Lawn (fabric)
The batista (from the French batiste), also called linón or linen thread, is a fabric fine linen or cotton with a firm warp obtained by a calendering process, with a slightly satin surface. It is a fabric, with plain ligament, very light, somewhat transparent and with a soft surface.
Etymology
The origin of the name was traditionally associated with a French weaver, Baptiste Cambray, from the early XIII century who produced a very fine fabric —although the use of linen for weaving dates back to the Neolithic. In English this fabric is known as cambric after the area of Cambray where Baptiste Cambray settled. However, other sources deny that there is any historical basis for these claims.
Manufacturing
Modern batiste is made from Egyptian or American cotton and sometimes linen, to which artificial or synthetic fibers are also added. The main factor in producing this soft and light fabric is the gauge of the fiber, resulting from spinning in a regular twist. Mercerization improves the luster and strength of the fabric. If the threads are linen, the surface is rough and the touch is somewhat rougher than cotton. The polyester threads make up a cambric with a lot of drape. Naturally, blends of polyester yarns with linen or cotton are used to achieve fabrics that do not wrinkle, although they do tend to pill.
It is mainly used in the manufacture of fine clothing (shirts, handkerchiefs, etc.), lingerie and embroidery. It can be plain or patterned. In loose garments it maintains its shape; It is not recommended for tight fitting garments as it is a weak fabric and the seams tend to tear.