GSM stands for grams per square meter and is a metric measurement of the weight of the fabric. It is often used to describe the thickness of fabrics, such as towels, quilts, and carpets. The higher the GSM number, the heavier the fabric will be. GSM is also a good way to compare the thickness of different fabrics.
For example, a quilt fabric with a GSM of 200 will be much thicker than a towel fabric with just 100. Fabrics with a low GSM are often used for summer clothing, as they are more breathable and will help keep you cool.
Did you know? Fabric with a high GSM is usually used for winter clothing, while lower GSM fabric is typically used for summer clothing.
What Is GSM In Fabrics?
When choosing a fabric for a project, it is essential to consider the GSM of the fabric. A heavier fabric will be more difficult to sew, but it will also be more durable. A lighter fabric will be easier to sew, but it may not hold up as well to wear and tear. If you are looking for a strong and durable fabric, look for a fabric with a high GSM. If you are looking for a fabric that is easy to sew, look for a fabric with a lower GSM.
Types Of GSM
Fabrics with a high GSM are often used for winter clothing, as they provide more warmth than lighter fabrics. There are three types of GSM (grams per square meter) in fabric.
- The first is plain GSM, the most common type of GSM. This is the weight of the fabric in grams per square meter.
- The second is warp GSM, which is the weight of the fabric in grams per square meter along the length of the fabric.
- The third is weft GSM, which is the weight of the fabric in grams per square meter along the width of the fabric.
Warp GSM is important for fabrics that are stretchy or have a lot of movement, such as knit fabrics. Weft GSM is important for fabrics that are stiff or have a lot of body, such as denim. The amount of GSM in a fabric affects its properties. Fabric with a higher GSM is usually heavier, thicker, and more durable. Fabric with a lower GSM is usually lighter, thinner, and more delicate.
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Common Application For GSM Fabrics
Plain GSM is the most common type of GSM because it is the easiest to measure. Warp and weft GSM are less common because they are more difficult to measure. However, they are important for certain fabrics, such as clothing. Some common applications for different types of GSM fabric are:
- Lightweight fabrics such as t-shirts or quilting fabric typically have a lower GSM. This makes them more comfortable wearing in hot weather or sleeping in.
- Heavier fabrics such as denim or upholstery fabric have a higher GSM. This makes them more durable and better suited for applications where they will see a lot of wear and tear.
- Fabric intended for outdoor use, such as awnings or tents, typically has a higher GSM. This helps it withstand wind, rain, and other elements.
- Fabric intended for use in the home, such as drapery or upholstery, also typically has a higher GSM. This makes it more durable and better able to withstand heavy use.
- Apparel fabric is often lighter in weight so that it hangs well and is comfortable to wear. You’ll often see fabric described as “lightweight” or “air weight” if it has a lower GSM.
- Technical fabrics like tents, sails, and outdoor furniture are often sturdy and have a high GSM. This is because they must withstand a lot of wear and tear and resist being damaged by the elements.
- Sheer fabrics like chiffon and tulle have a very low GSM. This is because they are meant to be lightweight and airy, and adding too much weight would make them look and feel heavy and bulky.
- Quilted fabrics have a higher GSM than non-quilted fabrics because of the extra layer of batting in between the fabric layers. This makes them warmer and more durable, ideal for blankets and jackets.
- Denim is a sturdy fabric with a high GSM. This is because it is meant to be durable and long-lasting and needs to be able to withstand a lot of wear and tear
- Silk is a delicate fabric with a low GSM. This is because it is meant to be soft and smooth, and adding too much weight would make it feel stiff and uncomfortable.
Why Is GSM Important?
GSM is a measure of the weight and thickness of fabrics. The higher the GSM number, the heavier and thicker the fabric will be. GSM is important because it determines the quality of the fabric. A high GSM means a higher quality fabric that is more durable and longer lasting. A low GSM means a lower-quality fabric that is less durable and more likely to tear or wear out over time. GSM is also important because it affects the way the fabric feels.
A high GSM fabric will be heavier and thicker, while a low GSM fabric will be lighter and thinner. Finally, GSM is important because it can affect the price of the fabric. A high GSM fabric will be more expensive than a low GSM fabric because it is of a higher quality. GSM uses narrowband Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) method for transmitting signals. It was developed using digital technology. It has the ability of carrying 64 Kbps to 12 Mbps of data rates.
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Calculating GSM Using Formula
The GSM of fabric can be calculated using the formula:
- GSM = (fabric weight in grams) / (fabric width in centimetres)
For example, if a fabric is 60 inches wide and weighs 0.4kgs, the GSM would be:
GSM = (453.6 grams) / (152.4 centimetres)
GSM = 2.96 * (weight in ounces per square yard) 33.91 1.
Steps:
- It is a one-yard piece of the fabric in ounces.
- Secondly, multiply the weight of the fabric by 2.96.
- Finally, add 33.91 to the multiplication result in step 2.
This will give you the GSM of the fabric.
Choosing the Right GSM Of Fabric For Project
The choice of fabric weight will also affect how easy the fabric is to sew and how it will behave when worn. For example, a heavier fabric will be more difficult to sew than a lighter fabric and may not drape as well when worn.
When choosing a fabric for a particular project, it is important to consider the fabric's weight and fibre content. Heavier fabrics will be more durable and have a better drape, while lighter fabrics will be more comfortable to wear and have a more fluid drape. The choice of fabric weight will also affect how easy the fabric is to sew and how it will behave when worn. For example, a heavier fabric will be more difficult to sew than a lighter fabric and may not drape as well when worn.
The fabric's fibre content will also affect how the fabric looks and feels. Natural fibers like cotton and linen will be softer and more breathable than synthetic fibers like polyester and nylon. Natural fibers will also wrinkle more easily than synthetic fibers.
Conclusion
The GSM of a fabric is the grams per square meter of that fabric. It is a measure of the density of the fabric and how much it will weigh. When choosing a fabric for a project, you will need to consider the fabric's weight, drape, and durability. Heavier fabrics will be more durable and have a better drape, while lighter fabrics will be more comfortable to wear and have a more fluid drape.
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