Peter Reed Products

Egyptian Cotton
The cotton used in the manufacture of Peter Reed bed linen is sourced directly from the Nile Delta region of Egypt. This area with its rich alluvial soil and natural humidity produces a unique and lustrous growth of cotton, considered to be amongst the world’s best fibres. Egyptian cotton is ideal for use in bed linen because it ‘breathes’, is free from static which attracts dust, and thrives upon frequent washing and use.

Long Staple Length
Cotton grown in the warm climate and rich soil of the Nile delta is renowned for producing a long staple fibre ( over 2 1/4" in length ), which allows the spinning of exceptionally fine yarns. These fine yarns produce extremely soft, yet durable sheeting cloth.

Combed Cotton
Peter Reed percale bed linen is made entirely from specially selected, highest quality combed yarns. Prior to spinning, any shorter cotton fibres are removed during the combing process. This ensures that the yarns are spun from only the longest fibres present in the cotton harvest, enhancing the softness of the finished product.

High Woven Thread Count
The thread count of a cloth is the number of intersections of yarns (Warp and Weft) in a given area (expressed in terms in one square inch or centimetre). Cloths with more than 180 threads per square inch are classified as ‘Percales’, and more than 250 per square inch ‘Super Percales’. Fine thread counts are quoted after natural washing shrinkage has occurred. Thread counts relating to cloths which contain multi-ply yarns can be misleading as they do not reflect a pure measure of intersections in the weave. Peter Reed sheeting constructions have been produced over many years and are established as industry and hotel standard qualities. The standard range includes thread counts of 180 , 220 , 400 and 540 (the 400 and 540 thread count fabrics are double-ply construction).

Chloritte Bleaching
All Peter Reed sheets are chlorite bleached in traditional kiers using soft water. This slow process produces a full white bleach, which will not yellow with age as can happen with textiles which are peroxide bleached.

Woven Selvedges
All bleached Peter Reed sheets are finished with a dedicated woven selvedge, where possible, rather than being sewn around all four hems. A woven selvedge is formed when the fabric is in the loom and provides a strong and clean edge to the cloth, which will outlast a sewn hem in laundering.

Sizing and Allowances for Shrinkage
All Peter Reed flat sheets are made with high allowance for shrinkage which ensures adequate tuck-in is available for extra deep mattresses. King size sheets are finished at 117” (295cms), and super king at a luxurious 126” (320cms). Fitted sheets and duvet covers are all made with allowance for 5-8% shrinkage, which will occur during the first few washes of the item. In line with industry standards practice, flat sheets and pillowcases are labelled with actual sewn sizes, whereas fitted sheets, valances and duvet covers are labelled with residual size after expected shrinkage. Peter Reed fitted sheets are made with a generous gusset which will accommodate mattresses up to 10” (25cms) deep; deeper gussets are available by special order.

Generous Hems
All Peter Reed hems are sewn with at least 12 stitches per inch to ensure durability throughout the laundering life of the article. Our 1¼” (3.125cms) wide bottom hem and 3” (7.65cms) wide top hem provide a rich finish to our sheets, and help them to be ironed more easily by hand or calendering machine.

Cord Stitching
All our ranges are finished with classic cord stitching which is sewn with 28 stitches per inch. In the days when all linens were bleached white, differing numbers of rows of cord stitching were applied to help identify the various grades of sheets. Peter Reed linens continue this tradition today with extra rows of cording for higher thread counts cloths.

Overlocking with Saftey Stitch
All Peter Reed duvet covers and standard pillowcases are finished with a double over lock and safety stitch for long durability in laundering and bed making.

Traditional Mitred Pillowcases
Peter Reed ‘Oxford style’ pillowcases with a decorative flange, or sham, around the case) are sewn with traditional mitred corners throughout. Their construction requires assembly of three separate pieces of fabric and skilful sewing. The end result is a flange which supports itself at the corners when placed on the bed, unlike the simpler ‘mock’ Oxford construction which can give a ‘rabbit ear’ effect.

Labelling & Laundering Care
All Peter Reed linens are labelled with European and US standard washing instructions, and also include a generic size sewing-in label for easy identification and housekeeping. Cotton should be washed at as high a temperature as possible for best results with a low concentrate detergent. Ironing is recommended whilst the fabric is damp, and on the reverse side of embroidered areas for best effect.

Co-ordinating Range of Bedlinen Items
Peter Reed produces a wide range of co-ordinating items for the bed, including valances, bolster cases, blanket covers and cot linens. Items can be made to order in any special size required.