The charm of gingham curtains blowing lightly from an open window is an image that brings a sense of comfort. You may even imagine the smell of an apple pie cooling on a kitchen windowsill.

The material used for this iconic representation of simple cottage living is classified as a plain weave fabric. It is the most basic of the three main textile weaves, both durable and strong. The weft, or woof, thread is drawn alternately over and under the parallel threads, termed the warp. According to Webster’s New World College Dictionary, gingham is a word derived from the Malaysian word “ginggang”, and the Dutch word “ginang”, both words which refer to stripes. The Portuguese were the first to establish a presence in what is now known as Malaysia, during the 1500′s. The Dutch followed soon thereafter, with exports to England beginning in the 1600′s. In addition, from the manufacturing hub of Manchester., England, the fabric made its way to the American Colonies. Textile production in the New World became established in what is now the Carolinas, Alabama, Georgia, and the Virginias. The familiar checked pattern readily comes to mind when recalling homesteading pioneers.

Originally, gingham was a yarn-dyed cotton cloth woven in stripes, with blue and whites being the predominant colors. When it was imported into England, checks and plaids began to take precedence, although stripes were still popular through the end of the Victoria era, or around 1900. In the United States, checked gingham was very popular into the middle of the 20th century, and many a little girl’s bedroom today are decorated with pink gingham curtains.

The unique character of the original gingham fabric was derived from the materials from which it was woven, the patterns used, and the manner of dying. Cotton was the first fiber used, the pattern was striped, and only the warp, or parallel threads, were dyed. Each side therefore would have the same appearance, with no right or wrong side. The lightweight characteristics give balance to a deep color such as in red gingham curtains, which in turn lend a sense of warmth and home to the simplest of rooms.

Contemporary interpretations of gingham vary, as some purists believe it must be a cotton fabric, with the cotton woven after it is dyed. Almost universally, it will be defined as a check with one color and white, although stripes still do appear now and again. Pure cotton gingham wrinkles very easily, however.

Some gingham fabrics are treated with substances to resist wrinkles. Today’s manufacturers have also made gingham patterned fabrics using fibers blended with cotton or other synthetic fibers, and some prints are made using olefin. Olefin is sensitive to heat and therefore must be cared for in a different manner than the original cotton. It is washed and then line dried or dried on a low heat setting. It is a fabricated polymer and is used not only in clothing but also in carpet, upholstery, and ropes.

At country fairs, it is common to see a homemade jar of jam or jelly topped with a piece of gingham checked fabric tied with a bow. The well known female country comedian of the 20th century, Minnie Pearl, wore gingham dresses to typify true country style. Some bands of musicians are adopting the checked gingham pattern as a trademark.

You may be drawn to gingham checks because of happy memories of days gone by. Perhaps you are an environmentally conscious consumer who wants to use earth friendly cotton crops and plant based dyes. Hang a set of blue gingham curtains in your home, whether conventional cotton or easy care new blends. They can make you think of blooming daisies on the grayest of days.