Gingham is a medium-weight balanced plain-woven fabric typically with tartan (plaid), striped, or check duotone patterns, in bright colors and in white made from dyed cotton or cotton-blend yarns. It is usually made with a plain weave to form a checked pattern. The background of gingham is traditionally white, and the patterns are colored, with the most classic gingham being red and white or blue and white. The name "gingham" may originate from Malay genggang ajar, separate. Alternatively, it is speculated that the fabric now known as gingham may have been made at Guingamp, a town in Brittany, France, and that the fabric may be named after the town. Some sources say that the name came into English via Dutch.
Gingham is used to make dresses, shirts, children’s clothing, and warm weather apparel. It is also a great fabric for sewing projects. Gingham is more than just a type of fabric for some countries as it symbolizes something of great importance. In Indonesia, the contrasting color of the gingham fabric is a symbol of a battle between good and evil. In Japan, the gingham pattern is associated with summer and is often used for yukata, a type of casual kimono.
In summary, gingham is a cotton fabric, or cotton blend fabric, made with dyed yarn woven using a plain weave to form a checked pattern. It is usually made with a white background and colored patterns, and it is used to make clothing and for sewing projects. The origin of the word "gingham" is uncertain, and the fabric has cultural significance in some countries.
