Mobilon Tape is a type of transparent, highly elastic tape made from thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). Known for its exceptional stretch and recovery properties, Mobilon tape is widely used in the fashion and garment industry, particularly in areas where lightweight, durable, and discreet elastic support is required.
Material:
- Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU): Mobilon tape is made from TPU, which is a highly flexible and resilient polymer. TPU is known for its excellent elasticity, durability, and resistance to oils, chemicals, and abrasion. It also has a smooth, soft texture that makes it comfortable against the skin.
Characteristics:
- High Elasticity: Mobilon tape can stretch several times its original length and return to its initial shape without losing elasticity. This makes it ideal for applications where strong and consistent stretch recovery is needed.
- Transparency: The tape is clear, making it virtually invisible when used in garments, which is particularly advantageous in fashion applications where aesthetics are important.
- Softness and Comfort: Despite its strength, Mobilon tape is soft to the touch and comfortable against the skin, which is essential for clothing that will be worn close to the body.
- Durability: TPU is highly durable, making Mobilon tape resistant to wear, tear, and environmental factors like moisture, heat, and UV light. This durability ensures the tape maintains its properties even after repeated use and washing.
- Lightweight: The tape is very light, adding minimal weight to garments, which is important for maintaining the comfort and drape of the fabric.
Applications:
- Garment Construction: Mobilon tape is commonly used in the construction of garments to provide elastic support in areas like waistbands, cuffs, necklines, and shoulder seams. It helps garments maintain their shape while allowing for comfortable stretch and movement.
- Lingerie and Swimwear: Due to its transparency and elasticity, Mobilon tape is often used in lingerie and swimwear to create smooth, supportive seams that don’t add bulk or show through the fabric.
- Sportswear: The tape's elasticity and durability make it ideal for sportswear, where it can be used in hems, waistbands, and other areas that require flexibility and resilience during physical activity.
- Children's Clothing: Used in children’s clothing, Mobilon tape provides gentle stretch and comfort, ensuring a good fit without constraining movement.
- Seam Reinforcement: Mobilon tape is often used to reinforce seams in lightweight or delicate fabrics, helping to prevent stretching and distortion without adding stiffness.
- Gathering and Ruching: In fashion design, Mobilon tape is used to create gathers or ruching in fabric, allowing for creative design elements while maintaining a clean, smooth finish.
How to Use:
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Cutting: Mobilon tape can be cut to the desired length using scissors. It’s important to cut it accurately to avoid waste and ensure a neat finish.
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Sewing: The tape is sewn directly onto the fabric, typically using a zigzag stitch to allow for stretch. It can be sewn along seams, edges, or within the body of the fabric, depending on the application.
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Stretching While Sewing: When sewing Mobilon tape onto fabric, it's often stretched to match the desired length of the fabric piece. This creates a gathered effect when the fabric is relaxed, which is useful in applications like ruching.
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Layering: In some cases, the tape is layered between fabric pieces to create a clean, invisible finish, particularly in areas like necklines or waistbands.
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Finishing: After sewing, the tape and fabric should be gently stretched and released to ensure the elasticity and recovery are functioning as intended.
Advantages:
- Invisible Support: Its transparency ensures that it doesn’t alter the appearance of the garment, making it perfect for fashion applications where aesthetics are crucial.
- Comfortable Elasticity: Provides a comfortable fit without constricting movement, which is especially important in activewear and lingerie.
- Durable and Long-Lasting: Withstands repeated use, washing, and exposure to environmental factors without losing its elasticity or transparency.
- Lightweight: Adds minimal weight to garments, preserving the natural drape and flow of the fabric.
Considerations:
- Handling: Mobilon tape can be slippery and tricky to handle, especially when sewing. Using pins or a temporary adhesive spray can help keep it in place during sewing.
- Sewing Technique: It’s important to use the correct stitch (typically zigzag) and tension settings on the sewing machine to avoid stretching or damaging the tape during application.
- Fabric Compatibility: Mobilon tape works best with lightweight, stretchy fabrics. Heavier fabrics may require a different type of elastic support.
In summary, Mobilon tape is a versatile, transparent elastic tape used extensively in the fashion and garment industry. Its combination of high elasticity, transparency, and durability makes it ideal for applications where discreet, comfortable, and effective elastic support is needed. Whether in lingerie, sportswear, or everyday clothing, Mobilon tape helps create garments that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing.