Buckram

Buckram is a coarse, plain weave linen or cotton fabric. It is very stiff and this property is created using gum, latex or starch. Buckram is generally used for linings, but it is also used to provide shapes to garments and is used extensively in Millinery. Millinery Buckram comes in three different weights depending on the end use and the stiffness required. It is softened with water, stretched over the hat block and lest to dry and harden. Typically white is used, but black buckram is also available. Modern Buckram is now stiffened with a substance called pyroxylin usually, to fill in the gaps between the fibres. This fabric can also be used for book binding. Buckram fabric gets its name from Bukhara in Uzbekistan.