“Dacron, Dien Bien Phu falls, ‘Rock Around the Clock’ Einstein, James Dean, Brooklyn’s got a winning team…” Recently, I was listening to an old Billy Joel song called “We Didn’t Start the Fire.” Many of you probably remember this hit from 1989. In the song, Billy Joel lists off in rapid-fire succession references to various events, people, and cultural phenomena from the years 1949 to 1989. There is a line in the song that mentions Dacron. Dacron is a type of fabric and I was curious as to why it was in the song. So, I researched it and found out that basically, the song is a snapshot of what was going on in the world during those years. People were wearing Dacron, a type of polyester. Lots and lots of polyester.
Have you ever wondered about Dacron? Have you sewn with Dacron? It’s a very versatile fabric and I’m willing to bet that even if you have never sewn with it, you have probably worn it at some point!
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What is Dacron?
Dacron is a brand name for a type of polyester fabric and fiber. It is a synthetic polymer made from polyethylene terephthalate (PET), the same material used to make plastic bottles. Dacron fabric is known for its durability, wrinkle resistance, and resistance to moisture and chemicals. It is often used in various applications, including:
- Clothing: Dacron polyester is commonly used in the production of clothing, especially in garments where durability and wrinkle resistance are important, such as dress shirts, blouses, and uniforms.
- Bedding and Linens: Dacron-filled pillows, comforters, and mattress pads are popular due to their hypoallergenic properties and ability to maintain their loft and shape.
- Upholstery: Dacron padding is used in furniture upholstery to provide cushioning and support.
- Sailcloth: Dacron sailcloth is used in sailmaking due to its strength and resistance to the elements.
- Insulation: Dacron fibers can be used in insulation products to provide thermal and sound insulation in buildings.
- Medical Applications: Dacron is used in medical devices like artificial arteries and sutures due to its biocompatibility and strength.
- Other Industrial Uses: Dacron is used in various industrial applications, including conveyor belts, filter fabrics, and geotextiles for soil stabilization.
Dacron is often compared to other polyester materials like Terylene and Mylar, but these are essentially different brand names for similar polyester products. Overall, Dacron’s versatility and durability make it a popular choice for a wide range of applications.
Find this beautiful thread set on Missouri Star or click here!
So, there you have it folks. That is how Billy Joel persuaded me to learn more about Dacron! I really didn’t know much about it until I started researching it after I listened to his song. If you really want to dive down a rabbit hole, research all of his lyrics in that song. It’s like looking through a window into the past. Some events bring up warm fuzzy memories, others bring the tears and sorrow. Who knows, maybe I inspired you to sew with Dacron this week! Regardless of what fabric you are working with, happy sewing!
‘Til next time!
Beth
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