Fabric Manufacturing

Velvet Fabric Types, Characteristics and Uses

Velvet Fabric Types, Characteristics and Uses

What is Velvet Fabric? It is a type of woven tufted fabric in which the cut threads are evenly distributed.  Characteristics of Velvet Fabric include a soft, luxurious appearance and a dense pile of evenly cut fibers that have a smooth nap.

Due to the characteristics of the short pile fibers, velvet Fabric has a beautiful drape and a unique soft and shiny appearance.

Note: Velvet can be made from either natural or synthetic fibers.

.

At a Glance

 

Name Velvet
Also known as Velveto, velveteen
Fabric composition Multi-layered fabric with dense piles that are soft to the touch
Fabric possible thread count variations The threads in velvet fabric are always bunched closely together
Fabric breathability High
Moisture-wicking abilities Medium
Heat retention abilities Medium
Stretchability (give) Low
Prone to pilling/bubbling Low
Country, where fabric was first, produced Unknown; most likely East Asia
Biggest exporting/producing country today Varies depending on the fabric that is used to make velvet
Recommended washing temperatures Hand wash or cold
Commonly used in Upholstery, wall hangings, dresses, eveningwear, formal robes, dresses, bedding, hats

.

7 Types of Velvet Fabric

 

There are several different velvet fabric types, as the fabric can be woven from a variety of different materials using a variety of methods.

 

Crushed velvet. As the name suggests, crushed velvet has a “crushed” look that is achieved by twisting the fabric while wet or by pressing the pile in different directions.

The appearance is patterned and shiny, and the material has a unique texture.

 

Panne velvet. It is a type of crushed velvet for which heavy pressure is applied to the material to push the pile in one direction.

The same pattern can appear in knit fabrics like velour, which is usually made from polyester and is not true velvet.

 

Embossed velvet. It is a printed fabric created via a heat stamp, which is used to apply pressure to velvet, pushing down the piles to create a pattern.

Embossed velvet is popular in upholstery velvet materials, which are used in home decor and design.

 

Ciselé. This type of patterned velvet is created by cutting some looped threads and leaving others uncut.

 

Plain velvet. It is usually cotton velvet. It is heavy with very little stretch and doesn’t have the shine that velvet made from silk or synthetic fibers has.

 

Stretch velvet. It has spandex incorporated in the weave which makes the material more flexible and stretchy.

 

Pile-on-pile velvet. This type of velvet has piles of varying lengths that create a pattern. Velvet upholstery fabric usually contains this type of velvet.

Uses of Velvet Fabric

 

The main desirable attribute of velvet is its softness, so this textile is primarily used in applications in which fabric is placed close to the skin.

At the same time, velvet also has a distinctive visual allure, so it’s commonly used in home decor applications such as curtains and throw pillows.

Unlike some other interior decor items, velvet feels as good as it looks, which makes this fabric a multi-sensory home design experience.

Due to its softness, it is sometimes used in bedding. In particular, this fabric is commonly used in the insulative blankets that are placed between sheets and duvets.

Velvet is much more prevalent in womenswear than it is in clothing for men, and it is often used to accentuate womanly curves and create stunning eveningwear.

Some stiff forms of velvet are used to make hats, and this material is popular in glove linings.

Join

Orgiline

About Author