muslins

Muslin refers to a family of plain-woven fabrics, typically made from cotton, though variants may incorporate silk or other fibers. The defining characteristics are a soft hand, good drape, and varying degrees of translucence from very sheer to light, depending on thread count and weave. The name derives from Mosul (Musul), a city in present-day Iraq that for centuries exported lightweight fabrics that European traders termed muslin.

Historically, muslin fabrics were highly valued in Europe from the 17th century onward. Production spread to the Indian subcontinent and parts of the Middle East, leading to a wide range of hand- and power-woven muslins with differing textures and finishes. Today, muslin is produced worldwide, with major centers in India, Pakistan, China, and Turkey. The term also covers very fine, gauze-like cottons and blends that may be called muslin in fashion and textile markets.

Common uses include dressmaking and linings for summer clothing, baby blankets and swaddling cloths, household textiles such as curtains and table linens, and medical or culinary muslin cloths used for filtering and strainers. In sewing, a test garment or pattern mock-up is often made from muslin, sometimes called a muslin.

Care depends on fiber content and finish; cotton muslin is usually machine-washable, air-dries, and irons easily. It can shrink if laundered before cutting. Silk or blended muslins require more delicate handling.