saving the need to
wash your quilt as often. Quilt covers are either sold separately or
more frequently as a set. A quilt cover set will include matching
pillowcases. The number of pillowcases included varies between sizes and
brands.
Cotton
Cotton is a natural fibre - it breathes against your
skin making it comfortable and cooler to sleep on or under. It is also
non-allergenic, making it ideal for people with allergies. Cotton does,
however, crease therefore it requires more care than a polyester/cotton
blend
Polyester Cotton
Polyester cotton, shortened to poly/cotton is a
blend of cotton and polyester fibres used in bed linen. Polyester, a
synthetic or man made fibre, helps increase the durability of the cotton
and the life span of the product. Cotton keeps the product soft and
comfortable to sleep on or under. Together they produce an `easy care`
fabric.
Types Of Weave:
The way in which fabric is woven also has an
effect on its feel. Cotton sateen sheets, for example, are softer than
those with a classic linen weave. A satin weave has more warp threads on
the top surface, resulting in a silk-like touch and appealing lustre.
Which is better? It`s a matter a personal taste; some people prefer the
crispness of a linen weave, others like the softness of the satin.
Combed Cotton
Combing separates the long desirable fibres from
the shorter fibres and other impurities in the cotton. This creates a
stronger, smoother yarn
Sateen
Cotton Sateen is created by using a special weaving
process to place more lengthwise yarns on the surface of the fabric.
This process produces a soft sheen to the fabric and a very soft feel.
Thread Count
Thread count refers to the number of threads woven
into 10 square centimetres of fabric. The higher the thread count, the
softer and more durable the fabric is. The thread count of standard
cotton or muslin is around 150 whereas good quality sheets start at 180.
A count of 200 and higher is referred to as "percale".
Thread count also relates to the quality of yarn and its construction.
With finer threads, more can be woven into each square inch producing a
finer, softer, more flexible fabric.
Thread counts above 500 are something of a misnomer. Very high thread
counts generally entail the use of a "plied yarn" - one that is produced
by twisting together multiple fine threads. For marketing purposes it
is not uncommon to count the twisted yarn as double which enables fabric
with 250 individual four-ply yarns in a square inch to be described as
1,000 thread count product.
As you`ve just read, thread counts cannot always be relied upon to
demonstrate a sheet`s softness and level of quality. Softness depends
more on the quality of the fibre rather than the actual thread count. It
is for this reason a 200 thread count fine cotton sheet can have a
softer feel than a 400 thread count sheet that uses an inferior grade of
cotton or a twisted thread.
While some claim thread count is the best way to choose bed linen, take
note to remember the quality of cotton and the way a sheet will feel
on your body is what matters most for a good night`s sleep.
Percale
Percale is a fabric with a minimum thread count of 200 threads per 10 square centimetres.
Plain Dye
The process of dying the entire fabric one plain colour.
Printing
The design is printed onto the surface of the fabric.
Embroidery
The pattern is created by stitching a design directly into the fabric.
Applique
A motif or design is created separately out of pieces of material and then applied to the base fabric.
Jacquard
A self pattern weave.
Quilting
Two layers of fabric stuffed with wadding then embroidered with a repeated pattern to create a quilted effect.
Pin Tucking
The fabric is folded back into rows then sewn into place to create a textured surface.
Pillow
Talk stock a vast collection of big name quilt covers including Linen
House, Kas, Aura, Sheridan, Homeport, Logan & Mason, Private
Collection, Esprit and many more.
We also have our own brands designed exclusively for Pillow Talk which are part of our `Good, Better, Best` range structure.
Essentials
Essentials offers basic and seasonal poly cotton quilt cover sets at an affordable price.
PT
The PT range of bedlinen offers added value for money as it
includes additional matching pillowcases with every quilt cover set.
This range of poly cotton quilt cover sets provides a wide range of
designs suitable for all ages.
San Marco
San Marco offers poly cotton percale quilt cover sets
with embroidery and embellishment detail. Coverlets and satin sheets
are also available.
Living Elements
Living Elements offers 100% cotton percale
quilt cover sets with a sateen finish. This brand also provides entire
co-ordinated ranges to include curtains, cushions and additional bed
accessories.
Habitat Au Coton
Habitat au Coton`s entire range is always 100%
cotton with a variety of percale thread counts spanning up to 625. It
offers not only quilt covers but plain dyed sheets, bath mats, towels
and floor mats.
Muse
Modern, urban, stylish and exclusive summarises Pillow
Talk`s top end range of bedlinen and towels. Muse will always
incorporate the highest quality finish for all products and is
classified as `Best` in our range structure,
As a general guide, unless otherwise indicated, the standard sizes of our quilt covers are as follows:
| Single Size Quilt Cover |
140 x 210 cm |
Double Size Quilt Cover
|
180 x 210 cm |
| Queen Size Quilt Cover |
210 x 210 cm |
| King Size Quilt Cover |
240 x 210 cm |
| Super King Size Quilt Cover |
270 cm x 240 cm |
We recommend a double size quilt cover for a King Single Size Bed.
A quilt cover set includes a quilt cover plus one (for single size) or two (for larger sizes) matching pillowcases.
Helpful Hints:
- Consider a quilt and quilt cover that is one
size bigger than your mattress, (eg Queen Size quilt for your Double
Bed). It will drape further down the sides of your bed which looks
better and also stops the tug of war over the quilt on cold nights.
-
Some people find putting the quilt cover on the quilt a difficult
task. We recommend that you turn the quilt cover inside out, line the
top corners of the quilt cover up with the top corners of the quilt and
hold firmly with each hand. Then shake the quilt cover back over the
quilt, turning it right way out again until the bottom corners are lined
up, and then fasten.
-
Note; a King Size quilt is wider than it is long, so if you put it in
the cover the wrong way round you will have too much filling at the
bottom and not enough in the sides. Rotate 90 degrees to fix
For more information see our
Buying Guides
